28 RAMP ETIQUETTE 44 KEEP A LOGBOOK 36 TRAILER TIRES TESTED
WITHOUT A TOW VEHICLE
P.
40
P.
80
CAN’T SINK ME!
BOSTON WHALER 250 DAUNTLESS
7 REASONS TO KEEP YOUR CURRENT BOAT P.
30
WATERSPORTS BY ANDREA GAYTAN
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
VOLUME 94 NUMBER 6
C
C E RT I F I E D B O AT T E S T S
VALHALLA BOATWORKS V-46 / BLACKFIN 302CC OCEAN CRAFT 9.8 AMP / PATHFINDER 2600 TRS BOSTON WHALER 250 DAUNTLESS BAYLINER ELEMENT M15 / FOUNTAIN 42 LIGHTNING
2022 Ri230
5400 lbs BALLAST
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT GOING SMALLER WOULD BE SUCH BIG NEWS. That’s right, going smaller is big news because this 23-foot Centurion Ri230, the smallest of the Ri Series, offers as much as 5400 pounds of ballast and delivers an incredible surf wave. This innovation is generating a bigger topic of conversation because it’s one more huge step in the evolution of the wake boat. It wouldn’t be an Ri if it didn’t. Visit your local Centurion Boats dealer and let us prove it to you on the water. centurionboats.com
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09.21 BOATINGMAG.COM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
F
P.74 ON THE COVER The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is the latest and greatest center-console from the builder of iconic and ever-unsinkable fishing and family boats. Photo: Garrett Cortese
RIDE, GLIDE AND SLIDE
STERNDRIVE REPOWER
The eFoil might be the next big thing in personal watercraft, and we take a trip to explore just how many ways riding an eFoil can make for an awesome day on the water.
At some point in the life cycle of your beloved boat, you’ll have to make a decision: Sell it or repower it. Here’s how to repower a boat with a sterndrive engine.
BY ANDREA GAYTAN
BY CHARLES PLUEDDEMAN
P.74
P.80
PHOTO: ZACH STOVALL
FEATURES
09.21 I LEARNED ABOUT BOATING FROM THIS… P.26
BOATINGMAG.COM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
+ Beware of hawser hazards and other unseen dangers
D
DEPARTMENTS
C
MOTORHEAD P.86
+ Learn about Cox Powertrain’s CXO300 diesel outboard
CERTIFIED
TESTS P.52 VALHALLA V- 46
This 46-foot centerconsole with a double-stepped hull can approach 70 mph.
ELECTRONICS P.88
P.56 FOUNTAIN 42 L IGH TNING
P.17
A classic returns, bringing pure speed front and center.
P.33
3 02 CC
Thirty-two feet of hardcore offshore fishability mixed with luxury.
MAKING WAVES
P.64 BOSTON WHALER 25 0 DAUNT LESS
P.68 OCEAN CRAFT 9. 8 M AM P
P.70 PATHFINDER 26 0 0 TRS
P.72 BAYLINER EL EM EN T M1 5
+ + + + + + + + +
On Board with... For Comparison’s Sake News By the Numbers Online This Month Captain’s Test 5 Things First Impression Gear Head
1 0 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
DOC THE BOAT DOCTOR P.33 Q&A P.35 We Test Stuff P.38 Weekend Workbook P.40 Quick Study P.42 What to Look For P.44 Boat Doc Special P.46 BoatingLAB
P.14 EDITORIAL P.28 SEAMANSHIP P.30 WATERSPORTS P.98 OFF MY DOCK
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY NFL, COURTESY COX POWERTRAIN LTD., COURTESY AQUA-VU, COURTESY MERCURY MARINE, COURTESY REARVIEW SYSTEMS
C OL U MN S
P.60 BLACKFIN
Tons of dayboat features packed into a fishy center-console.
+ Aqua-Vu’s Multi-Vu Pro OpenWater underwater video camera
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REPOWER FINANCE
YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†
REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EXECUTIVE EDITOR ELECTRONICS AND WEST COAST EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR ART DIRECTOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER SENIOR COPY EDITOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE, FISHING AND MARINE GROUPS CONTRIBUTORS
ILLUSTRATORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER
/ ARTIST
Kevin Falvey Pete McDonald Jim Hendricks Sue Whitney Ryan Swanson Jon Whittle Nicole Paskowsky Randy Vance Dan Armitage, Chris Caswell, Dean Travis Clarke, Garrett Cortese, Capt. Vincent Daniello, Bill Doster, Ken Englert, Michael Folkerts, Peter Frederiksen, Joe Friedman, Andrea Gaytan, Steve Griffin, Michael “Mick” Hannock, Jeff Hemmel, Forest Johnson, Rich Johnson, Alan Jones, Tom King, Craig Kotilinek, John Linn, Charles Plueddeman, Capt. John N. Raguso, Lenny Rudow, Tom Schlichter, Rick Shackleton, Ed Sherman, Heather Steinberger, Zach Stovall, John Tiger Jr., Capt. John Page Williams Tim Barker, Tim Bower, Colin Hayes Kelly Kramer Weekley Pete Coffin
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MEDIA
Glenn Sandridge 407-571-4747; glenn.sandridge@bonniercorp.com PUBLISHER
/ BRAND MANAGER
John McEver 407-405-0109; john.mcever@bonniercorp.com DIRECTOR, BRAND STRATEGY
Rhonda Mock 407-571-4696; rhonda.mock@bonniercorp.com MARKETPLACE
/ ACCOUNT MANAGER
Brian Luke 407-571-4788; brian.luke@bonniercorp.com DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY
Mike Staley 407-571-4803; mike.staley@bonniercorp.com SALES ASSISTANT
Missie Prichard 407-571-4692; missie.prichard@bonniercorp.com
BONNIER MEDIA Shawn Bean EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, BOATING Kevin Falvey
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE AND WATERSPORTS GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR, CREATIVE OPERATIONS COPY CHIEF SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER
SENIOR DIRECTOR, ENTHUSIAST ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION DIGITAL PRODUCER
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MEDIA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CREATIVE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL OPERATIONS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE VICE PRESIDENT, ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES GENERAL COUNSEL
Dave Weaver Stephanie Pancratz Cindy Martin Franki Giordano Mark MacKenzie Michellina Jones Brian Daugherty
Dr. Jens Mueffelmann David Ritchie Glenn Sandridge Jonathan Moore Shawn Bean David Butler Tara Bisciello Shawn Macey Alison Klein Jeremy Thompson
Printed in the USA For reprints, send an email to reprints@bonniercorp.com. Occasionally, we make portions of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we think might be of interest to you. If you do not want to receive these offers, please advise us at 515-237-3697. All contents copyright ©2021 Bonnier Corporation. No use may be made of materials contained herein without express written consent. For inquiries, please contact us at Bonnier Corporation, 480 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 236, Winter Park, FL 32789.
SIMPLY SPRAY ON
A QUICK & EASY ALTERNATIVE TO WAX! New 303® Marine Touchless Sealant is an easier and quicker alternative to waxing your boat. Simply spray on, and rinse off! It’s that easy! No need to spend hours buffing or polishing! Saves you TIME and MONEY! Provides ultimate UV protection, leaves behind a superior shine, AND lasts 2X longer than traditional wax. WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER® AND RINSE OFF! AVAILABLE AT
West Marine & Participating Marine Dealers
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
303products.com
By Kevin Falvey
EDITORIAL
TRUST OR BUST M e e t o u r n e w w a te r s p o r t s c o l u m n i s t , A n d r e a G ay t a n .
W
Kevin Falvey, Editor-in-Chief editor@boatingmag.com
1 4 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
PHOTO: TOM KING (WAKEBOARDING COVER)
ith this issue, we’re introducing a new column, and also want to introduce you to a new columnist. Andrea Gaytan will pen Watersports for you in each issue, in addition to writing about wakeboarding, wakesurfing and related topics on both boatingmag.com and our sister brand’s site, wakeboardingmag.com. We developed Watersports to ensure we could provide you with a regular, knowledgeable and experienced voice to illuminate the athletes, sports, boats, gear and lifestyle that combine to comprise all that the column’s name includes. You’ll find Gaytan uniquely qualified for this role. She’s a retired pro wakeboarder, and so has competed at the highest levels. In fact, Gaytan was the first woman to grace the cover of Wakeboarding in April 1997. Additionally, she’s a founder of wakedivas.com, “a platform where,” according to the site’s own copy, “all female wake riders could share stories, images and videos. A place where we can inspire each other, and share our experiences and knowledge. A place where we could share the history of our sport, from how it all started to where it is today.” That history gives her seasoned knowledge and experience through which to filter Gaytan’s experience and information from gear-makers, athletes, proven expertise means boatbuilders and more. This allows Gaytan to she proffers opinions you serve you readers and audience members in several beneficial ways. can trust. First, know that marine journalists get bombarded with info from marketers. Experience like Gaytan’s helps sift through the clutter to get to the info that’s most important. There are more reasons. Gaytan’s experience and proven expertise means she proffers opinions you can trust. She’s also a pretty good writer, as you will discover for yourself. We’re treating you to a double hit of Andrea Gaytan content in this issue. On page 30, Gaytan uses her inaugural Watersports column to share the story of young up-and-coming pro wakeboarder Mary Morgan Howell. More than just an athlete profile, it’s a story of patience, persistence and perseverance, and how those things, coupled with the support of family, can create an environment that leads to success. Then, on page 74, Gaytan stretches out with a feature article about electric foilboards, aka e-foils. Portable, fun and fast, these smallest of personal watercraft harness the latest in battery and electricpropulsion technology. In this feature, she documents what e-foils are and proceeds to show us what they are capable of whether in surf or flat water. Oh, and she documented the first case of an e-foil towing a nonpowered foilboard into big surf during the course of this story, working with Lift Foils pro Brian Grubb, and photographer and videographer Zach Stovall. Welcome aboard, Andrea!
SPEED MEETS LUXURY $ "& $!%$ #% & #!"# & $!%$ #% & # $ ! #& %# % & $ ! #!"& % ! & $ "% &
$""$ % & "% & " $ % & "# !& #% & #& $ %& %"#%" & #%" & $$" #%" & ! & #%"& ! ! & $ "% $ !" !& $ # $ "% $" ! & %#& $ #%& $%# &
WWW. FOUNTAINPOWERBOATS.COM
Making Waves
ON BOARD WITH... FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE NEWS BY THE NUMBERS ONLINE THIS MONTH CAPTAIN’S TEST 5 THINGS FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD
BOATINGMAG.COM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
S CA N M E To read the full interview online, scan this tag or go to boating mag.com/ domenik-hixon.
Domenik Hixon
PHOTO: COURTESY NFL
Ex-NFL Player and Charter Captain
After spending eight seasons on four different teams in the NFL and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, former wide receiver Domenik Hixon hung up his cleats and became a charter fishing captain in Pensacola, Florida. We caught up with him to find out about trading touchdowns for tuna. —Pete McDonald
You played for Denver, New York, Charlotte and Chicago. Did you have a favorite place to play? Coming out of college, I just wanted an opportunity, so I felt happy to play anywhere in the NFL. I played for eight seasons in the NFL. I was definitely blessed to be in the league for so long and spend so much time with a quality organization like the New York Giants. When did you decide to become a charter captain? It was an excuse to have a boat! After I finished up playing football, you try to make that transition to something else. I enjoy fishing and meeting people.
As a charter captain, you need the right boat. What kind of boat do you run now? I run a 33 Contender with twin Suzuki 350s. For us in the Gulf of Mexico, the name of the game is range. With 450 gallons of fuel and those Suzukis, we can run a long way. I bet owning a boat is a good way to get your old teammates to visit. Oh yeah, I’ve taken a few of them out on the boat. It’s always a great time. And there’s comedic relief when your really strong friend from the NFL is sweating and struggling to reel in an 8-pound snapper. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 1 7
advice about requesting a radio check, see
TRAILERING BACKUP AIDS So, you’re new at backing your trailer, and practicing in the driveway isn’t making you better at it. Most frustrating is aligning the hitch ball with the trailer coupler; it seems you’re always just a couple of inches off and forever getting back in the truck to move forward, backward or sideways just a bit. Not to worry—technology is here to help. If your vehicle doesn’t have a built-in backup camera with good visibility, here are three aftermarket solutions to help you with your aim. —John Tiger LOOK BACK Use a camera to line up your trailer and hitch, and monitor it all on a plug-in screen.
GOTTA BOUNCE
TRAILER BACKUP NAVIGATION AID PROS: This sophisticated
TRAILER HITCH ALIGNMENT SYSTEM PROS: How simple can it get? For the non-tech-savvy, two telescoping posts come with a high-visibility yellow ball on the top of each and a magnet at the bottom. Place one on the hitch just in front of the hitch ball and the other on the coupler, and back up. When they touch, you’re aligned. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and takes up little space in the car. CONS: May not work on all
To see this video, and all Icom VHF radio tips, scan this tag or visit, boatingmag.com/vhf-tips
An app-based trailering aid that lets you do the job straight from your smartphone.
TOWGO
DRAW-TITE
MADE POSSIBLE BY
LINE ’EM UP
The simplest solution to help back up your truck to your trailer.
setup helps you to back up your trailer using a steering-wheel-mounted input sensor, a hitch sensor that mounts on your trailer hitch/trailer connection, and an app on your smartphone. Sensors compute how much you’re turning the steering wheel, and the app shows your trailer movement in real time. Arrows indicate how abrupt or gradual your steering-wheel inputs will make the trailer turn. More of a backing aid than a hitching aid, it can help even the most frustrated newbies back up their trailer.
hitches and couplers; accuracy takes some practice.
CONS: Cost, installation complexity, and application.
PRICE: $35; draw-tite.com
PRICE: $400; towgo.com
REARVIEW SYSTEMS SAFETY WIRELESS HITCH CAMERA SYSTEM PROS: Inexpensive and easy
to install and use, this simple system features a small 100 percent waterproof camera with magnetic base and 9-volt battery power, and a remote 3.5-inch color monitor that plugs into the 12-volt socket on the dash for easy viewing. The camera’s features include six infrared lights for night vision, and 70 feet of viewing capacity. It’s tech at an affordable price, with easy mounting and hookup. CONS: May have to get cre-
ative to mount the camera because not all bumpers and vehicle fascias are metal. PRICE: $209.99; rearviewsafety.com
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY REARVIEW SYSTEMS, COURTESY TOWGO, COURTESY DRAW-TITE
ICOM VIDEO VHF TIPS
MAKING WAVES /// F O R C O M PA R I S O N ’ S S A K E
Command & Control Using Your Smart Device
M510
new
Marine VHF Fixed Mount With Class D DSC Simple user interface allow the casual and serious boaters alike plenty of options to communicate. Command and control using iOS™ and Android™ smart devices, through the RS-M500 app. Bring it On. Add a sleek COMMANDMIC™ for a full featured second wired control station.
• Built-in GPS
• Space Saving Shallow Design
• Connect Up To 3 Smart Devices
• AIS Version Available
• Front / Back Mic Connections
• Hailer / Loud Speaker Option
www.icomamerica.com/marine sales@icomamerica.com ©2021 Icom America Inc. The Icom logo is a registered trademark of Icom Inc. 21117
MAKING WAVES /// N E W S
CHANGING SPEEDS
Help Starts Here. 8QPDWFKHG PHPEHU EHQHÀWV
Local navigation, mishap prevention, getting members back underway by troubleshooting first; our Captains work harder and smarter to keep you boating.
Are you a member? Join now and save 10% seatow.com/boating 800-4-SEATOW
22 Boats that can launch at once at Fort De Soto Park in Florida, which features 10 double-lane ramps and two single-lane ramps.
“I can’t snowboard or ride my motocross bike because of fear of injury. With wakesurfing, if I fall at 11 mph, it doesn’t ruin my career,” Pruett says. But there’s more to it. “Wakesurfing has allowed me to feel the board and the wave. It has helped me become more in tune with my body, and therefore more in tune with my race car,” she says. To read more about Leah Pruett’s experience, visit boatingmag.com/story/ boats/interview-with-pro-drag-racerleah-pruett. —Pete McDonald
ONLINE THIS MONTH LAUNCH RAMPS If you trailer your boat, you’re going to have to deal with the launch ramp. It’s time to reread our “Launch Ramp Follies” feature to learn the ins and outs of launchramp etiquette. Go to boatingmag .com/story/how-to/launch-rampfollies or scan this tag!
PHOTOS: COURTESY LEAH PRUETT (2); ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER; SOURCE FOR STATISTIC: LAZYLOCATIONS.COM
©2021 Sea Tow Services International, Inc. All rights reserved.
If you’re a professional drag racer who often exceeds speeds of 300 mph on the drag-racing circuit, what do you do to relax? For Leah Pruett, who drives an NHRA Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing, relaxation comes from wakesurfing—so much so that she recently bought a Supra SL550 to take surfing when she’s not racing. What’s the appeal of going slow?
MAKING WAVES /// C A P TA I N ’ S T E S T
TRAILERING Trailering is something most boaters have to do, if you’re not fortunate enough to live on the water or keep your boat at a marina. So, it’s necessary to have a safe trailer—one that fits your boat well, and is maintained and ready to tow—and that includes your tow vehicle, which is easily half the equation. How well do you know trailering safety and good towing practices? —John Tiger (Answers on page 22)
1. What is the function of hydraulic surge trailer brakes? A. To help your rig stop when trailering by providing braking to the trailer wheels. B. To add complexity and maintenance to the boat trailer. C. To cause other boaters’ jealousy and angst. D. To meet state towing regulations where trailer brakes are required. E. A and D F. None of the above
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
2. What is the common color code for simple trailer wiring in the US? A. Red for positive, black for negative. B. Green for left turn/brake, yellow for right turn/ brake, brown for clearance lights, white for ground. C. Purple for ground, red for left turn, green for right turn. D. None of the above 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of plastic bunk covers (often called “bunk slicks”) on a boat trailer?
A. They make it easier to launch and retrieve the boat when it’s difficult to back the trailer in deep enough to wet the bunks. B. They can protect the boat hull from potential damage. C. They can keep sand, pebbles, salt and other debris that usually lurks in bunk carpeting from scratching the hull. D. A and C E. All of the above 4. What are some of the differences between a factory-installed (OEM) hitch versus an aftermarket hitch? A. Factory hitches are custom-designed for the vehicle at the same time the vehicle is designed, so the vehicle and hitch are better matched than a vehicle fitted with an aftermarket hitch. B. Aftermarket hitches are oftentimes rated for higher loads than factory hitches. Therefore, you must be very careful when calculating the load you are able to tow to not exceed the vehicle’s factory tow rating,
C.
D.
