s hryde5 shts by Derek Kolush

THE GRAN TURISMO OF THE SEAS

/ HÖGA KUSTEN, SWEDEN 63°1’21.0396″N 18°39′16.308″E

Axopar

AxoparBoats

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ADVENTURE The innovative Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin challenges convention in both looks and onboard functionality, bringing a new era to all-weather boating. It combines the functionality, ease of movement, convenience of social outdoor and indoor spaces, and versatility of outboard walk-around centre-consoles with a spacious, fully enclosed weatherproofed cabin. Status as the best value for money on the market, combined with exceptional fuel efficiency, outstanding drivability and performance make it the smart, value-conscious choice. Let the Adventure Begin! Learn more at axopar.fi or scan the QR code for information about us and our products.

07.21 BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2021

P.84 ON THE COVER The Centurion Ri265 is a wake-producing machine that rides true on its acclaimed Opti-V hull. Its layout will please any surf or wake crowd. Photo: Bill Doster

PLANKING LESSONS

DARING AIR

Want to teach your children how to water-ski? Watersports legend Travis Moye shows the way while teaching his daughter how to get up and go.

In our annual tow-toy roundup, we put five fun inflatables to the test behind a Super Air Nautique G23. Which tube is best for you? Read the story to find out.

BY TRAVIS MOYE

BY JEFF HEMMEL

P.84

P.90

PHOTO: BILL DOSTER

FEATURES

FOR DETAILS ON THE LIMITED WARRANTY, SEE SUNBRELLA.COM/WARRANTY. SUNBRELLA® AND HORIZON ® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF GLEN RAVEN, INC.

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I LEARNED ABOUT BOATING FROM THIS… P.30

BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2021

+ Paying attention and keeping your cool pays off

C MOTORHEAD P.82 CERTIFIED

TESTS P.58 MAG BAY

42 HARDTOP

A classic boat from California carries on in modern style.

P.62 GALEON 41 0 H TC

This beautiful coupe sports sleek lines and features plush amenities.

P.17

P.66 COBALT R8 S URF

P.35

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P.70 CENTURION

P.106 OFF MY DOCK

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Ri 265

This ﬂagship boat sculpts perfect waves and carries a crowd.

WAVES

P.74 BARLETTA L2 5U CA

P.76 AXIS A24

P.78 MALIBU WAKE SET TER 24 MX Z

P.80 MOOMBA M OJ O

P.14 EDITORIAL

+ + + + + + + + +

On Board with... Captain’s Test For Comparison’s Sake News Online This Month First Impression Gear Head 5 Things By the Numbers

8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY MASTERCRAFT BOATS, COURTESY YAMAHA, COURTESY MERCURY MARINE, COURTESY WEST MARINE, COURTESY HYPERLITE

C OL U MN S

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EVOLUTION OF THE WAKE BOAT We have a powerful tool behind the evolution of our boats – you. The evolution of our designs is not just a result of changes in style. Our engineers listen to customer feedback with purpose and redesign based on your changing needs. We have always built good surf boats, but your input has helped us change and improve thoughtfully throughout the years. Surfing is in our DNA. You are the catalyst to unleash our best features. centurionboats.com

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West Marine & Participating Marine Dealers

By Kevin Falvey

EDITORIAL

SHARE THE MESSAGE R i d e D r y, D r i ve D r y

Kevin Falvey, Editor-in-Chief editor@boatingmag.com

1 4 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: TOM KING

t the sound of the text alert, I grabbed my phone. It was from Sue Whitney, our managing editor. She’d sent me some images from a photo shoot we’d organized for the towables roundup feature in this issue (page 90). I thumbed, scrolled and stopped cold—but only for a microsecond. Then I cracked a smile. I need you to understand something about photo shoots. It sometimes happens that the boat that shows up for one of our photo shoots is emblazoned with some message or another. I don’t mean the boatbuilder’s logo. I’m talking about a floating billboard. When this happens, I simply task our art director, Ryan Swanson, to use his skills with Photoshop and make the message disappear. So, when I scrolled through Whitney’s text and saw the boat with a message on its hull, why did I smile instead of speed-dialing Swanson? Because the Nautique that showed up to tow our test crew so we could evaluate the latest crop of inflatable tow toys was from Ride Dry, Drive Dry (ridedrydrivedry.com). This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was founded in tragedy—in short, by a competitive skier and Florida boat dealer, who, in 2006, went boating So, when I scrolled while drinking, which resulted in multiple injuries and the death of a through Whitney’s text young girl. That boater was Mark Watts, who went to prison. Upon his release, he founded Ride Dry, Drive Dry with his wife, Teressa. You may and saw the boat with a remember Watts for the heartfelt 2014 video, produced by the National message on its hull, why Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in which he implores did I smile instead of people not to run a boat while consuming alcohol. Today, Mark’s passion for watersports endures. He is dedicated to speed-dialing Swanson? making fundamental changes in how people enjoy boating by utilizing his own experience, industry knowledge and business relationships to advance the sober boating cause. Mark says: “I believe this campaign can change the mindset about drinking and boating, and promote social responsibility within the watersports culture. I am living proof.” Ride Dry, Drive Dry boasts many professional watersports athletes who support the cause: Meagan Ethell, Danny Harf, Steele Lafferty and Ashley Kidd, to name some. Support also comes from luminaries in the wider world of boating and fishing: Capt. George Poveromo, Darcizzle, Capt. Benny Blanco and Capt. Rick Murphy. We support Ride Dry, Drive Dry. We ask that you support it too. Enjoy the issue.

THE ALL-NEW SVX OB. MORE AFFORDABLE FUN. The al all-new l-new SVX series pr proves that fun on the water doesn doesn’t ’t hav have to come ome with a big price tag. Available vailable in models fr from 17’ to 23’, all all offer sporty performance with an al all-new l-new deck and hul hull design that features features higher sides for f greater comfort omfort ort and a V-pad run running surface ffor better performance performance and fuel econom economy. ec

SCAN QR C SCAN CODE ODE TO O BUILD Y YOUR OUR STARCRAFT ST ARCRAFT

S E E OUR 2 0 21 P RO DU CT LINE - UP AT STAR CRA FT MA RI NE.CO M

ON BOARD WITH... CAPTAIN’S TEST FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE NEWS ONLINE THIS MONTH FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD 5 THINGS BY THE NUMBERS

ON BOARD WITH...

S C AN ME To read the full interview online, scan this tag or go to boating mag.com/ meagan-ethell.

Meagan Ethell Champion Wakeboarder

After taking up wakeboarding as a young kid, Meagan Ethell skyrocketed to the highest echelons of the sport. Since turning pro at age 15, she has won several national titles, including the inaugural Body Glove Moxie Pro Series for women last year. She is also the face of MasterCraft’s “Let Her Rip” campaign aimed at encouraging female riders. We caught up with her to discuss her illustrious career. —Pete McDonald

PHOTO: COURTESY MASTERCRAFT BOATS

How long have you been a professional wakeboarder? I turned pro when I was 15, so for over eight years now. What does it take to reach the top of your sport? It seems like working hard, being motivated, and constantly trying to improve my craft have been the perfect recipe for me to reach the level I’m at. How often do you practice? If it’s before a contest and in the height of the season, I’m out on the water about five days a week. Our sport has a lot of high intensity, so I try to give myself time to rest and recover as well.

What kind of boat do you ride behind? I ride behind my MasterCraft XStar. It’s so rad to live on the lake and have my boat right in my backyard. You won the first Body Glove Moxie Pro women’s series. How exciting is this for you? Not only is this exciting for me, but also for all female wakeboarders. To be a part of the first-ever all-female event that has boat and cable is huge. This is a big opportunity for the women in our sport, and it will also be a big part of paving the way for our future. Thank you to Body Glove for backing this event and giving us the opportunity to showcase what we do! B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 1 7

ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH

69TH EDITION OF CHAPMAN PILOTING AND SEAMANSHIP

(Answers on page 22)

1. Engine cutoff switches are mandatory in which situations? A. Boats with 115 static pounds of thrust or more (about 2 to 3 hp) B. Boats less than 26 feet long C. Boats operating above displacement speed (“on plane”) D. None of the above E. All of the above 2. Your boat has an ECOS, but the lanyard is broken and won’t attach to your life vest anymore. What should you do? A. Leave it on the switch; at least you could grab it and pull it, stopping the engine if needed. B. Go to your marine dealer and buy a new lanyard. C. Use a belt clip to repair the lanyard. D. Don’t worry about it; no one ever uses the lanyard anyway. E. None of the above 3. Your engine is an older 1960s Evinrude 40 hp Lark model. There is no law requiring you to have an ECOS, but you want to install one for safety’s sake. Can you adapt one? A. No, you will have to use the choke knob to shut off the engine. B. You can, but it will

require an expensive adapter to make the ECOS work. C. Installing an ECOS on an older engine like this is possible by wiring the switch between the points and ground. D. None of the above 4. Your center-console boat has an ECOS, but you don’t wear it because the lanyard gets in the way, and several times you’ve inadvertently shut off the engine by moving away from the helm. Can you get an exemption from the law due to this problem? A. Yes. Just apply to the US Coast Guard for an exemption sticker. B. No. If your boat is less than 26 feet long and you’re operating it on plane, you need to connect your ECOSL. C. No. If the lanyard is a nuisance, consider a wireless ECOS, such as the one offered by Fell Marine. D. B and C E. None of the above 5. Besides increased safety, name another benefit of installing an ECOS on your boat. A. Your boater friends will think you’re

1 8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

much cooler. B. Your boat will appear more modern. C. Chances of someone stealing your boat will be reduced if you remove the ignition key and ECOSL because thieves will need an ECOSL to run your boat. D. None of the above 6. Your boat has a high-performance racing-style outboard with a separate electric fuel pump. Your engine has an ECOS, and it works fine to shut off the engine when the ECOSL is pulled. But the fuel pump stays running even with the engine off because it’s wired directly to the ignition switch. Should you change this setup? A. No. Shutting off the engine is enough. B. It’s not possible to change it, so leave it be. C. Absolutely. Install a separate ECOS for the fuel pump, and attach both lanyards to your life vest when running. D. Yes. Wire in a dual-purpose ECOS, one that shuts off the engine and fuel pump when the ECOSL is pulled. E. C and D

For boaters, the name Chapman is synonymous with seamanship, as countless mariners have referred to its book for guidance on navigation, boat handling and the rules of the sea. This October, Hearst Books will publish the 69th edition of the reference affectionately known as Chapman’s but formally titled Chapman Piloting and Seamanship. The latest updated version will include 1,500 color photos, charts and illustrations, tackling subjects such as day- and nighttime navigation, trailering, radio communication, line handling, understanding weather, and more. Even in this electronic age, a hard copy of Chapman’s is a must-have for any serious boater. Kindle ($19.99) and hardcover ($65) versions are available for preorder on amazon.com. —Pete McDonald

PHOTOS: COURTESY T-H MARINE SUPPLIES, COURTESY HEARST BOOKS

On April 1, 2021, a new federal boating-safety law went into effect, requiring mandatory ECOS use. What is an ECOS? It’s an engine cutoff switch (or ECOSL, engine cutoff switch link). Test your knowledge of this new law. —John Tiger

THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF OUTBOARD LUXURY HAS ARRIVED

FROM

EXPERIENCE IN 3D AUGMENTED REALITY Check out the 280 OSX in Augmented Reality using your mobile iOS device. Simply scan the QR code on the left or visit: www.chaparralboats.com/OSX_ AR

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advice regarding microphone use, check out this

WATERSPORTS FLOTATION You may remember your dad skiing back in the day wearing nothing but a foam ﬂotation belt around his waist while carving slalom turns behind the old runabout. Or you see videos of professional athletes pulling off incredible tricks while wearing super-sleek vests. But if you’re a recreational surfer, boarder or skier, you should be wearing a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Here’s the difference between the three types, explaining why. —Pete McDonald

FLOTATION BELT

O’BRIEN HYDROSLIDE FLOTATION BELT WHY: Some old-school

MADE POSSIBLE BY

SC AN ME To see this video, and all Icom VHF radio tips, scan this tag or visit, boatingmag.com/vhf-tips

water-skiers still prefer the foam flotation belts because they are the least restrictive to wear on the slalom course and, of course, old habits die hard. They’re easy to put on and take off, and give the rider some buoyancy on a deepwater start without being too restrictive. WHY NOT: These are not Coast Guard-approved, and if you get injured or knocked out, you will float butt up. The Hydroslide’s suggested use is for water exercises, snorkeling, or taking a relaxing float in a lake or pool. PRICE: $19.99; obrien.com

US COAST GUARDAPPROVED LIFE JACKET

HYPERLITE DOMAIN WHY: Approved as a

Type III life jacket, the Domain can be worn for watersports, and also for protection while on the boat or riding on a personal watercraft. This lightweight PFD features a neoprene skin to repel water from the Coast Guard-approved flotation inside and provides excellent range of motion for the wearer.

COMPETITION JACKET

HYPERLITE RIOT WHY: Designed for

professional and competitive boarders and skiers, these vests are lighter and more flexible than US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, allowing for more freedom of movement in competition. The Riot’s slim-fit diamondpattern design lets the user flex and turn, and move his or her arms in a more natural way, which is why it’s preferred for high-level competition. WHY NOT: These are not

reason not to choose the Domain unless you’re a highlevel or professional rider looking to use a vest during competition.

approved for use in place of true life jackets, with the exception of during sanctioned and competitive events that include trained safety personnel on hand.

PRICE: $99.99;

PRICE: $159.99;

hyperlite.com

WHY NOT: There is no

PHOTOS: COURTESY O’BRIEN, COURTESY HYPERLITE (2)

ICOM VIDEO VHF TIPS

MAKING WAVES /// F O R C O M PA R I S O N ’ S S A K E

See who and what’s out there.

M94D

new

Floating VHF Handheld with AIS & DSC 0U[YVK\JPUN [OL PUK\Z[Y`»Z Ä YZ[ =/- OHUKOLSK ^P[O I\PS[ PU (\[VTH[PJ 0KLU[PMJH[PVU :`Z[LT (0: YLJLP]LY :[H` ZHML HUK PUMVYTLK ^OLYL]LY [OL VWLU ^H[LY TH` [HRL `V\ )YPUN P[ 6U • Built-in GPS with DSC • Loud Audio -SVH[»U -SHZO ;LJOUVSVN` :PTWSPÄ LK 5H]PNH[PVU (X\H8\HRL +YHPUPUN -\UJ[PVU (J[P]L 5VPZL *HUJLSSPUN

MAKING WAVES /// N E W S

OPERATION WAKE SURF

When we tested our cover boat, the Centurion Ri265, we were proud to note that it was being used as part of Operation Wake Surf (operationwake surf.com). What is Operation Wake Surf? It’s an organization created to provide watersports experiences to our military veterans and ﬁrst responders. Founded last year by Robby

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C A P TA I N ’S T E ST

(Answers from page 18)

1. E. If the helm is inside an enclosed cabin, an ECOS is not required.

ONLINE THIS MONTH WATERSPORTS It’s watersports month

2. B. Buy a new lanyard. While you could repair the old one, it’s safer (and inexpensive) to simply replace it. 3. C. Wiring in an ECOS is not difficult, even on an older engine. 4. D.

here at Boating, so it’s time to brush up on the best boats available for surﬁng, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing or all of the above. Take a look through our 2021 Watersports Boat Buyers Guide at boatingmag.com/2021-water-sportsboat-buyers-guide or scan this tag!

5. C. While not having the correct ECOSL for your boat won’t stop all thieves, it will weed out all but the most serious, and at least slow them down. 6. E. If the fuel pump remains running after an accident, and the fuel line has been compromised, there is a fire and explosion hazard. CAPTAIN’S TESTS ONLINE Test your knowledge of boating with more Captain’s Tests at boatingmag.com/captains-test.

PHOTO: BILL DOSTER

Help Starts Here.

Maschhaupt in Charlotte, North Carolina, the nonprofit group works with sponsors such as Centurion, Roswell Marine, Monster Energy, and others to take first responders and military personnel out for a day on the water and teach them how to wakesurf. The combination of learning to surf and the healing relaxation of being on the water helps these groups deal with adversity, while also showing them respect for their work and saying thank you for their service. The group has taken veterans and first responders out for a day on the water all over the country. —Pete McDonald

MA> P:D>LNK? ;H:M MA:M L ;NBEM TO SURF/LOUNGE/ENTERTAIN/ SWIM/SNACK/CONNECT.

Yamaha’s premium Wake series offers the most versatile experience on the water for wakesports enthusiasts. Yamaha’s Wake boats feature premium technology, like the new integrated WakeBooster® on the 255XE and 255XD, as well as DRiVE® dual-paddle control system to increase your conﬁdence inside and outside the wake. And with premium sound systems, spacious layouts, and Yamaha’s famous swim platform, you can enjoy every moment of relaxation when you’re not carving up the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

FIRST IMPRESSION By Kevin Falvey

STINGRAY We gleaned this rendering and some details about the Stingray Boats 273CC. One reason we’re hot to sea-trial the 273CC is that it represents another opportunity to run Stingray’s exclusive Z-Plane hull. Simply put, the Z-Plane hull design creates three separate deadrise-angle zones: steepest between the keel and ﬁrst strake; a bit less angle between the strakes; and even less angle between the outboard strake and chine. In years of testing Stingrays, the result has always been an easy-planing, efficient boat with excellent handling. This boat will also boast a high-tech build. For example, it is a fully resininfused hull, which minimizes weight

and maximizes stiffness. It offers a carbon-ﬁber-reinforced deck, and it is a composite boat. The Coosa transom and composite main stringer grid provide rot-free strength and rigidity. With a standard hardtop, the 273CC will be Yacht Certiﬁed. Our sources say twin

outboards, probably up to 500 hp total, will power the boat. Neither the price nor the displacement is available yet. · LOA: 27'11" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 1'6" · DISPLACEMENT: TBA · FUEL CAPACITY: 180 gal. S T I N G R AY B O A T S

Hartsville, South Carolina; 843-383-4507; stingrayboats.com

PHOTO: COURTESY STINGRAY BOATS

273CC

FIRST IMPRESSION By Jim Hendricks

REGULATOR

PHOTO: COURTESY REGULATOR MARINE

Boasting triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards, Helm Master EX and a 507-gallon fuel capacity, the new Regulator Marine 37 serves as a smoothriding and well-equipped offshore ﬁshing machine. Regulator’s MyHelm interface connects functions in one application, with a wireless key fob to turn on batteries and lighting, activate pumps and more. New seating and a tackle center showcase Regulator’s craftsmanship. “Every new model we introduce marks a new opportunity to give our customers more of what they are asking for as we stay true to our heritage and deliver the ultimate Regulator ride,” says Joan Maxwell, president and

co-founder of Regulator Marine. Beneath the aft-facing bench seat is a pump room with access to fuel tanks, an optional Seakeeper 5 and other systems. A queen berth, galley and head are inside the console. There are two aft in-deck ﬁsh boxes, a double-hatch ﬁsh box in the

transom, a pair of 33-gallon livewells, new in-cabin rod lockers, and three forward ﬁsh boxes. An optional tower is coming. · LOA: 37'7" (43'5" with bracket and motors) · BEAM: 12'7" · DRAFT: 3'10" · DISPLACEMENT: 19,300 lb. (with engines) · FUEL CAPACITY: 507 gal. R E G U L AT O R M A R I N E

Edenton, North Carolina; 252-482-3837; regulatormarine.com

NE VER DESCALE AGA I N. THE CLEARLINE SYSTEM

Actual Photos from 72' Yacht

With CLEARLINE

STOP BATTLING BARNACLES. Win the war with CLEARLINE® With ElectroSea’s new, patent-pending CLEARLINE System, the days of dealing with barnacles in your pipes are over and your sea strainer will stay clean longer.

