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Scuttle
BOATS
Invictus Unveils TT460
Meet the new Invictus Yacht fl agship, the TT460. This 46-footer is equipped with twin Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines and features a large deck that can be increased by the two foldable side platforms. Owners will have ample opportunity to personalize the interiors.
“This yacht was born from the wish to give a shape to the energy and emotions of a day onboard, when time seems to stop and you feel you could be as one with sun and waves. All this can be done without sacrifi cing style and that truly Italian elegance that adds value to any experience,” says Christian Grande, Invictus Yacht designer.
Other features of the TT460 include a comfortable walkway around the perimeter of the deck, a large bow sundeck and customizable accommodations below.
For more information, visit INVICTUSYACHT.COM.
SCUTTLE
GREAT LAKES NEWS BOATS MUST-HAVE BUZZ EVENTS BUSINESS
The Navionics Boating app has introduced a new Connections feature, allowing users to share their live positions with each other while out cruising, sailing, fishing or kayaking.
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BUZZ
S.S. Badger Under New Ownership The historic 1952 Great Lakes car ferry S.S. Badger — which travels between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin — has been purchased by Interlake Holding Co. The Badger is the nation’s last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation. Interlake operates nine Great Lakes freighters and is building the first new U.S. lake freighter in nearly four decades.
GREAT LAKES NEWS
It’s been a long time since the Great Lakes Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps were updated — nearly 30 years in fact — but thanks to a bipartisan bill that passed in January, they will be updated. These maps will provide more accurate assessments of coastal resources that are at risk of severe damage or a natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and widely used community resources such as beaches, parks and boat ramps. The maps are essential for disaster planning and recovery, research and restoration efforts. “The Great Lakes are vital to our nation — from providing drinking water to millions of people to being an economic engine for communities across Michigan,” says Senator Gary Peters (DMI). “Efforts to protect the Great Lakes should be considered just as critical as projects to safeguard other major bodies of water and shorelines. I’m pleased that this bipartisan legislation is now law, because it will help provide scientists and researchers the resources needed to protect our Great Lakes.”
BUZZ
Docking is typically one of the most stressful and problematic aspects of boating, but Volvo Penta’s new Assisted Docking System gives the captain better control and makes docking smooth and easy even in rough conditions. Volvo launched the fully integrated docking system at the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show in January. “Our aim has long been to make things easier for our existing customers and to attract more people to enjoy the boating experience,” says Anders Thorin, product manager of electronics at Volvo Penta. “Current Volvo Penta customers will be able to enjoy the Assisted Docking system with a relatively simple update, which can be performed by a local dealer. For those new to boating, it will be the fi rst step into the world of modern boating and, we hope, the fi rst of many new adventures to come.”
The Assisted Docking System works by integrating a new software layer with the GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and Inboard Performance Systems to provide the ultimate package, complete with a human-machine interface (HMI) at the helm, helping anyone feel like a seasoned captain when it comes to docking. The system will be commercially available in the spring of 2021 for installation on new boat models, as an upgradable option and as a retrofi t. To learn more, visit VOLVOPENTA.COM.
Van Buren State Park in South Haven, Michigan, has expanded by 17 acres, the Michigan DNR reports. The park’s footprint will now include the Northpoint Conservation Area, which features a 340-foot stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors will see new signage and revised hours.
MICHIGAN.GOV/DNR.
BUZZ
The Moorings Announces Newest Charter Destination For those craving a much-needed getaway, The Moorings charter company has announced its newest destination: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. A variety of charter options will be available, with all-inclusive Crewed yacht charters available beginning in February 2021 and Bareboat Sailing and Power yacht charters available from March 2021.
Just a short 10-minute drive from Cyril E. King airport, this newest base is located in Yacht Haven Grande Marina in Charlotte Amalie. With multiple major airlines accommodating direct flights from the United States, charter guests will find it easier than ever to arrive at their yacht quickly. In addition, no passport is required for U.S. citizens.