E. F.
even if the hitch rating is higher. Factory hitches are usually hidden better behind the bumper. When buying an aftermarket hitch, you usually can’t factor the cost into the vehicle loan; you have to pay for it separately. A and B All of the above
5. You’re only towing your boat a couple dozen miles to the dealership for service; however, before leaving, you notice that your secondary (emergency) bow chain is broken and won’t connect to the boat’s bow eye properly. What should you do? A. Go anyway; the emergency bow-eye chain is used only when towing long distances. B. Fix the broken chain; even in a short trip, you could encounter an emergency stop situation. C. Tie a rope from the winch stand to the bow eye. D. None of the above 6. Name some emergency breakdown tools and supplies to bring on any
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
road trip when towing your boat. Spare tie-downs, a tow strap or chain, coupler repair parts, extra safety chain. Flashlight/work light, rope, hand tools, a grease gun, a spare hub with bearings, and a spare tire. Floor jack and a lug wrench that fits the trailer wheels. Copy of your insurance policy and contact information, and a GPS. All of the above
7. Checking the trailer before a trip should include: A. Bunks and bunk supports for rot, rust, broken welds and brackets/bolts. B. Trailer lights for proper operation. C. Running gear, including springs, axle and frame for rust, broken welds, and broken, loose or missing bolts; tires for age and weather, checking on sidewalls and uneven wear on treads. D. See if your family has loaded all the water toys in the boat. E. A, B and C F. All of the above
B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 2 1
MAKING WAVES /// 5 T H I N G S
Running aground
SUN STOPPER Shirts that can protect you from the sun’s harmful rays are one of the best ways to avoid skin damage while keeping—and looking—cool on the water. The Zhik UVActive shirt delivers on both
5 HORRIBLE ALTERNATIVES TO STOPPING YOUR BOAT WITH AN ECOS Dropping anchor at speed
Throwing a rope into your prop
5
Chopping the fuel line
THINGS
Driving in circles
MORE THAN 5 See more humorous things at boatingmag.com/five-things. C A P TA I N ’S T E ST
providing protection beyond 50 SPF even when wet. The breathable polyester fabric is great for hot days on the water, keeping you from overheating while getting the job done. It’s also rugged enough to hold up to a day of rigorous activity on the water, and is snag- and Velcro-resistant. $44.99; zhik.com —P.M
1. E. Trailer brakes help stop the combined tow vehicle and trailer, and they are required in most cases, especially for larger trailers in most states. 2. B. This is the common color code for trailer wiring. It’s easy
2 2 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
to remember: Yellow for left turn/brake because the yellow line on the road is on your left; green for right turn/brake because the grass is on the shoulder/right side of the road. 3. E.
4. F. 5. B. The bow chain should be used on all towing trips, regardless of distance. 6. E. All of these are excellent tools and supplies to help you in a problem situation on the road.
7. E. A, B and C are all trailer checks that should be part of your pre-departure checklist. CAPTAIN’S TESTS ONLINE Test your knowledge of boating with more Captain’s Tests at boatingmag.com/ captains-test.
ILLUSTRATIONS: COLIN HAYES; PHOTOS: COURTESY ZHIK
(Answers from page 21)
FI
FIRST IMPRESSION By Kevin Falvey
EVERGLADES 455CC
Powered by quad Yamaha outboards—to shrink distances and expand time—and fitted with a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, which tames roll in rough seas, the Everglades 455CC proves truly multidimensional when you consider that it’s also rigged to fish, equipped for luxury, and hosts its owners for comfortable overnights thanks to the king-size berth within the console. Standard features for this unsinkable 47-foot-2-inch model include cabin amenities such as a galley, a convertible high-low teak table, a stand-up head with shower stall and skylight, air conditioning, a 32-inch flat-screen TV and more. Topside coolness includes a patented
hydraulic sliding windshield, room for two 22-inch multifunction displays at the helm, a fiberglass hardtop, an electrically actuated table for bow seating, plus livewells, rod and tackle stowage, and a host of other fishing and comfort features. With its variable-deadrise deep-V hull
and patented closed-molded RAMCAP construction, the 455CC will instill confidence. A full test is coming soon. · LOA: 47'2" · BEAM: 13'3" · DRAFT: TBA · DISPLACEMENT: 24,000 (full fluids) · FUEL CAPACITY: 685 gal. E V E R G L A D E S B O AT S
Edgewater, Florida; 386-409-2202; evergladesboats.com
PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY EVERGLADES BOATS, COURTESY BENETEAU POWERBOATS
BENETEAU FLYER 9 SPACEDECK
No, it’s not a riff on SpaceX. The Beneteau Flyer 9 Spacedeck is one of two configurations you can order if you buy a Flyer 9. (The other is the Flyer 9 Sundeck with its large bow sun pad, and a cabin that sleeps four and offers a head with shower.) A centerconsole, the Spacedeck affords its owner more flexibility to enjoy a variety of waterborne activities due to the wideopen room on deck, a fact now especially true thanks to the foldout cockpit side that increases cockpit space and provides easy access to the water.
The bow offers high gunwales and unobstructed room for anglers; a bait-prep station and rod holders are optional. There’s also an optional bow seat that converts into a sun lounge. Belowdecks, there is a cabin for two that also includes a head. The Flyer 9 Spacedeck runs on
Beneteau’s patented Air Step 2 hull design. Its power is single or twin outboards to 500 hp total. Starting price is $141,190. Look for our upcoming test. · LOA: 27'2" · BEAM: 9'10" · DRAFT (MAX): 1'5" · DISPLACEMENT: 5,510 lb. · FUEL CAPACITY: 106 gal. (152 gal. optional) B E N E T E A U P O W E R B O AT S
Annapolis, Maryland; beneteau.com
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GH GEAR HEAD
DOMETIC PRO-TRIM
EPROPULSION OUTBOARD
The Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard from ePropulsion features a 1,276-watt-hour battery and a high-efficiency propeller design. The 48-volt Spirit 1.0 Plus can reach up to approximately 5.7 mph, with a range of more than 7 miles and a onehour-15-minute runtime at full speed, according to ePropulsion. At lower speeds, runtime is around 20 hours and range is 52 miles. The portable outboard weighs 24 pounds and stores in a customized bag. The battery weighs 19.4 pounds. $1,999 with battery; epropulsion.com
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VERATRON BATTERY MONITOR The VL Flex battery monitoring system measures battery health, including voltage, current and percentage of remaining capacity for 12- and 24-volt DC systems. Featuring a compact 1.44-inch-diameter gauge, it works with flooded-cell, AGM and gel batteries, and is configured with Veratron’s mobile app. With an optional liquid-level sensor, it can also monitor fuel or water-tank levels. Nine bezels are available to match existing instrumentation. $229.99 for the 12-volt model and $329.99 for the 24-volt version; veratron.com
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY DOMETIC, COURTESY VERATRON, COURTESY EPROPULSION
Dometic Marine has updated the Pro-Trim control system with a contemporary design. Popular on bass boats, bay boats and flats skiffs, ProTrim offers fingertip control of trim and jack-plate height while keeping both hands on the wheel. It fits SeaStar hydraulic and cable steering helms, and is available in single- and dual-function versions. It comes with stainless-steel brackets, ABS switch covers and mounting hardware. $62.66 for PT1000 single control, $120 for PT2000 dual control; marinepartssource.com
ORACLE ILLUMINATED DECALS Oracle Lighting’s illuminated decals give your boat a distinctive ID. Each is custom-made from a dielectric polymer that offers a soft glow and is available in 31 colors. They attach with adhesive backing. $300 to $500 for a single color, depending on size; oraclelights.com
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY ORACLE LIGHTING, COURTESY DAKOTA LITHIUM, COURTESY IMPACT FENDERS, COURTESY RARITAN, COURTESY HELLA MARINE
HELLA LIGHT BAR The Sea Hawk-350 LED light bar from Hella Marine is available as a spreader light or in a spot lens, and can switch from a 2,200-lumen high-output mode to 500-lumen low power. Each measures 16 inches wide by 2.6 inches deep. $355; hellamarine.com
DAKOTA LITHIUM 12V 100 AH BATTERY The 12-volt 100 Ah deep-cycle battery from Dakota Lithium ZHLJKV MXVW SRXQGV :LWK LWV Ŵ DW YROWDJH FXUYH \RX JHW GRXEOH WKH XVDEOH SRZHU RI WUDGLWLRQDO OHDG DFLG EDWWHULHV b,W comes with an 11-year warranty. $899; dakotalithium.com
IMPACT FENDERS PILING PADS Impact Fenders Piling Pads offer protection from scuffs, with durable closed-cell polyethylene foam and punctureresistant PVC-coated polyester covers. Available in 10 colors, the pads are installed to pilings with the supplied stainlesssteel screws or quick-adjust straps. Available in three sizes: small (2 feet by 8 inches by 1 inch), medium (4 feet by 8 inches by 1 inch), and large (4 feet by 8 inches by 3 inches). $55.95 to $145.95; impactfenders.com
RARITAN ODOR CONTROL Raritan Engineering has upgraded its C.P. (Cleans Potties) and K.O. (Kills Odors). These eco-friendly marine sanitation products now come in larger 32-ounce sizes as well as the original 22-ounce containers. C.P. makes the bowl shine and eliminates odors. K.O. breaks down waste to eliminate clogs and neutralize odors. $15.50 per 32-ounce bottle; raritaneng.com
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I LEARNED ABOUT BOATING FROM THIS …
Moored objects pose unseen dangers.
O
n January 19, 2019, Tracy Haase and Maynard Poynter were cruising at about 20 to 25 mph to a fishing spot 6 miles off the coast of Huntington Beach, California, aboard Haase’s 25-foot twin-outboard Contender. It was a sunny day with calm seas, and they could easily see the sprawling, 100-acre well-buoyed aquaculture operation known as the Catalina Sea Ranch as they passed by it at around 10 a.m., according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department vessel accident report. But then things went terribly wrong. Haase, who was at the wheel, told deputies that the boat suddenly decelerated, the transom “went under,” and water began to spill in from astern. Poynter flew overboard on the starboard side. Moments later, the boat rolled to starboard and overturned. Though shaken, both boaters managed to stay with the boat, but neither was wearing a life jacket. Haase was able to retrieve and activate the boat’s EPIRB. At 11:16 a.m., a responding Orange County rescue boat arrived on the scene and found Haase at the stern of the vessel holding Poynter’s head above water. Sadly, Poynter had died five minutes before rescuers arrived, according to Haase’s statement. Later, the Orange County Coroner’s Department determined the cause of death was drowning. The Sheriff’s Department also later determined that neither alcohol nor drugs were contributing factors in the accident. What Haase could not see ahead of his boat, even with radar, on that fateful January day was a thick, coiled mooring line—a hawser—just below the surface. The 400-foot-long buoyant
A key lesson is to steer well clear of any moored object, be it an aquaculture operation, dredging barge or even an unoccupied mooring buoy. struck the line at speed, and the collision broke off the lower unit of his outboard motor. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Another lesson: Slow to idle speed in the vicinity of mooring objects. The sheriff’s report cites excessive speed as a contributing factor in the accident that took Poynter’s life. While few boaters consider 25 mph unsafe, this incident proves the contrary, given the circumstances. Striking the coiled hawser at idle speed would have been far less likely to end in tragedy. —Jim Hendricks
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: STEVE KARP; PHOTO: COURTESY WEST MARINE
HAWSER HAZARDS
1½-inch-diameter hawser had broken free from the network of lines used to moor the Catalina Sea Ranch’s mussel farming operation and was still anchored to the ocean floor 150 feet below. The hawser had been coiled in an effort by workers at the ranch to minimize the hazard to boaters, but it still floated near the surface. That was what fouled the lower unit of the starboard outboard engine of Haase’s boat, drug the transom underwater, ejected Poynter, and led to capsizing—all in a matter of seconds. That’s what we know, but what can we learn here? A key lesson is to steer well clear of any moored object, be it an aquaculture operation, dredging barge or even an unoccupied mooring buoy. We expect commercial operators to secure unused mooring lines, but don’t count on it. A friend of mine once skirted too close to a mooring ball used to anchor rock barges. Though no barge was present, a loose hawser dangled in the current. He
Formula introduces the new twin Mercury 600 Verado outboards on its popular 380 Super Sport Crossover! Live it now as you experience this revolutionary pairing that surpasses all others in its class. The 380 also offers triple outboards in 350, 400 and 450 horsepower, as well as twin sterndrive. The 380 continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin Crossover legacy, now seven models strong, from the 330 CBR to the 500 SSC. The 380’s bloodline is evident in its SmartZone™ design that utilizes every square inch for a variety of entertainment possibilities. The single level deck offers a seamless transition to the bow from the full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield and sliding walk-thru windshield panel. Triple command seating, two distinct lounge areas aft plus the outdoor kitchen bring the full Formula experience, from exhilarating ride to easy conversation. For relaxing at the sandbar or cove, head aft to the convertible rear-facing sun lounge and roomy swim platform with available entertainment table or sport rail.
The 380 cabin provides a completely residential experience with convertible dinette/sleeping berth plus aft stateroom bed, stand-up head compartment and lower kitchen with sink, fridge and microwave. The 380 SSC incorporates FAS3Tech® multi-step hull technology with a molded structural grid to deliver the sure-footed ride that is a Formula hallmark. No other 38-foot full-cabin bowrider can boast a full-width cockpit experience with true overnight capabilities for four. Everything you want in performance and adventure awaits you in the versatile Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover!
THE FORMULA 380 SUPER SPORT CROSSOVER – LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE NOW!
2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 Decatur, IN 46733 • 800.736.7685
L AU N C H RAMP ET I Q U ET T E
in the truck of your buddy who followed you to the ramp, pull aside in the lot and load up before actually backing down the There’s a lot happening when we launch or haul our boats. ramp. Some boat launches have set aside “make ready” areas for Let’s try to remember that we are all in this together. just this purpose. Coming in at day’s end, offloading something too heavy to climb out of the boat with, like a cooler full of fish, is OK to move onto the dock. Keep the rest of your gear in the boat until the boat is hauled and pulled aside and away from the ramp. There’s an etiquette and a many as 500,000 of you have Even if there is no line, that’s not bunch of best practices for using joined the ranks during the last a cue to dawdle. Minimize the these facilities that experienced year—consider the following time you actually spend on the boaters know and usually abide three things as essential rules ramp and dock. by without thinking too much that will help all involved have a BACKING IN Few of us are about them. For those who better day. naturally born with an innate count themselves as members of this group, this article serves LOADING Arrive at the ramp skill for accurately and quickly loaded and ready to go. If there backing a trailered boat. Fewer as a review. For those of you who are are coolers, wakeboards and still are great at it when novices new to trailer boating—accord- fishing rods in your truck, or and there is a Saturday morning ing to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, as
The ramp. The boat launch. The put-in. Heck, much of the info I’ll be sharing here applies even to the Travelift slip or dock for those who store their boats high and dry.
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MAKING READY The time to find out that your engine stalls two minutes after starting, or won’t start at all, is while at home. That’s the same time and place you should determine whether your garboard drain plug is lost. Ditto for discovering that your ignition keys have been misplaced. Need to top off the tank with a gas can? Geez, really? Experienced boaters run through a pre-launch checklist at home, at the storage yard, or anywhere except after they arrive on scene at the boat launch. It’s easy to gather that the goal of the three broad rules I’ve detailed is to express concern for the use of shared facilities such as boat ramps, which are more crowded now than ever. If you’re new to boating, I hope these concepts help you realize what is expected. If you are an old salt, give the newbies a break—and offer advice and a helping hand when you see them struggling.
ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER
crowd present. Practice at home—meaning during afterhours at the high-school or shopping-mall parking lot— and you will gain proficiency. And don’t try to force fit. Similarly, pressing on and hoping for the best will turn out badly. If you are having trouble, ask for help. Most boaters—I’m looking at you experienced girls and guys now; we’ve all been there at least once—will help you with encouragement and a guiding eye. Some may even offer to back your rig in for you if needed. Ask for help.
SERIES
338 | 35 | 38GLS | 39EC | 42GLS | 42C | 46C | 50C | 54C | 54F | 60C | 60F
For more information on the 38 GLS or to locate a dealer, visit
cruisersyachts.com
WATERSPORTS
By Andrea Gaytan
Wakeboarding’s rising star is one to watch in 2021.
At the 2020 World Wakeboarding Championships, 17-year-old Mary Morgan Howell defeated world champions Dallas Friday, Bec Gange and veteran pro Tarah Mikacich to finish in second place behind the defending champion, Meagan Ethell. The native of Dothan, Alabama, was first introduced to the lake life by her father, an orthodontist, who used to pull her on an inner tube in Compass Lake, Florida. “My dad first strapped me on a wakeboard when I was 6,” Howell says. “I honestly don’t know life without it. When I was 8, my dad entered me into my first INT tournament. I remember being so nervous standing on the dock, waiting for my turn to come.” Howell performed her first invert—a front roll—at age 10, shocking the crowd. “In order to further my
training and allow me to have some travel flexibility, my parents decided to home-school me,” she explains. “In my house, school always comes first, so the deal was: Get your work done first, then go ride. Talk about some motivation.” Her dad planted the seeds of self-discipline, leading by example, and has been her boat pilot from day one. “He gets up early and pulls me no matter what,” Howell says. She gushes at her father’s commitment and dedication,
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where she enrolled as a freshman at Rollins College. “I’m working on lots of big things for the 2021 season,” Howell hints. “I can’t wait.” Neither can we.
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) OSCAR PONCE, COURTESY MARY MORGAN HOWELL (2)
M E ET M A RY M O RG A N H OW E L L
which includes almost stalking former world champion Andrew Adkison until he agreed to become Howell’s personal coach, which he has been ever since. He’s helped her build a strong and solid foundation by keeping her safe from injuries with his coaching skills. Howell turned pro in 2018, becoming the new Body Glove Girl (although Ronix had supported her with equipment earlier). “That was definitely cool,” she admits. “To be named the new Body Glove Girl is an absolute dream. I think Body Glove is an amazing company, and I couldn’t be more honored to join the family.” Her outstanding lean and strong physique comes from a devotion to hard work in and out of the water. Her regime includes working out, stretching and healthy nutrition. “I truly believe how you train and fuel your body off the water is pivotal to your performance on the water,” Howell says. “I always try to eat foods that fuel me and make my body
feel good for training. “This looks different for every person because everyone’s body is unique. Find what works for you and stick with it. As far as training off the water, I do a combination of yoga, pilates and strength training.” Wakeboarding has made Howell a world traveler. “I’ve had the privilege of traveling to M e x i c o, P e r u , C a n a d a , Australia, Portugal and Japan,” she says. “Also, I’ve traveled to many amazing places right here in the US.” By next fall, the 18-year-old, who credits her Christian faith as a source of strength, plans to move to Winter Park, Florida,
PROP TALK Aluminum or stainless? Some stainlesssteel propellers are painted black too.