WATCH THE VIDEO. Get the inside story on CLEARLINE from boat manufacturers, owners, and captains.

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U.S. and Foreign Patents Pending

MAKING WAVES /// G E A R H E A D

GRUNDÉNS SEAKNIT BOAT SHOES

HANKOOK VANTRA TRAILER TIRES

Hankook has introduced its ﬁrst trailer tires, the Vantra series. Engineered to deliver exceptional durability and stability while towing trailer boats, the standard Vantra is available in nine sizes, while the Vantra high-load tires are available in three sizes. All features a high stiﬀness pattern block and decoupling grooves optimized for heavy-duty performance. The Vantra highload tires have a main zigzag groove to enhance traction and drainage. A steel radial structure and new compound mixing maximize durability. $76.99 to $189.99; hankooktire.com

2 6 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

INTERNATIONAL SHORE-POWER SYSTEMS If you’re planning to take your boat overseas, you might need a new shore-power connector. Hubbell Marine oﬀers a full line of CE-certiﬁed electrical shore-power systems for boats destined for European and other international ports. The 16A/230V and 32A/230V systems work with all 50-cycle shore-power systems. There’s also a full line of dual-rated pin-and-sleeve devices. The inlets, receptacles, connector bodies and plugs are available in 16A/20A, 30A/32A and 60A/63A models for full interchangeability. Pricing varies; hubbell-marine.com

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY GRUNDÉNS, COURTESY HUBBELL, COURTESY HANKOOK TIRE & TECHNOLOGY CO.

A contemporary lace-up sneaker designed for boating anglers, the new SeaKnit boat shoes from Grundéns feature a seamless knit upper, a unique polyurethane leather overlay for water resistance, and a thick, nonmarking natural gum-rubber outsole with razor-cut siping for on-deck traction. A shock-absorbing EVA midsole and a comfortable foot bed provide cushioning, and proprietary fabric treatments help guard against odor and stains. Available in gray or black in men’s sizes 8 to 14. $109.99 per pair; grundens.com

MAGICEZY HAIRLINE FIX

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY MAGICEZY, COURTESY MUSTANG SURVIVAL, COURTESY PROPSPEED INTERNATIONAL, COURTESY SLAMMER MARINE

PROPSPEED FOULFREE

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MAKING WAVES /// 5 T H I N G S

Shop with confidence on the boating essentials you need.

Slow-cook a roast

FIVE THINGS TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR HELP WHEN YOU’VE RUN AGROUND Study the local tide charts

Learn to tie a monkey’s fist

THINGS

Call your card company and try to raise your credit limit to cover a tow

MORE THAN 5 See more humorous things at boatingmag.com/five-things.

westmarine.com More than 240 stores nationwide.

593,003 Cubic feet of water per second that flows from the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico

ILLUSTRATIONS: COLIN HAYES, SOURCE FOR STATISTIC: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Dig for clams

Get Out & Stay Out Long days on the water are here.

It’s time to take advantage of more time, more sun and more fun. Make some memories, get out on the water and stay out longer, it all starts at West Marine.

westmarine.com | More than 240 stores nationwide

This boater’s cool head and attentiveness helped avert injury.

y cousin, his wife, and my wife and I loaded up our 27-foot cruiser for a great day on the Ohio River to watch Thunder Over Louisville, a festival at Waterfront Park. The weather couldn’t have been better—it brought everyone out for the air show, and the fireworks later that night. Boats were everywhere, which had me worried because the river was above pool, and the current was very strong. At 3 p.m., two young men in a runabout lost power, and Boats were everywhere, the current slammed their which had me worried boat into our anchor line, which became entangled because the river was with their outboard. The above pool, and the river’s strong current made it difficult to get everything current was very strong. untangled, but we finally did. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon afloat without any problems. About 9 p.m., just as the fireworks were scheduled to begin, something hit the bow of our boat so hard that our anchor pulled. We were now floating downriver swiftly, right toward the barges loaded with high-explosive fireworks about to be set off.

My cousin started the engine and applied full throttle, but we were still going downriver fast. A huge tree was trapped in the anchor rode. I cut the line, and the tree went under the boat and lodged on our sterndrive! Still going downriver fast, the Coast Guard and police boats hailed us on their megaphones to stop. We couldn’t. My cousin then put the boat in reverse and backed us off the tree. This worked none too soon because, at this point, we could really feel the heat from the fireworks. Finally free, we kept going all the way back to the marina. We had had enough. John Hertel Louisville, Kentucky [Mr. Hertel and his crew maintained awareness, allowing them to act quickly. They kept calm and applied themselves to the situation, a big part of why the story ended happily. Here’s what else they might have done: Donned life jackets in case they ended up in the water; rechecked or even reset the anchor after the runabout hit their rode; and hailed the Coasties and cops on a VHF radio. The unexpected can happen at any time on the water, whether you are the only boat around or part of a crowded fleet during a holiday. It’s imperative to remain aware and be ready to act decisively. —Ed.]

WANTED: YOUR STORIES Share your boating mistakes and mishaps so that your fellow boaters might learn from your experience. Send us your first-person accounts, including what went wrong, what you’d do differently, your name and your city, to editor@boatingmag .com and use “ILAB” in the subject line. If your experience is selected, we’ll send you a $100 West Marine gift card.

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ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER; PHOTO: COURTESY WEST MARINE

IF IT CAN HAPPEN, IT WILL HAPPEN

SEAMANSHIP

By Pete McDonald

boat to reach for the other and, once the boat is secured, allows the captain to kill the engines so the crew can throw dock lines and bring the boats together by hand rather than horsepower.

Want to join the party? Here are some important do’s and don’ts.

On August 14, 2010, boaters on Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland set a Guinness World Record for the largest boat tie-up when they lashed together a whopping 1,651 boats. Most raft-ups you see at your local party cove don’t involve such an insane amount of boats or logistical planning, but they do always look like a lot of fun. If the idea of joining the cotillion of rafted boats in your local bay or party cove appeals to you, there are some techniques and unwritten rules by which to abide. Here are some important pointers when it comes to raft-up etiquette. ASK FIRST If you see a raft-up of a couple of boats in your local cove, don’t just assume there’s an open invitation to join the party. Sometimes a small group of friends or family members is looking to spend time with

each other on the water and not necessarily wishing to join in a giant party. If that’s the case, move to a different spot in the cove, leaving enough distance between you and them to enjoy the water around their raftup, and also to account for any tide, current swing or change in wind direction. THE BIGGEST JOB If you’ve planned ahead with a group of boaters to form a raft-up, make sure the heaviest boat in the fleet is the one to drop anchor. Hopefully that boater has equipped his ground tackle with an anchor appropriate to

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DON’T TAKE THE BEACH If there is a raft-up in place along a beach, cove or sandbar, don’t circle around it on the inside. Oftentimes, raft-up revelers are jumping off their boats and swimming to shore to explore. Keep your motorized activity on the offshore side of the raftup to avoid people in the water. And while many love to beach

A boat’s cleats are designed to distribute a heavy pulling load, whereas other places that might be more convenient, such as a bow rail, windshield stanchion or Bimini top, are not.

SLOW LIKE A PRO Never approach a raft-up at anything other than idle speed, to minimize your wake, prevent crashing into other boats, and avoid swimmers or people hanging on rafts or tubes in the water. Just like when you approach a dock, keep your hands and feet inside the boat at all times and never use your extremities as human fenders. Bone breaks before fiberglass. A boat hook is a handy tool in a raft-up because it allows the crew on one

TIP

their boats sometimes, don’t tuck into the sand right in front of a raft-up. Besides being bad form, it’s dangerous. STAY SOBER As tempting as it might be for the captain to partake in the partying, if you’re going to be operating the boat at any point in the day, don’t drink. If you don’t think there will be consequences, read Kevin Falvey’s editorial on Ride Dry, Drive Dry (page 14).

PHOTO: RANDY VANCE

R A F T- U P R I G H TS A N D W RO N G S

his boat size, with a sufficient length of chain to keep the anchor set on the bottom and prevent dragging. The lead boat should set the anchor line to at least a 7-to-1 scope, meaning he should let out 70 feet of anchor line for every 10 feet of depth. Once the lead boat is set, hang appropriately sized fenders off each side and allow other boats rafting up to join on alternate sides to keep the lead boat in the middle. (Better hope the anchored boat doesn’t have to leave early.)

CLEAT TO CLEAT Even though boats joining a raft-up will be of varying lengths overall, make every effort to tie at least two dock lines—one at the bow or midship and one at the stern—to each boat’s cleats.

SIZE WISE

BOAT DOCTOR BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2021

Q&A

Blue Sea Systems offers marine wire-size info on its website and via its free Circuit Wizard app.

By Michael “Mick” Hannock

BOAT DOCTOR /// Q&A

WIRE GAUGE?

Doc, how important is wire size, and where can I ﬁnd out what size wire is best? John Antowski Chicago

PHOTO: PHONE DESIGNED BY RAWPIXEL.COM / FREEPIK

Undersize wires seem attractive to some boaters because thinner wire costs less, but using undersize wire is a bad idea for several reasons. These reasons are related to the fact that thinner wire means more resistance. More resistance results in voltage drop, meaning lights burn dimmer and pumps spin slower. More resistance can also create a fire. And thinner wire is more subject to degradation via the ravages of corrosion and vibration. As a general rule, the longer the run, the larger the gauge of wire that is required for safety and good performance. The American Boat and Yacht Council publishes charts for selecting the proper wire gauge based on both 3 percent voltage drop (critical circuits like bilge pumps) and 10 percent voltage drop (noncritical circuits like cabin lights). You can search for these online, or get the ABYC Wire Sizer app ($4.99) for iOS and Android.

Whether splicing or terminating, electrical connections aboard your boat should be made waterproof. Use heat-shrink connectors, apply heat-shrink tubing over the connection (be sure to slide it on the wire before the connection is made), or apply a liquid sealer such as Star brite’s Liquid Electrical Tape. —Kevin Falvey

B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 3 5

BOAT DOCTOR /// Q & A

TOW RINGS

SOLAR CHARGER

Jan Eberhard Grenville, South Carolina

I keep my Boston Whaler 17 on a mooring. I want to keep the battery charged so as to keep the bilge pump running. The boat ﬁlls with water from rain if I don’t use it for a couple of weeks and if three or more days of rain occur. Being a Whaler, it does not sink, but I have to pump it out, which is a pain. Do those small, portable solar chargers work? Abe Bettinois Portland, Maine

Yes, solar panels absolutely work. Whether it will produce enough charge to replace the amps used by the auto bilge pump depends upon how much the pump runs and how much sunlight the panel receives. This is easy to quantify: A 5-amp pump running for two hours will use 10 amps, for example. So, a solar panel that puts out 5 amps will replace those amps for every two hours of sunlight.

COLD WELD Q: Mick, I don’t know what happened. I was installing spring-line cleats and tightening a nut when the nut suddenly seized up on the bolt. I had to cut off the nut—what a job that was. Do you know what happened? Avril Herzog Via email A: If stainless-steel threads are not lubricated, they can lock together like that. The phenomenon is called “galling” or “cold welding.” Friction between the threads breaks down the protective oxide that makes it stainless. Loss of oxide can result in enough heat from friction to cause the jam. Galling is common

A: Towing a tube from a pylon is not recommended. If the tube submarines—goes underwater—as they sometimes do, the extra leverage of a high attachment point like a pylon or tower can cause physical damage to the boat or even loss of control. Tow tubes from a low point such as a transom ring that is securely through-bolted. Of course, we don’t know how much it is going to rain or for how long. Nor is there any way to tell how many bright, sunny days we will have—the panel’s output is reduced on cloudy days. Still, a small solar panel works for many boaters in your situation. At a minimum, it will reduce the number of times per season you’ll be met with a dead battery and a swamped boat.

with stainless steel, but can also happen with aluminum or titanium fasteners. To prevent galling, use coarse thread fasteners, keep threads clean, and apply lubricant. I like lanolin for this purpose. Good luck!

on nonskid decks, while some stains will only yield to rubbing compound, and clear plastic must be treated only with gentle products and technique. It really depends on the specifics.

SOAP Q: Doc, what is the best boat soap? John Smith Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

RINGS OR FORKS Q: Doc, I have some rewiring to do on the boat. I have a bunch of fork connectors. My buddy says I must use ring connectors. What do you say? Pete Melvin Richmond Hill, Georgia

A: For general cleaning, most any general-purpose soap will work, with the caveat that grease-fighting soaps, like dish soap, often remove wax as well as grime, so use caution. Beyond that, abrasive liquids work well

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A: I prefer ring terminals. There’s zero chance of sliding off under vibration. The terminal screw would have to completely fall out.

WHOOPS! Q: Last season we lost an anchor because the line was not tied off in the anchor locker. I’d like to add a tie-off point but do not know how. Any suggestions? Todd Barent San Francisco

A: You can try to source a pad eye with holes drilled in its base that are spread apart equal to the spread of the U-bolt (bow eye) legs coming through the stem. Remove the nuts, install the pad eye onto the U-bolt, add washers, and reinstall the nuts. Aboard other boats, a U-bolt is affixed to the underside of the deck above the anchor locker, or on a shelf or divider in the anchor locker. It all depends on your boat’s setup. I’ve even seen the bitter end of the rode tied off to a bar, or a length of pipe or lumber to act as a stop should crew handling the anchor allow out too much rode. Regardless of the method used to affix a tie-off, marking your rode, especially the last 50 feet or so, is a good idea. Bright spray paint will get the job done, or use store-bought rode markers, or tie on ribbons or colorful yarn.

PHOTO: COURTESY WEST MARINE

Q: Can I tow a tube from my ski pylon?

/// Q & A

PETTIT EZ SPEED STRIP The antifouling paint I applied worked fine, but I wanted to test Pettit’s Running Gear Guardian, a high-tech substitute for antifouling, so I needed to strip my trim tabs back to bare metal. A Boating editor’s boat always serves as a test bed for a variety of products. One could choose to sand in this situation, but instead, I chose to remove the many mils of bottom-paint buildup by applying Pettit Paint’s new EZ Speed Strip.

No. 1: I hate WE sanding. No. 2: Sanding, even STUFF with a vacuum attachment, can send toxins into the air and requires wearing a full-face cartridge respirator and coveralls in addition to gloves. No. 3: Did I mention I hate sanding? EZ Speed Strip allowed me to strip the tabs quietly, with no dust, while wearing only gloves and eye protection. I poured EZ Speed Strip into a metal coffee can

TEST

(don’t use plastic) and brushed on a thick, gloppy coating. It adhered well to the underside of the tabs; although, I did put scrap cardboard down to catch

FISH CONVERSION?

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY PETTIT PAINT, COURTESY PERKO INC.

Doc, I own a Four Winns cuddy cabin and want to ﬁsh from it. I’d like to add a few rod holders and a livewell. Any tips? Seth Barker St. Paul, Minnesota

Boating has a nice article online about adding rod holders. If that doesn’t suit you, you can always install some sidemount rod holders, such as the ones from Perko. As to the livewell, the simplest way would be to use a portable livewell that you bring aboard when going fishing. Water can be supplied by a pump and through-hull fitting you’d install. You might even be able to tap off an existing washdown pump with a Y-valve. The overflow can simply be a hose that you drape overboard, perhaps secured with a light line or some tie-wraps. Catch ’em up!

the inevitable drips. It began bubbling the three coats of antifouling paint in about 15 minutes, and after an hour, I scraped off the mess into another old metal can. A quick wipe with thinner, and my tabs were clean and bright, except for a few spots in the corners where the sides bend upward. A second application took care of that. Safe for gelcoat, EZ Speed Strip will remove other coatings, so mask off and apply care. $28.99, defender.com —K.F.

ALUMA-SHINE? Q: I am a new boater and just purchased a used Mako center-console. The boat is in pretty good shape, but the railings and other fittings are aluminum and faded. How can I shine them up? Steve McKenna Jacksonville, Florida A: Welcome to boating! By virtue of its having aluminum rails, you’ve dated your Mako as one produced before about 1995. Fun trivia fact: Mako called the alloy “marinium” and used it for cleats, rails and more for many years. Like most aluminum alloys, it forms an oxide coating that is difficult to polish and shine, and to keep shiny. This is a DIY column, but in this case, if you must have the shiny look, I recommend removing the rails and finding a professional shop to anodize them. Or they can be powder-coated—and probably could match the brown powder coat the windshield frame of your boat likely sports. Good Luck!

TOP THREE TOOLS Q: Hey Doc. Love your page! What three tools do you consider must-haves aboard a boat? Gene Young Cape Fear, North Carolina A: Tough one! What boat and engine(s)? If I have to choose just three, I’ll go with Channellock pliers, needle-nose pliers and a Phillips screwdriver. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 3 7

BOAT DOCTOR /// Q & A

A: It’s not that aluminum cannot be welded outside—it’s just challenging. I am not a welder myself, but have been hiring them for boat work for many years. Aluminum welding is tricky, and any bit of wind can blow the flame away from the tip. Welders can erect tents or windbreaks, wait for calm mornings, etc., but none offers the same guarantee as performing the work inside. So, your welder is right, though he might not have communicated it clearly. ASK THE DOCTOR Send questions to Mick with your name and address to: boatdr@ boatingmag.com or The Boat Doctor, Boating, 480 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 236, Winter Park, FL 32789.

