May 2017 – Boating World Magazine

BOATING WORLD • MAY 2017 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 5

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

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

®

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CROWNLINE E1 XS SEA-DOO SPARK TRIXX YAMAHA GP1800 PLAYCRAFT XPR 2500 POKER RUN EDITION $5.00 USA and Canada

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RANGER TUGS R-23

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contents

M AY 2017

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXVIII NUMBER 5

departments Editor’s Letter Is the looming budget bad for boaters? p. 4 Currents Bits from the boating world p. 8

Trailering Tire maintenance

p. 14

Watersports Ease into the season’s first run p. 16

Fishing Stay legal pg. 48

No longer just toys, PWCs have come on strong as all-around boating solutions.

Engines Ski boats gain docking control p. 22 DIY Protect yourself during projects p. 24 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 26 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics p. 30

features

Bonehead Blunders Mistakes

A Second Look No longer just toys, PWCs have come on strong as all-around boating solutions. p. 48

p. 18

no boater should make p. 46 pg. 38

Contest: Name the Boat Win a $350 boat care package from Bel-Ray p. 72

Rule the Ramp As boating season gets ready to open across the country, take some time to think about your launch ramp strategy. p. 54

boats tested Crownline E1 XS The newest

pg. 24

outboard-powered Cross Sport EX series model includes a price that’s difficult to believe. p. 32

Sea-Doo Spark Trixx Everyone can be a

pg. 42

PWC trick artist in a matter of minutes. p. 36

Yamaha GP1800 Light weight converges with extreme power and channels a bit of checkered (flag) history. p. 38 PlayCraft XPR 2500 Poker Run Edition You don’t have to give up go-fast performance to embrace the pontoon lifestyle. p. 42

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editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Budget Cuts Bad for Boaters M

OST OF US UNDERSTAND THE need for belt-tightening to reduce the federal budget, but recently proposed budget cuts — if enacted — will not be good news for boaters.

In a huge surprise, the U.S. Coast Guard’s budget for 2018 was targeted with a 12 percent cut. Given President Trump’s desire to strengthen our borders and bolster defense spending, this seems at odds with his goals. The U.S. Coast Guard, whose current annual budget is $10.32 billion, stands to lose $1.3 billion. (The U.S. Navy

has a 2017 budget of $165 billion.) Of all the military branches, there isn’t a leaner, more cost-effective outfit than the Coast Guard.

It is a critical arm of Homeland Security and is America’s first line of defense to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests along 12,383 miles of coastline and countless waterways — with equipment that can be considered museum pieces. Of the 35 cutters in operation, 25 are at least 50 years old. One is 73! Those cutters are offshore boaters’ guardian angels whose rapid response in a crisis is the difference between a rescue mission and a recovery operation.

NOAA, which is part of the Commerce Department, stands to lose 18 percent of its budget. Its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research would lose $126 million, or 26 percent, of the funds. Even more alarming for boaters are the cuts to the satellite data division, which would lose another $513 million, or 22 percent. This is the entity that provides 90 percent of the weather forecasting data that helps boaters know whether it is safe to go out. Cuts to the National Marine Fisheries Service could also negatively affect saltwater fishing policy and regulation monitoring.

The outdoor industry is an estimated

$650 billion-a-year industry, and as far as the boating portion of that is concerned, the main requirement for its continued success is clean water. In the latest proposal, the EPA’s budget would be cut by 31 percent, from $8.2 billion to $5.7 billion, dealing a harsh blow to ecological efforts.

Fifty EPA programs and grants would be completely eliminated, including the Clean Water Program and restoration projects in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. The biggest losers in the $1.5 billion budget cut for the DOI is the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which are integral to providing boating access and promoting fish habitat restoration. They also oversee the disbursement of dollars to state agencies through the $600 million Sport Fish and Restoration Boating Trust Fund.

National parks such as the Everglades are teetering on the brink of extinction, and the already undermanned National Park Service can barely remain functional.

All proposed budgets have to be enacted by the legislative branch, and all boaters should contact their representatives and senators. People who love the outdoors and want to see it remain pristine are a powerful group of influencers … but only if we make our voices heard. BW

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: What hash tag would your 22-yearold self assign to your today self?

Duncan McIntosh Jr. #boatshowguru ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming #urbanlegend EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones #retirementisforquitters MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling #toolatetodiebeforeyougetold ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata #pastprimehipster ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan #youpromised!

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DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

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Boating World – Subscriber Services P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799 (888) 732-7323 circulation@boatingworld.com PUBLISHED BY DUNCAN MCINTOSH CO. INC.