BOAT BOATINGMAG.COM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021
STEELED
Q:
We just purchased our first boat, a used bowrider, and were told that changing from an aluminum propeller to a stainless-steel propeller will improve our speed and performance. Is this true? Mark Covington St. Louis, Missouri
A:
PHOTOS: MERCURY MARINE
Yes, you will achieve better performance with a stainless-steel prop. The blades of aluminum propellers flex more than those of stainless-steel propellers, meaning that some thrust delivered to the water is lost.
CLEAR HEAT-SHRINK TUBING Heat-shrink tubing is designed to constrict around a connection when heat is applied to help keep water and corrosion at bay and provide strain relief. It’s typically opaque, so you can’t see what’s occurring inside. More than once, I have sliced open old tubing to find corrosion underneath. That’s why some DIYers now use 3M’s clear FP-301 heat-shrink tubing. FP-301 is made in a variety diameters and lengths, and shrinks to half of its original diameter when heated. The flame-retardant tubing is rated to temperatures ranging from minus 67 to 275 degrees F and up to 600 volts. $36.22 for a 50-foot spool of 3/4-inch-diameter tubing —Jim Hendricks B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 3 3
IGNITION? Q: Dear Doc, I am adding a stereo to my boat. Should I wire it to the ignition switch or directly to the battery? There are no other electronics on this boat.
FAD E AWAY
Mike Welles Memphis, Tennessee
Q:
Our boat’s vinyl upholstery is in pretty good shape, but it is dull and grimy, and no longer brightly colored. Is there anything we can do? We have tried every cleaner on the shelf. The cushions are clean, but faded and dull. Jim Evans Boston
A:
Vinyl reaches that point where yours is at, Jim. You might consider coating the upholstery to refinish it. Pettit Paint now offers EZ Fabricoat, which is basically a spray paint for vinyl. I have no experience with this product, but our editor-in-chief, Kevin Falvey, informs me he will be refinishing a cushion from his own boat with EZ Fabricoat. Look for the results coming soon.
NAUTICAL
BA D T R A I L E R WIRING Inadequate trailer wiring is asking for trouble. Poor connections such as bare wire exposed between crimps and the wire’s insulation, improperly crimped connections, and connections made using fittings for the wrong-size wire are some examples of poor wiring. Others include not using a shrink tube, a waterproof coating or heatshrink terminals in order to keep water out of the connections to stave off corrosion. Chafe protection, or rather the lack of it, is another indication of bad wiring. Make sure
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grommets are installed where wires enter and exit the trailer’s frame. Furthermore, use copious clips and tie wraps to support wires; any loose or draping sections are likely to get snagged and pulled eventually. Finally, make sure your trailer wiring’s ground is good. This is the white wire in the harness and is usually fastened to the trailer tongue by a screw. Make sure that connection is tight and corrosion-free. Some
NO-NO boaters run individual ground wires all the way back to the lights rather than relying on the trailer’s frame to provide a good continuous ground—that is a personal choice. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, and to avoid a costly ticket, make sure your trailer wiring is up to snuff. —John Tiger
PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY PETTIT PAINT, JOHN TIGER
A: Neither. You want the stereo to remain hot so it does not lose memory. Also, I am not a fan of sharing electricity with critical circuits like the ignition or bilge pump. First, check to see if your boat’s switch panel has an accessory switch that is not being used. If so, wire the stereo there. If not, then look behind your helm and find where power from the battery is led forward to provide electricity for your lights, horn and bilge pump. Take power from there—perhaps by backing off the screws and connecting the stereo wire with a ring terminal. Be sure to use the in-line fuse supplied with the stereo. The stereo has an on/off switch, so no other on/ off switch is needed. If you will be adding more electronics, take power as above and wire it to a breaker panel or fuse block. These are available with two, four, six and more openings to wire accessories. Fuse the panel (probably at 15 amps) according to published specifications and wire sizes used. Then take power for each new accessory from that panel, installing the appropriate fuse or breaker specified.
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
BUILD YOURS AT CHAPARRALBOATS.COM
BOAT DOCTOR /// Q & A
H A N KO O K VA N T R A TRAILER TIRES Compared to tires on commuter vehicles, boat-trailer tires get far less road time. So, tread wear is minimal. But trailer tires do age, deteriorating from the inside even if not used regularly. They should be replaced at least every five years regardless of wear. When that time came for me, I opted to test four of the new Hankook Vantra ST225/75R15 tires on my boat’s tandem-axle trailer. These radial 10-ply tires
boast Load WE Range E, meaning they can STUFF carry a weight of 2,470 pounds per tire. Hankook’s first series of trailer tires, the Vantras have delivered outstanding stability, which counts in spades while towing my boat and trailer, weighing in at around 6,000 pounds, at highway speeds. The zigzag grooves in the tread pattern help shed water in inclement weather and when leaving the launch ramp to enhance traction and braking, and the pattern
TEST
block ratio of the tread is engineered to carry heavy loads. The stiffer sidewall of these ST (Special Trailer) tires minimizes sidewall flex when making sharp turns. Asymmetric tread grooves help eject stones, and a new rubber compound and steel belting combine to maximize durability. Vantra tires are available in nine sizes, while the Vantra high-load tires are available in three sizes. $76.99 to $189.99 per tire; hankooktire.com —Jim Hendricks
C’MON… FLUSH!
Q:
We just purchased a Silverton 34 cruiser (used), having moved up from a Chaparral bowrider. Cruising has been great. Our family loves it, especially during the height of the pandemic. While we are experienced boaters and can handle most aspects of this boat, one thing has us perplexed: The head doesn’t flush “strong.” The pump is new and getting good voltage; the lines are clear and run straight—what can it be? Love your column! Thanks in advance. Gloria Morrison Chicago
A:
Check the anti-siphon valve—the little horseshoe-shaped fitting. Make sure its vent is open and clear. It can be removed for service or replaced as a part. (Jabsco and Marelon are two big makes.) If that doesn’t help, flushing power for a head located at or below the waterline can be improved by adding a Vented Loop Solenoid Valve (Jabsco part No. 37068-2000). This wires into the flush switch and mount atop the vented loop in place of the air vent. The device costs approximately $125.
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A: Maybe. Aluminum can be polished, going up through the grits until shiny silver. However, getting that result so that it looks even—and so your round pipework doesn’t look faceted—can take experience. Also, keeping it bright silver is a tough job. Aluminum oxidizes and creates its own protective coating. That’s the gray that you dislike. There’s a reason the US Coast Guard’s 47 MLB is left to go gray: Maintenance is minimal. But if you want it shiny or to have it powder-coated in a color, I suggest hiring a pro. 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.
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY HANKOOK TIRE & TECHNOLOGY CO., COURTESY US COAST GUARD, COURTESY WEST MARINE
GRAY PIPES Q: My T-top supports have turned gray. They are made from aluminum. Can I make them shiny silver again? Dean Paris Apalachicola, Florida
BOAT DOCTOR /// W E E K E N D W O R K B O O K
DIY + Weekend Workbook
SKILL LEVEL
3 OF 5 FINISH TIME Approx. 3 hours, depending on surface area
• DiamondFinish Clear ($58.95 per quart, covers approximately 100 square feet, kbs-coatings.com) • KBS #1 Thinner ($8.95 per 8-ounce bottle, kbs-coatings.com) • KBS Klean ($12.95 per quart, kbs-coatings.com) • Spray bottle • Scouring pads • Masking tape and paper • Foam rollers and brushes • Metal mixing container and roller pan
APPLYING CLEAR COAT
KBS DiamondFinish Clear restores a lasting gloss to your boat’s aging gelcoat finish. New gelcoat finishes project a radiate shine, but that new-boat gloss can grow dull and chalky over the years. Polishing helps bring back the luster, and applying quality marine wax products help protect it from fading. Eventually, however, it will grow dull again, and as time marches on, it gets tougher to bring it back to like-new condition. Such was the case with a 1970s vintage Enterprise cathedral-hull bowrider restored and repowered
by Nadean Corbisier, with help from her fiancé, Matt Cevallos, and her dad, Dean Corbisier, a district sales manager for Suzuki Marine. The old boat looked nice. But the avocado-green gelcoat (a popular color in the ’70s) on the topsides needed help. Despite lots of polishing and waxing, elbow grease failed to restore the shine of its glory days. To help bring it back, Nadean decided to apply DiamondFinish Clear from KBS Coatings. This one-part clear-coat
product is designed to create a glossy, super-hard and non-yellowing finish on a variety of surfaces, including metal, paint and gelcoat. KBS DiamondFinish Clear can be brushed, rolled or sprayed and, once completely cured, allows for wet-sanding and polishing to eliminate minor imperfections. Nadean decided to roll it on while using a brush to cover the nooks and crannies. Here’s how to do it yourself. —Jim Hendricks
• Mixing sticks • Rubber gloves • Eye protection • Shop rags for cleanup
TIP
When resealing a can of DiamondFinish Clear, use plastic wrap between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal-to-metal contact because clear coat can permanently seal the lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
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ILLUSTRATIONS: TIM BARKER
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
+
SPRAY AWAY
TIP
ILLUSTRATIONS: TIM BARKER
Avoid applying DiamondFinish Clear when it is breezy. Dust and other minute debris can stick to the wet coating and lead to less-thansatisfactory results in the finished product. Also, avoid application in high humidity or rainy weather.
SURFACE PREPARATION It’s necessary to remove contaminants such as grease, oil, grime, scum or residual wax, and lightly scuff the surface to ensure strong adhesion. Use KBS Klean, a concentrated water-based cleaning solution. Dilute with 10 parts warm water to 1 part KBS Klean, and use a spray bottle to liberally wet the surface. Scrub thoroughly with a scouring pad, continually wetting the working area with diluted KBS Klean. Scour all surfaces to be clear-coated. Then rinse with fresh water and allow to dry. Afterward, the surface should take on an even duller finish.
PROTECT ADJACENT SURFACES Whether rolling, brushing or spraying, remove as many elements as feasible before getting underway to prevent inadvertently getting clear coat on these items. On the interior, this includes removing upholstered seats and panels, snap-in deck coverings, instrumentation, hand rails, teak or other wood items, and other elements. On the exterior, this includes windshields and frames, navigation lights, cleats and other hardware. To protect any adjacent surfaces that you can’t or don’t want to remove, use masking tape and masking paper to cover them up.
PREP THE MIXTURE Do not shake the can of DiamondFinish Clear; this can introduce air bubbles that will mar the finish. Wear protective gloves and eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area. Pour a working amount into a steel or glass container. The ideal temperature for rolling on the clear coat is between 60 to 82 degrees F with low humidity. Based on these conditions, thin the DiamondFinish Clear by 10 percent using KBS #1 Thinner (or Xylene). On hot days, thin by as much as 30 percent to ensure proper flow. Stir the container thoroughly and frequently.
APPLY THE FINISH Use a bristle brush, foam brush or tight-knap foam roller to apply to a test area first. Don’t use polyester knit or a woven roller that might shed lint. When brushing or rolling, the self-leveling properties of DiamondFinish Clear allow the mixture to flow out evenly. Do not overwork the brush or roller because this forces out the solvents and can cause the clear coat to cure too quickly and lose its ability to level out. Apply to an area and then move on immediately to the next. At the same time, avoid applying too heavily in one area; this can lead to puddling, pooling and drips.
DiamondFinish Clear can also be sprayed with a siphon or pot gun (25 to 35 psi), or a gravity/top container gun (35 to 45 psi). KBS recommends a 1.4 to 1.5 nozzle, thinning the mixture with 1 part KBS #1 Thinner (or Xylene) to 10 parts DiamondFinish. Two thin coats are recommended, with the second coat taking place two to six hours after the first. Use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene for immediate cleanup, including the spray gun; once DiamondFinish Clear cures, it cannot be removed by any solvent. To learn more, visit kbs-coatings.com.
FOLLOW-UP STEPS Average touch-cure time is two to three hours, depending on humidity levels. Remove any masking tape at this stage. The finish requires another seven days for a full cure under normal conditions, and it will continue to harden over the following weeks. Keep boat covers off of the finish until it is fully cured; the fabric can mar the finish. Once the DiamondFinish Clear is completely hardened, it can be wet-sanded with 1,000- to 1,200-grit wetdry sandpaper to minimize any imperfections such as dimpling (aka orange peel) patterns, small drips or an errant gnat.
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BOAT DOCTOR ///
MOVING A TRAILER BOAT
Tips and tools for jockeying about a trailer boat. When trying to move a trailer boat—one that’s not attached to a tow vehicle—the difficulty factor ranges from easy to back-breaking, depending on the weight of the rig. Yet there are techniques and equipment, as well as pitfalls to keep in mind, that can help when jockeying trailer boats around the backyard, driveway, garage or RV pad. —Jim Hendricks
DECLINE AN INCLINE Don’t try to move a trailer boat on a steep incline by any means other than a wellmatched tow vehicle. When trying to move an unhitched trailer upward, gravity multiplies the difficulty factor. On the opposite side, you don’t even want to think about the consequences of a trailer boat rolling down a steep incline if it gets away from you. MUSCLE IT Many times, you can move an aluminum fishing boat or personal watercraft simply by pushing it around yourself. This is contingent on having a tongue jack with a small wheel to support the front of the trailer. Single-axle
trailers are easier to muscle and maneuver than multiaxle trailers. JACK BE NIMBLE Positioning the wheels on the tongue jack as you uncouple the trailer from the hitch can facilitate movement afterward; it can be much harder to rotate the wheel once it’s bearing a load. If you need to push the front of the trailer boat to one side or the other, position the wheel perpendicular to the centerline as you lower the jack. If you need to roll the trailer farther back, position the wheel parallel to the centerline. KEEP IT SHORT You can help prevent damage to the tongue jack
by cranking it as low as possible before using its wheel to roll your trailer. If the telescoping portion of the jack is extended too much, lateral stress from moving the trailer can bend or break the tube or mounting bracket. HELLO DOLLY A manual dolly such as the Ultra-Tow heavy-duty adjustable dolly ($239.99, northerntool.com) supplants the tongue-jack wheel with a robust and stable tricycle arrangement of wheels to support the tongue and roll the trailer. On this dolly, a tow ball couples to the trailer hitch, and the T-handle lets you push, pull and steer the trailer into position. It’s rated for a load of up to 1,000 pounds.
The Ultra-Tow heavy-duty adjustable dolly supports the front of the trailer while you move it about by hand.
POWER UP Sometimes you need more than muscle—you need a power dolly such as the Parkit360 Force 10K B3 ($1,700 to $2,150, parkit360.ca) with a 12-volt lithium battery, 6.5-inch-wide tires, and the capability of moving trailers weighing up to 10,000 pounds with 900 pounds of tongue weight. Check out our video at youtube.com/ watch?v=X-yLAi3NN68. Another one is the RVR9 ($3,999, etrailer .com), one of four
remote-control dollies from Trailer Valet. Looking like a Martian rover, the RVR9 is rated for 900 pounds of tongue weight and 9,000-pound trailers. Its trailer ball attaches to the trailer hitch, and the wireless remote lets you move, steer and stop the trailer boat from up to 40 feet away.
POWER MOVE The Parkit360 Force 10K dolly (left) and Trailer Valet RVR9 remote-control dolly use batterypowered motors to move heavy trailers.
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) COURTESY ULTRA-TOW, COURTESY TRAILER VALET, COURTESY PARKIT360
PAVE THE WAY If you need to move an unhitched trailer boat, keep it on a paved surface such as asphalt, cement or pavers. These render movement exponentially easier than doing so on soft surfaces such as dirt, grass or gravel, where trailer- and tongue-jack wheels can easily bog down and sink, especially if there’s been rain or recent watering.
HITCH A RIDE
BOAT DOCTOR /// W H AT T O L O O K F O R
MOTOR TOTES VS. TRANSOM SAVERS
Most engine and boat brands recommend bracing the lower unit when it’s tilted for trailering to alleviate stress induced by road vibrations and jolts to the hydraulic tilt-and-trim system and the boat’s transom. Today the choice boils down to one of two means of support: a motor tote or a traditional transom saver. The correct answer is debated among both boaters and boatbuilders, says Dave Davis, founder and owner of DD26 Fishing, which engineers and builds motor totes to fit a variety of outboard models. —Jim Hendricks
TRANSOM SAVER Most transom savers keep an outboard straight while trailering, but with a motor tote, steering locks such as the T-H Marine 4-inch clips ($14.99 per pair, thmarine supplies.com) are needed to keep the engine from flopping over. Transom savers offer length adjustment. The West Marine transom saver ($64.99, westmarine.com), for example, adjusts from 26 to 38 inches, depending on how high you want to tilt the lower unit. Motor totes, on the other hand, are fixed in terms of how high the lower unit is tilted. On smaller aluminum boats or older fiberglass boats with wood-core
transoms, a transom saver is often the best choice, Davis says. “A motor tote forces the transom to carry the weight while trailering, but that might not be a good idea unless the transom is 100 percent solid and strong,” he explains. A transom saver enables the trailer’s rear cross member to carry some of the weight. MOTOR TOTE A motor tote such as the DD26 Ybrid ($169.99) is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and fitted with automotive bump stops. It snugs between the hydraulic trim rams and the tilt bracket to firmly brace an outboard once trimmed down tight.
MY SAVIOR Transom savers—a traditional means of bracing an outboard while towing—use the trailer’s rear cross member for support.
TIGHT SQUEEZE Motor totes use the transom to support an outboard while towing but require steering locks to keep the engine straight.
Importantly, it unifies the engine and boat while trailering to eliminate motor bounce that can damage the trim system or transom. A transom saver, on the other hand, which relies on the rear cross member of the trailer, can shift position more easily. “A boat definitely moves and bounces around on a trailer while towing, even with everything strapped down right,” Davis points out. A transom saver, which can change the spacing between the lower unit and the trailer, negates some of the support. With a motor tote, the outboard and boat move as one, independently of the trailer, so there are no concerns about the boat shifting on the trailer, he says. In addition, motor totes will not harm the finish of the lower unit. With a
transom saver, however, the “V” portion of the device that cradles the lower unit often leaves scratches in the lower unit. Perhaps, most significantly, many multi-outboard boats— and even single-outboard models with transom brackets—are poorly suited to using transom-saver-style devices. With multi-engine boats, it’s difficult to engineer attachment points on the trailer for multiple transom savers. What’s more, when a boat has an outboard mounted on an extended transom bracket, the distance between the outboard lower unit and the rear trailer cross member is often so great that a transom saver becomes impractical. In these circumstances, using motor totes is the best choice for support while trailering.
PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY DD26 FISHING, COURTESY WEST MARINE
“Neither is better than the other,” Davis says. “But there are situations in which one might be better-suited than the other.”
BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT D O C S P E C I A L
RECORDED HISTORY Death and taxes—the only things you can really count on, or so they say. Of course, if you own a boat, there will be the eventual sale of that boat, which is kind of like death.
done to keep the vessel in satisfactory working order. So, a good maintenance log is a big deal, whether you’re selling or buying a boat. As an owner, a maintenance log is a great aid in caring for
FILTERED Routine maintenance is an important part of boat ownership, as is keeping track of what you did and when you did it.
your boat. Noting the dates of regularly scheduled maintenance items, such as filter changes, and oil and other fluid changes, makes it easier to care for your boat, its engines and its systems. Additionally, unscheduled maintenance, such as battery swaps, sacrificial-anode replacements, steering-cable replacement, topping off hydraulic fluid, etc., will help you and prove more valuable with time. That’s because the longer you keep a log, the more patterns of wear—based on your individual use—will begin to appear. So, you’ll know to replace the battery or cable before either leaves
PHOTOS: JIM HENDRICKS (TOP), KEVIN FALVEY (BOTTOM)
Hey, cheer up. Maybe the sale of your boat is so you can buy a different one—bigger, faster, prettier and better equipped. Regardless, it is true that at some point all of us will face the prospect of selling a boat. No matter how you feel about selling your boat, the
process will go easier if you have kept a detailed maintenance log extending all the way back to when you bought it. The reason this will ease the process is because the prospective buyer will feel much happier and more confident about the condition of your boat if he or she can see that diligent attention has been paid to maintenance. Along that same line, when you buy a used boat, you will want to be able to check over the maintenance log to make sure everything has been
you stranded. Track your fuel purchases and engine hours too because fuel quantity burned versus hours is a good barometer of engine health. It’s also helpful to keep track of part numbers, like spark plugs, filters, O-rings, the ignition-key number, etc. Also note fuse and breaker types, and the amperage ratings for all your devices. Note the bulb type and amperage for all lights. Doing so makes it easy to buy replacements. Reserve two or three pages at the back of your notebook as a repository for this info. If your book has pockets on the covers, you can rip off the labels of parts boxes and keep them handy for reference. But for now, let’s talk about you as a seller. Remember, a
TOP IT OFF Keeping track
PHOTOS: KEVIN FALVEY (TOP), JIM HENDRICKS (BOTTOM)
of when you changed your boat’s oil and fluids ensures that you perform the task in a timely manner in order to keep your boat in top shape.
log is not only about maintenance. It should include the date when any new equipment was added. It’s a good idea to make note of the cost of parts and labor, which will help justify the price you ask for your fine vessel. And be sure to save all the owner’s manuals and receipts in a secure and well-organized place so you can pass them along to the new owner. In essence, any time you do anything to the boat, whether it be service-related, routine maintenance, parts replacement, or adding new goodies, write it down in the in the logbook. That log will be money in the bank when it comes time to sell. Here’s how to make a good one. —Rich Johnson
JOT THESE THINGS DOWN GET ORGANIZED A maintenance log, in my opinion, should be nothing more than lined pages on which you can make notes about everything that is done to the boat. If the log is already organized into categories for things such as engineoil changes, filter changes, etc., it will be less inviting and more cumbersome to make notes about all the noncategorized things. There’s a ton of stuff to be written in a maintenance log, so don’t constrain yourself by having a logbook that boxes you into a limited number of categories. NEATNESS COUNTS Take the time to write clearly so future owners can easily read what has been written. Include part numbers and brand names. Note sources where you made purchases so future purchasers might be able to go to those same sources for parts and supplies. For some things, make note of not only the date but also the engine hours when the service was performed. If someone else did the repair or service, make note of who did it, their address and phone number. MAKE A LIST Make note of all boat work in your maintenance log, no matter how trivial it might seem to you, and include the date of the work and engine hours at that particular time. Your list will be extensive, but key service elements to document include new fluids, filters, belts, hoses, tanks, fuel lines, batteries, cables and pumps. In addition, don’t forget to log the addition, replacement or service of equipment such as deck hardware, smoke and CO detectors, marine electronics, canvas, the marine sanitation system, lighting, throttle and shift cables, hydraulic systems, bottom paint and more. Depending on your boat, there might be more categories on your list. But do yourself a favor and fill out the maintenance log as thoroughly as possible. This might seem tedious, but it’ll pay off in the end. B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 4 5
BL
BOATINGLAB By Randy Vance
Helm space is the most valuable real estate on board, and to get the most navigation gear for the space, choosing from these multifunction displays with integrated sonar is key. These touchscreen displays eliminate the black box for most forms of sonar systems, offering a built-in conventional sounder, chirp sonar and side-
scan technology using a compatible transducer. Many also can be networked with radar, autopilot and other peripherals such as audio systems.
WE’VE ANALYZED
Nine-inch displays (measured diagonally) offer the optimal balance of screen size and cost. But each model is available in smaller 7-inch sizes and larger screens up to 16 inches. All of the units here require optional transducers that connect directly to the back of the device. Basic conventional 50/200 kHz transducers work well with these models for finding the depth, structure and
fish, and are affordable. For more advanced sidescanning and chirp sonar used in locating fish and structure, a more expensive transducer is required. KEY FEATURES OFFERED BY ALL
• Wi-Fi for firmware updates and some network capabilities • NMEA 2000 (N2K) network interface • High-definition screen resolution (1280x720)
PHOTO: COURTESY FURUNO
TOTA L MULTI F UN CTIO N DI S P L AYS
FIND MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.
FURUNO TZTOUCH3-9 TZT9F
PHOTOS: COURTESY FURUNO, COURTESY GARMIN
furuno.com $2,495; hodgesmarine.com Furuno is a gold-standard navigation-device brand among commercial fishermen. Its track record of durability is unparalleled, and I’ve been on two US Coast Guard Cutters and one small patrol boat using this equipment. Operating menus are easily accessible by swiping in from the screen sides, and the architecture of the TZtouch3 firmware is extremely intuitive. Until the introduction of the TZT3-9 in 2021, everything Furuno offered was a la carte in individual black boxes. The TZT3-9 is expected to be particularly popular among yacht owners who use smaller launches as tenders.
GARMIN 943 XSV
TOP FEATURES: Furuno’s
worldwide weather forecasting is free, Wi-Fi-downloadable, and includes atmospheric conditions all boaters want, plus sea conditions that include wave height, surface temperatures, altimetry, currents and plankton—key info for anglers.
but marks fish and structure down to 1,000 feet—about 800 feet deeper than most side-scan systems. The free weather service could save hundreds of dollars a year if at-sea downloads aren’t important to you. CARTOGRAPHY: NOAA raster
and vector charts for the entire ANALYSIS: Screen brightness is a coastal US, MapMedia fishing
weakness of the Furuno display, but is mitigated partially by outstanding color arrays. Furuno also offers a more powerful Total Sonar, which doesn’t have as broad an array as side scan,
charts, and satellite photos loaded for the coastal US come standard; supports C-Map, Navionics, CMOR and official hydrographic office charts for other countries.
SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL): 9 in.
NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: 4
AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
9, 12, 16, 19 in.
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Yes
RESOLUTION:
CONTROLS: Mul-
1280x720
tifunction touch with edge swipe to bring up menus from sides, top and bottom; hybrid keypad and a rotary dial with customizable two-finger tap plus remote key options.
FOOTPRINT:
11-by-6.8-by-4.3 in. WEIGHT: 7.3 lb. WATERPROOF RATING: IP56 BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,000 VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES:
80 from above, right, left MICROPROCESSOR: Quad core COLD START TO FIRST FIX:
100 sec.
NavPilot autopilot, NMEA 2000, CZone, FLIR IP camera, Omnisense Ulysses, Seakeeper, Lumishore lighting, OSCAR, HP watermaker, QNN, Victron Energy, Shadow Caster, Furuno apps, iBoats, TimeZero Eco system, DFF1, DFF3, BBDS1, DRS radars, SiriusXM fish mapping, Axis cameras
garmin.com $1,399; bassproshops.com Garmin is a brand often factory-installed by boatbuilders. The operating system carries a reputation for simplicity, making its user interface easy to learn and dominate. Garmin units look graceful in the dash, and offer clear visuals to boaters at the broadest angles, and even through the polarized sunglasses they favor. Garmin was first to come to the water with LiveVu forward-looking sonar that allows anglers to spot and target fish in real time, giving skippers added safety by doing the same for underwater obstructions that could damage vessels. TOP FEATURES: Garmin has
a graphic user interface so logical and intuitive, most users can master the majority of it without the manual. Inplane switching (IPS), now the norm for most high-end MFDs, allows wide-angle viewing even with polarized lenses. ANALYSIS: This unit lacks the tactile buttons of other units,
SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.: DFF3D
Multi-Beam Sonar (side scan) with personal bathymetric generator (PBG), radar, AIS, DSC, Fusion, remote controllers,
chirp INTEGRATED SONAR:
50/200 kHz INTEGRATED SONAR: 1 kW
chirp
DSC, Fusion Link, GSD, GCV, Active Captain, wireless remote
plus digital signal processing (DSP)
AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
COLD START TO FIRST FIX: Not
7, 9, 12 in.
specified
IPS: Yes
FOOTPRINT:
NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: 3
INTEGRATED SONAR: 1 kW
9.2-by-6.4-by-3 in.
chirp
IPS SCREEN: Yes INTEGRATED SONAR: 1 kW true
CARTOGRAPHY: BlueChart G3 coastal and LakeVu G3 charts come standard; supports C-Map, Navionics and more.
SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL): 9 in.
WEIGHT: 3.6 lb. BLUETOOTH: No
which might account for its comfortable price. A button pad can be added as an accessory. Reliability is equaled by a logical graphic interface. Drag-and-drop panes can be added to multipane screens and saved for easy access.
WATERPROOF RATING: IP67 BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,200
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Yes
INTEGRATED SONAR: 50/77/
CONTROLS: Mul-
200 kHz, high, mid, low chirp
titouch function BLUETOOTH: Yes
VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES: 88 top,
bottom, right, left
SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.: Garmin
MICROPROCESSOR: Dual core
radar, sonar, smart mode, AIS,
INTEGRATED SONAR: SideVu,
ClearVu 260/455/800/ 1,000/1,200 kHz
B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 4 7
BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT I N G L A B
FIND MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.
HUMMINBIRD SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 CHO
humminbird.com $2,199; humminbird.com
TOP FEATURES: A 10-inch display Step up to the Apex model to
with 16-bit color offers outstanding resolution. If you use a Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor, then steering, autopilot and SpotLock are available via the MFD. You can even program a route or tell the trolling motor to follow a depth contour. Embedded Mega Imaging offers live forward scanning to see fish movement in cover, ideal for competitive anglers. This requires the right transducer. ANALYSIS: The Solix looks beau-
tiful on a bracket-mount system. SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL):
achieve the flush-mount aesthetics of the competition. Still, the 10-inch diagonal display is the largest in its class. We found the graphic user interface to be a little awkward, requiring us to toggle down through each menu item instead of scrolling past them. Tide tables are not integrated into the system. CARTOGRAPHY: Humminbird
Basemap with Autochart Live; supports LakeMaster, CoastMaster and Navionics.
MICROPROCESSOR: Dual core
10.1 in. AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
COLD START TO FIRST FIX: Not
specified
10, 12, 15 in. RESOLUTION:
NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: 4
Talon/Raptor, NMEA 2000, radar, MEGA 360, One-Boat Network, Minn Kota built-in Mega DI, Minn Kota built-in Mega SI, Minn Kota US2
1280x800 FOOTPRINT:
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Not
IPS: Not specified
11.81-by-7.89by-4.78 in.
specified
INTEGRATED SONAR: 1 kW
WEIGHT: NA
CONTROLS:
dual-spectrum chirp
WATERPROOF RATING: IPX7
Multitouch with button and dial interface
INTEGRATED SONAR:
BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,500 VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES: Not
specified
AIS, autopilot, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, Minn Kota
Simrad stepped out first with its GO series, integrating the most demanded sonar and radar functions into compact displays. Initial models were not networkable, but there is a growing list of networkable functions supported by the Evo3S. Simrad’s business M.O. is similar to Apple’s, providing timely application enhancements via firmware updates and keeping the unit new for years. TOP FEATURES: Simrad’s displays sounder. It flush-mounts beauti-
are the backbone of Mercury’s VesselView systems, and so VesselView has all of Simrad’s chart-plotting, networking and sonar capabilities, while all Simrad displays have all of Mercury’s VesselView functions embedded.
fully, and if you run Motorguide’s iPilot or Lowrance’s Ghost trolling motor, it will interface with them to set a course or route, follow a contour, or lock on a specific spot. CARTOGRAPHY: C-Map
ANALYSIS: This is Simrad’s top-
Enhanced is standard; Insight, shelf system incorporating chirp, Navionics (Gold, Nav+, PlatiSideScan and DownScan sonar, num+), C-Map (Max N, Max N+), plus a conventional 50/200 kHz NV Digital (raster US charts). SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL): 9 in.
MICROPROCESSOR: Not
specified AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
7, 9, 12, 16 in. RESOLUTION:
1280x720
COLD START TO FIRST FIX: 50 sec. NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: 4
outboard manufacturers), digital switching, Active Target, LiveSight, Simrad S5100, audio control, N2K, Halo radar, Simrad app integration
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Yes
IPS: Yes
11.3-by-6.55by-3.5 in. WEIGHT: 3.11 lb.
CONTROLS:
chirp channels
Supported
WATERPROOF RATING: IP67
Multifunction touch with keypad and rotary knob
INTEGRATED SONAR: 40 to 240
INTEGRATED SONAR: Dual-
BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,200
BLUETOOTH: Yes SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.:
$2,499; thegpsstore.com
FOOTPRINT:
INTEGRATED SONAR: Dual 1 kW
kHz operation spectrum chirp, Mega Side Imaging+, Mega Down Imaging+
4 8 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES: 80 top,
bottom, right, left
BLUETOOTH: Yes SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.: Autopilot
control, engine integration (many
INTEGRATED SONAR: Down-
Scan, ForwardScan, Active Imaging (side scanning)
PHOTOS: COURTESY HUMMINBIRD, COURTESY SIMRAD
Humminbird was the first to come out with side-scanning sonar, and it’s taken a decade for others to catch up. It was also among the first to offer sonar recording for creating custom sonar contour charts, and was definitely the first to design units and firmware to do it directly in the box without having to transmit private fishing data to third parties for incorporation.
Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.
geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_660726485
BOAT DOCTOR /// B O AT I N G L A B
FIND MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.
LOWRANCE HDS-9 LIVE
lowrance.com $1,899 with transducer; bassproshops.com
AXIOM+
raymarine.com $1,399; thegpsstore.com Raymarine’s 3D sonar is probably the best on the market. It requires a black box, but is the one I would make space for as an angler. The displays are crisp, the color spectrum is vivid, and the daytime display in full sunlight is unparalleled thanks to a 1,500-nit backlit LCD screen. Raymarine is also a popular factory-installed product for many boat brands, including Boston Whaler and Sea Ray. Network capabilities include FLIR, VGA cameras, engine functions and audio controls. TOP FEATURES: The 1,500-nit
screens are bright for daylight reading in full sun. The LightHouse II user interface is logical, versatile and easy to master.
memory assists in operations and stores large tracks. The 1,500-nit color screens are the brightest on the market. It lacks a button and the dial interface of the Axiom Pro, but at a savings of over $1,000.
ANALYSIS: Quad-core processing CARTOGRAPHY: Raymarine makes the Ray Axiom+ quick LightHouse Charts come stanwhen redrawing, zooming or panning on the chart, or scrolling dard, plus Navionics and C-Map. back on sonar displays. Ample SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL): 9 in.
MICROPROCESSOR: Quad core
AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
COLD START TO FIRST FIX: Not
9 in.
specified
RVX1000 via RayNet, Evolution AutoPilot, radar night vision, video via Wi-Fi IPS: Yes
RESOLUTION:
1280x720
NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: Not
specified
INTEGRATED SONAR: Chirp
FOOTPRINT:
9.65-by-6.22by-3 in.
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Yes
INTEGRATED SONAR:
CONTROLS:
Multitouch
INTEGRATED SONAR: Down-
BLUETOOTH: Yes
Vision, SideVision, RealVision 3D
Supported
WEIGHT: 5 lb. WATERPROOF:
IP67 BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,500 VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES: 85 top,
bottom, left, right
SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.: CP100,
CP200, CP370, CP470, CP570,
5 0 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
Lowrance is the oldest name in recreational fish-finding technology and one of the first to embrace GPS chart plotting for boaters. Its touchscreen controls are augmented with tactile buttons, and side-scanning, down-scanning, chirp and conventional sonar are built in. Connectivity with Motorguide and Lowrance Ghost trolling motors allows autopilot control of them while fishing. TOP FEATURES: Live sonar with
active imaging is embedded and only requires the appropriate optional transducer. With it, the screen can display cover and fish in motion and watch responses to lures. ANALYSIS: The HDS is most
often found on inshore and freshwater fishing boats, and its design leans toward bracket mounts on a dashtop. Live imaging is becoming essential for competitive anglers but holds little value for average boating
needs. Ample standard cartography makes it a great buy. CARTOGRAPHY: Standard
C-Map US Enhanced Basemap (AMER models), C-Map World Background (ROW models), Navionics basemap (AMER and ROW models); optional C-Map (Max N, Max N+), C-Map Genesis, C-Map Precision Contour HD (AMER only), Navionics (Gold, Nav+, Platinum+), Insight (Pro and HD), Lowrance regional mapping partners.
SCREEN SIZE (DIAGONAL): 9 in.
COLD START TO FIRST FIX: 30 sec.
AVAILABLE SCREEN SIZES:
NO. OF POSSIBLE PANES: 4
7, 9, 12, 16 in.
Target, LiveSight, Simrad S5100, audio control, N2K, Halo radar, Lowrance app integration
1280x720
EMBEDDED OPERATOR MANUAL: Yes
FOOTPRINT:
CONTROLS: Multi-
INTEGRATED SONAR: Dual
11.02-by-6.56by-3.05 in.
touch screen with keypad support
1 kW chirp channels
WEIGHT: 4.14 lb.