FI X BALLAST TA NK

Hi Doc. We just bought a 2018 Malibu, and the ballast tank is leaking. Can this be fixed? Jan McNeil St. Louis

You’ll have to determine the source of the leak. Two common failure points in watersports boats’ ballast systems are the hose-barb-fitting nipple on the tank and the vented loop. To repair the former, remove the old cracked one and replace with a PVC fitting of the same size, sourced from a plumbing supply store. If the tank fittings screw in, this is relatively easy. If they are molded or welded plastic fittings, you could drill it out and replace with a flanged through-hull fitting of the right size. You’d probably need to cut an access panel

to tighten the nut of the new fitting—cut this in the top of the tank, then close it off by installing a screw-in deck plate. Seal everything with a good sealant such as Pettit AnchorTech Advanced Hybrid Sealant, which remains flexible. Adhesion is not necessary because not much will stick to poly tanks. Or replace the tank with a new one or a bag. The vented loop is a horseshoe-shaped fitting that prevents water in the tank from siphoning out. It has a valve—called a duckbill valve—inside a screw-off cap located at the

bend in the U. Remove the cap, then clean the valve of any gunk. You can also purchase a new valve or a new vented loop from Forespar and others. This will typically be mounted high, so just follow your hoses. You will want to follow all hose runs from the tank to the fill/drain pump(s) and to the discharge fittings on the hull. Your leak could be in any hose or fitting, or the pump connection, though I believe the two examples are the most likely. Access is going to be the toughest part of this DIY task.

NAUTICAL

BAT T E RY CA B L E EXTENSION In this no-no, the boat owner needed longer main-battery cables to reach from the engine to the battery compartment, but chose poorly in solving the problem. He cut two OEM cables and spliced them together with copper crimp connectors, sealing the slices with two layers of heat-shrink tubing. However, moisture and salt took their toll, and nine years later, the splices under the tubing were caked with the green crud of corrosion. Stripping away the insulation revealed

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copper ﬁlaments that had turned black and brittle for several feet in both directions and refused to carry enough current to crank the engine. A better solution would have been to use a high-amperage power-post connector such as the Blue Sea Systems Dual PowerPost ($19.99, westmarine .com) to connect the main conductors to the extensions. The best solution would have been

NO-NO one continuous cable, but in either case, make sure the cable size can carry the required amperage load. You might need to increase the cable diameter to prevent a voltage drop and a spike in amp load based on the greater length of the conductors. —Jim Hendricks

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) KEVIN FALVEY, JIM HENDRICKS

SNAPPED WELD Q: Hi Doc. My boat’s aluminum top frame cracked at a weld while running home in rough seas. It’s an older boat and top, and this happened last fall. Anyway, I called a welder who told me he’d be glad to fix it, but he’d prefer I had the boat hauled to his shop because he says he can’t weld aluminum outside. Is there any reason he cannot weld aluminum outside on my property where the boat is stored? I do not have a trailer and would prefer not to have to pay my boat hauler for an extra trip before I launch this spring. Donald Falkirk Portland, Maine

BOAT DOCTOR /// W E E K E N D W O R K B O O K

DIY + Weekend Workbook

SKILL LEVEL

1 OF 5 FINISH TIME Approx. 3 hours

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

• Power drill and drill-bit set • Phillips screwdriver • Marker • Marine sealant • Fish tape to snake cables • Socket wrench set to secure ring terminals to battery studs • Cable-tie mounts, zip ties and mounting screws to secure leads along their runs • Diagonal cutter to trim zip ties

ADDING A MULTIBANK BATTERY CHARGER Installing an onboard charger will help keep boat batteries strong and healthy. Marine battery charging systems represent musthave items aboard many recreational boats today. Far more sophisticated than oldschool bench chargers with battery clips, marine chargers from brands such as Battery Tender, Guest, Minn Kota, Noco and ProMariner feature sophisticated electronics that monitor the state of batteries and charge accordingly. Waterproof and corrosionresistant, such permanently installed systems offer convenience. Once the boat is

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tied up at the dock or at home on a trailer, just connect the charger to shore power or a household receptacle. Charging profiles replenish the juice in multiple stages and keep batteries topped off and ready to go without overcharging, overheating or causing damage, even when the system is plugged into 120 volts AC continuously between trips. Such automatic systems, designed for recreational boats up to about 30 feet in length, usually come

pre-wired with a three-prong power cord to connect to a 120-volt AC electrical source, as well as pre-wired 12-volt DC power cords that connect to a battery’s positive and negative posts. These ignition-protected systems are available for boats with as many as fourplus battery banks. Many chargers have automatic or selectable charging profiles for flooded, AGM or gel leadacid batteries. Installing a charger is relatively simple. —Jim Hendricks

ILLUSTRATIONS: TIM BARKER

• Guest ChargePro 10/10/10 30-Amp Triple Bank, model 2731A ($330.99, rusticsportsman.com)

For Engine Battery Use Cable 1

Cable 3

+ BAT 3

12 VDC TTrolling Motor House Battery r

FAULT AUTO MAINT CONDITIONING CHARGING

ILLUSTRATIONS: TIM BARKER

Cable 1

BAT 2 12 VDC Engine Crank Battery r

BAT 1 12 VDC Engine Crank Batte ery r

DISCONNECT BEFORE STARTING

AC POWER

TIP

Cable 2

TIP

The ProMariner universal AC plug holder solves the issue of where to stow the three-prong plug. It ﬂush-mounts on a ﬂat surface, and the power cord feeds in from behind. A spin-on back captures the plug inside the tube, and a watertight cap keeps out spray. To access the plug, lift off the cap, and reach in and grab it. It requires a 2.5-inch hole. $6.77; westmarine.com

SELECT THE CHARGER Pick a marine onboard charger based on the number of batteries. In this project, for example, we chose a Guest ChargePro 10/10/10 30-Amp Triple Bank (model 2731A) to charge our three AGM 12-volt batteries (two 27-series cranking and one 31-series house) at 10 amps per bank. In addition, it can charge other three-bank conﬁgurations, such as one consisting of a 12-volt cranking and two 12-volt deep-cycle batteries wired in series to power a 24-volt trolling motor, or three 12-volt deep-cycles wired in series to power a 36-volt trolling motor.

MOUNT THE CHARGER Select a mounting area that stays dry and allows for 6 inches of space in front and on each side of the charger. This unit must mount vertically. Ensure the mounting surface will support the weight of the charger (8 pounds for the 2731A), the DC cords will reach the batteries, and the AC cord will be accessible to plug it into a power source. Use the supplied template to mark and drill the four mounting holes with a 1/8-inch bit. Use a screwdriver and the supplied No. 10 mounting screws to attach the charger, bedding each screw with marine sealant.

If the 6-foot-long DC leads are too short to route from the charger to the batteries, you can order optional Guest ChargePro 5-foot-long extensions that attach via specially engineered connectors with waterproof enclosures to protect the connection from corrosion. $29.99 a pair; westmarine .com

ROUTE AND ATTACH DC LEADS Each 6-footlong DC lead consists of two wires—red (+) and black (-)—with installed in-line fuses and ring terminals that connect to the posts of each battery. Ensure each battery post is free of corrosion. For this project, the No. 1 and No. 2 leads attach to the cranking batteries, while the No. 3 lead goes to the house battery. Route and support the leads along their runs, and connect ring terminals tightly to the battery posts, ensuring the polarity is correct. If there is excess cable, coil it up and secure it. Do not cut the leads to shorten them.

ROUTE POWER CORD Route the installed 6-footlong AC power cord to a place that’s easily accessible when you need to connect the three-prong plug to an extension cord. At the same time, make sure it can be tucked away in a dry location when you’re out on the water. It should be in an area that’s at least 24 inches from the charger, batteries and fuel-ﬁll lines. Some boaters route the cord through the bulkhead of a dry locker under a seat so you can lift up a seat cushion to easily get to it. If you do this, seal the hole around the cord to prevent water from getting in the compartment.

With today’s voltagecritical, digitally controlled marine engines, it’s a good idea to unplug the battery charger before starting the engine, be it at the dock or with hose muffs while the boat is on the trailer. If you don’t disconnect the charger, the engine might experience an over-voltage situation that could possibly damage sensitive digital circuitry and other electronic components of the marine powerplant.

PLUG IN AND TEST Connect the charger to an extension cord, then plug the extension cord into a GFCI 120-volt AC power outlet. View the LED indicator panel. On the ChargePro, an illuminated blue LED indicates a connection to AC power. Red, amber and green LEDs show the charging status for each battery. If a red fault LED illuminates, it indicates a loose wiring connection, reverse polarity, or DC over- or under-voltage for one of the batteries. In this case, unplug the charger, and review the troubleshooting section of the installation guide to resolve the issue.

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towel, soft cloth or napkin. Art gum erasers, sponges and pads can also be used effectively against some types of stains, he adds.

CARING FOR BOAT UPHOLSTERY

An expert outlines 10 ways to maintain marine upholstery. Marine upholstery represents comfort, aesthetic appeal and value. For tips on extending its life and beauty, we talked with Bill McDaniel, marine market manager for Sunbrella Horizon, which supplies high-quality marine vinyl fabrics to a wide range boatbuilders and fabricators. Be forewarned: Some of his advice goes contrary to conventional wisdom. —Jim Hendricks TOP-GRADE VINYL Most new-boat upholstery is made with top-grade marine vinyl from brands such as Sunbrella Horizon, Morbern or Spradling. When reupholstering, insist on similar-grade vinyl. “Selecting the

right fabrics will ensure a beautiful and functional boat season after season and limit time spent on maintenance and repairs,” McDaniel says. Also, look for a warranty on the vinyl. “Horizon fabric offers a ﬁve-year warranty with

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a three-year warranty speciﬁc to microbial pinking,” he points out. CLEANING SCHEDULE Today’s quality vinyl upholstery comes with some built-in resistance to water and stains, so it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of time cleaning after every use, McDaniel says. “However, I do recommend cleaning any major spills or marks as soon as possible,” he advises. Also, hose the fabric down at least once a month to address any dirt and debris buildup, he adds. SCRUBBING AGENTS Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning. “Most mild soaps and detergents will work on Horizon vinyls,” McDaniel says. For heavy cleaning, try bleach mixed with mild soap and water, or products like 303 MultiSurface Cleaner, Star brite Vinyl Clean, Dawn dish soap or Resolve.

CLEANING IMPLEMENTS “It’s generally best to avoid brushes, though brushes with very soft bristles may be used for cleaning mold and mildew,” McDaniel says. For spills, stick with a dry, nonabrasive

REMOVING STAINS Ink and other highly adherent stains can be difficult to remove. For ink, McDaniel ﬁrst recommends cleaningeraser sponges and pads. “For stubborn stains, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be used on Horizon and can be effective against ink stains,” he says.

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY BOSTON WHALER, COURTESY STAR BRIGHT, COURTESY 303, COURTESY SUNBRELLA HORIZON

BOAT DOCTOR /// Q U I C K S T U D Y

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY 303, COURTESY SCOUT BOATS, SHUTTERSTOCK, JIM HENDRICKS

BOAT DOCTOR /// Q U I C K S T U D Y

DRYING UPHOLSTERY “You can certainly dry marine-vinyl upholstery to your preference, but there’s no need to dry it for minor levels of moisture,”

McDaniel says. “Let the air take care of it.” For moderate to high levels of moisture, you may consider spot-drying, then letting the remaining moisture air-dry, he adds. AFTER TREATMENT “It can be a good idea to treat it with something

like 303 Fabric Guard after it’s clean and dry,” McDaniel says. PINKING POINTERS Consistent care and cleaning can go a long way toward preventing pinking. Additionally, avoid using sunscreens containing PABA and other items in which the bacteria that causes pinking might thrive. You can also look for high-quality upholstery that will be more resistant to pinking to ensure longevity.

MANAGING MILDEW “High-quality fabrics such as Sunbrella Horizon do not promote mildew growth, though it may grow on dirt or other substances if they aren’t removed from the fabric,” McDaniel says. To get rid of it, mix a cup

of bleach with ¼ cup mild soap and 1 gallon of water. Coat the upholstery, and let it soak for around 15 minutes before cleaning with a nonabrasive sponge or towel. If needed, a very soft-bristle brush can be used, he says.

COVER STORY When the time comes to cover your boat, give the upholstery a thorough cleaning, then be sure to use a cover made of breathable material, McDaniel advises. “Tarps and other nonbreathable covers can trap moisture and lead to the growth of mold and mildew,” he points out.

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BOAT DOCTOR /// W H AT T O L O O K F O R

rider’s toe side. This makes it easier for a beginner rider to engage the toe-side edge while cutting to the wake and initiating jumps and tricks. The heel-side edge is longer and more traditional, allowing the rider to maintain more natural stability, as well as avoid losing pop from a reduced surface area.

HOW TO GET UP ON A WAKEBOARD Once you’ve got the hardware, you’ll need to know how to use it behind the boat. Fortunately, we have a written tutorial on how to get up on a wakeboard, as well as an instructional video featuring professional riders. To read the article and view the video, scan this tag or go to boatingmag.com/how-to-getup-on-wakeboard.

MOLDED-IN FINS While many advanced boards have adjustable fins that can be swapped in and out to the rider’s preference, the State 2.0 features molded-in fins, which create less drag in the water and also release better when initiating a jump. A friend of mine just bought a family runabout, the first boat he’s ever owned, and when he called me for some advice, he didn’t ask about docking or trailering or breaking in the engine. He asked what kind of wakeboard he should get. It’s a question I get all the time from new boaters looking to have a little watersports fun with their kids. So, I asked the same question to Greg Nelson, the VP of marketing for Hyperlite, one of the top makers of wakeboards. Using his example of the State 2.0 Remix deck and bindings combo (he also shared the women’s Eden 2.0 with Jinx combo), here’s what to look for in an entry-level wakeboard. —Pete McDonald ASYMMETRICAL SHAPE Wakeboarding is a lot like snowboarding because beginners need an adjustment period in order to learn how to use the board’s edges to cut, turn and generate speed to come into the wake to perform tricks. Once a rider learns to get up, much of what he or she can do

depends on the ability to ride the edges. According to Nelson, the most important aspect to look for in a beginner’s wakeboard is an asymmetrical shape, with one edge shorter than the other. In the case of the State 2.0, Nelson pointed out that Hyperlite designed a shorter leading edge on the

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REMIX BINDINGS While binding systems for more advanced riders now consist

DECK AND BINDING COMBOS The Hyperlite State 2.0 with Remix and the Eden 2.0 with Jinx combos cost $399.99. For more details, go to hyperlite.com.

of separate binding and boot pairings, Hyperlite outfits the State 2.0 deck with more traditional Remix bindings. The bindings have an adjustable lacing system and an open toe that can fit different foot sizes. It is easy for beginners to slide in and out of them and tighten to a comfortable fit. The bindings also sit on an adjustable plate and can be moved on the board to suit the rider’s preferences.

PHOTOS: COURTESY HYPERLITE

SCAN ME

MOLDED-IN TOE-SIDE RISERS The molded-in toeside foot-bed risers help beginner boarders generate more leverage when applying toe or heel pressure to initiate tricks or turns.

The new vacuum infused 350 Center Console

Fi s h H a r d a n d P l a y E a s y. There’s a reason you see more and more Cobias every time you go out on the water. And it’s just not because of their head-turning good looks. No boats better blend quality, comfort, fishing smarts, and high performance.

Your time is valuable. Choose a boat that will make it the best it can be.

w w w. c obi ab o at s . c om

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

ENTRY-LEVEL VERSUS LUXURY TOW BOATS

Add the luxurious interiors and deluxe helms, and the appeal is easy to understand. But with this surge in demand comes even more buying options. With manufacturers offering up to 18 models that range from value-oriented to opulent, how do you know what’s best for your situation? Here’s our take. THE PRICE IS RIGHT The ﬁrst and most obvious factor is the price. With ﬂagship models being offered at prices that rival the price of some houses, there will be buyers that are priced out of these boats. That said, at the top end, you can get an absolute beast of a wakeboat that will deliver pride in ownership, plus comfort and performance amenities that value boats cannot approach. Such intangibles apply to the top class of all boat types, and it’s good to remember that boats

at all price levels represent a luxury purchase. AESTHETICS AND CONVENIENCE Pickle-fork and traditional-bow styles are available at every price range. But a boat’s looks are about a lot more than just the bow

High-end boats such as MasterCraft’s XStar (top) offer a wider choice of hull colors than the less-pricey NXT series (below).

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style. Particularly at the high end, tow boats are works of art inside and out. Fit-andﬁnish is immaculate, and no detail is overlooked. Expect overstuffed bench seats that convert to dining areas, seats that easily transition to face the watersports action, and helms with nav systems that rival a private jet. On the budget side, it’s looking more like manual switches, smaller digital screens and fewer

convertible seating options. Top-end models may offer a wider range of colors than less-costly boats. IS BIGGER BETTER? The length overall doesn’t really enter the conversation when it comes to budget versus luxury. Of course, as you step up in size within either the luxury or the budget classes, you’re going to be adding dollars to the invoice, but you PHOTOS: COURTESY MASTERCRAFT

The appeal of wakesurfing—along with the classic allure of carefree swimming off the platform, thanks to the prop being tucked under the hull—has sent demand for inboard tow boats to new levels.

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

LOUNGE ACT

PHOTOS: COURTESY MASTERCRAFT, COURTESY OVERTON’S (PROP)

MasterCraft’s X26 (top) offers a wider variety of upholstery choice than MasterCraft's NXT20 model.

can buy a 24-foot value-class inboard tow boat or you can purchase a 20-foot luxury inboard tow boat. ADVANCED FEATURES We may have saved the best for last. This is one of the truly distinguishing categories between budget and luxury, and for many people, this is the decisive factor. The features that make wakes are typically fairly similar because many

STRIPPED DOWN?

of the entry-level brands have stepped up their game in the past several years, but manufacturers still reserve their most convenient features for their luxury wakeboats. Now is the time to ask yourself: Do you go under bridges or put the boat under a canopy that requires you to lower the tower regularly? If so, then an auto tower is deﬁnitely worth a closer look. Another differentiator on the luxury side:

This is sort of a “you have nothing to fear” scenario, rather than “buyer beware.” Unlike some other categories of boats, no inboard-powered tow boat from the major manufacturers comes stripped down. Most manufacturers’ budget brands come off the same production lines as their luxury boats, so the build quality and fit-and-finish are the same. They might not be bristling with cameras, board racks and touchscreens, but you can still make a wake and have some fun.

cameras. Many wakeboats have both bow and stern cameras, which make captaining safer and more convenient. Also, a huge factor in many boaters’ minds is a stern thruster to ease docking. You can get a 24-foot value-class boat, but it’s never going to come with a factory-installed thruster, and for some people, that’s a deal-breaker. Another huge benefit is subfloor ballast. This might not sound like a big deal, but quickly filling the liner of the boat with ballast rather than using up storage compartments proves convenient—and it’s typically available only on higher-end models. Other notable amenities include upgraded audio, quick-plane systems, wake enhancers, wireless charging, and much more. And while it varies between manufacturers, many of these upgrades are available only on high-end models. —Craig Kotilinek

HELMS MasterCraft’s X26 (brown) boasts full-on touchscreen control and is one of the few tow boats to offer a head. Less-costly boats such as the NXT20 offer simpler helms.