Guests can explore the diverse beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands aboard the company’s Moorings 5000 and Moorings 4500 sailing catamarans, as well as the smaller three-cabin Moorings 4000 sailing catamaran and Moorings 433 power catamaran.
For more information, visit MOORINGS.COM.
BOATS
Beneteau Unveils New Gran Turismo 41
Joining Beneteau’s express cruiser line renewal, which includes six models from 32 to 50 feet, is the brand-new Gran Turismo 41. Building upon the popular Gran Turismo 40, the new 41-footer draws from its predecessors’ seaworthiness and design, while adding extra enhancements and comfort for guests onboard.
“In developing the Gran Turismo 41, we chose to make her a social boat open to the sea and the sun,” says Mathilde Tertrain, Beneteau project manager. “The elegant peaceful atmosphere of her interior space is a true delight, conducive to rest, in real comfort.”
New features found onboard include an aft sunbathing area placed at bench height for easier access, which now offers optional reclining backs and a retractable canopy, as well as courtesy lights. The large U-shaped cockpit offers plenty of entertaining space, and a hardtop with a huge sliding roof provides fresh air and protection when needed. Below are two private cabins with a full-beam design and opening portholes.
Power comes from either twin 300-hp or twin 380-hp Volvo sterndrive engines, which offer top speeds of 33 and 38 knots, respectively.
The Gran Turismo 41 will launch in the U.S. in Summer 2021. Visit BENETEAU.COM.
MUST-HAVE
Electric Outboard Manufacturer ePropulsion Now Available in the U.S.
ePropulsion’s Spirit 1.0 Plus electric outboard motor is now available to U.S. boaters. Matching the power of a 3-hp four-stroke gasoline outboard motor, this of a 3-hp four-stroke gasoline outboard motor, this innovative system provides lightweight, innovative system provides lightweight, effi cient, quiet propulsion that is effi cient, quiet propulsion that is vibration-, emission- and exhaust-free. vibration-, emission- and exhaust-free.
Featuring a lightweight, fl oatable Featuring a lightweight, fl oatable 1276Wh battery, the largest 1276Wh battery, the largest available for a motor of this size, the Spirit 1.0 Plus can reach up to approximately 5 knots with a range approximately 5 knots with a range of 6.4 nm and 1.25-hour runtime at of 6.4 nm and 1.25-hour runtime at full speed. At lower speeds, runtime full speed. At lower speeds, runtime can be extended to around 20 hours and can be extended to around 20 hours and a range of 46 nm.
The motor is available from the national The motor is available from the national distributors Mack Boring (East Coast) and distributors Mack Boring (East Coast) and Four Seas (West Coast). The Spirit 1.0 Plus Four Seas (West Coast). The Spirit 1.0 Plus costs $1,999 (including the battery). costs $1,999 (including the battery).
Visit EPROPULSION for more information.
BUSINESS
S2 Consolidates Tiara Brands
Tiara Yachts and Tiara Sport are now one brand under the Tiara Yachts banner, according to an announcement by its parent company S2 Yachts.
“The definitions of Yacht and Sport have evolved since the inception of Tiara Sport in 2017,” says S2 CEO and President Tom Slikkers. “Sport has shifted and blended from vessels meant to be enjoyed for the day to vessels that can be enjoyed for longer trips and with more people, similar to what we see in our Yacht products. Our outboard products continued to grow in length and scope, which was not necessarily something we envisioned when we started Tiara Sport. Ultimately, our brand families were more alike than they were different.”
The Tiara Yachts branding transition kicks off with the launch of the 48 LS, the first outboard-powered model under the Tiara Yachts name.
For more information, visit
TIARAYACHTS.COM.