BLUETOOTH: Yes
INTEGRATED SONAR: 40 to 240
WATERPROOF:
SUPPORTS SONAR, RADAR, ETC.: Autopilot
kHz operation
RESOLUTION:
IPX7 BRIGHTNESS (NITS): 1,200 VIEWING-ANGLE DEGREES: 80 top,
bottom, left, right MICROPROCESSOR: Not
specified
control, trollingmotor integration (Lowrance Ghost, Motorguide), power-pole control, engine integration (many outboard manufacturers), digital switching, Active
IPS: Yes
INTEGRATED SONAR: Built-
in SideScan, DownScan and LiveSight support
PHOTOS: COURTESY RAYMARINE, COURTESY LOWRANCE
RAYMARINE
NEW MODEL
NC 795 SERIES 2 HAS ARRIVED The traditional V-shape hull provides stability and excellent performance. The bow is higher allowing for more volume inside. Now available with a 250 HP outboard engine, the new NC 795 Series 2 is ready for all adventures and comes equipped with an optional roof rack. jeanneau.com.
NC 695
NC 795
Series 2
NC 1095
POWERED BY
NC 895
Series 2
NC 1095 FLY
CERTIFIED
TEST
VALHALLA V-46 With quad power, bluewater performance and tournament fishability, this 46-foot center-console is Norse heaven.
A
According to David Wilson, Valhalla Boatworks design manager, “Our customers wanted more of everything, and we could not stretch the V-41 to do it.” The extra 6 feet in length overall for the Valhalla V-46 and almost 2-foot-wider beam checked every box, not only in volume, but also in performance, fishability and human-size accommodations. The hull, drawn by Michael Peters Yacht Design, features a double-stepped running surface with a centerline tunnel. The vertical walls of the tunnel act like keels, which afford lateral stability and direction most noticeable at the helm when ripping into high-speed turns. Powered with four Mercury Racing 450R V-8 outboards, the 46
5 2 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
PHOTO: COURTESY VALHALLA BOATWORKS
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#3247
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PHOTOS: COURTESY VALHALLA BOATWORKS
To see an online photo gallery of the Valhalla V-46, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3247.
achieved speeds just under 70 mph. Push the throttles forward, and the acceleration is furious. The EPS SeaStar Optimus power steering proved precise and effortless. Set with 4½ turns lock-to-lock, the carbon-fiber Edson wheel provided sports-car-like response. The helm features a large air-conditioned command station with three Release Marine 19-inch seats with electric slides and flip-up bolsters. A black acrylic helm panel allows for three flush-mounted Garmin screens, while the dash is home for the Zipwake and
Merc controls, the Side-Power thruster joystick and two banks of switching. The faux teak helm pod looks great. Abaft the helm chairs is a second row of four air-conditioned seats mounted a few inches higher than the forward seats to give crew an unobstructed view. Built into the seating bases are multiple stowage compartments for tackle and gear. When running at flank speeds, everything needs a place to be, and this ride has a place for everything. The fiberglass hardtop with polished aluminum supports B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 5 3
The stand-up, well-lit and fully equipped machinery room abaft the head is the knockout punch. fuel filters, bilge, livewell, refrigeration, air conditioning and Seakeeper cooling pumps. The antiseptic-looking bilges are finished with white gelcoat for easy cleanup. Integrated lift-up transom seats also can be added, as well as an engine flush system. Additional fish wells flank the helm console. Above deck, dry stowage compartments are plentiful as you move toward the bow thanks to the wide coaming with space under the gunwales for the portside dive door ladder, gaffs and line bins, and eight fishing rods on the starboard side. A recessed stainless-steel bow rail and bolsters line the coaming from bow to stern. Forward lounge seating is framed with more rod holders and can be fitted with another pressurized livewell under the cushion. The deck space includes room for a tuna-size fish box beneath the molded nonslip sole. Removable backrests complement port and starboard bow seating. I liked the step platform between the bow seats; it conceals a drink-box cooler and affords unfettered ac-
cess to the cleats, the anchor rode locker with freshwater spigot, and the Lewmar windlass, without needing to stretch over cushions. Take three teak steps into the cabin within the console. Headroom going in is 6 feet, 7 inches. Sitting headroom at the teak table is 5 feet, 2 inches. With U-shaped seating, it serves as a dining area. Dropping the table converts it to a queen-size berth. A 32-inch flat-screen television and stereo provide entertainment. An overhead hatch and large side windows fill the area with natural light. The galley includes Corian counters, an Isotherm refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner Kenyon cooktop and a Samsung microwave. A hatch in the galley sole provides access to the water tank, shower sump and overboard discharge. Abaft the galley is the head with a Dometic marine toilet, a shower, a vanity with a Corian countertop, and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom. The knockout punch? The machinery room is abaft the head. Here, there is access to the water heater, batteries, the 8 kW generator, freshwater pumps and filter. As much as 6 feet of standing height allows you to reach all of the helm wiring, which, by the way, I found superbly done. Boats comparable to the V-46 prove rare. Savvy buyers will check out Intrepid’s 475 Panacea, which runs on a stepped hull and can also be highly customized ($1,000,000 with quad Mercury Racing 450Rs). Schedule sea trials of both boats, and be prepared to be impressed. —Peter Frederiksen
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
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High Points
X Stand-up headroom in the mechanical
space beneath the helm console. X Safe, dry rod-stowage compartment above
deck on the starboard side. X Turnkey delivery from the factory.
Low Points
X Tight fit in the four-seat row. X Descending into the cabin would be easier
with a grab rail. X Extensive options list means lots of
decisions.
· LOA: 49'8" (engines down) · BEAM: 13'4" · DRAFT: 3'6" (engines down) · DISPLACEMENT: 29,731 lb. (full load with four Mercury Racing 450Rs) · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 24 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 11'6" (to open array radar) · MAX CABIN HEADROOM: 6'3" · FUEL CAPACITY: 694 gal. (gas); 33 gal. (diesel generator) · MAX HORSEPOWER: 2,400 · AVAILABLE POWER: Triple or quad Mercury outboards to 2,400 hp
Price: $1,300,000 (base with test power)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D
HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Quad 450 hp Mercury Racing V-8 450R DRIVE/PROPS: Outboard/Mercury Eco 16" x 21.5" 4-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 418 gal. (gas); 33 gal. (diesel) WATER ON BOARD: 0 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 500 lb. VA L H A L L A B O A T W O R K S
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey; 609-296-6000; valhallaboatworks.com
SPEED
EFFICIENCY
OPERATION
rpm
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500
6.60 8.69 9.56 10.64 13.21 20.07
7.60 10.00 11.00 12.25 15.20 23.10
6.70 12.90 20.30 28.50 36.40 44.50
0.99 0.67 0.47 0.37 0.36 0.45
1.13 0.78 0.54 0.43 0.42 0.52
616 421 294 233 227 282
709 484 338 268 261 324
0 1 2 3 4 2
62 68 70 74 80 82
4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6300
31.46 38.23 43.97 53.27 56.66 60.18
36.20 44.00 50.60 61.30 65.20 69.25
58.10 70.70 93.50 130.00 153.00 175.00
0.54 0.54 0.47 0.41 0.37 0.34
0.62 0.62 0.54 0.47 0.43 0.40
338 338 294 256 231 215
389 389 338 295 266 247
2 2 2 2 2 2
84 85 86 87 88 89
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level PHOTO: COURTESY VALHALLA BOATWORKS
features a teaser reel compartment and an electronic box built into the overhead (which can be color-matched to the hull), along with spreader and overhead lights, six rod holders, and a radar antenna pod. Our test boat also boasted the optional ProCurve solid curvedglass windshield ($9,700) that complements the contour of the console. In true form following function, the helm area is generously protected from spray, sun and wind. Aft-facing mezzanine seating with armrests and drink holders keeps anglers close to the action in the cockpit. Behind the backrests we found stowage compartments for tackle and gear, insulated drink boxes, flush rod holders and more drink holders. In the cockpit, with an average depth of 29 inches, the reach to the waterline is 36 inches, making release of billfish safe and easy. Two 50-gallon livewells built into the transom get water from a sea chest and a variable speed pump to ensure proper flow to keep bait lively. Two 15-by-67-by-24-inch fish boxes flank large hatches in the sole for the available Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer ($52,200), and lazarette access to the
CERTIFIED
TEST
FOUNTAIN 42 LIGHTNING Fountain’s 42-foot Lightning has always been major league, but with hull and deck updates and twin Mercury Racing Dual Cal 1,100/1,350 hp sterndrives, it’s World Series champion material.
F
Fountain’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Harris jumps aboard our Fountain 42-foot Lightning test boat and hurries me to hop in. As we don our vests, he plugs in the fob that changes the tune on the Mercury Racing Dual Calibration sterndrives from 1,100 horses each to 1,350 each. Whoomph—they come to life. With a lumpy-cam lope, we fast-idle away from the Iconic Powerboats dock. Spinning 36-inch-pitch propellers, the slowest idle possible is about 7 mph. Harris eases the go sticks forward; the turbos hiss and whine, and Fountain’s trademark droop-snout bow rises and then settles as we approach 40 mph at a mere 2,500 rpm. At
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PHOTO: COURTESY FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS
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#3248
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PHOTOS: COURTESY FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS
To see an online photo gallery of the Fountain 42 Lightning, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3248.
the most economical cruise speed, the Mercury Racing engines loaf at 3,500 rpm—but speed is a ripping 71 mph, truly illustrating that old boast, “At cruise, we’re already faster than most boats will go.” Winds are light. Chop is just under a foot. Time to go. Harris accelerates to 5,500 rpm as we rush toward 120 mph. He nudges the tachs over 6,000, and the GPS reads 131 mph. So far, the rush of wind and the roar of engines are the only clues we’re rolling so hard; the Fountain pad is locked in tight, and the boat is stable as a rock. But
now, as Harris tickles the trim, tabs and throttle together in expert fashion, my butt cheeks get tight. The stern lifts and floats, ever so slightly. The hull dances. The GPS rapidly approaches 140 mph. At a steady indicated 138, Harris finally backs the trim and throttles down, looks over and says, “There’s more, but that’s enough for today.” How much more? I’d estimate at least another 3 mph, perhaps 5, with tweaking and seat time. Some will wonder: How fast is fast enough? Just ask! Harris notes B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 5 7
You’ll need seat time, seat time and more seat time (and high-performance-racing life vests) to drive this Lightning to its full potential. not unlike that of a multi-engine aircraft in a high-performance takeoff: a smooth, forceful rush of power. Construction? Fountain ranks in the top echelon of boatbuilders, and the Lightning is a fine example of the company’s prowess. The hull is a race-proven, hand-laid, bonded grid structure, with its sides, deck and inner liner made from composite-core materials. The guys who lay-up, assemble and rig these boats have been at it for decades, and they know how to do it right. Close inspection reveals nothing less. Our tester, headed to western US waters, featured an owner-ordered clean white finish complemented by a white interior, with medium-gray accents and RGB concealed rope lighting highlighting the cockpit. Aft seating boasts body-contoured triple buckets with “chicken straps” for passengers to hold when the pucker factor gets high. Pilot and co-pilot seating features retractable bolsters, and cup holders and grab rails on
the back sides for those who want to stand behind and see the action firsthand. The vinyl upholstery is well-stitched and fitted cleanly, and should stand up to many years of use. While you’re not going to spend the summer aboard the Lightning, a night spent on the water will prove comfortable for a couple thanks to a surprisingly roomy cabin belowdecks well-equipped pretty much any way the customer can specify, within reason. Our tester featured a cedar-lined hanging locker, a pull-out refrigerator, dual sinks, a portable head, wraparound cabin seating with a center table that converts to a bed, and optional air conditioning ($11,000). The updates to this venerable warrior make it flow with the times, and the increased performance capability is astounding considering that less than a decade ago, these hulls were typically running right in the low 100 mph range with top power. In the V-hull, ultra-performance sterndrive sportboat market, comparable hulls rigged for this kind of performance are scarce. However, Outerlimits’ SV-43 compares at 43 feet, 5 inches long and 9 feet wide, and runs comparable speeds with the same engine and drive packages. A typical SV-43 goes for about $1.1 million. For the poker-run enthusiast and a performance-minded family, the 42 Lightning delivers in rarified air, while also providing a comfortable overnighter equally at home showing off its mind-bending capabilities or wowing the locals at the best lakeside restaurant. King of the lake doesn’t begin to describe this dude. —John Tiger
High Points
X Fountain used digital measuring equipment
to redesign the hull so it’s more than capable at the increased speeds the venerable Mercury Racing mills provide. X Hand-laid, stepped hull with a high-
performance pad and a notched setback transom give the 42 Lightning solid handling at ultrasonic speeds. X Rigging is executed in rugged offshore-
racing style, making servicing easier and the engine bay a delight to show off to onlookers.
Low Points
X While the 42 is fitted for multiple crew-
members, the tight confines of the cockpit and interior make it more of a couple’s boat—although, we suspect you’ll be tapped for thrill rides. · LOA: 42'0" · BEAM: 8'3" · DRAFT: 1'6.5" · DISPLACEMENT: 13,500 lb. (without engines) · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 23 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 5'0" · MAX CABIN HEADROOM: 4'7" · FUEL CAPACITY: 218 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 2,700 · AVAILABLE POWER: Twin Mercury Racing sterndrives to 2,700 hp total
Price: $1,054,750 (base); $1,108,006 (as tested) AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
STERNDRIVE
HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Twin Mercury Racing Dual Cal 1,100/1,350 hp 9L (550ci) supercharged V-8s DRIVE/PROPS: Mercury Racing M8 racing sterndrives/Mercury Racing lab-finished 17" x 36" 6-blade lab-finished stainlesssteel cleaver GEAR RATIO: 1.33:1 FUEL LOAD: 100 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 500 lb. F O U N TA I N P O W E R B O AT S
Chocowinity, North Carolina; 252-975-2000; iconicmarinegroup.com
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
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SPEED
EFFICIENCY
OPERATION
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
6.4 8.6 13.3 34.8 55.7
7.4 9.9 15.4 40.1 64.1
13.4 25.2 27.8 42.2 57.8
0.5 0.3 0.5 0.8 1.0
0.6 0.4 0.6 0.9 1.1
94.2 67.0 94.1 161.8 189.1
108.3 77.1 108.3 186.2 217.6
1 2 2 4 3
74 83 85 90 92
3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6250
61.4 67.8 80.0 87.9 101.6 113.8 119.9
70.7 78.0 92.1 101.1 117.0 131.0 138.0
62.2 71.8 96.0 124.0 178.0 256.0 292.0
1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.4
1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.5
193.8 185.2 163.6 139.0 112.0 87.2 80.6
223.0 213.1 188.2 160.0 128.9 100.4 92.7
3 3 3 2 2 2 2
95 95 95 96 98 100 102
rpm
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
PHOTO: COURTESY FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS
that a few have left the plant with the more powerful 1,350/1,550 packages and can top 160 mph. Not many owners of this boat will complain about fuel consumption with a package like this. With its 218-gallon fuel cell, you could cruise for about 223 miles at 3,500 rpm. But remember: That equals 70 mph. Chances are you’ll be cruising at 2,500 rpm or less, with occasional bursts up the speed range. Handling is exactly what’s expected from a race-proven hull: Turns are tight and G-filled, and movements are quick and responsive to driver inputs. Here’s where we must advise, of course, that potential owners understand that things come up and happen quickly at the speeds the 42 Lightning can attain, and quick inputs from the pilot are needed to avoid getting into difficult situations. Keen situational awareness is a valuable sense to have when piloting such a boat. Planing and acceleration? Zero to 30 mph took 9.5 seconds. Accelerating with this boat is not just a “grip it and rip it” affair; the spool-up of the big Merc mills takes a soft touch until the hull is planing and the props bite. After that, the only limiter on punch and speed is your nerve. The feel is
CERTIFIED
TEST
BLACKFIN 302CC The new 302CC sports a sharp stem, a tall, wave-cleaving sheer, a glossy gelcoat, and a super-efficient Michael Peters SVVT double-step hull.
T
The Blackfin name means hardcore offshore fishability and maximum seaworthiness. The new Blackfin has all that, plus luxury seating for your crew. The 302CC is all-composite, with no wood from stem to stern, and major parts are bonded in a unitized system that ensures each Blackfin not only makes it through the warranty period, but also lasts for years after. Our experience with these boats supports the company’s claim. Fuel and water systems were pressure-tested not just once or twice, but three times as we watched on a visit to the factory. Each boat spends an hour floating in a test tank, showered heavily from above, and if on the rare occasion a leak is found, they stop the test,
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PHOTO: COURTESY BLACKFIN
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#3249
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PHOTOS: COURTESY BLACKFIN
To watch our video review of the Blackfin 302CC, visit boatingmag.com/3249.
repair the problem, and restart the clock on the test. What rolls off the line is a superb boat with a luxury flair, plenty of elegant seating, and some serious features to put fish in the large macerated fish boxes. Twin Mercury V-8 Verado 300 hp outboards push it to 55 mph and a generous 37 mph cruise speed, making 1.4 mpg for a range of 300 miles, leaving a 10 percent fuel reserve. You could opt for dual Verado 400s to hit maximum horsepower, but we think Blackfin has it right with the 300s. Why? Because in
the tight quarters of our test, we were able to jump out of the hole quickly to get to cruising speed in just a tad over 10 seconds and, if we wanted to, make sharp 180 turns without dumping off plane and while retaining plenty of power and control when returning to a straight course. This is an area where the Michael Peters SVVT hull really shines. The SVVT boasts dual steps paired with a notched bottom that is about 2 inches deep from just behind the steps to the transom, B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 6 1
The double-step Michael Peters hull is a sought-after running surface for its speed and fuel economy. high-capacity pump) and a transom door to starboard. Another entry—or fish-hoisting area—is the standard portside boarding door. An optional removable ladder will make it handy for diving or swimming. There are six undergunwale rod racks for stowing your arsenal. While serious angling is the foundation of a Blackfin, luxury is its hallmark, and that is apparent in the helm, the console compartment beneath and the forward seating. The hardtop underside is optionally gelcoated to match or contrast the optional powder-coating of the hardtop structure. It’s a great look and serves to absorb reflected light, improving visibility of electronics displays. Atop the helm, a surf-mat finish keeps phones and keys from sliding about, and a 6-inch window vent at the top of the windshield opens electrically for ventilation. The dual helm seats are BMW-crisp, and that style goes through all the cushions, such as the bow lounges and the stowable forward seatbacks (which merge with the
High Points
coaming pads when fishing). A dual couch on the front of the console has cold storage beneath the flip-up cushion. Wraparound bow lounges have removable forward-facing lounge backs that can be stowed quickly by pressing their mounting rods into the gunwale, where they join with the thick bolsters that wrap completely around the boat. Scout builds its 305 LXF ($302,394 base price with dual Mercury V-8 300s) with a nod to luxury cruising. Its lines are similar to the Blackfin, with high bows and a sheer for seaworthy cruising in inclement conditions. The transom seats are fixed in place, however, perhaps adding comfort at the expense of fishability. The 302’s standards list is impressive, with the bow thruster and windlass at the top of it. Cosmetic options include SeaDek platform covering, colored hull sides, and white rub rails instead of black. The Blackfin factory installs optional Garmin navigation suites including radar and chirp sonar. Blackfin’s talent is combining durable construction techniques with superior fishability and outstanding comfort. The all-composite hull has no wood, features premium stainless-steel hardware, durable weather-resistant vinyl, and all the fishing accommodations required for serious coastal and offshore fishing. The 302CC is the builder’s latest bull’s-eye in that endeavor. —Randy Vance
X Factory-installed bow thruster makes
docking easier for any skipper. X Custom hinge hardware on the console
side door opens without blocking passage along the gunwale. X Three raw-water washdowns make it easy
to clean the boat after getting bait or bloodying the deck.