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BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

WAKESPORTS MIRROR

A mirror will make you a better and safer wakeboat driver.

A mirror can be the captain’s most effective tool when participating in wake sports. The driver can continue

to face forward, and quickly look in the mirror and then back at the water ahead. This allows the captain to gain greater situational awareness in terms of what is happening both in front of and behind the boat. The mirror has been a standard feature on specialized wake-sports

boats for the past 60 years, but it is not yet standard on other types of boats. Brands such as Attwood, Cipa, PTM Edge and Roswell offer mirrors in various shapes and sizes. The most common design attaches to the windshield frame, but manufacturers also make mirrors that mount to the dash, the plastic windscreen found on deck and bass boats, wakeboard towers, the hardtop of a center-console, and the fence rail of a pontoon boat. If your boat allows for it, the best place for the mirror is on the windshield, just to the left of the wheel. This

puts the mirror above the heads of crew and provides for a symmetrical view behind the boat. Mirrors can range in size from 2½-by-8 inches to 7-by-20 inches. A bigger mirror will take up more space but allows for a wider ﬁeld of view. Mirrors also feature some curvature to the design, resulting in a more panoramic view. The combination of a mirror’s size and amount of glass curvature determines the ﬁeld of view, which can range from 110 degrees to nearly 180 degrees. A wider view allows the driver to better see slalom skiers, wakeboard riders and tube

riders when they swing out from the boat’s wake. A mirror can range from $15 to $500. Cost factors include the size of the mirror, the complexity of the mirror’s bracket and mount design, and the quality of the glass. A more sophisticated bracket and mount allow for quicker mirror adjustments. A better mount also keeps the mirror more tightly affixed to the boat. Better glass provides the sharpest image. Your goal is to get the overall best quality your budget will allow. Here are eight tips to maximize the use of this tool to make you a better and safer watersports captain. The more aware the driver is, the safer the tow-sports experience will be for everyone. Using a mirror achieves this. Once you have one, you will not want to tow without it again. —Zenon Bilas

1. Make sure the skier or rider is safely away from the stern of the boat before starting the engine, and verify the person is safely back in the boat at the end of the session. 2. Observe the skier or rider’s start. The driver can help the person in the water by verifying the line is taut and the skier or rider is in proper position. An anxious individual may signal the driver to go when the skier or rider is not ready.

3. Check on the crew in the boat, making sure everyone is properly seated and their hands are away from the towline. 4. Make sure the boat’s wake is symmetrical and even on both sides. If the boat’s wake is turbulent, drivers of outboards and sterndrive boats can trim down the engine to achieve a cleaner, smoother wake. 5. Be aware of the skier or rider’s location in the water at all times.

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6. Observe boating trafﬁc behind the person you are towing. You don’t want a boat or personal watercraft to come close to the person in tow, in case that person falls. 7. Aid the person you are towing. For example, someone who is bent forward at the waist or apprehensive could use a little less speed, while a bit more speed might beneﬁt someone not coming out of the water easily.

8. See the moment the skier or rider falls. This allows the driver to react immediately and decelerate, keeping the boat near the fallen skier. Every second the driver is not aware the individual fell, the boat travels farther away. The goal is to stay as close to the fallen skier or rider as possible. If the individual wants to continue, the mirror allows you to observe the towline as you circle the skier or rider.

PHOTO: COURTESY PTM WATERSPORTS

USE THE MIRROR TO:

SALUTE TO SERVICE

Saluting military and first responders whose sacrifices make our water sports way of life possible. We honor these selfless individuals and the organizations that support them by sharing the sport of wake surfing at exclusive S2S events, donating a portion of Limited Edition S2S Centurion Ri245 and Ri265 sales and offering these heroes discounts on new boat purchases. Centurion—waking waves of positive change in the lives of service men and women and their families.

centurionboats.com/we-wake-waves

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

ADDING AN ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH TO AN OLD MOTOR

Since nearly all new powerboats—and pretty much all boats built in the past four decades— have an engine cutoff switch with a lanyard installed by the manufacturer anyway, it’s nothing new. The full text of the law and how it might apply to you can be read in our story at boatingmag.com/ecos.

But what if a boat owner with an older vessel—or older engine—wants one? Can an ECOS or ECOSL be retrofitted to a vintage marine engine? Yes, an ECOS can be retroﬁtted to most any engine, even really old ones. These are readily available on the aftermarket. Check out T-H Marine’s Saf-T-Stop Kill Switches ($37, thmarine supplies.com) and the Sierra Emergency CutOff Switch with Coiled Lanyard ($26.99, west marine.com). Installation is typically easy for

any modern CD ignition engine, and just a little bit more involved for any older engines with points or condenser-style ignition systems. To mount the switch, a location near the helm (ideally near the ignition key switch) is best. For tiller-operated outboards, mounting the ECOS near the tiller or on the front face plate of the engine is best. A ½or ⅝-inch-diameter hole is drilled, and the switch gets ﬁtted to the hole and secured with the supplied mounting nut or mounting plate. Most switches provide a wiring diagram that’s easy to follow. The two switches referenced here each have two wires protruding from the rear of the switch housing. On most engines with

capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) systems, the switch is wired in between the ground circuit (black wire) and the engine stop circuit wire (black with yellow stripe). Older (mid-1970s and prior) Mercury, Johnson and Evinrude outboards have different ignition wiring colors; follow the instructions in the kit for your engine. For older engines (both outboard and inboard) with points and condenser ignition systems, one wire from the ECOS must be wired to ground; the other wire connects to the points. If there is more than one set of points (such as 1950s to 1970s twin-cylinder Johnson and Evinrude outboards), both sets of points must be wired to the ECOS. Be sure to make good connections and protect them with liquid electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing. If your switch wires must pass through metal (the engine shroud or aluminum dashboard), be sure to protect them with a rubber grommet. Test your installation by

starting the engine and pulling the ECOSL to ensure the engine stops immediately. For the ECOS to work, the lanyard must be connected to the captain! —John Tiger

WIRELESS TECH

Tired of the traditional lanyard? A wireless ECOS is available from Fell Marine (fellmarine.com). It provides the safety and peace of mind of an ECOS lanyard and complies with the new laws, but there’s no bothersome tether to get in the way. This is a good solution for those who prefer a less cluttered helm or who boat solo. The system can be wired in a manner that preserves the functionality of the original ECOS lanyard as a backup. To learn more, visit boating mag.com/installingremote-boat-enginekill-switch.

PHOTOS: COURTESY SIERRA MARINE (2), COURTESY FELL MARINE (ECOS)

On April 1, 2021, a new federal boating law went into effect, one that requires the use of an engine cutoff switch (ECOS; ECOSL refers to the “link” to the switch, which may be a lanyard or a wireless electronic device) aboard boats less than 26 feet in length and capable of producing more than 115 pounds of static thrust.

Get a GEICO quote for your boat and, in just 15 minutes, you’ll know how much you could be saving. If you like what you hear, you can buy your policy right on the spot. Then let us do the rest while you enjoy your free time with peace of mind. geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2020 GEICO 20_206641

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

DIY MUD MOTOR For crossing mudflats, weed beds and gravel bars to access fishing and hunting grounds, few means of propulsion beat a mud motor you assembled yourself.

A scene from the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun depicts Bond racing through the canals of Bangkok, fleeing from bad guys in a sleek sampan powered by what looked like an F150 engine sprouting a long, straight shaft ending in an open, two-blade prop known as a Thai longtail. Bond ended the chase by cutting his pursuer’s boat in half with his own longtail buzz-saw propeller. I was in college when that movie came out, and I’ve pined for such a motor ever since. When I stumbled across an ad for a DIY kitbuilt longtail, I talked to Steve Cadwell, manager of SPS North America, which manufactures the parts in Thailand and offers what some refer to as “mud motor” kits under the Swamp Runner name in the US and Canada. “A fellow by the name of Songsak Sriprasertying of Bangkok is the original inventor of the coupler used in Thai longtails and first began manufacturing the kits 57 years ago,” Cadwell explains. “He was a machin-

IN THE WEEDS The author aboard his Gheenoe powered by a Harbor Freight motor, driving a Small Swamp Runner mud-motor kit.

out of, so I had to settle for whatever waterfowl I could take hunting from shore. Those memories motivated me to make boating possible for folks who couldn’t

THAI LONGTAIL

They’re inexpensive, simple and durable. For trailering, just turn the mud-motor drive backward.

otherwise afford it.” Dobbs moved to Florida in 1986 and went to work for the Florida Marine Patrol for the next quarter century. He holds a USCG 50-ton Master Captain’s license and has piloted everything from airboats to 1,200 hp offshore interceptors while in pursuit of poachers and smugglers. Managing a ﬂeet of watercraft made him keenly aware of how expensive boating had actually become. “Keeping a conventional outboard engine running in this day and age can be very expensive,” he says. “The cost simply makes boating too expensive for many folks.” Besides cost, a big beneﬁt—and why SPS engines earned the mud-motor moniker—is that you don’t even need water to run in, if you’re

PHOTOS: DAN ARMITAGE

ist and recognized the need for a boat motor that rural farmers could afford to transport huge loads of rice down shallow rivers and canals to market. Sriprasertying developed an affordable kit that, when attached to a small, aircooled engine, creates a shallow-running outboard.” Lifelong boater Jon Dobbs became acquainted with SPS—run by Sriprasertying’s sons—two decades ago while traveling in Thailand. He founded SPS North America and began importing the kits for sale in the continent. “As a poor hillbilly kid,” Dobbs reminisces, “I couldn’t afford a boat to hunt and ﬁsh

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L

and anglers use to cross on a soft mud bottom, have shallows, where no other enough engine torque to engine can take them. match your payload, and the For my use, to power a prop can get a bite. well-used 15-foot Gheenoe In Southeast Asia, where I picked up on Craigslist, longtail racing is popular and he recommended the Small an SPS kit holds the world Swamp Runner mud-motor speed kit for engines record of 93 mph, 5.5 to 7 hp. Perusthe units are couing the recompled to everything mended engine from small-block list for that kit V-8s to 480 hp model, I noted a Hino diesel-truck 6.5 hp Predator engines cranking SCA N ME 212cc horizontal out 4,700 footshaft offered by pounds of torque. For step-by-step instructions, scan Harbor Freight, In North America, this tag, or visit and waited until where demand is boatingmag.com/ it went on sale for smaller momud-motor. for $99 to purtors, SPS offers chase the simple, kits for engines single-cylinder, air-cooled up to 40 hp. In fact, one of its four-stroke. At that point, most popular kits, the Mini, with the $449 cost for the is designed for boats rated to Small Swamp Runner kit, accept 2 hp engines. I had $550 invested in the Cadwell says he’s seen project and couldn’t wait the Minis on everything to get on the water with from one-person john- and it. A 6 hp outboard costs poke boats to concreteabout $1,500. mixing tubs that hunters

WEEDEATER ON STEROIDS The mud-motor propeller shaft is easy to remove to make these outboards more portable.

It didn’t take long. A buddy and I had the kit and motor coupled and the longtail hanging off the Gheenoe’s transom before lunch. I chopped through dense hydrilla mats, bumping over half-sunken logs and getting double takes from fellow boaters that afternoon. While it is louder than most outboards, its cost and utility are unmatched. I’ll use the super-shallow-running rig to access the upper reaches of Great Lakes tributaries to catch steelhead and shoot ducks in the fall, and for scooting through South Florida backwaters during winter. —Dan Armitage

PHOTOS: DAN ARMITAGE

GET MUDDIN’! Swamp Runner mud-motor kits range in price between $399 and $749, and are available for engines ranging between 2 and 40 hp. To see the full lineup, view videos of how to drive with them, or purchase a kit, visit mudmotorkit.com.

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BOATINGLAB By Randy Vance

S HA D E ON T H E WAT ER Shade is a rare commodity on the water, and a little more is worth a lot if you can eek some out. These four cool products bring your sunny-side temp down. Best of all, they all stow away when you want that tan. SLIMMSHADE comes in

From $249; slimmshade.com This snazzy-looking shade is designed to mount in T-top rod holders. It comes in eight color patterns including solid black, navy or royal blue ($249.99), and special printed designs such as the US ﬂag, mahi, and blue, orange or tan compass roses ($299.99). SlimmShade will even add your custom logo. The fabric is densely woven of a fastdrying polyester thread and can be machine-washed. MOST LIKE: A pop-up tent, but

easier to set up. WORKS BEST ON: Designed for

rod holders on a T-top or arch. WITHSTANDS WINDS OF: Up to

10 mph DIMENSIONS: 6 feet wide by

7 feet long STOWAGE: It stores in a plastic map-case-style tube with a shoulder strap for easy

carrying. Roll the shade snugly around the folded tent poles and slide it in. COVERAGE: Covered the entire

back of the boat from sunlight directly overhead. INSTALLATION TIME: 10 minutes HOW IT’S INSTALLED: The poly-

ester shade is folded in thirds and rolled around segmented ﬁberglass tent poles. Shake out the sticks, allowing the elastic to pull the pole segments together. Feed the longest two rods up through the bottom of the outboard rod holders and into receiving sleeves sewn into each side of the shade. It may help to connect pole segments as they are pushed through the rod holder. Connect the elastic tie-down straps to the stern cleats. Snap the spreader pole in place between the long poles at the outer edge of the shade. Then tighten down the elastic to the stern cleats.

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festive colors. The system was easy to mount, quick to stow and handy to carry.

ADVANTAGES: It stows away easily in a 4-foot plastic map case with a shoulder harness. It’s easy for two people to assemble and mount, and stows away quickly.

rod holders on the front of the T-top, it’s only capable of aft mounting.

DISADVANTAGES: Without exercising great care, the aluminum joints in the ﬁberglass poles can scratch the powder-coated ﬁnish. Wind can cause the shade to sway from side to side, diminishing steady shade. Unless you have

THE VERDICT: We liked the American ﬂag look, its compact storage container, and the easy way it mounts to the boat. It quickly provided cooling shade. Practice would shorten the installation time, and it provided an excellent value for the price.

CASE in point, the included map case is great storage protection for your shade.

PHOTOS: RANDY VANCE

SLIMMSHADE

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT I N G L A B

GO 30 MPH, the max-

TACO

imum speed for the Taco ShadeFin. Mount it in a T-top rod holder for optimal shade.

SHADEFIN

$1,149.99; tacomarine.com The ShadeFin is designed to mount in T-top or hardtop rod holders, but it can also be mounted in gunwale rod holders. In addition, there are several optional mounts ($50 to $299) that add innovative ways to provide shade exactly where it’s needed. Its mounting system holds it rigidly in place. Like all Taco Metals products, it is well-engineered and built for punishing service. MOST LIKE: An umbrella in a

rod holder. WORKS BEST ON: Gimbaled rod holders in a gunwale, hardtop or T-top. WITHSTANDS WINDS OF: Up to

30 mph while underway

CHECK OUT THE SUNSHADE VIDEO AT BOATINGLAB.COM.

COVERAGE: It shaded the aft

seats on our test boat. INSTALLATION TIME: 5 minutes

fully and spread them about halfway. Then extend the other pair until they lock in place— this took quite a bit of force due to the new, taut fabric.

HOW IT’S INSTALLED: We used

the rocket launcher gimbal mount in a T-top rod holder. A locking collar on the top of the rod holder secures the top of the mount, and the slotted bottom is threaded to accept a large locking hand nut on the bottom where threads from the gimbal mount extend. First, unlock the outside arms nearest the rod holder and spread them slightly. Fit the end poles into the corner pockets sewn into the fabric; extend the end arms

ADVANTAGES: It locked ﬁrmly

in place, and held its position in crosswinds. Using optional mounts for gunwale rod holders, it is possible to direct shade almost anywhere in the boat. We mounted our test unit on both the T-top and the lower leaning-post rod holders to adjust for the late-afternoon sun angle.

DISADVANTAGES: The ShadeFin might be a little heavy for smaller users. THE VERDICT: Its $1,200 price tag is justiﬁed by its durable construction, versatility and effective sun protection. Taco’s marketing materials suggest consulting with the manufacturers of your T-top and rod holders for carrying capacity.

BAGGED in a polyester and mesh case, the ShadeFin will be safe and easy to load up.

DIMENSIONS: 5 feet wide by

PHOTOS: RANDY VANCE

6 feet long STOWAGE: Its zippered storage bag is a custom ﬁt for the folded shade and accompanying rod mounts, and it includes a shoulder strap.

B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 5 5

CHECK OUT THE SUNSHADE VIDEO AT BOATINGLAB.COM .

ANCHOR SHADE III

TAYLOR MADE ANCHOR SHADE III

$159.99; taylormadeproducts.com This no-fuss boat shade is easy to install on open boats, or boats with hardtops or Bimini tops for extra coverage. It comes in eight different colors to complement your boat. The square canopy gives beam-to-beam coverage and is as easy to use as an umbrella. It’s light and easy to stow, and the center pole can be adjusted to various heights. MOST LIKE: A beach umbrella WORKS BEST ON: We think it would be useful on any boat with an area that needs shade, whether a bowrider, center-console, dual-console, express or closed-bow boat.

ﬁts the umbrella and the two-part pole.

uses a central pole and D-rings for connecting straps to the stern cleats.

winds. It can also be stepped into ﬂoor sockets for ﬁshing chairs or cocktail tables.