Boatingworld.com 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (949) 660-6150 • Fax (949) 660-6172 Duncan Mcintosh Co. is founded by Editor and Publisher Duncan McIntosh Jr. and Co-Publisher Teresa Ybarra McIntosh (1942-2011)

VOLUME 38 • NO. 5 Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We assume no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials. Boating World retains reprint rights, via print and electronic media. Contributor retains all other rights for resale, publication, etc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Boating World, P. O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. CANADA POST: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Please send all subscription correspondence to Boating World, P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. Please allow at least six weeks for the change of address to become effective. Include both your old and your new address enclosing, if possible, an address label from a recent issue. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: U.S. and its possessions, $11.00 per year. Additional postage for Canada is $15.00 per year and other foreign countries $30.00 per year. Single copy price $5.00; back issues, $8.50 (in the U.S. only) includes postage and handling. Boating World is a registered trademark of Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: MMaterial AG A Z I Nin E this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

M AG A Z I N E

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Wave of Versatility

215 SS

Four Great Models To Choos e E1 XS

215 SS

YOUR CHOICE $44,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Alpha (250 HP) • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit, Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Dual Battery Switch • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Stitched Brow & Black Executive Racing Wheel • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat – Premium Pattern: Double Hull Band w/Middle Deck Band & Color Matched Deck Vents • Interior: Color Matched Super Sport w/Driver & Passenger Deluxe, Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats w/Stainless Steel Logo, Aft Facing Sundeck w/Adjustable Lean Back • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack and Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Stainless Steel Cupholders, Grab Handles, Ski Tow Rail w/Eye, Bow Scuff Plate, Aft Crownline Nameplate, Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Lock & Four-Step Boarding Ladder • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Stereo Speakers: (6), 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Trailer - Deluxe Tandem Axle w/Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched

E1 XS

Mercury Four Stroke 150 HP w/Hydraulic Steering • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Docking Lights • Dual Battery Switch • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Handheld Shower, Freshwater – Cold • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Stitched Brow & Black Executive Racing Wheel • Interior: Color Matched J-Shape Cockpit, Driver & Passenger Deluxe, Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats w/Stainless Steel Logo, Aft Convertible Sun Lounge w/Three Positions • LED Lighting Package – Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Sea-Star Hydraulic Steering • Stainless Steel Cupholders, Grab Handles, Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Lock, Ski Tow Pylon & Four-Step Boarding Ladders at Bow & Stern • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) Stereo Speakers: 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas w/Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Surface • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer – Deluxe Tandem Axle w/Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched • Under Mount Cockpit Storage Drawers

Please visit www.crownline.com for more information on these models.

11884 Country Club Rd., West Frankfort, IL 62896

225 SS

Wake Board Tower is an option.

s e From.

S T Y L I N G •Q U A L I T Y •C O M M I T M E N T

E2

NAP only available for North American sales in U.S. dollars. Freight and Prep not included.

225 SS

$49,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Bravo III (250 HP) • Aft Bench Seat With Integrated Cooler & Storage • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Dual Battery Switch • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Needle Stitched Shroud & Black Executive Racing Wheel • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat: Premium Pattern, Forte (Full Hull Band w/Additional Accent Color Stripe, Middle Deck Band w/Color Matched Deck Vents) • Interior: Color Matched L-Wrap Cockpit w/Max Storage Seating, Driver Deluxe Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seat & Passenger Flip-Flop Seat, Aft Facing Sundeck w/Adjustable Lean Back • Keychain Remote Control For Courtesy Lights • LED Lighting Package – Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Soft Touch Swim Platform Mat • Stainless Steel Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Header, Windshield Lock, Ski Tow Rail w/Eye, Cupholders, Grab Handles, Crownline Transom Nameplate, Air Intakes & Deck Close Outs, Bow Scuff Plate & Four-Step Boarding Ladder • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) WetSounds Stereo Speakers, 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas With Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Coating • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer: Deluxe Tandem Axle w/LED Lights, Color Matched • Walk-Thru Transom w/Filler Cushion

E2

$59,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Bravo III (250 HP) • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Bow Walk Thru Door, Flush Fit • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Docking Lights • Dual Battery Switch • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat: Premium Pattern, Inverse Razor w/Color Matched Deck Vents • Handheld Shower: Freshwater – Cold • Head: Enclosed w/Light, Opening Portlight Window, Handheld Shower, Sink, Porta Potti & Pressurized Water System • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Needle Stitched Shroud & Black Executive Racing Wheel • Interior: Color Matched J-Wrap Cockpit, Driver & Passenger Deluxe Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats, Aft Convertible Sun Lounge w/Three Positions • LED Lighting Package - Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Stainless Steel Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Header, Windshield Lock, Cupholders, Grab Handles, Vents, & Four-Step Boarding Ladders at Bow & Stern • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/ FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) WetSounds Stereo Speakers, 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas w/Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Coating • Swim Platforms (Front & Rear) w/Soft Touch Mats • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer: Deluxe Tandem Axle w/LED Lights & Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched

currents

BY STEPH A N I E S H I BATA

FAMILY

FISHER At only 23-and-a-half-feet long, the Fisherman 236 may surprise folks with its versatility.