Low Points
X High bow deflects seas and all but
prevents stuffing a wave. Although, short captains might need the fold-down step to see over the bow on acceleration. · LOA: 32'8" (with engines) · BEAM: 10'0" · DRAFT: 2'9" · DISPLACEMENT: 9,000 lb. (plus engines) · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 23 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 8'9" (with hardtop) · MAX HEADROOM: 6'4" · FUEL CAPACITY: 240 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 800 · AVAILABLE POWER: Twin Mercury outboards to 800 hp total
Price: $318,566 (base price with test power)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D
HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Twin Mercury V-8 Verado 300 hp outboards DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16" x 19" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 240 gal. WATER ON BOARD: 50 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 350 lb. BL ACKFIN
Williston, Florida; 352-525-2411; blackfinboats.com
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
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SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
EFFICIENCY
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
4.5 6.5 8.0 8.8 9.9 13.5 22.1 32.5 38.2 43.4 48.0
5.2 7.5 9.3 10.1 11.4 15.6 25.4 37.4 44.0 50.0 55.3
2.8 4.6 7.8 11.6 17.0 22.4 24.2 26.8 34.2 41.8 49.2
1.6 1.4 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
OPERATION
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
1.9 1.6 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1
348.6 304.0 222.6 163.4 125.3 130.3 197.0 261.9 241.2 224.3 210.8
401.1 349.8 256.2 188.1 144.2 149.9 226.7 301.4 277.6 258.1 242.6
2 2 5 6 7 8 5 4 4 4 4
64 68 71 78 79 86 87 87 89 91 93
PHOTO: COURTESY BLACKFIN
and spreads abeam midway between the chine and keel from port to starboard. A step hull is like two hulls. A dual-step hull might be looked at as three, but with the SVVT system, the notched bottom is a fourth element, giving the boat its characteristic speed, efficiency and stability in turns. To ready your gear, there is a tacklerigging station aft of the helm seating, with a slide-out cooler beneath it. I found a sink, tackle compartment and tool holders conveniently at hand. If you’re soft on fishing and serious about comfort, the rigging station can be swapped for mezzanine seating facing the transom, ready to pair up in the roomy cockpit with the foldaway transom lounge. We found eight Gemlux cup/rod holders on the gunwales and four shotgun rod holders on the transom. Those are flanked by a 30-gallon livewell to port (fed by a
† Mechanical F225, F250, and F300 models remain unchanged. 4.2L V6 Offshore 225 compatible only with bolt-on digital electric steering. * Refers to analysis of warranty claim data for powerhead, lower unit, and/or trim/tilt unit only on subject outboards. This data was collected between January 1, 2014 and November 9, 2020, and incorporates outboards that are still covered under warranty and which may generate additional warranty claims prior to warranty expiration. Except as explicitly stated in a product’s factory limited warranty statement or extended service contract, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, for such product. 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
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S C AN ME
A
At first glance, the new 250 Dauntless from Boston Whaler seemed too pretty to fish— too comfortable, too dandy to get bloody. With all the fine dayboating features, its fishing armaments are nearly concealed like a professional gambler’s pearl-handled derringer. Never assume this Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is unarmed. Our test boat’s 250 hp Mercury V-8 pushed it to a top speed of 48 mph. If it wasn’t set up for speed, it was definitely propped for the hole shot, coming on plane in 2.6 seconds. We think the power will lift the boat easily on plane even with a passenger load of six, with power to spare. The boat performed so well at 250 hp, we wondered about the point of jumping to
6 4 | B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
PHOTO: GARRETT CORTESE
To watch our video review of the Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless, visit boatingmag .com/3250.
C CERTIFIED
PHOTOS: COURTESY BOSTON WHALER
TEST
#3250
BOSTON WHALER 250 DAUNTLESS Successfully blending fishing, watersports and cruising, this might be Whaler’s best-looking boat in its size class.
the max of 400. But, fill the livewells and coolers, and add tackle, wakeboards and beach bags, and the number 400 not only looks macho on the motor, but it also adds fun for the day-cruising ride. If it were going to find its home in shallow bays, the 300 V-8 would be the max I’d choose for optimizing the performance, fuel economy, purchase price and insurance costs of this unsinkable boat. A 90-gallon fuel capacity and an optimal cruise speed at 3,500 rpm get a range of 222 miles with a 10 percent fuel reserve.
Serious anglers will appreciate the ample 35-gallon livewell, with a blue-painted interior lighted for night fishing. It is hidden beneath a hatch flush in the center of the aft casting deck and flanked by stowaway seats also tucked beneath flush-mounted hatches. While many bay boats, such as the Ranger 2510, center a dual seat in the aft casting deck, Whaler’s seats, separated and set closest to the gunwales, give passengers a better view forward. But, in inclement weather, they offer less protection from spray B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 6 5
The 250 Dauntless centerconsole lounge is unique, offering reclining comfort we haven’t found on any other bay boat in this class. beneath gracious cruising features. The double lounge molded into the forward console is a luxury-first in a bay boat of this size. Underneath the lounge, I found more gear and rod stowage. Passage between that and the casting deck is generous. Regulator’s XO 24 is a tough competitor to the Whaler ($141,995 base with hardtop and Yamaha 300 hp outboard), but it doesn’t boast the forward lounge where dual seats, typical of bay boats, pamper the guests. However, the XO 24 does have a large, thickly padded forward deck that accommodates riders and anglers when cushions are stowed. Its beam is an inch narrower and lacks a few inches in length overall, but its console is actually larger, giving more room for electronics and a more spacious head compartment below. The forward casting deck of the Whaler might never see an angler. It’s covered in thick upholstery, creating a comfy sun pad, and boasts a pair of pop-up seatbacks for forward-facing seating. Instead of
centering its aft seats behind the leaning post, Whaler put a fold-up seat at each gunwale, so there’s a pleasant forward view not available on most bay boats. Grab rails recessed into the gunwales provide safety for the seated. (There are grab rails for the aft jump seats too.) Storage and an insulated cooler beneath keep the crew organized and refreshed. Tuck away the aft seats and remove all the cushions, and your step up to the foredeck is comfortable and footing is secure thanks to its nonskid surface. At the helm, the captain gets three choices for seating. Our test boat had the deluxe leaning post with a thickly bolstered and upholstered leaning-post seat that offers ergonomic comfort whether you’re seated or standing behind the generously sized helm station and beneath the optional hardtop. It also has fold-down armrests and a drawer system for tackle and rigging. Additionally offered is the competition leaning-post seat with dual seats, a flip-up bolster, and four rod holders in the back. A reversible pilot-seat option includes a 32-gallon livewell. With the combination of Whaler’s reputation for unsinkability and family-friendly options surrounding serious fishability, you have a boat that each family member can truly enjoy. —Randy Vance
High Points
X Optional deluxe leaning post offers
excellent tackle storage or can be used for cruising convenience. X Factory installation of Raymarine electron-
ics, a Power-Pole and a trolling motor puts these accessories on the factory warranty. X Optional sports pylon is durable and adds
towed sports to the play menu.
Low Points
X Aft seats were a little low but allowed for
an easy step to the casting deck. X Entry inside the console to the head is
tight. It is even made tighter if lounge rod storage is employed. · LOA: 24'9" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 1'3" · DISPLACEMENT: 4,740 lb. (with engine) · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 18 degrees · MAX HEADROOM: NA · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 7'11" · FUEL CAPACITY: 90 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 400 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single Mercury outboards to 400 hp
Price: $128,153 (base with engine, hardtop and side color)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D
HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Mercury 250 hp V-8 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 16" x 18" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 80 gal. WATER ON BOARD: 0 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 400 lb. BOSTON WHALER
Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645; bostonwhaler.com
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
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SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
EFFICIENCY
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
3.6 5.6 7.0 8.4 12.7 19.5 24.9 29.1 33.0 37.4 41.7
4.2 6.4 8.0 9.7 14.6 22.4 28.6 33.5 38.0 43.0 48.0
1.3 2.0 3.1 4.2 5.9 7.1 9.1 11.1 13.9 18.9 21.9
2.8 2.8 2.2 2.0 2.2 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.0 1.9
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
OPERATION
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
3.2 3.2 2.6 2.3 2.5 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.2
227.4 225.2 181.6 162.6 174.2 222.1 221.2 212.4 192.4 160.1 154.3
261.7 259.2 209.0 187.1 200.4 255.5 254.6 244.5 221.4 184.3 177.5
1 2 2 4 6 3 2 1 1 1 1
65 70 72 72 75 77 79 84 85 84 88
PHOTO: GARRETT CORTESE
than the centered seats. While the aft casting deck has a deep motorwell, Whaler’s designers had some tricks to expand the casting-deck area. They concealed the boarding ladder in the extended casting-deck starboards and, you guessed it, tucked it beneath a flush-mounted hatch. The portside hatch conceals storage. The result is plenty of walkabout space for casting or managing a ski rope. Whaler also thoughtfully engineered the rod-holder placements. One pair flanks the leaning post, and two additional pairs are set in the aft deck, one pair per side. They could be used for shotgun rods or flat lines. Even the leaning post features six rod holders in the sleek pod. Beneath them I found space for utility boxes, tools and gear. Every Boston Whaler carries the armaments for fishing, but this completely new Dauntless camouflaged fishing power
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#3251
High Points
X Boat ramp? Who needs a boat ramp?
Trailer? Who needs a trailer? X Exceedingly comfortable in a nasty
chop, even while posting impressive performance numbers. X Bow wheels create a permanent fender
of sorts.
Low Points
X If you trim the boat improperly and push
the bow too low, the forward wheels can grab water and throw spray. X Additional weight of the amphibious
OCEAN CRAFT 9.8M AMP amphibious nature of this craft grabs most of the attention, it can also blast through raging seas at high speeds in relative comfort. When we tested the Ocean Craft, gusts to 29 mph had roiled up Chesapeake Bay, creating a back-breaking 2- to 4-foot
To see an online photo gallery of the Ocean Craft 9.8M AMP, visit boatingmag.com/3251.
raise and lower, powered by a 40 hp Briggs and Stratton gasoline engine parked under a motor box in the transom. Each rear leg sports a custom 26-by12-by-12-inch Turf Tire wheel, and the leg that tucks up against the bow has dual wheels. The ability to drive at jogging speed (a governor keeps top-end down to around 6 mph) across asphalt, sand or just about any reasonably firm surface in all-wheel-drive sets this boat apart from the mainstream. While the
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chop. In our quest to find calmer waters for highspeed runs, we ran north, then west, then south, and eventually back east again. Thanks to an aggressive hull with razor-sharp concave reversed chines surrounded by the shockabsorbing Hypalon collar, there was never a moment when my aching old back cried out in pain aboard this center-console layout, regardless of the direction we cruised—that includes when cranked up to full tilt. The boat’s amphibious
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Toughest Competitor
X The slightly smaller 30-foot Sea Legs
9.0M is another amphibious RIB with deployable wheels. It offers a single wheel at the bow rather than dual, rides on an aluminum hull as opposed to fiberglass, and carries a 400 hp maximum rating.
nature isn’t its only unusual trait. Construction is also atypical. Ocean Craft builds this model just as it builds its professional line intended for law enforcement, firefighters and military applications. Upgrades from the norm include military-grade Hypalon 1670 Dtex tubes, stainless-steel pipework and shock-mitigating seats. These touches might not be as obvious as the legs and wheels, but it’s no matter. We’re still 100 percent sure that each and every head will turn when you cruise that Ocean Craft out of the water and drive onto dry land. —Lenny Rudow
· LOA: 32'7" · BEAM: 10'4" · DRAFT (MAX): 1'6" · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 13 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 8'8" · FUEL CAPACITY: 180 gal. · MAX POWER: 800 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single or twin outboards to 800 hp
Price: $311,000 (as tested)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Twin Mercury Pro XS 300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/14" x 21" Mirage Plus 3-blade stainless-steel GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 120 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 320 lb. (approx.) OCEAN CRAFT MARINE
Annapolis, Maryland; 410-263-3242; oceancraftmarine.com
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
SPEED
EFFICIENCY
rpm
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
3.82 6.69 8.95 9.12 9.65 10.86 27.81 35.37 42.75 49.53 53.00
4.40 7.70 10.30 10.50 11.10 12.50 32.00 40.70 49.20 57.00 60.00
2.40 4.50 7.30 8.40 10.10 12.50 18.40 24.50 33.60 58.00 60.40
1.59 1.49 1.23 1.09 0.96 0.87 1.51 1.44 1.27 1.07 0.85
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
OPERATION
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
1.83 1.71 1.41 1.25 1.10 1.00 1.74 1.66 1.46 1.24 0.99
258 241 199 176 155 141 245 234 206 174 138
297 277 229 203 178 162 282 269 237 200 160
0 5 8 7 6 6 1 1 1 1 0
76 81 60 84 88 86 88 90 90 92 92
PHOTOS: COURTESY OCEAN CRAFT MARINE
When the 32-foot Ocean Craft 9.8M AMP, powered by twin 300 hp Mercury Pro XS outboards, rolled up the boat ramp and into the parking lot on its own wheels, every nearby head swiveled to look. The Ocean Craft has three hydraulic legs that
system (over 800 pounds) means otherwise equal nonamphibious versions could go faster or burn less fuel.
T
TESTS #3252
High Points
X VARIS resin-infusion system builds
a strong, light hull for speed with efficiency. X High Performance Step hull adds speed
without compromising maneuverability. X Spacious casting decks fore and aft
convert quickly to comfortable seating. X Elegant teak table for the forward
cockpit stows away neatly in the console at fishing time.
Low Points
X Entry to the console compartment is
PATHFINDER 2600 TRS Input from owners and Pathfinder’s hard-fishing employees helped produce thoughtful features such as slots in the hardtop for rods placed in the vertical holders. Fly anglers have a choice of those or undergunwale racks to carry up to eight long rods. A deep compartment
To see a photo gallery of the Pathfinder 2600 TRS, go to boatingmag.com/3252.
performance. Unlike some stepped hulls, our test boat stayed on our twisting course during tight maneuvers. Fuel efficiency with its Yamaha F300 impressed us, as did its wide range of useful cruising speeds, plus a top-end of over 50 mph. Up to 400 hp is available, but we think 300 hp is plenty. Pathfinder’s extensive experience shapes the 2600 TRS into a robust package that floats shallow but can still work offshore waters in the hands of a prudent skipper with a good weather eye.
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holds two cast-net buckets. Three deep-cycle batteries and a charger for a 36-volt bow-mount electric motor are fitted so they enhance the hull’s balance. We found grab handles in all the right places. Not fishing today? Fit the bow casting deck’s cushions. Hinged backs in the fish-box lids create forward-facing lounges. An elegant teak table fits securely. Three lids in the stern casting deck lift to reveal cushioned seats for four—the TRS in the 2600’s model name refers to Third
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Toughest Competitor
X Sportsman’s Masters 267 (MSRP
$113,295), though riding a nonstepped hull, compares well on dimensions, performance with a Yamaha 300XSB, and a combination of fishing and family features. The MSRP includes features such as electronics that are optional on the Pathfinder.
Row Seating—with stowage and mechanical access below. A ski pylon fits into the stern deck, while the transom mounts a swim platform. The boat’s construction impresses. The crowned cockpit sole drains water quickly. Grated scuppers inhibit clogs, and the drains are sized to ensure that spray or rain coming aboard drains quickly through doubleclamped hoses served by seacocks fitted slightly below the waterline. Gasketed hatches latch tightly over guttered openings. Such attention to detail, both large and small, makes the 2600 TRS a winner. —John Page Williams
· LOA: 26'2" · BEAM: 8'10" · DRAFT: 1'3" · DISPLACEMENT: 3,650 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 18 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 7'6" · FUEL CAPACITY: 81 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 450 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single outboard to 450 hp
Price: $112,887 (MSRP with a Yamaha F300XSB)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Yamaha 300 hp DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/15.25" x 18" Saltwater Series II SDS 3-blade GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 81 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 360 lb. PAT H F I N D E R B O AT S
Fort Pierce, Florida; 888-SHALLOW; pathfinderboats.com
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
SPEED
EFFICIENCY
rpm
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000
4.69 6.43 7.47 8.69 11.82 19.20 30.33 33.54 37.28 41.36 45.01
5.40 7.40 8.60 10.00 13.60 22.10 34.90 38.60 42.90 47.60 51.80
1.30 2.30 3.70 5.70 7.20 8.40 11.80 15.00 17.80 21.30 26.90
3.61 2.80 2.02 1.52 1.64 2.29 2.57 2.24 2.09 1.94 1.67
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
OPERATION
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
4.15 3.22 2.32 1.75 1.89 2.63 2.96 2.57 2.41 2.23 1.93
263 204 147 111 120 167 187 163 153 142 122
303 235 169 128 138 192 216 188 176 163 140
0 0 3 4 5 2 2 2 2 1 1
62 73 78 82 86 85 89 89 91 92 94
PHOTO: COURTESY PATHFINDER BOATS
Pathfinder’s 2600 TRS is like a fishable, high-performance SUV with handling that a sports car would envy. Thank Pathfinder’s proprietary VARIS resininfusion system for light, robust construction and its High Performance Step hull for speed and sure-footed
tight for adult males, but adequate for everyone else. Headroom inside is 5 feet.
Escape
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High Points
X Open cockpit design maximizes seating
options for up to five passengers. X Excellent side-to-side stability at rest. X Integrated swim platform gives it a
more refined look. X Fun to drive and economical to run.
Low Points
X Nonadjustable helm seat is comfort-
able for most drivers, but not all. X Absence of a bow cleat makes
anchoring more difficult.