COVERAGE: It provided

excellent cockpit coverage beginning just aft and also just forward of our T-top. INSTALLATION TIME: 5 minutes HOW IT’S INSTALLED: We just

popped it up like the umbrella it is, then secured the four corner straps to cleats aft and T-top storage forward. Once the straps are taut, the umbrella is secure in all but the strongest

ADVANTAGES: Easy installation,

low price and effective shade are all big pluses. With tie-down tent stakes, it could be used on a beach as well. Plus, the fabric offers some protection from rain. DISADVANTAGES: Its single drawback is the obstruction of

the pole in the middle of the area it is shading. THE VERDICT: Outstanding value from a reputable company, durable construction, simplicity and broad color selection make it a top contender. It is light and easy to install, and once lashed down, it is extremely steady in wind.

DIMENSIONS: 6-by-6 feet

STOWAGE: Comes with a

canvas storage bag that easily

5 6 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTOS: RANDY VANCE

WITHSTANDS WINDS OF: Up to

10 mph

BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT I N G L A B

TAYLOR MADE T-TOP BOAT SHADE KIT

$549.99 to $749.99; ttopcoversforboats.com Two heavy-duty telescopic poles ﬁt snugly into gunwale or shotgun rod holders on the transom or forward rod holders at the bow. Nylon sleeves ensure a rattle-free ﬁt. The heavy canvas blocks out direct sunlight, in our case from the back of the T-top to just beyond the back seat. It’s available in widths of 5 feet and lengths of 4, 5 and 6 feet.

zippered carrying bag along with the rolled-up canopy.

MOST LIKE: An awning that

INSTALLATION TIME: 5 minutes

COVERAGE: Though its slack

dimensions are just 4-by-5 feet, the resilient fabric stretched from 4 to 7 feet in width, and to 9 feet long with elasticity to spare. Our tests suggest it would cover most of the cockpit in an 8-foot-6-inch-beam boat.

extends from the T-top.

CHECK OUT THE SUNSHADE VIDEO AT BOATINGLAB.COM.

STOUT telescopic poles ﬁt in rod holders to keep the T-top Boat Shade Kit secure at speeds of up to 30 mph. the adjustments, it can be put in place in no more than ﬁve minutes. We set poles in the shotgun rod holders on the transom to spread the trailing edge over the aft seat. Web straps and polymer buckles secure it to the T-top rod holders. ADVANTAGES: Easy setup is one great advantage, and it was one of the most compact in our tests when stored.

DISADVANTAGES: The elastic fabric provides outstanding shade but no protection from rain. THE VERDICT: It provided a taut beam-to-beam cover in our boat. Gunwale rod holders angled outward will increase the coverage with the fabric’s elasticity.

HOW IT’S INSTALLED: It took WORKS BEST ON: Boats with

gunwale or shotgun rod holders, and a hardtop or T-top to secure the edge. DIMENSIONS: 4 feet wide by

about 15 minutes to install the ﬁrst time. Once done with all

SIMPLE installation

and storage are the design mantra for T-top Boat Shade Kit.

5 feet long WITHSTANDS WINDS OF: Up to PHOTOS: RANDY VANCE

approximately 30 mph STOWAGE: The aluminum poles telescope down from 6 feet to just over 3 feet and ﬁt in the

B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 5 7

#3239

CERTIFIED

TEST

MAG BAY YACHTS 42 HARDTOP Mag Bay Yachts’ 42 carries forward a 30-year family tradition that was born in the high desert of Southern California.

The lineage behind Mag Bay Yachts has coursed through three decades of sport-fishing boat history. The family that founded this brand—Mike and Barrett Howarth—also lays claim, along with Henry Mohrschladt, to the launch of the vaunted Cabo Yachts in 1991. With the introduction of the Mag Bay 42, the Howarths reignited the spirit of Cabo Yachts, not in name, but by incorporating marine technologies that make the Mag Bay 42 an even better offshore fishing boat than the original Cabos. “I call it a boat of details,” Barrett says. “We focus on building everything, even the smallest items, to the highest craftsmanship standards possible.” Indeed, I could not help but

5 8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: COURTESY MAG BAY YACHTS

SCA N ME

PHOTOS: COURTESY MAG BAY YACHTS

To see our photo gallery of the Mag Bay 42, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3239.

think of the quality of the early Cabos while examining the Mag Bay’s flawless bilge rigging, a specially designed compartment for the washdown spigots and shower hoses, and another that hides long-handled items such as deck brushes, boat hooks and gaffs. This boat comes in two versions: an open sport express or with an integrated hardtop like the one I tested. The hardtop is supported entirely by the windshield frame structure, with the aft portion cantilevering over the cockpit for a sleek appearance. A retractable

sunroof ushers in fresh air. A rack of 10 rod holders lined the aft edge on my tester. On the bridge deck, I discovered an L-shaped settee that stretches across the aft bulkhead and extends forward on the port side. A tackle center occupies the starboard side, with cabinets, drawers, spool racks, shelves and tackle boxes to stow a plethora of lures, leader material, terminal tackle and rigging tools. It also houses an ice maker. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 5 9

Around the cockpit, smoothly contoured coamings are gentle on legs and help eliminate the need for padded bolsters. the salon and galley area, accessible via a step-down companionway from the bridge deck. I measured 7 feet of headroom and enjoyed the bright, airy atmosphere provided by skylights and side windows, as well as overhead LED lighting. Wood cabinetry and decking lend a rich look to the quarters belowdecks. An L-shaped settee spans the aft bulkhead and port side, while the galley occupies the starboard area, with a granite countertop, tiled backsplash, cooktop and stainless-steel sink. Above is a microwave, and below is a 190-cubic-inch Isotherm fridge and freezer. The enclosed head is also to the starboard side, boasting 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom, a vanity and sink, stand-up shower and electric-flush commode. A central passageway leads forward to the master stateroom, with a queen-size, elevated island berth, wood accents, overhead LEDs, and portlight hatch for fresh air. Teak cabinets above the berth

High Points

stow clothing items and other gear. Want to comparison-shop? Look closely at the Tiara 43 Open ($1,128,900 with twin Cummins 715 hp QSM 11 diesel inboards) with an extra foot of length than the Mag Bay 42. The Tiara’s salon is smaller, but there’s an extra private berth in addition to the main stateroom. The 42 is no slouch when it comes to handling. The Michael Peters-designed hull proved stellar. The boat sliced smoothly through waves and cornered with confidence at speed. The Optimus electrohydraulic steering system eased the task of controlling the rudders. At low speed, with judicial use of the throttle, I could easily spin the 42 within its own length. The Mag Bay backs down confidently and cleanly, and in the calm waters of test day, it did not take a hint of green water over the transom. The turbochargers of the Volvo Penta D13s spool up quickly, propelling the 42 to plane in 9.5 seconds and to 30 mph in 14.6 seconds. We achieved a top speed of 44.6 mph and 2,350 rpm. I recorded a best cruising fuel economy of 0.6 mpg at 1,900 rpm and 35.1 mph. Trolling valves in the ZF transmissions let you reduce speed to as low as 2.6 mph for slow-trolling live bait. While the Cabo line seems to have faded away, its spirit lives on, wearing the badge of a Mag Bay 42, and incorporating technology and power that owners of the original Cabo boats could hardly imagine. —Jim Hendricks

6 0 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

X Exquisite fit-and-finish throughout the boat. X Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer is standard. X Three air-conditioning systems (two for the

bridge deck and one for the cabin). X Includes an 80-gallon pressurized

transom livewell with viewing window.

Low Points

X Integral hardtop supports at each forward

corner of the windshield create visual obstructions. X Just one private stateroom, but settees

on bridge deck and salon can serve as berths. · LOA: 42'3" · BEAM: 15'6" · DRAFT: 4'0" · DISPLACEMENT: 42,000 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 18 degrees · FUEL CAPACITY: 700 gal. · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 12'6" · MAX CABIN HEADROOM: 7'0" · MAX HORSEPOWER: 2,600 · AVAILABLE POWER: Twin turbo-diesel inboards up to 2,600 hp total

Price: $1,295,000

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

I N B OA R D

HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Twin Volvo Penta 1,000 hp D13 turbodiesel inboards DRIVE/PROP: ZF400A/ZF 29" x 46.5" 4-blade bronze GEAR RATIO: 1.98:1 FUEL LOAD: 665 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 400 lb.

M A G B AY YA C H T S

Hesperia, California; 949-395-0437; magbayyachts.com

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

SPEED

EFFICIENCY

rpm

knots

mph

gph

naut. mpg

1000 1300 1600 1900 2200 2350

10.17 13.99 21.29 30.50 36.50 38.76

11.70 16.10 24.50 35.10 42.00 44.60

15.00 28.00 44.00 58.00 86.00 100.00

0.68 0.50 0.48 0.53 0.42 0.39

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

OPERATION

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

0.78 0.58 0.56 0.61 0.49 0.45

427 315 305 331 267 244

491 362 351 381 308 281

2 5 8 7 6 6

83 87 60 92 94 95

PHOTO: COURTESY MAG BAY YACHTS

The expansive helm featured a pair of Garmin 24-inch multifunction displays for sonar, radar and other onboard systems. A flip-open compartment to port allows access to dedicated displays and controls for systems such as the standard Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, Side-Power thruster joystick, autopilot and windlass. The entire dash module easily hinges upward to service the rigging. A trio of adjustable helm seats cradle the captain and two companions. Diamond nonskid ensures traction on a wet deck, and below the cockpit sole, I discovered a pair of 70-gallon guttered fish lockers. An 80-gallon pressurized livewell resides in the middle of the transom, with toe space below and a curved viewing window. A beefy, outward-opening tuna door in the starboard quarter lets you slide aboard heavy fish. Mezzanine seating in the forward cockpit includes abundant dry storage underneath. From the cockpit, you can push a button to hinge open the helm deck to access the engine room with its twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 turbo-diesel inboards, Onan 13.5 kW generator and Seakeeper. I found 6 feet of headroom and good access to the boat’s engines and ZF transmissions. There’s supreme comfort, starting with

ULTIMATE CONTROL. BETTER BOATING.

Waypoint Arrival is one of the many push-button innovations in the new Helm Master® EX—Yamaha’s award-winning boat control system. It makes lobster diving and the overall boating experience even more enjoyable, with features including: • New Digital Electric Steering* • New Pattern Steer Zig-Zag/Spiral Modes • New DriftPoint® Track • Autopilot with New Heading/Course Hold And that’s just for starters. You’ll be amazed at what your boat can do with the new Helm Master EX. Experience it for yourself at a Yamaha Outboard dealer or visit YamahaOutboards.com/HelmMasterEX.

*Except 3.3L F250 DEC and F350A models. Helm Master EX is available for purchase by participating boat builders on select new compatible single, twin, triple and quad Yamaha outboards installed on new boat packages and available for purchase and installation by qualified Yamaha Outboard dealers on select compatible single, twin, triple and quad Yamaha outboard powered boats. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-866-894-1626.

#3240

CERTIFIED

TEST

GALEON 410 HTC Enjoy sporty looks, twin Volvo Penta diesel inboard power, and cockpit expansion at the touch of a button.

Besides introducing me to the new Galeon 410 HTC, this sea trial provided several reminders. First, why Boating always does two-way performance runs. With 35 mph of wind over the deck and gusts to 40 off Stuart, Florida, our speed difference upwind and downwind was sizable: nearly 2.5 mph at top-end. Second, as a Califloridian, flybridges are as natural to me as apple pie and ice cream. But comfortably ensconced at the calm inside helm aboard the Galeon, I realized that express cruisers (the HTC stands for Hard Top Coupe) are relevant in all climes. I would not have wanted to be on the bridge of the sistership Galeon 400, which shares the same

6 2 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: COURTESY GALEON YACHTS USA

SCA N ME

PHOTOS: COURTESY GALEON YACHTS USA

To see an online photo gallery of the Galeon 410 HTC, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3240.

hull but adds a flybridge. (Although there is an inside station.) With Capt. Rick Castellini at the helm, we departed the dock easily using the Side-Power bow thruster. This also showed off one of the cool things about the 410. Rick did it standing on the side deck. There is a large floor-to-ceiling sliding door next to the double-wide helm seat, so the skipper can step onto the deck with his hand remaining on the shifters and joystick. It’s perfect for shorthanding, or with families where the skipper needs to tend lines too.

The most visible cool feature of the 410 are the twin “beaches” that fold out from each side of the cockpit to enhance the alreadyspacious transom platform. Electrically activated, these are teakplanked to complete the cockpit as a first-rate entertainment area. It is protected by a canvas sunshade with a solid frame that slides out of the hardtop, and the transom has a full galley with Kenyon grill and two sinks. There are also huge lockers in the transom for stashing fenders, lines and other gear. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 6 3

Beach mode: Push a button and both sides of the cockpit fold out, creating more space and great access to the water. in galleys, and a plastic splash rail keeps mistakes from dribbling downhill onto the two-person settee just aft. On the lower level, you’ll find a whole new world with two staterooms and—surprise—two full heads, both with showers. The master stateroom is aft, and it has surprisingly tall headroom, with access to both sides of the king berth on centerline. There is a door to its private head, which has a full stall shower with both a shower wand and overhead rain showerhead. Another cabin is forward, with a V-berth that slides together to create a double berth, and both cabins have excellent stowage in hanging lockers and drawers. The guest cabin has its own privacy door, as well as direct access to the portside day head, which has a shower and Tecna toilet. Back on deck, there is a sun pad and seating forward, as well as boarding gates on both sides to make access to higher piers

easy. The stanchions, like the sea rails on shelving inside the cabin, show off impeccable stainless-steel craftsmanship, with welds like polished jewelry. Shopping? Consider the Cruisers 42 GLS ($1,081,619 with triple Mercury 400s) that also offers two beaches and outboard power. A pair of Volvo Penta D6 440 hp diesels power the 410 HTC through V-drive transmissions. Access is through a hatch in the cockpit floor, and headroom is limited, although one can get around to the outside of the engines. All normal maintenance points are close to the entry hatch. Speaking of access, I loved the Blue Sea Systems electrical panel, which is at eye level just inside the salon behind glass doors and, besides neatly labeled rockers for all systems, it has controls for the 12 kW Fischer Panda 240V diesel generator. All the delights of the Galeon 410 HTC pale compared to actually running it. The boat is simply fun, coming up fast onto plane (without touching the Bennett trim tabs), steering as nimbly as a boat half its size, and not even noticing the nasty rows of wind chop during our sea trial. If the flybridge on the sister 400 is like adding ice cream to apple pie, then thanks, but I’ll take my apple pie straight and enjoy the heck out of the Galeon 410 HTC. —Chris Caswell

6 4 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

High Points

X Huge sliding door by the helm. X Loved the luxuriously diamond-tufted

upholstery on all seats. X Sea rails on all shelves and lockers, so

nothing falls out in a seaway.

Low Points

X Backrest of the forward sun pad blocks the

skipper’s view of the water close ahead (such as lobster pots and flotsam). X Big-people steps to the cabin level need to

be shortened.

· LOA: 41'0" · BEAM: 13'1" · DRAFT (MAX): 3'9" · DISPLACEMENT (APPROX.): 26,600 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: NA · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 15'10" · MAX CABIN HEADROOM: 6'5" · FUEL CAPACITY: 264 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 440 · AVAILABLE POWER: Twin Volvo Penta D6 440 hp V-drive inboards

Price: $975,000 (as tested)

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

V- D R I V E

HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Twin Volvo Penta D6 440 hp DRIVE/ PROP: V-drive/nibral 23" x 22.8" GEAR RATIO: 2.00:1 FUEL LOAD: 100 gal. WATER ON BOARD: 10 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 400 lb. G A L E O N YA C H T S U S A

galeonyachts.us; marinemax.com

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3670

EFFICIENCY

knots

mph

gph

naut. mpg

5.3 6.9 7.5 14.6 19.9 26.2

6.2 8.0 8.7 16.9 22.9 30.1

2.0 6.6 15.0 21.0 29.0 44.0

2.7 1.0 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.6

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

OPERATION

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

3.1 1.2 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7

163.5 64.1 30.7 42.7 41.9 36.4

188.2 73.7 35.3 49.1 48.2 41.9

0 2 3 5 4 3

64 68 72 74 76 78

PHOTO: COURTESY GALEON YACHTS USA

Entry to the salon is through a pair of bi-fold doors that disappear when opened fully, extending this entertainment area seamlessly from the huge windshield to the transom. With the doors open, the aft dinette seatback flips to provide even more seating for the cockpit with its double-folding table for alfresco dining. And if you want even more air and sun than the slider by the helm provides, the window over the portside galley slides down silently, and an immense overhead sunroof opens electrically. The skipper gets a great view in all directions, with twin pantograph wipers to clear any spray, and the sliding bolstered helm seat faces a clean and user-friendly dash. Twin Raymarine monitors for navigation and systems plus the Volvo Penta engine monitor keep tabs on everything, while SeaStar hydraulic steering and armrests make this a skipper’s throne. Opposite is the galley, again with twin sinks (hidden under covers for counter space) and a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop. A Kenyon microwave is under the counter, as is the Isotherm fridge. Galeon realizes that there are klutzes (like me)

S C AN ME

Disclosure: I’m a fallen-away California surfer with chops from Steamer Lane to K69 in Mexico, and I used to pity those who lived far from an ocean because they could never surf—wrong! With the new Cobalt R8 Surf, you can surf any lake, river or large puddle. Even better, you can create perfect curls to your taste. Sure, you can also use the boat for family outings, water-skiing and whatever else. But Cobalt drew from Malibu, its corporate owner, to create an amazing wave-maker. You can load a water-ski boat with people and water-ballast bladders, but it can’t dial in a wave at the touch of a button like the R8 Surf.

6 6 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: COURTESY COBALT BOATS

To see our online photo gallery of the Cobalt R8 Surf, scan this tag or visit boatingmag .com/3241.