LEAD BOAT // GRADY-WHITE FISHERMAN 236

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S A LT Y D O G

This month’s winner:

Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS 

DUKE OWNER:

Jen Fitzpatrick

B

oats that can transform from a sportfishing machine to a family boat with watersports capabilities are in demand, for the obvious reason that one boat serves two (or more) purposes. Foldaway seats, filler cushions, popup ski tow poles and clever storage spaces typically define such versatile boats — and the center console Grady-White Fisherman 236 is no exception. In fact, it may do all of that as well as any boat out there, especially in less than 24 feet.

Grady-White, gradywhite.com

Santa Clarita, Calif.

For your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest (ridecwb.com), send a picture of your boat-loving dog to editor@ boatingworld.com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include a photo, along with your name and your dog’s name, your address and phone number.

Ben Duffy photo

An oversize cockpit, a livewell, multiple fishboxes, hardtop- and console-mounted rod holders, outriggers and coaming pads ensure that fishing — which is, after all, deep in Grady-White’s DNA — is top of mind aboard the 236. Seating for eight to 10 people, including a transom bench, a doublewide helm seat, a built-in console seat and a bow settee, ensures that any harbor cruise or day trip will be comfortable for everyone. A head built into the center console alleviates any unnecessary trips to shore.

A popup ski pole and swim platforms on either side of the outboard ensure that in-the-water activities can be enjoyed by all, while the boarding ladder to starboard makes it easy to climb aboard after shredding a set or taking a dip.

Maximum propulsion on the Fisherman 236 is 300 hp, and manufacturer tests yielded a top speed of 46.6 mph at 5900 rpm with a Yamaha F300 V-6 4.2L four stroke, with an optimum cruise of about 29 mph at 3700 rpm. With 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the ride should be smooth in most any seas, especially given that the SeaV2 hull gets progressively sharper toward the bow.

Grady-White figured out how to get a lot done in a 23-foot, 7-inch boat, which should be satisfying even for folks who will never wet a line.

HOMETOWN:

The Row for James team members celebrate the completion of their long journey.

Man vs. Ocean IN JANUARY, THE Row for James team embarked on a 3,000-mile transatlantic rowing voyage from the Canary Islands to Antigua as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge — billed as the world’s toughest row. The four friends from London, Rory Buchanan, Harry Wentworth-Stanley, Toby Fenwicke-Clennell and Sam Greenly, raised money and awareness for the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Fund (jwsmf.org). They finished the race in 39 days, which was good for second place. During their journey, they burned around 8,000 calories a day and lost approximately 20 percent of their body weight. TaliskerWhiskyAtlanticChallenge.com

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name the boat

To participate in this month’s contest, turn to page 72

contest winner



David Wierzbicki from Lancaster, N.Y., was the first to submit the winning name, Evel Leprechaunivel. For taking a flyer and nailing it, David receives a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350.

MORE OF FEBRUARY’S BEST ENTRIES:

LepriCAN

Pluck of the Irish

Irish Wake

Rick Obe, Wexford, PA

Jerry Dawson, Hernando, FL

Margaret Stulga, Manahawkin, NJ

John Jones, Sarasota, FL

Fool’s Gold

Irish Withski

Air On—Go, Bro!

Robert Tewell, Woodburn, OR

Scott Miller, Hesperia, CA

Jumpin’ MacSplash

Robert Holden, Oceanport, NJ

Irish Risky

David Hamilton, Hampton, VA Rick Martin illustration

Pot Luck Gene Pedoto, Lincroft, NJ

cLover’s Leap Bernie Matsumoto, Half Moon Bay, CA

Shamrock Shenanigans

Clayton Cosby, Wicomico Church, VA

Mr. Green Skis

Somewhere Over the Painbow

Michael Tewell, Wilsonville, OR

Sam Schillo, Billings, MT

> > MARCH WINNER: EVEL LEPRECHAUNIVEL

BIG NUMBERS

1 Train the cat to come when called in case of an emergency.

CATS HAVE BEEN on boats through the very span of maritime history. Whether they were used as mousers, companions or good luck charms, cat commodores have been a thing for a while. AdventureCats.com has some advice for boaters looking to bring their feline aboard.

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2

2 PFDs are important for cat water safety, just like they are for humans.

Small dog life jackets work well on cats.

Number of bridges at the location

3 Slowly acclimate the cat to the boat, making sure it is leashed above decks.

Year the original and the modern version opened

4 Swim test the cat to see if it can paddle, especially with the PFD on.

Feline First Mates

Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys

5 Make sure the litter box is secure, so the cat can hit the head safely. A closed box is recommended, to prevent spills in rough water.