BAYLINER Element M15 The standard engine is a three-cylinder Mercury FourStroke 40 EFI, but upgrading to the four-cylinder Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI we ran during our test is a recommended option ($775) that pushed its top speed to a respectable 31.3 mph. The M15’s M-hull gives
To see our online photo gallery of the Bayliner Element M15, go to boatingmag.com/3253.
and nearly a foot narrower than the E16—the original Element—the M15 feels larger because it does away with the space-eating rear playpen and fiberglass dividers between seating areas. Moving the helm seat to the aft bench also creates more usable space in the cockpit. A major evolution is the integrated swim platform, which gives the boat a more graceful sheerline and creates a one-level back porch that’s perfect for key-off lounging facing rearward. Bring on that sunset!
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it admirable side-to-side stability, with 17 degrees of deadrise at the stern to help mitigate the chop. The hull also provides lots of lift, which helped it get on plane in 5.7 seconds and also allowed it to stay on plane at only 14.5 mph. The angular outer sponsons push back during hard turns to reduce inward lean. The few available options are bundled to make choosing a setup easy. Buyers could select the barebones E Package, but they should fork over an extra
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can offer aftermarket solutions.
Toughest Competitor
X Check out Tahoe’s T16 ($19,995) with a
Mercury 60 FourStroke, Kicker two-speaker stereo, single-axle powder-coated galvanized trailer, depth sounder, speedometer with fuel gauge and trim switch, and bilge pump.
$1,050 to upgrade to the EX Package, which includes the choice of black or red hull color, a Jenson 120-watt AM/FM MP3 stereo, a 500 gph bilge pump, a mooring cover, and a Bimini top with boot. For another $525, the EXL Package builds on the EX Package by adding SeaDek padding to the cockpit sole and swim platform, a digital depth finder, and a bow filler cushion to create a sunning platform. Bayliner Boats’ newest entry-level model accomplishes the mission of delivering great value and fun in an easily trailerable package. —Alan Jones
· LOA: 15'2" · BEAM: 6'7" · DRAFT (MAX): 2'1" · DISPLACEMENT (APPROX.): 1,385 lb. · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 17 degrees · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: NA · FUEL CAPACITY: 12 gal. · MAX HORSEPOWER: 50 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single Mercury Marine outboards to 50 hp
Price: $14,774 (with Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI)
AVA I L A B L E P O W E R :
O U T B OA R D
HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Mercury FourStroke 50 EFI DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/10.25" x 13" 3-blade aluminum GEAR RATIO: 1.83:1 FUEL LOAD: 5 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 425 lb. B AY L I N E R B O A T S
Knoxville, Tennessee; 865-971-6311; bayliner.com
SPEED
C CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS
rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5550
knots 2.5 3.6 4.6 5.4 6.3 9.8 16.9 21.0 23.2 26.4 27.2
EFFICIENCY mph 2.9 4.2 5.4 6.2 7.3 11.3 19.4 24.2 26.7 30.4 31.3
gph
naut. mpg
0.3 0.4 0.9 1.5 2.1 2.6 3.1 3.6 4.3 4.9 5.3
8.4 9.0 5.2 3.6 3.0 3.8 5.4 5.8 5.4 5.4 5.1
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
stat. mpg 9.7 10.4 5.9 4.1 3.5 4.3 6.3 6.7 6.2 6.2 5.9
OPERATION
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
90.7 97.4 55.8 38.8 32.6 40.6 58.7 63.1 58.3 58.2 55.4
104.4 112.05 64.2 44.6 37.5 46.7 67.6 72.6 67.1 67.0 63.8
1 1 2 4 7 8 4 4 3 3 3
57 60 65 68 71 75 81 86 87 88 91
PHOTO: COURTESY BAYLINER BOATS
The evolution of Bayliner’s Element Series continues with the introduction of the M15, a new entry-level deck boat that features a more open cockpit design and upgraded upholstery, with a starting price below $14,000 including a trailer. Despite being a foot shorter
X No Bayliner ski-tow option, but dealers
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Why electric foils might be the next big thing in watersports. BY ANDREA GAYTAN PHOTOS BY ZACH STOVALL
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B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 7 5
READY FOR TAKEOFF
On I recent surfing trip to Puerto Rico, I witnessed something I’d never seen before. My son, Kai, and I paddled out into a crowded lineup, where the local surfers chitchatted while hungrily waiting for waves. When a set approached, a figure appeared on the horizon moving toward the break, silent and swift like a shark but hovering a few feet above the water. Through squinting eyes, I made out the silhouette of Nick Leason foiling toward us, towing wakeboarding legend Brian Grubb with a rope. In an instant, Leason disappeared behind the swell as he whipped Grubb into the steep face of the wave. Grubb let go of the rope and breezed by us, foiling right through the lineup. In
awe, we watched him surf the foil down the line, leaving no trace behind but the baffled expressions of the crowd. Moments later, Leason foiled toward Grubb, picked him up, and towed him into another wave before we could even blink. And again, Grubb flew by with his unique swinging style while the rest of us duck-dived. Coming up for air, surfers with confused looks searched for the invisible personal watercraft. What had just happened? Welcome to the future.
TIME TO FLY What those stunned surfers in Puerto Rico watched happen in the water that day was a real-time introduction to the possibilities of e-foiling. What
is it? It’s based on centuriesold technology: using a foil to generate lift in the water. Hydrofoiling is the art of flying over the water using a winged keel, like a small airplane wing that goes through the water and creates lift. Foils were first invented by the father of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, as he tried to elevate his boat over the water and make it fly. Hydrofoils are now used in commercial ferries, the fastest sailboats in the world and, as we saw, under the coolest surfboards you’ve ever seen. What makes them unique is that they fly over the water, free of noise and chatter. What does this have to do with boating? The eFoil is technically the smallest personal watercraft on the market, created and built by Leason, Lift Foils’ CEO. It also harnesses the latest advances in electric marine propulsion. The company’s headquarters is located on the North Shore of Puerto Rico, the perfect place for us to test its possibilities.
Our crew included Kai, Grubb, Leason and his girlfriend, Morgan Lowry, and photographer Zach Stovall. When we arrived, we were delighted to find an 8- to 10foot swell in the warm blue water peeling along prime surf spots just minutes away from Leason’s home. After feasting on delicious arepas (cornmeal cakes), we drove from Leason’s house to Wilderness surf break, where he and Grubb carried the eFoils down to the beach and set them up in less than five minutes. As they got in the water, Kai and I paddled conventional surfboards toward the point. Leason’s invention offers amazing utility. With the eFoil, there’s no need for a large personal watercraft, which requires the added inconvenience of towing a trailer, to drop into the surf. The portable watercraft is quick and easy to assemble. You can launch it and ride it everywhere—whether it’s glassy, windy or choppy, in rivers, lakes or the ocean. You can foil through the open sea or crowded waters. Because the eFoil is all-electric, it has minimal impact on the environment. It’s powered by rechargeable batteries, which last more than 90 minutes. The eFoil is boosted by a finger-triggered remote control and can reach speeds up to 35 mph with a gentle squeeze of the hand. After watching Grubb and Leason have all the fun, I wanted to give it a try.
FLIGHT SIMULATORS The next morning, eager for
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The eFoil totes easily, doesn’t take very long to assemble, and the waterproof battery pack is easy to install and remove.
a turn, we chose the calmer waters at Crash Boat Beach. “Are you ready?” Grubb asked from across the water while I held the remote control in one hand and got ready to do a kneeboard start on the glossy new eFoil. Gasping, I reminded myself to stop accelerating if I fell down because my hand was controlling the fanlike propeller underneath the board. I thought of a famous quote from Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest: “It’s not the mountain that we conquer but ourselves.” I took a few deep breaths, noting that the wind had picked up and feathered the ocean. Grubb laid his eFoil next to mine to help guide me
You can whether rivers, through waters.
through the water start. As soon as we got underway, all my fears vanished. The sensation of foiling is unlike anything else. Once the board catches speed and lifts above the water, the wing takes control and the flight begins. “Even if you’re not a surfer and you know nothing about the feeling of gliding on the water, on your first session, not only are you gliding on the water, but you’re actually flying over it as the board rises up and becomes some sort of magic carpet,” Leason says. He was right. After just a few tries, I was flying like Aladdin, surprised by how easy it was. The speed helped the board stay balanced. I was in charge. The eFoil allows everyone
launch it and ride it everywhere— it’s glassy, windy or choppy, in lakes or the ocean. You can foil the open sea or navigate crowded All foil functions can be controlled by the rider from the wristband, including adjusting the speed during operation.
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to participate. You don’t have to be a skilled athlete to get up and ride. With a proper introduction, most people are riding within their first 30 minutes, and everyone absolutely loves it— especially me.
IN FORMATION To further demonstrate the eFoil’s versatility, we next drove 30 miles to the lush Rio Guajataca. On the glassy river waters, Lowry and I flew by packs of kayakers without disturbance. Afterward, none of us could stop smiling. Leason invited us to another luscious meal, where we celebrated and delved into the backstory of his foil. Before Leason created (and patented) the first electrical foil, he got into foiling in 2009, when it first started to appear in the world of kitesurfing. “There was a group of legendary surfers in Maui,
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strapping themselves into fullmetal hydrofoil surfboards and riding massive waves. A few guys tried to adapt the sport to a more user-friendly design to be sailed behind a kite. It was the beginning of a brand-new sport,” he explained. He took it upon himself to design his own foil for kitesurfing and learn the tools necessary to build one. “I spent several years on that initial project, designing new wings and figuring out how it all worked. It became an obsession that took over my life,” Leason said. The concept on an electricpowered, hydrofoil surfboard
PHOTO: (TOP LEFT) COURTESY LIFT FOILS
The foil acts similarly to an airplane wing, generating lift and allowing the board to glide above the water.
The most difficult part of the project was assembling a team of engineers and suppliers to help build this new craft. There was nothing in the world like it and nothing to visualize. came from discussions with some of his friends. It was a radical idea but perfect timing with the emergence of better, lighter batteries and electricpropulsion technology. Leason developed the first prototypes in 2015 and quickly discovered that it was possible and the idea had potential, but it faced a lot of challenges. The most difficult part of the project was assembling a team of engineers and suppliers to help build this new craft. There was nothing in the world like it and nothing to visualize.
“I had to create a decent enough prototype and visual representation to show them that this was what we wanted to build and perfect. Once the visualization started to align, it was game on,” Leason explained. The eFoil looks like a simple build. It’s a surfboard with a battery and a motor, right? Wrong. “It’s a product of contradictions. It has to be light but strong. Batteries are in the water. It has thin composite structures that can handle heavy loads. Every
little detail of the eFoil offered a unique challenge, and it took years before we had something that we could ship.” In 2018, Leason launched Advancements in battery technology as well as electric components made foils possible.
his product. “It was a leap of faith in many ways, but we made it happen, and our customers have been loving it ever since,” he says. The novel activity opens a new horizon to watersports, whether you’re surfing or going for a cruise down the coast with your friends. It’s an evolutionary jump in what is possible on the water in a peaceful and ecofriendly manner. “The feeling is indescribable, and every cell in your body is awake and alive,” Leason says. “It’s a moment of magic and disbelief. It’s like you bypassed learning to walk and went straight into flying. That’s the kind of experience we’re creating with our eFoils, and people are loving it.” As I seemingly glided through the air on our last day in Puerto Rico, I could not disagree. I felt freedom, like there was nowhere I couldn’t go. I can fly, as long as I’m standing on an eFoil.
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STERNDRIVE REPOWER 7 REASONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO REPOWER YOUR STERNDRIVE-POWERED BOAT RATHER THAN REPLACE IT.
STO RY A N D PHOTO S BY CHARL ES P LU EDDE MAN
Repowering an outboard-powered boat is like playing with Lego bricks. You pop off the old outboard and snap the new one into place. But when your sterndrive engine expires, you might find yourself standing in the cockpit, staring down at an open engine hatch wondering, Now what? What is this oing to cost, and will this engine even come out of the boat? Instead of Legos, this seems more like open-heart surgery. Fear not, sterndrive owner. The skills of a heart surgeon— or their income—are not required to get a sterndrive boat repowered and back on the water. There is no question this can be a more complex project than hanging a new outboard, but the result can provide a real upgrade in performance and reliability for a fraction of the cost of a new boat.
PHOTO: COURTESY TIM FERGUSON (BOTTOM RIGHT)
MAKING IT NEW AGAIN or boat-owner Tim Ferguson, when the starboard sterndrive engine of his 1998 Cruisers Yachts 2870 Rogue expired after about 460 hours of operation, the cost of repowering was concerning, but not top of mind. “This is the first and only boat we’ve wned,” says Ferguson, a senior IT anager from Dale, Wisconsin, who rchased the Cruisers in 2007. “It has ge sentimental value to the family. ur kids essentially grew up on this at. My wife and I are now empty sters, and it’s perfect for just the two us.” That sentimental attachment is obably the No. 1 reason most people oose to take on a repower project, d in this case, those emotions were cked by sound financial reasoning. e Cruisers 2870 was a well-made boat
when it was new, and the brand has a good pedigree. “Other than the engines, the boat was
in really good condition,” Ferguson says. “It had a sound transom and stringers, and everything else worked well and looked good. We briefly considered purchasing a new boat, but the cost to replace the Cruisers convinced me to take a hard look at repower.” Because he bought the boat used, Ferguson has less than the full suggested retail invested in this Cruisers Yachts from the start, and replacement options range in price from about $135,000 for a new 28-foot Four Winns Vista 275 to $338,000 for a 31-foot Formula 310 Sun Sport. I found a few used Cruisers 2870 boats for sale online, ranging in price from about $36,000 to $40,000, with plenty of hours on the engines. So, spending $35,000 to repower this
LIKE NEW? This Cruisers Yachts 2870, shown on its mooring at Lakeside Marina in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is now ready for more seasons of cruising the Lake Winnebago region. This boat was an excellent repower candidate because it’s in great condition, was a quality boat when it was new, and its owners have some real passion for the vessel.
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A LITTLE MORE Dan Jansen directs the positioning of an engine. The arch limited the reach of the chain hoist, further complicating a tight fit.
twin-engine boat with brand-new engines and drives does not seem like a bad investment. There’s another repower bonus: upgrading the performance and technology. Most examples of the Cruisers 2870 Express went out the factory door powered by twin 220 hp MerCruiser 5.0-liter V-8 engines with Alpha One sterndrives. If you think 440 hp seems marginal for a 10,000-pound (dry) boat, we agree. Taking on the repower project gave Ferguson the opportunity to upgrade to a pair of 5.7-liter 300 hp MerCruiser 350 MPI V-8 engines, which feature multipoint fuel injection for much-improved starting, fuel economy and smoother operation than the original-equipment carburetors. Fuel injection is also more resistant to ethanolrelated issues that plague carbureted engines. Ferguson had the work done at Lakeside
Marina in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, working with service consultant Tom Smock and technician Dan Jansen to devise the repower plan. Ferguson considered engine options from Mercury Marine, Quicksilver and a Wisconsin shop selling remanufactured long-block marine engines. They settled on Plus Series remanufactured complete engines from Mercury Marine, new MerCruiser Alpha One drives from Mercury, and new Quicksilver transom assemblies (which include the gimbal housing, rear engine mount, trim rams and more). Upgrading to MerCruiser Bravo drives would have doubled the cost of those components—too big a blow to this project’s budget. Note that Mercury Marine offers up to $50,000 in repower financing. There are aftermarket options as well. Sterndrive Engineering Inc. sells a complete drive to replace an Alpha for $1,655 and the transom assembly for $1,725, with a three-year warranty. Jansen has 18 years of experience as a marine tech and has done a number of sterndrive-repower jobs. As with an outboard repower, boat integrity is key, so his first step is always an inspection of the transom, stringers and engine mounts, all of which can be repaired but at significant cost. A concern that never comes up with an outboard repower is the task of removing the engines from the boat. Most builders—but not all—take this into account when designing the engine hatches and surrounding deck. Jansen recalls one sterndrive-repower project that required cutting away a portion of the deck to remove the engines. Jansen was able to get the engines in and out of the Cruisers 2870, but it was an operation that required some precision. I was on hand when the starboard engine was installed using a chain hoist and a large fork lift. Jansen had to lower the engine through the hatch sideways and then turn it 90 degrees once it was below the deck level. There was less than an inch to spare, and the operation was further complicated by the position of the sport arch over the engine-hatch area. Installing the first engine was not much trouble, but the second engine was a much more physically demanding challenge because
JANSEN HAD TO LOWER THE ENGINE THROUGH THE HATCH SIDEWAYS AND THEN TURN IT 90 DEGREES ONCE IT WAS BELOW THE DECK LEVEL. THERE WAS LESS THAN AN INCH TO SPARE, AND THE OPERATION WAS FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE POSITION OF THE SPORT ARCH OVER THE ENGINEHATCH AREA.
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TIGHT SQUEEZE Jansen measures the mount height of the starboard engine, then reaches around the port engine to settle in on the rear motor mount.
KNOW THE LAW Emission control technology, in the form of exhaust catalysts, has been required on sterndrive engines in new boats sold in California since 2008, and since 2010 in the other 49 states. If you use a new engine to repower a boat built since either of those dates, you must use an engine equipped with ECT. You may repower an older boat with a new non-ECT engine, but the engine you remove from the boat must be returned to the engine builder, which will scrap the engine and certify to the federal Environmental Protection Agency that the engine is out of circulation. If you repower with a remanufactured engine, no return is required. Thinking about installing a current MerCruiser or
there is just a few inches between the two engines, which had Jansen wiggling around in the bilge to reach engine-mount bolts. In fact, he owns a special “stubby” Snap-On wrench he uses only for reaching and tightening these mount bolts. A single-engine installation is obviously often a little easier. Ferguson says he’s still working on
propping, but already the performance gain is significant. “The engines start instantly; hard starting was becoming more and more of a problem with the old engines,” he says. “When we got the boat, it would top out at about 41 mph but, after 14 years, top speed was down to 37 mph, and the boat struggled to plane with a heavy
Volvo Penta engine in your older boat, maybe to get digital controls and lower emissions? Measure carefully. Most current-model engines are physically larger than pre-ECT engines and might not fit in the engine bay.
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LINE ’EM UP Jansen uses a special tool—a steel drift machined to just the right diameter—to achieve the critical alignment of the transom assembly and the engine. display, which he wirelessly connects to an iPad to monitor engine vitals. This past summer, Lakeside installed cabin air conditioning. The result? This boat is better than new. Thinking of taking on a repower project? Here are some questions you might want answered.