#3241

COBALT R8 SURF

CERTIFIED

PHOTOS: COURTESY COBALT BOATS

TEST

This is one rad-looking boat, from the huge speakers hanging on the tower like engines on a 747, to the racks on each side for a quiver of boards, to wild colors such as the Knock-Out Red on our review boat. You can tailor the colors in six areas, from the upper and lower hull, the boot stripe and bottom, and even to the Surf Gate. This nearly 28-footer takes full advantage of its trailerable 8½-foot beam to maximize the inside space and, because it is NMMA Yacht Certified, you can plant someone in every seat, which means up

Offering runabout comforts, like a soft ride and an enclosed head, the R8 also delivers wakesurﬁng fun.

to five in the bow, three at the helm and companion seat, as many as eight in the cockpit, and three more on the flip-up rumble seat aft. The helm is a masterpiece of ergonomics, with twin Garmin 7or 10-inch screens for navigation and engine instruments. Use one monitor with a rearview camera to watch the surfer without having to turn around. Opposite the helm is a surprisingly civilized enclosed head with 50 inches of headroom, a necessity for all-day outings. The tower on our test boat was the available Prisma folding B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 6 7

Cobalt’s TruWave technology makes waveshaping and performance enhancements pushbutton simple. 11.3 mph. Then he dialed in the Surf Gate trim at 3, which is what he preferred for his demonstration. Choose 5 and riders will say, “Over my head!” And at 7, it’s “Oh, wow, awesome!” While he did this, Alex Barry, a longtime Cobalt team member, punched the fill buttons on the Garmin screen, pumping 2,300 pounds of water into the six hard tanks under the sole. These fill (and empty) in just seven minutes, and Cobalt carefully placed them over the center of gravity to eliminate bow rise, which can block the skipper’s vision. Tanks full? Numbers dialed in? Surfer in the water? Now all the skipper has to do is push the throttles forward and the R8 Surf takes care of the rest. Besides the ballast, the key to the size and shape of the curl is the Surf Gate, a Malibu Boats innovation that is like a trim tab that hinges out from the side of the stern. The skipper can choose whether the wave is right or left, for the surfer’s preference. Are you a goofy-footed rider (right

High Points

front forward)? It’s no matter because another touch on the Garmin screen switches the Surf Gate side quickly, allowing the surfer to go up and over the wake to find a new wave waiting on the other side. One item I haven’t mentioned is power for the R8 Surf, which is a 380 hp Volvo Penta 380 CE Duoprop Forward Drive (FWD). This is the middle choice at 380 hp between the standard 350 hp and the top 430 hp, and it proved great for surf use. With the props forward of the lower unit, this drive’s Duoprop contra-rotating propset pulls rather than pushes. It tucks the props safely under the boat, which is especially important because surfers rip almost to the transom. The FWD also gives great leverage so the skipper can add or subtract trim to meet the conditions. Langley surfed on a 52-inch Key Board Phase 5, a Sean Silveira design for pro riders, and, oh man, was he smooth. The R8 Surf’s wake has a clean wave face of at least 20 feet, it allowed Langley to carve, cut back and bottom-turn from the transom well into the foam. Even more important, Langley reported the push, or energy, of the wave as powerful, and I could see that from the helm. The R8 Surf is a great boat, with a top speed of nearly 48 mph. And with its 21-degree transom deadrise, it will carve through the afternoon chop better than boats with flatter bottoms. Looking for a boat that throws a great surf wake and retains several key attributes of a bowrider? Test-ride this Cobalt R8 Surf. —Chris Caswell

6 8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

X Amazing stowage under the sole (5-foot

skis are no problem), under every seat, and in cubbyholes, all gelcoat-finished for easy cleaning. X Hinges on lockers and even the engine hatch

are oversize and sturdy, and many have gas assists for safety. X Deep gutters with rubber seals keep water

out of lockers as well as knock down engine noise.

Low Points

X Volvo Penta Forward Drive doesn’t swing up

as far as a conventional sterndrive, so you need to be careful of your props around sandbars and with trailers. X Grab rails for anyone on the rumble seat aft

would be appreciated. X An opening port in the head, as found

aboard comparable boats, would be welcome for natural light and ventilation. · LOA: 27'10" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT (MAX): 3'0" · DISPLACEMENT (APPROX.): 6,700 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 21 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 8'8" · MAX CABIN HEADROOM: 4'2" · FUEL CAPACITY: 80 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 430 · AVAILABLE POWER: Volvo Penta V-8 Duoprop FWD

Price: $206,036 (with test power)

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

F O R WA R D DRIVE

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: 380 hp Volvo Penta V-8-380 G5 Duoprop FWD DRIVE/PROP: Forward Drive/Volvo Penta K4 GEAR RATIO: 2.32:1 FUEL LOAD: 70 gal. WATER ON BOARD: 0 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 650 lb. C O B A LT B O AT S

Neodesha, Kansas; 620-325-2653; cobaltboats.com

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6060

EFFICIENCY

knots

mph

gph

naut. mpg

5.0 6.2 7.6 8.3 9.3 12.8 22.8 29.9 37.0 40.0 40.6

5.8 7.1 8.8 9.6 10.7 14.7 26.3 37.3 42.6 46.1 46.8

4.3 6.3 10.5 16.3 21.2 28.7 36.0 46.9 56.0 66.1 78.5

1.2 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.5

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

OPERATION

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

1.3 1.1 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6

83.7 70.5 52.4 36.7 31.4 32.0 45.6 45.9 47.5 43.6 37.3

96.3 81.1 60.3 42.2 36.2 36.9 52.5 57.3 54.7 50.2 42.9

0 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2

62 69 72 75 77 80 82 84 86 90 90

PHOTO: COURTESY COBALT BOATS

version (nonfolding is standard) equipped with a slide-out shade over the aft cockpit, pockets for lines (the tow ring is above the top), and sleeves for more boards on top. The wide transom platform has the patented Cobalt flip-down “beach” to make water access easy. Oh, there’s a head with a portable toilet in the portside console, as Chaparral Boats includes in its 26 Surf ($146,666, powered like our test boat). The Chaparral is 17 inches shorter than the Cobalt and carries 15 gallons less fuel. OK, OK, enough about the boat. Let’s talk waves because the only reason you’ll buy the R8 Surf over the standard R8 is to create some great curls. You’ve entered the world of pushbutton wakesurfing. We had Sam Langley, a championship ripper, aboard to show us what can be done with the R8 Surf, and the first thing he did after loading the tower racks with his choice of boards was to dial in the boat. He started at the Zero-Off dash panel, which sets and controls boat speed precisely using GPS. For Langley, that was

S C AN ME

Over the years, Centurion has staked its claim and grown its brand on big boats that make great waves. With the introduction of its newest flagship model, the Ri265, that trend continues in epic fashion. At 26 feet, 6 inches, it’s not only Centurion’s biggest boat ever, but it’s also one of the biggest V-drive tow boats on the market. Built on Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull, which features 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom (twice as much as many wakeboats), it can provide a smooth ride when you need to cross a choppy lake. Yet the Ri265’s Opti-V hull has been optimized for creating some of the most outstanding wakes and waves for watersports. The deeper V displaces more water and, coupled

7 0 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTO: BILL DOSTER

To see our online photo gallery of the Centurion Ri265, scan this tag or visit boatingmag .com/3242.

#3242

C CERTIFIED

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER

TEST

with up to 5,850 pounds of ballast, produces wakes and waves of world-class dimensions. Overall, the Opti-V hull design is based on lift, decreasing resistance and increasing handling performance. The transom-mounted QuickSurf Pro plates have been made larger, and this creates more lift opposite the surf side to help form the endless waves on either side of the boat. The center-mounted Stinger Wake Plate can adjust the boat’s running attitude and thereby change the shape and style of the wave, making it more

CENTURION Ri265 Sporting the custom colors of veterans organization Operation Wake Surf and Centurion’s special “Salute to Service” ﬂooring, this boat impressed on all levels.

moderate and mellow, or steep and advanced. With seven ballast positions throughout the boat capable of holding a combined 5,850 pounds, the Ri265 can displace serious amounts of water, with which the aforementioned plates then sculpt into clean, powerful waves. The adjustability of both the QuickSurf system and the ballast allow the Ri265’s waves to be customized for all levels and styles of riding, from beginners to world-class pros. At the helm, the new Revo side-by-side 12-inch touchscreen B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 7 1

Custom-made for Centurion by Roswell, the DropZone Auto Tower comes standard on the Ri265 and folds up quickly with the push of a button. Transom plug-and-play of 450 pounds. Optional Ramfill can be fitted to the sub-lounge tank, speeding drain time to 90 seconds. Of course, with a 26½-foot boat, there’s room for everybody and everything. The Ri265 seats a crew of 18 water-loving riders—in fact, its passenger capacity is Yacht Certified, the highest awarded by NMMA— and trust us when we say all 18 would be comfortable. The captain luxuriates in a new power seat that can be adjusted to all manner of positions with just a couple of buttons. The bow offers plenty of space for two adults to lounge in comfort, with cup holders and speakers within easy reach. In another go-big moment, Centurion made it possible to have not just one but two sliding, convertible rear benches in the Ri265. Buyers can opt for the second and position it in the cabin in a multitude of ways. Make it a

High Points

bench for true theaterlike seating to watch the action on the water, take out the backrests and place both benches together to make a giant lounge area, and much more. Customizable and adjustable, seating is also hinged for more-convenient access to storage areas underneath. If you’re shopping against the Ri265, there aren’t many other 26½-footers out there to compare with, but the MasterCraft X26 (well-equipped at $182,995 with a 430 hp Ilmor 6.2 L GDI VD 2.1) deserves more than a look. It offers some of the best fit-and-finish as well as overall ride quality in the market, but it doesn’t carry nearly as much ballast as the Ri265. Those aware of Centurion’s Ri line shouldn’t just look at the Ri265 as a 1-footlonger version of the Ri257. Not only is the running surface all new, but the lines from top to bottom are different as well. The styling of the new Ri265 is bold but not overly aggressive; the boat looks beautiful both on the trailer and in the water. Roswell’s DropZone Auto Tower complements the lines, and the Wet Sounds Warrior speaker package, featuring two tower-mounted boxes that house two Rev10 speakers and an 8-inch mid each, is something you have to hear to believe. —Garrett Cortese

7 2 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

X Pop-up backrests in the engine

compartment’s sun pad make for a comfortable lounging area. X Fuel-flow data at the helm is something

we wish every other manufacturer would provide. X Thanks to QuickLaunch, bow rise on the

Ri265 is minimal; it jumps on plane easily.

Low Points

X Multiple ballast zones provide more options

for fine-tuning but can also take longer to get the wave just right. · LOA: 26'6" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 3'0" · DISPLACEMENT: 6,400 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 20 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: NA · BALLAST: 5,850 lb. · SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: Yacht Certified · FUEL CAPACITY: 92 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 475 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single V-drive inboard

Price: $241,582 (as tested)

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

V- D R I V E

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Single 450 hp PCM ZZ6 DRIVE/PROP: V-drive/Acme 16" x 15" 3-blade bronze GEAR RATIO: 1.72:1 FUEL LOAD: 92 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 665 lb. C E N T U R I O N B O AT S

Merced, California; 209-384-0255; centurionboats.com

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

SPEED rpm

knots

EFFICIENCY mph

gph

OPERATION

naut. mpg

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

4.2 6.1 7.6 8.5 11.4 16.6

5.3 7.5 8.8 9.8 13.1 19.1

1.1 2.2 3.9 6.4 8.9 11.5

4.2 3.0 2.0 1.3 1.3 1.4

4.8 3.4 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.7

346.7 245.3 162.4 110.2 105.9 119.5

398.9 282.3 186.8 126.8 121.9 137.5

0 0 2 4 5 7

64 65 72 76 80 83

4000 4500 5000 5500 5500

22.2 26.5 29.5 32.2 32.2

25.6 30.5 34.0 37.0 37.0

13.5 16.8 22.0 30.0 30.0

1.6 1.6 1.3 1.1 1.1

1.9 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.2

136.4 130.6 111.2 88.7 88.7

157.0 150.3 128.0 102.1 102.1

4 3 3 3 3

84 87 88 95 95

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

PHOTO: BILL DOSTER

displays mark the Ri265 as a technological tour de force. These multifunction displays help the captain easily set up and control all of the Ri265’s onboard systems. The right screen displays a menu for wakesurf wave or wakeboard wake settings, ballast controls, lighting, audio and navigation. The left screen displays all the critical information, such as miles per hour, rpm, fuel levels and more. But what is most notable about the new displays is the info never before seen in tow boats: fuel-flow and cruising-range data. Tap the menu, and the Ri265’s fuel economy is displayed in real time, including range estimates. For big-lake boaters, this proves an especially valuable tool. Ballast? The available 5,850 pounds of Ri265 ballast is distributed evenly throughout the boat. There’s a standard sub-bow tank of 450 pounds, standard sublounge tank of 2,950 pounds, optional bow plug-and-play of 500 pounds, optional rear plug-and-play of 1,500 pounds, and optional

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TESTS #3243

High Points

X Anchor locker on a pontoon—brilliant! X Excellent battery access below the

aft lounge. X High-performance Hertz audio sounds

crisp and clear. X See-through gate and slide-out pet

bowls for man’s best friend.

Low Points

X Windscreen at the helm console would

BARLETTA L25UCA in testing these ’toons that really shows. This robust construction enables engine options up to the muscular Mercury Racing 450R on our test model. Within the deck are a lighted ski locker and a cooler stowage compartment. Just inside

To watch our video review of the Barletta L25UCA, visit boatingmag.com/3243.

button—very convenient. Triple 26-inch tubes feature dual-stage lifting strakes, which Barletta says reduce drag and help guide the boat through turns, plus internally reinforced nose cones and “wave tamers” to knock down spray from the outboard tubes. Heavy-duty double I-beam cross members are installed on 16-inch centers. The rubber Barletta Vibration Isolation Pads between the I-beams and each M-bracket effectively isolate the plywood deck from engine vibration, a feature

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the bow entry gate is a new in-deck anchor locker that will also hold a pair of large fenders. Convenience features include USB charging ports at each seat, a wireless phone charger at the helm, a flip-up table within the port console, and a stainless-steel tow bar with integrated fender baskets. The raised fuel-filler neck lets you top off the tank without bending over. The aft Ultra Lounge can be configured for fore or aft seating and lounging. The raised fiberglass helm console offers great legroom

7 4 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

Toughest Competitor X The 27-foot-9-inch Bennington

26LXSBA (base price about $84,000 with Mercury 150 outboard) features the triple-tube ESP Performance Package with a center-mounted 50-gallon fuel tank, SeaStar power steering, a convertible Swingback lounge with aft-facing Kicker speakers, and a sport tower.

and holds a standard Simrad GO7 multifunction display. New this year is a 1,500-watt Hertz audio system with six speakers (plus four in the arch) and a subwoofer. Dogs are frequent guests aboard pontoons, and this L25UCA is equipped with water bowls that slide out from the console base. Using the new Doggie Dockview see-through panel in the bow and portside gates, Fido can keep watch. It also improves the captain’s view forward when docking. Clever features and loads of luxury deﬁne this pontoon from Barletta. —Charles Plueddeman

· LOA: 27'6" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: NA · DISPLACEMENT: 4,520 lb. · FUEL CAPACITY: 48 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 450 · STANDARD POWER: Single 150 hp outboard

Price: $112,000 (base)

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

O U T B OA R D HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Mercury Racing 450R DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.2" x 18" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.60:1 FUEL LOAD: 13 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 190 lb. B A R L E T TA P O N T O O N B O AT S

Bristol, Indiana; 574-825-8900; barlettapontoonboats.com

SPEED

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

EFFICIENCY

rpm

knots

mph

gph

naut. mpg

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6400

4.17 6.52 8.52 14.34 17.12 21.72 25.20 31.11 36.50 42.93 46.49 49.53

4.80 7.50 9.80 16.50 19.70 25.00 29.00 35.80 42.00 49.40 53.50 57.00

1.70 3.10 4.60 6.30 7.90 11.50 12.60 16.30 22.40 31.00 40.00 45.00

2.45 2.10 1.85 2.28 2.17 1.89 2.00 1.91 1.63 1.38 1.16 1.10

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

OPERATION

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

2.82 2.42 2.13 2.62 2.49 2.17 2.30 2.20 1.88 1.59 1.34 1.27

106 91 80 98 94 82 86 82 70 60 50 48

122 105 92 113 108 94 99 95 81 69 58 55

0 0 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

59 54 65 68 71 74 79 80 83 84 85 85

PHOTOS: TOM KING

This new L Series ﬂagship of the Barletta Pontoon Boats line incorporates all the cool, desirable extras, including a welded-aluminum sport arch rated to tow 1,500 pounds that incorporates a 10-foot sun top, four speakers and a light bar, and raises and lowers at the touch of a

enhance driver comfort and visibility. X Man’s best friend not on the options list.

You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.

TESTS #3244

High Points

X Surf Gate and the Power Wedge III

offer one of the best combinations in the market to easily shape and customize wakes and waves. X New sound system features six

speakers in the main cabin and two in the bow, plus tower speakers and an integrated subwoofer. X Batteries are now located in the bow,

making access easier and more convenient.

Low Points

X Wake- and wave-shaping controls are

intuitive but require a lot of button pushing.

AXIS A24

the only options are to fill or drain.

Toughest Competitor

X Compare the A24 to Moomba’s Makai.

of integrated ballast, plus Malibu’s Surf Gate plates and the Power Wedge III. The Power Wedge III now allows for even greater control over wake and wave size and shape. Start the Power Wedge at position 1 for a longer wave with a mellower face. Bump it toward

To watch our video review of the Axis A24, go to boatingmag.com/3244.

previous model years but still allows for plenty of space and comfort. Aft, wraparound seating and a higher freeboard provide ample comfort for its 18-person capacity. Plus, compartments below the hinged seats feature some of the deepest storage we’ve seen. New colorways and customization options provide more ways to personalize the A24. Billeted aluminum dash accents add style. The A24’s wakes and waves prove great, thanks to nearly 4,000 pounds

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position 6, and your wave gets shorter and steeper. With a large crew and the ballast tanks full, the A24 kicks up a big, beautiful wave that has a large pocket, making it easy for riders of any level to surf on. Surf Gate and the Power Wedge are easily controlled from the helm; the positions of each can be monitored on a screen. Analog gauges keep the captain informed of vital info. While intuitive and easy to use, the helms of Axis boats lag in comparison to others that

7 6 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

It comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and AutoWake technology but less overall ballast when you factor in the Power Wedge III.

offer larger touchscreens and require fewer button presses to get set up for wakeboarding or wakesurﬁng. For power, our A24 test model was equipped with the 360 hp M5Di engine from Monsoon, which delivers 400 foot-pounds of torque for getting on plane while ﬁlled with ballast. But it was still economical, burning about 6 gph at wakesurf speeds. The A24 proves a major contender if you are shopping for a top-performing watersports boat without a top-of-the-market budget. —Garrett Cortese

· LOA: 24'5" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 2'8" · DISPLACEMENT: 5,250 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: NA · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: NA · BALLAST: 5,320 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed) · SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 18/2,538 lb. · FUEL CAPACITY: 76 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: Single inboard V-drive to 607 hp

Price: Not available at press time

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

V- D R I V E HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: 360 hp Monsoon M5Di DRIVE/ PROP: V-drive/4-blade 15" x 141/4" nibral GEAR RATIO: 2.00:1 FUEL LOAD: 38 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 300 lb. A X I S WA K E R E S E A R C H

Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com

SPEED

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5600

knots 3.7 5.2 7.0 8.7 12.3 16.2 19.3 22.0 27.4 29.8 29.8

EFFICIENCY mph 4.3 6.0 8.0 10.0 14.2 18.7 22.2 25.3 31.5 34.3 34.3

gph 1.1 1.8 3.2 5.3 7.8 9.7 12.5 15.9 17.2 23.7 23.7

OPERATION

naut. mpg

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

3.4 2.9 2.2 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.5 1.4 1.6 1.3 1.3

3.9 3.3 2.5 1.9 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.4 1.4

232.3 198.1 148.6 112.1 108.2 114.6 105.6 94.6 108.9 86.0 86.0

267.4 228.0 171.0 129.1 124.5 131.9 121.5 108.8 125.3 99.0 99.0

0 0 2 4 5 4 2 2 2 2 2

61 65 71 77 80 78 81 82 84 90 90

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

PHOTO: TOM KING

Axis updated its ﬂagship A24 with more comfort and a smoother ride for 2021. With an extra 4 inches of freeboard and new design cues, the A24 looks sleeker yet still maintains the bold stance for which Axis is known. The bow’s picklefork shape is subtler than

X No display for specific ballast levels;

Worth the Wait The world never stops turning – and her inﬁnite wonders remain. Now is the time to leave all your worries on the dock, let Mother Nature dazzle you with her beauty once more, and discover a truly unforgettable vacation on the water…

VACATION WITH US AT MOORINGS.COM/BOATING | 800.669.6529

TESTS #3245

High Points

X Walk-through transom makes

accessing the swim step easy, while also protecting the upholstery. X Electric eMLS fast-fill ballast

accelerates fill and drain times. X G5 watersports tower lowers for bridge

clearance and storage.