BUZZ
NMMA Reports U.S. Boat Sales Reached 13-Year High in 2020 Following a summer where many new boaters entered the market looking for ways to socially distance and enjoy the outdoors, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports that U.S. boat sales increased by about 12% compared to 2019. More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020, levels the recreational boating industry has not seen since before the Great Recession in 2008 — and it’s expected to continue into 2021.
“2020 was an extraordinary year for new powerboat sales as more Americans took to the water to escape pandemic stress and enjoy the outdoors safely,” says Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “For the first time in more than a decade, we saw an increase in first-time boat buyers, who helped spur growth of versatile, smaller boats — less than 26 feet — that are often towed to local waterways and provide a variety of boating experiences, from fishing to watersports.”
Other important stats that came from NMMA’s “New Powerboat Registration Data” report include: Sales of PWCs were up 8% in 2020; wakeboat sales were up 20%; and fishing boats and pontoons accounted for 50% of all new powerboats sold.
To view the report in its entirety, visit NMMA.ORG.
MUST-HAVE
ShoreMaster Announces New Hydraulic TruLift
ShoreMaster, LLC, recently announced its brand-new TruLift — its most versatile hydraulic lift to date. The TruLift is ideal for boaters in low water-level areas, as it requires a minimum water depth of only 16 inches (plus the boat’s draft). Its true hydraulic design requires minimal maintenance, and the precision-welded construction makes it ultra reliable at full-load capacity. Like all ShoreMaster hydraulic lifts, the TruLift has standard remote-control operation. The system is available in 8,000- and 12,500-pound capacities.
“Our customers have invested considerable time and money into their boats,” says Don Hurley, CEO of ShoreMaster, LLC. “Their investments deserve the protection of the finest and most durable boat lift on the market.”
For more information, visit SHOREMASTER.COM.
BOATS
Cobalt’s New R6 Surf Designed For Watersports With watersports enthusiasts in mind, Cobalt’s new R6 Surf delivers a world-class wave, sporty styling and performance tailored perfectly for wakesurfing and wakeboarding. A brand-new hull design with an advanced, integrated surf technology system means this boat rides higher in the water, has more stability and rides comfortably. The Cobalt Surf Gate System equips the boat with six hard tanks that provide up to 2,300 pounds of ballast. Get ready to wakeboard on the full-beam swim platform with Cobalt’s patented Swim Step.
This boat is also designed for families, accommodating 14 passengers and offering plenty of lounging spaces. The helm is outfitted with a comfy captain’s chair, a Garmin glass cockpit with touchscreen displays, a rear-view camera and more.
For more information, visit COBALTBOATS.COM.
BUZZ
SWFY Offers Summer Specials on Charters and Classes To celebrate its 37th year in business, Southwest Florida Yachts (SWFY) in Cape Coral, Florida, is offering Summer Specials on its charters and cruising classes for 2021 and 2022. Book a charter or class between May 1 and October 31 in 2021 and 2022, and receive 10% off charters and 5% off classes. Enjoy a charter aboard one of five sailboats or eight powerboats SWFY has to offer, including a new-tothe-fleet Grand Banks 36 Uptick. Or enroll in a power or sail cruising course to learn everything from basic powerboat handling and offshore cruising to coastal navigation. For the promotion to apply, the charter must be at least three days long and courses must have a minimum of two students per class. For more information and to book a charter or class, visit SWFYACHTS.COM.
EVENTS
Three Miami Boat Shows Combine For 2022
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Informa Markets, two of the largest players in the international and U.S. boat show scene, have partnered to unite the Miami International Boat Show, Miami Yacht Show and Superyacht Miami under one event: The Miami International Boat Show. The fi rst combined show will take place on February 16-20, 2022.
The partnership marks the fi rst joint production of South Florida winter boat shows and allows for numerous upgrades to the show, including the addition of a live concert series, expanded educational offerings, a digital component and the return of Miami Dealer Days.
The new joint show will take place on-land at the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and in-water at Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza and Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island.
To learn more, visit MIAMIBOATSHOW.COM.