CAN I SWITCH BRANDS?
load of guests. Now it pops right on plane, and we are already seeing 45 mph using the old props. It will only get better.” While the boat was in the shop, Ferguson had an extended swim platform and new cockpit carpet installed, added a Garmin multifunction display to the helm, and installed a Mercury VesselView Link engine
Fancy replacing your MerCruiser with a Volvo Penta, or vice versa? It can be done. Volvo SX drives made since 1994 and Volvo Duoprop drives made since 1996 use the same transom cutout as MerCruiser drives, although some techs we spoke to say that going from Volvo Penta to MerCruiser can still result in a leaky transom. Volvo has no program to sell new or remanufactured legacy engines, so you’d need to buy a current model with ETC to get a brand-new Volvo engine (figure about $30,000 for a 5.3-liter Volvo V-8-300-C with an SX drive). Quicksilver offers long blocks and some complete engines that will mate to a Volvo drive. Swapping brands also might require new controls, instruments and a wiring harness. Another option could be Ilmor, which, through its dealers, offers small-block and big-block catalyzed engines from 365 to 483 hp. An Ilmor engine can be mated to its One Drive or to a MerCruiser Bravo drive. The One Drive cutout is slightly different from what’s required for a MerCruiser, but it is workable, according to Ilmor.
WHAT ARE MY ENGINE OPTIONS? COMPLETE ENGINE: This is a complete, all-
new engine top to bottom, ready to drop into your boat, either a current MerCruiser or
ESSENTIAL ALIGNMENT
Engine alignment with the transom is absolutely key, according to Jansen, who says he has spent hours getting that alignment just right—using a special Mercury tool that slides through the transom to the end of the engine-output shaft, and climbing in and out of the boat when nobody’s around to help—to bump the engine a fraction of an inch this way or that on the mounts. “I know that if I don’t get the alignment right, I’ll have to pull these motors again in 40 hours to replace the rubber drive-shaft coupler,” Jansen says. “Mercury says you should be able to slide the alignment tool in and out using just your fingertips. It takes some patience.”
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COST BREAKDOWN • Two MerCruiser 350 MPI 300 hp reman engines: $22,638.32 • Labor to install and test engines: $2,391 • Two new Mercury Alpha One drives: $6,671 • Two new Quicksilver transom assemblies: $4,736 • Two MerCathode units: $346.50 • Labor to install transom assemblies and drives: $1,155 • Miscellaneous parts required to complete the installation (gear lube, filters, hoses, etc.): $500 • Total: $34,438
AN ILMOR ENGINE CAN BE MATED TO ITS ONE DRIVE OR TO A MERCRUISER BRAVO DRIVE. THE ONE DRIVE CUTOUT IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT’S REQUIRED FOR A MERCRUISER, BUT IT IS WORKABLE, ACCORDING TO ILMOR.
PHOTOS: COURTESY MERCURY MARINE (TOP RIGHT)
Volvo Penta engine, or a legacy pre-emissions control technology engine. The Quicksilver division of Mercury Marine might be the biggest manufacturer of new marine engines intended specifically for repower in pre-ECT boats, from 3.0- to 8.1-liter displacement. All except 3.0-liter models are fuel-injected and come with a three-year warranty. REMANUFACTURED ENGINE: A “reman” is a used engine that is disassembled and then rebuilt. Parts that are in good condition are reused; those that are not are replaced with either good used parts or new parts. Dress components—exhaust manifolds, alternator, ignition, fuel system and more— are replaced with new parts. These engines typically have a one-year warranty and cost several thousand dollars less than an allnew engine.
If the engine to be repaired has internal damage but the dress components are in good condition, a crate engine might be an option to consider. A crate engine is a major assembly—either
CRATE
ENGINE:
all-new or reman—that includes a new long block as well as the fuel-delivery and ignition components. The engine is completed by reusing many dress components from the engine being repaired, or those components must be purchased separately. These might include engine mounts, the fuel-handling system, exhaust system, starter, alternator, seawater pump and power steering. Installing these components adds to the labor cost of a repower project, but it also makes the engine adaptable to either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta installations. LONG BLOCK: A long block is an engine—
new or reman—without dress components (alternator, water pump, etc.), or the exhaust or fuel system. A long block might be an option to consider if the original engine has a cracked block but low hours, if the exhaust is free of corrosion, and if the fuel system is in good shape because you’ll want to reuse those parts. Removing and reinstalling all those components adds to the labor expense, but an all-new Quicksilver 5.7-liter long block is only $6,269.
REASONS TO REPOWER YOUR STERNDRIVE BOAT 1. You love your boat! 2. Improved performance 3. Improved economy 4. Improved reliability 5. New technology such as ECT and touchscreens 6. Repower is a fraction of the cost of a new boat 7. No new boats available for months
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MH
MOTORHEAD By Jim Hendricks
COX POWERTRAIN CXO300 DIESEL OUTBOARD This new diesel outboard engine promises greater efficiency, longevity and torque. slightly higher than single gas outboard motors, which typically emit between 61 and 65 dB(A) at idle at the helm. On the other hand, while testing the Mag Bay 42 with twin Volvo Penta D-13 turbo-diesel inboards, sound levels rumbled at 83 dB(A) at idle. Cox has invested a decade of development in the CXO300. The twin-turbocharged fourstroke V-8 powerhead displaces 4.4 liters and is served by a common-rail fuel-injection system. Purpose-built for marine use, the engine is mounted vertically like today’s gas outboards. Another major diesel outboard brand—Swedishbuilt OXE—uses horizontally mounted, automotive-based diesel powerheads. Its 300 hp model, for example, sports an inline-six-cylinder 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel powerplant from BMW, which drives the propeller via a series of heavy-duty belts and pulleys. The Cox 300 employs a conventional outboard drivetrain with a vertical drive shaft connecting the motor to the lower unit, which houses the forward and reverse gear system similar to most gas outboards. However, the drivetrain components are specially designed for commercial applications
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SPEED
EFFICIENCY
OPERATION
rpm
knots
mph
gph
naut. mpg
stat. mpg
n. mi. range
s. mi. range
angle
sound level
1200 1600 2000 2400 2800
6.26 7.73 8.60 13.47 22.59
7.20 8.90 9.90 15.50 26.00
1.60 3.10 5.20 6.60 8.50
3.91 2.49 1.65 2.04 2.66
4.50 2.87 1.90 2.35 3.06
352 225 149 184 239
405 258 171 211 275
0 2 4 5 3
66 68 60 75 78
3000 3200 3400 3600
25.81 26.76 29.20 31.37
29.70 30.80 33.60 36.10
8.90 10.80 11.90 13.90
2.90 2.48 2.45 2.26
3.34 2.85 2.82 2.60
261 223 221 203
300 257 254 234
3 3 3 3
83 84 85 85
3800 4000
33.37 35.54
38.40 40.90
58.00 18.80
2.01 1.89
2.31 2.18
181 170
208 196
2 2
86 87
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED
COX CXO300 DIESEL OUTBOARD · HORSEPOWER: 300 · DISPLACEMENT: 4.4 liters · WEIGHT: 881 lb. (30-inch shaft) · CYLINDERS: V-8 · COMPRESSION: 16:1 · TORQUE: 480 ft.-lb. · ASPIRATION: Twin turbochargers with common-rail EFI · GEAR RATIO: 1.46:1 or 1.23:1 · EMISSION COMPLIANCE: EPA Tier III
Price: $55,000 C O X P O W E R T R A I N L T D . Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom; +44(0)1273 454 424
PHOTO: COURTESY COX POWERTRAIN LTD.
Diesel-fueled engines have long attracted boaters with the prospect of great efficiency, range, durability, torque and safety thanks to the low volatility of this fuel. With few exceptions, however, choices in marine diesel power had been limited to inboards in the past, especially in the higher horsepower categories. But in recent years, a number of diesel-fueled outboards have emerged. The latest to hit the market is the Cox Powertrain CXO300, and we put one of these 300 hp engines through its paces in the waters off Long Beach, California. My nose served as the initial test tool as we idled through the no-wake zone. I caught nary a whiff of diesel exhaust smell. What’s more, the motor was surprisingly quiet, with none of the clackity-clack typical of diesel engines. In fact, from the helm of the fourperson cabin on the Safe Boats S25 aluminum foam-collared boat used as a test platform, it registered just 66 decibels on the A-scale while in gear at idle. This model is no longer in the Safe Boats line, having been replaced by the Safe Boats 25 Full Cabin for eight people. For perspective, the CXO300’s sound level at idle is
BOAT DOCTOR /// M O T O R H E A D
PHOTOS: COURTESY COX POWERTRAIN LTD.
and oversize to handle the CXO300’s maximum torque of 480 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm. For perspective, peak torque for a 300 hp gas outboard is around 380 foot-pounds, which is reached at 2,500 to 3,000 rpm, according to test data supplied by Cox. Cox says its industrial-grade design will help the engine last up to three times longer than comparable gas outboards. Standard rigging for the CXO300 includes Dometic electronic throttle and shift controls, as well as Optimus electric steering. The 30-inchshaft test engine was also rigged on a SeaStar jack plate, but we left it in the full down position because this proved to be the ideal engine height for optimal speed. The wide-open throttle range for the CXO300 is 3,800 to 4,000 rpm, versus 6,000 rpm or higher for many of today’s gas outboards. Despite lower engine speed, diesel’s greater torque can turn a higher gear ratio and/or a larger-diameter propeller to convert that
torque into boat speed. The gear ratio on our test engine was 1.46-to-1 turning a 19-inchpitch PowerTech three-blade stainless-steel prop. Safe Boats’ S25 accelerated from zero to 30 mph in an average time of 11.7 seconds, but speed really ramped up after about 4 seconds as the twin turbos kicked in. Time to plane was 4.5 seconds. Top speed was 40.9 mph at 4,000 rpm. On test day, the S25’s PV780 Murphy engine display (part of the CXO300 rigging package) had not yet been set up to read
gallons per hour, so we used data supplied by Cox Powertrain for the fuel-consumption data to calculate miles per gallon. Cox says the CXO300 offers at least 25 percent better range than a comparable gasoline outboard. That claim is hard to confirm without a direct comparison on the same boat under the same conditions. However, the CXO300 achieved its best fuel economy at 3,000 rpm and 29.7 mph with a burn rate of 8.9 gph, resulting in 3.3 mpg. That equates to a cruising range of 297 miles, based on 90 percent of the 100-gallon fuel capacity of the 6,992-pound S25 (weight includes motor, fuel and crew). Sound levels at the helm of the S25 remained comparatively low as speed increased, registering 83 and 87 dB(A) at optimal cruising speed and wide-open throttle, respectively.
For anglers, slow-trolling with the CXO300 will be an issue because the slowest speed we could achieve was 5 mph at 750 rpm with the 1.46-to-1 gear ratio. Most gas outboards will troll as slow as 1.5 to 2 mph at idle. The solution for the CXO300 is bumping the engine in and out of gear to slow the trolling speed. The CXO300 will be offered in three shaft lengths—25, 30 and 35 inches—in both black and white paint schemes. The listed weight is 881 pounds for the 30-inch-shaft model we tested. As a point of comparison, that is 57 percent heavier than Yamaha’s F300, which is listed at 562 pounds for its 30-inch-shaft model. The CXO300 carries a suggested retail price of $55,000 and is available now. More than 150 units have already been sold around the world, according to Cox Powertrain.
SAFE BOATS S25 · LOA: 25'0" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 1'8" · DISPLACEMENT: 5,196 lb. (dry, no engine) · TRANSOM DEADRISE: 25 degrees · FUEL CAPACITY: 100 gal. · BRIDGE CLEARANCE: NA · MAX HORSEPOWER: 500 · AVAILABLE POWER: Single or twin outboards to 500 hp total
HOW WE TESTED ENGINES: Single Cox Powertrain CXO300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/PowerTech 16" x 19" 4-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.46:1 FUEL LOAD: 55 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 600 lb. S A F E B O A T S I N T E R N A T I O N A L Bremerton, Washington; 360-674-7161; safeboats.com
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E By Jim Hendricks
The depths of your favorite lake, river or stretch of coastal water probably hold more secrets than you will ever know. But a remote underwater video camera can help you learn more about the reefs, rock piles, weedbeds, wrecks and aquatic life below the surface. That’s the idea behind the new Aqua-Vu Multi-Vu Pro Open-Water system. While some underwater video systems have their own viewing screens, the Multi-Vu Pro lets you view real-time images of the underwater world on an existing multifunction display (MFD). And in split-screen mode, you can view the sonar and/or chart plotter at the same time. A cable tether supplies power down to the camera and feeds a video signal up to a control module on the boat. The module connects
to 12-volt DC power (either an onboard battery system or the supplied battery) and networks via HDMI or RCA ports and supplied connector cables with compatible video-enabled MFDs from brands such as Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine and Simrad. You can also network the system with an onboard flat-screen TV. The Aqua-Vu camera shoots video in high definition up to 720p, and with 120-degree field of view. It can illuminate the depths as well. Aqua-Vu uses a ring of infrared lights around
DOUBLE VISION The Aqua-Vu Multi-Vu Pro control module feeds video from its underwater camera to a compatible multifunction display and/or onboard TV.
+
BACKING UP YOUR WAYPOINTS At one time, I wrote down all of my fishing and navigational waypoints in notebooks. That’s how you saved the latitude and longitude of each spot back in the day. Today, however, electronic archival systems allow for quick and easy storage and retrieval of digital waypoint data contained in your GPS chart plotters. Known as backing up your waypoints, the process varies from one electronics brand to the next. With Raymarine models, for example, you insert a memory card in the card-reader slot of the unit and copy the waypoint list to the card via menu selections. You can also copy the file to your home computer to ensure you have a secondary backup. Put the card in a safe place for future reference. Some chart plotters can wirelessly back up files. The Link app for the current Lowrance and Simrad MFDs, for example, copies waypoints, routes and tracks directly to a mobile device. Whichever way you back up your waypoints, do it about every two or three months, or whenever you find a hot batch of new spots. This is an insurance policy to ensure that your new waypoints won’t disappear into the ether should your chart plotter crash or meet an untimely demise. A backup file also simplifies the process of populating a new chart plotter with your waypoints. In the past, you had to manually enter the numbers and names in a new unit. Today, you can electronically transfer the waypoint data to the plotter with the backup card or wireless app in minutes.
PHOTOS: COURTESY AQUA-VU (4)
AQUA-VU PRO-VU REMOTE UNDERWATER VIDEO CAMERA
the lens, and the image shifts from full color to monochrome when the infrared lights are activated. The Aqua-Vu video camera does not float, so avoid snagging it on the bottom because you just might lose your camera. The 5-inch-long camera can be preadjusted to shoot imagery ahead of it, behind it, straight down, and 45-degree down and upward angles. A stabilizing fin keeps the camera steady in a current or as the boat drifts, and you can add 14 ounces of auxiliary weight to bring the camera’s total mass to 3.25 pounds, helping to keep the cable as vertical as possible. It comes with a 75-foot camera cable, but Aqua-Vu offers an optional 125-foot cable for viewing at greater depths. $799.99; aquavu.com
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When the sea beckons, answer the call with an affordable marine loan from Essex Credit. Whether refinancing an existing loan or financing a new or used boat for live-aboard, full- or part-time charter, or pleasure use, our dedicated and experienced consultants can help you with your dream vessel. With our simple online application, applying for a loan couldn’t be easier. So visit our website or call 866-377-3948 (TTY: 800-659-5495) today to take advantage of the open water, and our low, fixed APR*.
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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. Minimum loan amount for pleasure use is $10,000 in all states (excluding Washington, DC). Boat must be 2001 model year or newer; for boat model year 2001 to 2010, add .25% to above rates. Add .50% to above rates for: Houseboats or High performance boats. Reduce .25% from above rates for 100% Electric motor boats. Each rate adjuster applies independently; multiple rate adjusters may apply for a single request. 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 3.74% would have an APR of 3.99% and 60 monthly payments of $1,196.78. 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. © 2021 Bank of the West | NMLS ID # 19116 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
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B O AT I N G M A G . C O M | A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | 9 7
By Charles Plueddeman
IN PLAIN SIGHT When you don’t know what you’re looking for until you see it.
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ome time ago, I read an article about gathering wild morel mushrooms, written by a novice who spent a day tramping through the woods with a veteran morelist. While the expert was filling a bag with fungi, the author could not get off the schneid for hours—until he finally spotted one of the elusive shrooms. Suddenly, he could see morels everywhere. The point being that he could not see a morel until his brain understood what exactly he was looking for. Once that image was in his head, the hunt became easy. “It’s like deer in the ditch,” my good friend I still cannot fathom how Chuck Larson said as he slammed down the I missed an orange float, dice cup on the worn blue Formica bar top at the Lake View Inn. “You don’t know what except that maybe the to watch for until you hit a couple of them.” edge of the windshield Obviously, this also relates to boating. Say, for example, you are at the helm of blocked my view. a Grady-White 268 Islander, cruising into Frederick Sound between Wrangell and Juneau, Alaska. You admire the scenery while also keeping watch for whales and deadheads, neither of which you’ve ever seen because you are from Wisconsin, where neither whales nor deadheads proliferate. You look to port and notice, perhaps a half-mile away, a commercial vessel that appears to be steaming along at a good clip on a course that will directly intercept yours. And you also notice the captain waving both arms over his head on the flybridge of this vessel. Odd, you think. And then there’s a flash of orange in your peripheral vision to starboard, and your companion, who is also your employer on this voyage, shouts, “Whoa!” You chop the throttles, nail the trim button and, a moment
later, coast right over the drift net attached to a large orange float, now right there off your starboard gunwale. And then it all starts to click in your mind, and you look over at the other boat and notice the captain has kind of slumped over the wheel and might be shaking his head, his disappointment obvious even from this distance. I still cannot fathom how I missed an orange float, except that maybe the edge of the windshield blocked my view. I dashed astern and observed that our motors had not snagged the net. My employer decided it might be best to avoid confrontation and we should simply vamoose. He made this decision without considering that a new Grady-White 268 Islander with the name of a national magazine plastered in large red letters on each hull side is a bright and shiny thing in southeast Alaska. About an hour later, another fishing vessel hailed and informed us that the local protocol is to stand by while the net is inspected. We were encouraged to hail the first captain on our return through Frederick Sound and make arrangements to compensate him for the alleged damage we did to the net. It has bothered me for 27 years that I didn’t see that orange marker. But now I have a name for not seeing the obvious: morelisis, the phenomenon of not knowing what you are looking for. “I get what you’re saying,” Chuck said. “It took me seven deer and three wives to know what to look for.” Morelisis indeed.
BOATING (ISSN 0006-5374) (USPS 504-810), August/September 2021, Volume 94, No. 6. ©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
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