MALIBU Wakesetter 24 MXZ to mellow. Advanced riders will simply ﬁll the ballast, deploy the Power Wedge, and start riding. At level 1, the wake or wave lengthens out with a mellower face. The closer the Power Wedge gets to level 6, the steeper the face and bigger the wave. For endless wave surﬁng,

To watch our online video review of the Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ, visit boatingmag.com/3245.

Built on Malibu Boats’ acclaimed Wake Plus hull, the 24 MXZ sits deeper in the water at board-riding speeds, boosting wake size, while keeping the wake faces both clean and consistent. Add 3,385 pounds of water ballast spread between Malibu’s Quad Hard Tanks and plug-and-play ballast, and that wake grows dramatically. The Power Wedge III hydrofoil mimics yet another 1,500 pounds of weight, and depending on the selected angle, shapes the wake face from steep

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Malibu’s Surf Gate—a set of transom-mounted vertical tabs—pivots outward to disrupt water ﬂow coming off the hull sides, and instantly forms an ideally shaped wave on either side. The system’s audible beeps keep riders alert to help time with transferring from one wave side to the other. The bow cockpit is the most spacious to be found in the entire Malibu line. Equally plush seating wraps the entire perimeter of the main cockpit. Seats pivot up on articulating hinges to

7 8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

X Wet storage at the transom seats don’t

drain, which means they fill with water when the boat comes off plane.

Toughest Competitor

X Shop the 24 MXZ against the Supra SE,

which is also 24 feet, 5 inches, but it is rated for a crew of 18 and comes standard with a power folding tower.

access the storage below. And thanks to the subﬂoor ballast system, that storage is some of the deepest in the market. At the helm, the captain sits in a power chair that slides fore and aft, as well as up and down. All of the boat’s functions are controlled through Malibu’s Command Center, featuring two touchscreen displays and a rotary command dial. The dial is just forward of the throttle, so once underway, it’s easy for the captain to adjust the Power Wedge, Surf Gate, boatspeed or audio system without taking eyes off the water. —Garrett Cortese

· LOA: 24'5" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT (MAX): 2'8" · DISPLACEMENT: 6,000 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: NA · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: NA · BALLAST: 4,885 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed) · SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 17/2,397 lb. · FUEL CAPACITY: 82 gal.

· MAX HORSEPOWER: 607 hp

Price: Not available at press time

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

V- D R I V E

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: 430 hp Malibu Monsoon M6Di DRIVE/ PROP: V-drive/Acme 3077 17" x 15.5" 4-blade nibral GEAR RATIO: 2.00:1 FUEL LOAD: 45 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 335 lb. M A L I B U B O AT S

Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com

SPEED

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5600

knots 4.9 6.6 7.6 9.1 12.5 19.1 23.5 26.5 29.1 32.1 32.2

EFFICIENCY mph 5.6 7.6 8.8 10.5 14.4 22.0 27.0 30.5 33.5 36.9 37.1

gph 1.4 2.3 3.7 5.8 8.5 10.7 12.3 15.2 17.8 24.1 24.0

OPERATION

naut. mpg

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

3.5 2.9 2.1 1.6 1.5 1.8 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.3 1.3

4.0 3.3 2.4 1.8 1.7 2.1 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.5 1.5

256.5 211.9 152.5 116.1 108.6 131.9 140.8 128.7 120.7 98.2 99.1

295.2 243.9 175.5 133.6 125.0 151.7 162.0 148.1 138.9 113.0 114.1

0 2 4 7 8 7 5 4 4 3 4

66 68 73 77 80 85 87 88 89 90 90

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

PHOTO: TOM KING

With its wide, pickle-fork bow, the MXZ line from Malibu has long been one of the wakeboat builder’s most popular. For 2021, the 24 MXZ receives a hefty dose of updating—including a new interior layout, the latest Malibu tech, and even more wake-boosting potential.

Low Points

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800-395-2628 • BoatUS.com/Towing *One year Unlimited Freshwater/Saltwater pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

TESTS #3246

High Points

X Crisp, clean, easy-to-ride wake and

wave out of the box. X In-floor trash can and sandal-storage

compartment. X Wireless charging pad on the dash for

your phone.

Low Points

X Bow and port filler cushions can occupy

a lot of storage space when not in use. X Both AutoWake and the trim tabs

reduce displacement to even out and customize the wakes rather than adding to them, which might only be noticeable to more advanced wakeboarders.

MOOMBA Mojo phone holders and USB charging ports, the nonskid GatorStep on the cockpit sole and transom walkthrough, and the wide array of seating configurations. The fit-and-finish is exceptional for its class, giving Moomba a step up on the competition.

To watch our video review of the Moomba Mojo, visit boatingmag.com/3246.

and wave. By default, the shape of the wake sits comfortably between vert and ramp, making it userfriendly for all levels right out of the box. It can also be customized and programmed to keep things consistent for an ideal learning environment. The strategically designed interior of the Mojo maximizes comfort and functionality without adding any extra cost to the consumer. This is evident in the thoughtful distribution of the cup holders,

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At the helm, operational controls are at-a-glance and intuitive. Everything was thoughtfully designed with convenience in mind, from the optional 7-inch touchscreen display to high-tech features like AutoWake to the built-in armrest next to the throttle. All come standard. Even a lessexperienced driver can sit at the helm and feel comfortable with the controls. AutoWake deserves special mention for beginners. Its patented multisensor technology is designed to

8 0 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

X The Axis T23 sits across the aisle, start-

ing at $79,750, with a 16-person seating capacity and ballast up to 4,590 pounds. Axis wakes are known for their clean, customizable shape, mostly due to the Power Wedge III. The Power Wedge adds displacement while shaping the wake, rather than decreasing displacement with tabs or by extending the running surface.

handle the nuances of wakeand wave-shaping so you can focus on running the boat. Overall, the Mojo is a versatile boat that’s packed full of value for the whole family. Sitting comfortably at the intersection between form and function, this boat does everything well. Not only does it have plenty of room, comfortable seating, and a stylish design throughout, but the wake and wave also offer great shape and form to serve all riders, from beginners to those who are super-advanced and everyone in between. —Brandon Judd

· LOA: 23'0" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 2'4" · DISPLACEMENT: 4,800 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: NA · BALLAST: 4,000 lb. · SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 17/2,500 lb. · FUEL CAPACITY: 70 gal. · AVAILABLE POWER: Single inboard V-drive to 350 hp

Price: $78,640 (starting)

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :

V- D R I V E HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Indmar Raptor 400 350 hp DRIVE/PROP: V-drive/OJ 15.5" x 16.5" GEAR RATIO: 1.76:1 FUEL LOAD: 11 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 315 lb. M O O M B A B O AT S

Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; moomba.com

SPEED

C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS

rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5400

knots 4.3 6.1 7.8 11.3 16.5 21.7 26.1 29.5 33.0 35.6

EFFICIENCY mph 5.0 7.0 9.0 13.0 19.0 25.0 30.0 34.0 38.0 41.0

gph 1.2 2.0 3.7 5.7 7.5 9.5 12.0 16.0 23.2 28.2

OPERATION

naut. mpg

stat. mpg

n. mi. range

s. mi. range

angle

sound level

3.6 3.0 2.1 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.3

4.2 3.5 2.4 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.1 1.6 1.5

228.1 191.6 133.2 124.9 138.7 144.1 136.9 116.3 89.7 79.6

262.5 220.5 153.2 143.7 159.6 165.8 157.5 133.9 103.2 91.6

1 2 5 8 9 6 4 4 3 3

73 77 82 83 83 85 89 93 95 95

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

PHOTO: COURTESY MOOMBA BOATS

Moomba’s craftsmanship really shines in the Mojo. Hitting the Goldilocks size in the middle of the ﬂeet, the Mojo is not too big to tow or difficult to maneuver, nor is it too small to bring a few extra friends. At 23 feet, the Mojo creates a crisp, clean wake

Toughest Competitor

MOTORHEAD By Jim Hendricks

YAMAHA’S NEW V MAX SHO OUTBOARDS The high-performance V-6 engines boast more charging capacity and bold styling.

increasingly burden the boat’s onboard battery systems. The SHO’s extra juice helps the batteries keep up with power demands from items such as multiple ﬁsh ﬁnders and chart plotters, livewell pumps, jack plates, high-thrust trolling motors and more. The revamped Yama-haulers come in 200, 225 or 250 hp versions. Select models are available with 25-inch shafts for saltwater and walleye boats with deeper transoms. The upgraded SHO models also feature TotalTilt, which eliminates the need to hold the trim button, making it easier for trailering or trimming up the outboard in shallow situations. With a double tap of the trim button, the SHO tilts from the current position to fully up (or to the tilt-limit setting, whichever is lowest). In addition, a double tap of the down toggle trims the engine all the way down. A simple push of the tilt button can stop movement anywhere in between. In a move that seems contrary to the trend toward digital electronic engine controls, the SHO models retain a mechanical throttle-and-shift, and

are not available with digital electric steering, as are the newly upgraded Yamaha V-6 Offshore outboards. Instead, SHO engines are engineered to accept hydraulic steering, such as SeaStar Pro from Dometic. Yamaha says this eases rigging and service. We know that bass boaters have learned over the years to trust hydraulic steering systems while running at speeds approaching 80 mph or more, and they might be leery of this new breed of electric steering systems. In addition, the SHO’s mechanical throttle-and-shift can be adapted to cable-driven foot-pedal applications, such as T-H Marine’s Hot Foot, that allow bass boaters to use both hands on the steering wheel to control the boat at high speeds. Styling is a subjective thing, but the new SHO models deﬁnitely make a statement in their design, with lines and two-tone

blue-and-gray shading reminiscent of ﬂowing water. Instrumentation options range from new analog gauges (see “New Yamaha Analog Gauges”) to digital displays, such as Yamaha’s new CL5 touchscreen or the full-function CL7 engine display. Complementing the upgraded Yamaha V Max SHO line is the recently introduced HP version of Yamaha’s popular Saltwater Series II propellers. Crafted with new blade geometry, the HP three-blade stainless-steel wheels maximize speed for lighter boats, such as bay and walleye boats using the 25-inch X-shaft version of the V Max SHO. They are available in 18- through 21-inch pitches in both right- and left-hand rotations. The V Max SHO line, scheduled for availability in May, will have retail pricing starting at $21,370. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.

NEW YAMAHA ANALOG GAUGES In a move that pushes back against the digital era, Yamaha has introduced two new lines of OEM analog gauges available in either Classic or Sport styles. For greater customization, each line comes with four different combinations to better complement many of today’s boats that use analog gauges. Each combination features a 7,000 rpm tachometer and a 50 or 70 mph speedometer in a standard 4-inch size, along with fuel, trim, waterpressure and voltmeter gauges in a 2-inch size. 8 2 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1

PHOTOS: COURTESY YAMAHA

Yamaha Marine has undertaken a revamp of its popular 4.2-liter V Max SHO outboards, adding a number of improvements and avant-garde styling that tell other boaters you are in it to win it. These super-high-output V-6 engines are among the ﬁrst outboards to prove that four-strokes could replace the raspy two-strokes in the highperformance bass-boat market. With four big overhead valves per cylinder, tuned intake and exhaust, and high-performance gear cases, the SHO has become a go-to engine for tournament bass ﬁshing as well as lightweight bay boats. Taking the SHO to the next level, Yamaha boosted batterycharging capacity by 40 percent. It now offers 70 amps of maximum output, up from 50 amps on previous SHO models. Yamaha also offers an optional isolator lead to better charge house or trolling batteries. Today’s bass boats are equipped with a growing number of marine electronics and electrical devices that

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HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO WATER-SKI

BY TRAVIS MOYE PHOTOS BY BILL DOSTER

A few years ago, we asked the legendary Travis Moye to share, in his own words, how to teach kids to water-ski. A former national champion water-skier, Moye now owns and operates the Boarding School (theboardingschool.com) in Orlando, Florida, where he coaches kids and adults in skiing, wakeboarding and wakesurﬁng. He also happens to be a world-class boat driver who mans the helm during many professional watersports events. In his time on the water, Moye has taught the sport at all levels. Here’s the expert advice he had to share, done with the help of his daughter Lennon. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 8 5

FIRST-TIMERS

One of the biggest obstacles in teaching little kids to ski is getting them comfortable with the idea of being behind the boat, away from their parents. I can remember ﬂoating in the middle of a big lake as a child, wondering what could be lurking under me as the boat drove away in a large circle to come back. Depending on the age and willingness of your child, you can take a few steps to raise their comfort level before putting them on a pair of skis. I believe any time behind the boat (even on a tube) helps. But I prefer to do something in which they hold on to a handle so they can feel that sensation.

HOW TUBING CAN HELP SKIING As you can see, I am on an inﬂatable disc with Lennon so she can stand and hold the handle. The beauty of this is you can go incredibly slow (we are in idle). If you don’t have something like this, you can use a kneeboard, wakesurfer or sled. I always start with the rope short so you can maintain eye contact with the child and talk to them from the back of the boat. As they get more comfortable, start letting the rope out so they are farther and farther away from you. Just make a game of it, and before you know it, they will be all the way out

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on the rope, cruising around with a big smile.

MOVING ONTO SKIS Once they are comfortable being pulled by the boat, or of an age when you don’t think you need to worry about it, it’s

time to strap them in some skis. I always start on dry land so they can experience some of the feelings before hopping in the water. Depending on the size of the child, you can pull them around in the grass if you like, but at a minimum,

have them put on the skis and sit down on them, then give them a handle. The two most important things are to keep

Once they are comfortable being pulled by the boat, or of an age when you don’t think

your arms completely straight and knees completely bent. You can pull them up while standing on shore and show them what happens if they pull with their arms or if they push with their legs. Both will result in either sliding under the handle and falling back or toppling over the front. When done properly, it will take little effort by the person holding the handle and by the skier.

LEARNING CONTROL I go over the same drill with them in the water, with the tip of the skis touching the platform. That way, you can

stand on the platform and pull the handle, and they will simply rock up out of the water. With my older daughter, Ella, I’m using a rope with a handle on each end. The great thing

about this is you maintain more control over them, and they can see and talk to you. If they fall, you can let go of your handle instead of dragging them through the water. As

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HOW TO GET UP ON TWO SKIS Here are five specific tips for getting up on two skis for the first time. 1. Use a ski rope, which has a bit more stretch, of 75 feet in length to keep the skier in cleaner water behind the boat. The skier should sit in a cannonball position, with their knees squeezed together close to their chest and their arms straight. The rope should sit between the skis, with the ski tips pointing up and out of the water. 2. The boat’s driver should idle forward until the towrope is taut behind the boat, then accelerate at a slow and steady pace to pull the young skier out of the water without jerking them forward. With young skiers on two skis, the driver should keep the boat at low-planing speeds and not accelerate beyond 25 mph. 3. The skier should let the boat pull them out of the water, remaining in the crouched position until the skis are planing in the water underneath them. Then they should slowly straighten their legs while keeping their arms straight in front of them. 4. Once the skier is comfortable, they should align their hips under their shoulders and concentrate on aiming the skis to crisscross inside the wake. Once comfortable with changing direction, it’s time to head outside the wake. 5. If the skier falls, remember to let go of the handle. The spotter should immediately alert the boat driver to circle back to help the skier restart or climb back inside the boat.

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you can see, she always keeps her arms straight and knees slightly bent. Once they have gotten up and cruised around successfully several times, you can go ahead and put the rope on the pylon. One crucial thing when teaching anyone is to keep the speed slow. Ella weighs around 50 pounds, and we are going 10 mph. You may have to go a little slower or faster depending on the size of your child and when the wake forms on your boat. But slower is always better to start.

STARTING TO SLALOM-SKI Now that you can navigate two skis, it’s time to slalom. You can learn to drop a ski

but, ultimately, we want to do a deepwater start. The start isn’t that different than getting up on a pair of skis, there is just more balance involved. So, just like with two skis, we are going to keep our knees completely bent and arms completely straight. The balance really comes from engaging your core, which will help keep you in a ball and allow you to rock up on the water; otherwise, your upper and lower body become independent of each other, making it easier to get pulled out. You also want to keep your ski pointed to the side. If you are right-foot forward, point it to the right, and vice versa. When the boat starts to pull you, it will always pull the ski in to-

ward the rope, so the more you angle the ski will help. I generally like to teach people with the back foot in the binding, but if you need to, you can drag your back foot behind you to start. Don’t be in a rush to jam it in the binding once you’re up. Take time to get balanced out and place it on the back of the ski. Now you just keep your knees slightly bent and arms straight.

Once you are up, you can slowly navigate from side to side. You don’t want to start doing fast wake crossings or big turns at ﬁrst, but rather pull out on the side of the boat and maintain a lean, focusing on the same body position you have while standing behind the boat. You should learn to do this on both sides of the boat before working on crossing the wakes.

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FIV E IN FL ATA BL ES TH AT W ILL TA KE YO UR T UB IN G TO TH E N E X T LE V E L . BY JEFF HEMMEL PHOTOS BY TOM KING Wakesurfing is undoubtedly cool, wakeboarding lets you experience the thrills of big air, and good oldfashioned water-skiing will forever be fun. But the most versatile towable remains the inflatable. Once made from literal tire tubes, which is how we still refer to them, today’s versions are more durable and maneuverable, and they amp up the thrill level far beyond the tubes of old. Yes, in the process some offerings have gotten a little, shall we say, unique. (Did we really see a four-passenger stand-up model that looks like a giant traffic cone?) But overall, inflatables have gotten a lot more fun—which, after all, is the point. How do you choose the best inflatable for your friends and family in this sea of durable, maneuverable, thrilling—and occasionally downright weird— blow-up toys? We’d argue the answer is in the twoto-three-passenger range, where you can find an inflatable that still delivers a fun ride for nearly all ages and skill levels but doesn’t cost more than your monthly car payment—or require a dedicated storage closet just to stow it when not in use. The five inflatables we rounded up for 2021 fit that description to perfection on paper. Here’s how they shook out on the water.

Radar Chase 3 Don’t let the laid-back, lounge-chair vibe of Radar’s Chase 3 fool you. Though this inﬂatable may look ready to chill, the Chase 3 can transform into one wild ride behind the boat, skipping across the wakes into a thrill-

ing slide or, with the right wake, launching airborne for a little hang time. Credit the Spoon-O-Vation, Radar’s convex, spoonlike bottom surface that promises to reduce the drag of a conventional ﬂat-bottom tube. Clip

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a GoPro action camera into the standard mount at the tube’s front edge, and you can capture share-worthy footage of every moment, whether it’s from a ﬁrst-person point of view or aimed back at the crew enjoying the ride.

While our riders found the most fun in the lounge position, you can also ride the Chase 3 chariot-style. Rotate the tube 180 degrees and use the secondary tow hook, and occupants can ride the towable while kneeling like a

waterborne Ben-Hur, holding on to a series of grab handles along the backrest. Whichever arrangement you choose, neoprene seat-padding covers and knuckle guards offer comfort and protect the tube cover from wear. Should

you want to kick back on a slow cruise or just use the tube as a ﬂoat, a pair of cup holders—yes, cup holders—are ready to keep refreshments close at hand. The Chase 3 features a heavy-duty PVC bladder wrapped in a tough

nylon cover to protect against abrasion. The tube’s primary deck, backrest and armrests inﬂate via a single twopart, screw-in Boston valve, which removes completely for quick deﬂation. The small, twin bolsters on the tube’s

leading edge feature oral-inflation valves (in a pool-toy style). Though easily filled while using the right electric inflater adapter, they can prove a little more finicky to fill and cap without losing air. $379.99; radarskis.com B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 1 | 9 1

Connelly Daytona 2 Connelly suggests the Daytona 2 has a Mario Kart feel. We’re not big gamers, but we can certainly understand the

reference. Two riders sit side by side on twin red and blue go-karts, with their feet straddling an inﬂated center

column and their backs against an inflated backrest. Twin grab handles on that central column evoke a steering wheel. Below, the tube’s deck-style base is asphalt gray, with a checkered-flag graphic at the Daytona 2’s leading edge. There’s even a speedometer graphic, pegged at a “don’t try this at home” 90 mph. Go, Speed Racer, go! While the seating arrangement suggests a race, it’s the tube’s flat bottom surface that makes the Daytona 2 a speedy ride, skidding easily in and out of the wakes. Riders did have some leverage to influence direction, but the

boat driver has the most control, sending the Daytona on a series of S-turns. Riders initially feared that the seating position, combined with the relatively low position of the grab handles, had the potential to eject riders should those skids become a little too aggressive. But, ultimately, the Daytona 2 proved stable. Still, at 70-by-70 inches, it’s probably best enjoyed by the smaller riders in your pit crew. Like all of the tubes we tested, the Daytona 2 comes preassembled with a heavy-duty internal PVC bladder wrapped in a durable nylon cover for protection. While the main deck

easily fills and deflates via a two-part Boston valve, the central columns and backrests feature oral-inflation valves (think of a pool float), which didn’t always line up well with the corresponding openings in the cover as the bladders inflated. Soft EVA padding is stitched in place on each seat position to offer comfort and durability. Likewise, the fully padded handles are comfortable and backed with knuckle guards to prevent abrasion. When the race is finally done, excess water empties through covered mesh drains on the tube’s bottom edge. $259.99; connellyskis.com

WOW Big Shark Insanely bright with its high-visibility mix of red, yellow, and the requisite mouthful of pearly white teeth, WOW’s Big Shark deﬁnitely won’t be creeping stealthily through the water to any ominous theme music. Instead, the ﬁrst of two shark-themed models in this year’s roundup is almost impossible to miss. That’s the idea. Sure, those highvis colors may catch

attention on a crowded website catalog page, but they also stand out on increasingly crowded waterways, keeping the Shark—and its riders—more visible while underway. A modern twist on the banana tubes of old, the 10-foot-9-inch-long Shark positions its two passengers in a line, riding atop this ﬁsh’s back bronco-style between dorsal and tail ﬁns. EVA foam pads are stitched

onto the heavy-duty nylon cover in each seating area for comfort and to prevent wear, but our riders would have preferred for the coverage to extend the length of their inner thighs. Smaller riders especially found the seating position to be too wide, with their skin susceptible to chaﬁng over time against the exposed nylon. However, the padded, double-webbed grab handles with EVA foam knuckle guards placed in front of each

rider offered secure, comfortable handholds. Old-school banana tubes tend to roll, but WOW wisely added large wing-shaped side pontoons to increase the Shark’s stability, for boarding both at rest and while underway. The main body and wings easily inﬂate and deﬂate via two-part, plug-style speed valves. Like the bananas of old, the Shark tracked relatively straight within the boat’s wake. It resisted the driver’s attempts

to make it skid via an S-turn, but offered a fun, enjoyable ride that should satisfy kids and adults alike. A suggestion? The molded, EZ Tow connector below the Shark’s chin keeps the bow from submarining when underway, but consider adding WOW’s Tow Boss rope system; its large, inﬂatable bobber at the midline will keep the towrope from getting caught in the water, greatly improving the ride. $279.99; wowwatersports.com

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O’Brien Paradise 2

HO Shark Forget that chilling Jaws theme. This Shark has got fun on its mind. Essentially a 64-by-75inch deck-style inflatable interrupted by a cartoonlike head and tail fin, the Shark can accommodate one to three riders. A solo passenger can ride the tube seated with their legs straddling the head and their back resting against the tail; two passengers can lie prone on the broad, flat deck area to each side; or a trio can combine all three positions. Grab handles placed alongside the shark’s head and along the tube’s leading edge, combined with inflatable side bolsters to keep prone passengers from slipping off, ensure all feel secure while this Shark plies the waters. Underway, our test

crew found the Shark to be stable, and it liked to slide, a beneﬁt of its ﬂat bottom surface. Riders could exert a little body English to direct the tube’s motion, but it was the driver who could really send the tube in and out of the wakes with a few well-timed S-turns. Prone passengers took occasional spray to the face, but the only real complaint centered around a prone passenger’s elbows. The addition of neoprene wear pads would add comfort for bare skin. The Shark features a heavy-duty PVC internal bladder covered in a tough nylon wrap for protection and to provide those bright colors and graphics. The quickconnect plastic tow connector attaches to the cover via a webbed strap.

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Soft, foam grab handles are covered in nylon for protection and feature soft knuckle guards below. Inﬂation of the main bladder is accomplished easily via a screw-in, two-part Boston valve tucked below

a Velcro-equipped flap. The head, tail and side bolsters, however, inflate separately via oral-inflation valves, so plan to spend extra time and have the correct adapters on hand. $349.99; hosports.com

With an idyllic, photoquality beachfront graphic and comparable name, O’Brien’s Paradise 2 sets the stage for a relaxing day on the water. The cover material even gets in on the action. Unlike the slightly rougher feel of heavyduty nylon, O’Brien’s SoftTec Ultra fabric is soft to the touch with a neoprene feel, offering an additional level of comfort for bare knees and elbows while still maintaining abrasion resistance. Choosing to fashion the entire top deck of the Paradise 2 out of the material also eliminates add-on wear pads and knuckle

guards, and their additional stitching. Beyond the eyecatching graphic and cushy top surface, don’t expect much in the way of extra features. A classic deckstyle inﬂatable doesn’t

really need them. The Paradise 2’s open, 66-by-66-inch deck invites one or two riders to lie prone atop the surface, and six grab handles on the leading edge offer a variety of handholds. The tube’s

low center of gravity offers exceptional stability with a fast, skidhappy feel. Riders can exert leverage and use body English to partially dictate the tube’s direction while the boat driver dramatically accelerates motion with the always versatile S-turn. Yes, the prone position doesn’t offer much in the way of shock absorption, but the deep inﬂatable bladder smoothed out rough water quite well and cushioned bodies during the occasional bounce. The Paradise 2 features a 26-gauge internal bladder, with the bottom covered in durable, slippery

nylon, topped off with that cushy SoftTec Ultra fabric. The tube’s grab handles are comfortably padded. Our favorite practical feature, however, has to be O’Brien’s Lightning Valve. A large valve opening paired with an internal one-way flap, it allows for lightningquick inflation via a dedicated inflater or Shop-Vac. When the time comes to pack things away, simply push in that flap and the air within rushes out of the tube just as quickly, making the Paradise 2 the simplest of our candidates to prep and stow. $179.99; obrien.com

THE SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE G23 The Super Air Nautique G23 (nautique.com) is recognized as one of the premier wakesurfing boats around. Testers from our sister publication Wakeboarding say it produces a smooth, clean wave that is as symmetrical as it gets. Whether surfing or wakeboarding, you can customize the G23’s wake thanks to the Nautique Configurable Running Surface and the Nautique Surf System. For surfing, the Configurable Running Surface works with the push of a button to help flatten lift for smoother starts out of the hole. It also increases displacement at surf speeds, and keeps a level running attitude while on plane. For improved close-quarters handling, opt for the Integrated Steering Assist, which adds a bow thruster to help maneuvering. The Surf Switch, a handheld controller that the surfer can secure to his or her wrist with a lanyard, lets the surfer customize the shape and size of the wake in real time from behind the boat. Inside the boat, the plush interior seats up to 16 people in comfort and style. LOA: 23'0" BEAM: 8'6" DRY WEIGHT: 6,000 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 65 gal. SEATING CAPACITY: 16 WEIGHT CAPACITY: 2,500 lb. STANDARD BALLAST: 2,200 lb. MAX BALLAST: 2,200 lb. STANDARD HORSEPOWER: 370 MAX HORSEPOWER: 600 PRICE: $180,202 (base)

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With most operators of boats under 26 feet in length overall now required to use an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), alternatives to the ubiquitous safety lanyard bear consideration. Take the 1st Mate. An electronic ECOS, it’s a small fob that one wears like a watch or clips on like a key ring. The 1st Mate allows the captain to move around the boat, obviating complaints regarding the inconvenience of lanyards. It also allows restarting the engine immediately following a man overboard (MOB), unlike a lanyard ECOS, which, unless crew aboard possess a spare lanyard, may not allow restarting the engine if the skipper goes overboard. The 1st Mate system is an app-integrated marine safety and security product developed through a partnership between Mercury Marine and Fell Marine. It integrates the beneﬁts of Mercury’s industryleading SmartCraft and Fell Marine’s WiMEA protocol, using WiMEA

to communicate between a hub and fobs, which proves faster and more robust than Bluetooth in marine safetycritical situations. The 1st Mate system also uses Bluetooth for communication between app-loaded devices. Furthermore, the 1st Mate can be upgraded wirelessly to unlock new features in the future. During a captainoverboard event, the 1st Mate cuts the engines; sounds an alarm on mobile devices with the app, its hub, and other fobs on the boat; and displays the GPS location and directions to the MOB. This enables crew to safely maneuver directly back to the victim. Besides working for

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functionality is said to be plug-and-play, while setting up individual fobs and a list of emergency contacts will take a few minutes. In-app and web-based written and video instructions are provided.

Kits include one fob and one each of the clip-on and wearable fob holders. Additional fobs cost $128.56 each; additional wearables cost $35.70 and come in black, blue and red. The 1st Mate system

SCA N ME Learn about the new ECOS/ ECOSL law at boatingmag.com/ ecos or scan this tag.

The system is available for SmartCraft engines from singles to sixes. Non-SmartCraft engines are supported up to triple installations. Pricing ranges from $571.41 for single engine boats to $999 for SmartCraft applications with four, ﬁve and six engines.

appears to offer great value, ease of use, and a trifecta of functionality: safety, distress messaging and security. We plan to install a system aboard one of our project boats and will report back after several months.

PHOTOS: COURTESY MERCURY MARINE

1 ST MATE

the skipper, up to seven crew can be protected by 1st Mate fobs ($128 each for passenger fobs), including pets. Should fob-wearing crew go over, the alarm and MOB location and direction are immediately sent to the app and system, though the engines are not cut. Additionally, the 1st Mate can notify emergency contacts that an MOB occurred, and provide location, time and heading information to the event. This adds additional safety, particularly for a boater out on the water alone. The 1st Mate system also provides security. Just like your car’s fob, the engine(s) will not start without the captain fob aboard. You can designate different fobs as the captain to allow others to use your boat. You can also disable the system for a service tech. Forgot your fob? The app affords backup startability. Dropped your phone? Touch the provided key-ring-ready NFC medallion to the hub. Installation is DIYsimple, according to the 1st Mate team, requiring just four screws to mount the sandwich-size hub and the running of one cable. That’s for boats with Mercury SmartCraft or NMEA 2000. Boats without a network require more effort to tap into the ignition circuit. Basic ECOS

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* Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate) based on 5 year loan term; individual rate may vary based on loan amount, loan term, vehicle use, model year and type of boat. Subject to consumer loan program requirements and credit approval. Rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. Certain fees, closing costs, and restrictions may apply. APR applied to the loan is the APR in effect on the date the application is received and is valid for 60 days. Boat must be 2001 model year or newer; for boat model year 2001 to 2010, add .25% to above rate. Maximum loan term based on loan amount. Maximum loan amount is calculated using an advance percentage determined by FICO score and multiplied by NADA guide base wholesale value with add-ons; if not listed in NADA guide, then multiplied by 80% of BUC low retail value. Other rates with different loan terms are available. Example of a refinance recreational use boat loan: A $65,399 loan (includes a $399 processing fee) for 5 years with a fixed interest rate of 4.047% would have an APR of 4.29% and 60 monthly payments of $1,205.81. This is only an example and the APR and processing fee may differ for your specific transaction. Loans with longer terms may have higher rates. Essex Credit is a division of Bank of the West. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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K I L L- SW I T C H B L U E S What fun is life without a little danger?

y boat does not have a kill switch. Excuse me, I should have said my boat does not have an engine cutoff switch (ECOS). The marine industry would really prefer that we don’t use the K-word. In fact, back when I was a wet-behind-the-ears buckaroo PR associate at OMC, the legal department informed me there were two words that should never be used in public-facing corporate communications: kill and safety. The goal was not to imply that any company products are either dangerous or safe. Because lawsuits, of course. This publication will henceforth use the term ECOS. You, dear reader, are free to continue calling that red lanyard the kill switch. The ECOS became a topic of discussion at the As of April 1, operators of recreationLake View Inn when I al vessels less than 26 feet in length informed the crew assembled at the worn blue will be required to use an ECOS as Formica bar that as of the United States Coast Guard imApril 1, operators of recreational vessels less than plements a law passed by Congress. 26 feet in length will be required to use an ECOS as the United States Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress. There was a moment of silence as the assembly pondered for a bit. Everyone at the bar owns a boat less than 26 feet long. “I hate that kill-switch gizmo,” said my good friend Chuck Larson, the first patron to break the silence. “Oh, Chuck, have you already forgotten the Bud Jorgensen incident?” replied Jackie Quade as she leaned forward over her brandy oldfashioned to look down the bar at my good friend. “I had to ride out on the WaveRunner to pick up the kids and save his dumb butt.” Faithful readers of this page may recall the story of Bud falling overboard

while towing his daughters in a tube with his 14-foot Alumacraft. “Yeah, but Bud wasn’t thinking, and that was a tiller motor,” Chuck said. “Boating is supposed to be about freedom and escape. And I think I’ll run my boat any way I please. Besides, there’s no Coastie Guards on our lake.” Chuck is correct that the law applies only to waters patrolled by the Coast Guard, but seven states have a similar ECOS law on the books. “Once it’s a federal regulation, you can bet it will trickle down to the states, and then the DNR will be enforcing it here,” I said. Groans ran down the bar. “I would use the thing, except the damn clip is so stiff, you end up fighting with it,” Wally said from behind the bar. “It’s like they don’t really want anybody to use it.” As usual, a good point made by Wally, and one that I’ve brought up to the motor companies. One answer I got was that lawyers engineered the stiff metal clip, wanting it strong so that it could never break. Because liability. A few years ago, Mercury finally switched to a plastic clip that is much easier to use, but I think every other builder still uses a metal clip. My 1951 Dunphy does not have an ECOS, but my colleague and vintage outboard expert John Tiger assures me I can wire an ECOS into the coil circuit of its Evinrude Lark, and I think that will be my next project. Chuck says a little danger keeps you on your toes, but I really don’t want to be the next Bud Jorgensen.

BOATING (ISSN 0006-5374) (USPS 504-810), June/July 2021, Volume 94, No. 5. ©2021. Boating is published eight times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June/July, August/September, October and November/December) by Bonnier Corp., 480 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 236, Winter Park, FL 32789. Subscription rates for one year (8 issues): $15 in the US, $25 in Canada, $35 for other international. Orders outside the US must be prepaid in US funds. Periodicals postage paid at Winter Park, Florida, and additional mailing offices. Authorized periodicals postage by the Post Office Department, Ottawa, Canada, and for payment in cash. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BOATING, PO Box 6364, Harlan, IA 51593-1864; BGMcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com; boatingmag.com/ cs. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608 Canada. Returns to be sent to IMEX Global Solutions, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Canada. If the postal service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

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ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER; PHOTO: MABEL PLUEDDEMAN

By Charles Plueddeman