6 Don’t forget to bring cat food and, if you’re traveling internationally, a pet passport.

1912, 1982 6.79

Length, in miles, of the modern bridge

$45

Amount, in millions of dollars, it cost to construct the modern bridge

65

Clearance, in feet, near the center of the bridge for boat traffic

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TM

Introducing the all-new EX Series – the most playful, fun personal watercraft ever. Yamaha engineers have delivered what the competition couldn’t: a new generation of entry-level personal watercraft with NO compromises.

INTRODUCING yamahawaverunners.com

JOIN THE FUN!

©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and ride. WaveRunner® is a Yamaha brand personal watercraft and not a generic term. For more information, visit yamahawaverunners.com or call 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

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currents

D I D YO U K N OW ?

Did you ever wonder why the word yacht is spelled so strangely? It turns out the etymology comes from the Dutch word “jaght” and over time it morphed — as words inexplicably do — to the spelling we have today. The jaght was originally a ship style, the “pursuit ship,” created in the 1500s so the Dutch could chase pirate ships and smugglers. A century later King Charles II used it as a pleasureboat, and then it gained popularity as a pleasurecraft for the wealthy.

500+

D I D YO U K N OW ?

The skull and crossbones flag is called a Jolly Roger.

She Boats IN HONOR OF Mother’s Day (remember, it’s on May 14 this year!), let’s take a look at why boats are referred to as “she.” While some old sailors will joke and say, “Like a woman, a ship is unpredictable,” or, “Like a woman, a boat is hard to maintain,” the real reason boats and ships are female is because the Latin words for boat are feminine. It’s likely that it’s just a remnant of an old system of grammatical gender.

FA S T FA C T

Number of public boating access sites (launch ramps) in New York state

Real Lifesavers

TOWBOAT SERVICES ARE like Triple-A on the water,

Honoring a Fallen Defender

ON FEB. 24, 2017, a new patrol vessel was christened in honor of Senior Airman

Nathan Sartain, a member of the 66th Security Forces Squadron who died serving in Afghanistan. Sartain-20, named SrA Nathan C. Sartain, was christened by his mother, Janice Sartain, while his father unveiled the name on the side of the boat. The new vessel will provide waterborne deterrence, detection and response to any threat against Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Its area of responsibility will be the 153 miles of shoreline that make up Eglin Main, Camp Pinchot, Weekly Bayou and Ben’s Lake Marina.

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and most towboat calls are for routine issues: dead batteries, empty fuel tanks, loss of direction. But occasionally, a call comes in that requires quick action and bravery on the part of the towboat captain, and it might not even involve another boat. At the BoatUS Towing Conference in San Diego earlier this year, several such captains were honored for their actions. The Woody Pollack Lifesaving Award is the top honor at the conference, and that went to Capt. Cole Sisler (pictured) from TowBoatUS Ft. Lauderdale. Sisler, who also received a lifesaving award from the Broward County Sheriff’s Department for his actions, rescued a swimmer who was in distress and being swept out to sea.

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

Learn more at starcraftmarine.com.

trailering

TI R E M A I NTEN A N CE

12 Trailer Tire Maintenance Tips A few minutes of simple checks can save hours of boating fun.

BY CHRIS CASWELL

B

OAT OWNERS CAN GET AWAY with a rusty and dilapidated boat trailer — though they shouldn’t — but the trailer won’t move an inch if its tires fail.

And here’s something to remember about maintaining trailer tires: just kicking them won’t reveal a darn thing. Unless your boot goes through the tire!

We have 12 tips for maintaining trailer tires.

First, make sure the tires are right for the job.

Boat trailers should ride on tires marked either “ST” or “Trailer Use Only.” That’s because the sidewalls are stronger, to carry the weight of the boat, especially during turns. Be sure the load range for the tires is correct for the boat and trailer weight.

1

The first indicator of a problem is often unusual tire wear, either in the center or along the edges (called “feathering”). Tire pressure that is too high will cause the center of the tire to wear quickly, while low tire pressure is indicated by wear on the side of the tires, although this can also mean an alignment problem (see #3). To find the correct tire pressure, look at the markings on the sidewall of each tire to see what the proper pressure is when cold (the trailer hasn’t moved) or hot (even a drive around the block). Get a good tire-pressure gauge or install a wireless tire-pressure indicator that provides the PSI of every tire right on the dash board of the tow vehicle.

2

Uneven tire wear can suggest problems other than over- or underinflation. If both tires are wearing on the same side, that indicates an axle alignment issue. It’s easy to fix, and will keep the trailer towing straight. If the wear is on the inside of both tires, it suggests the trailer is overloaded and the axle is flexing downward. Check the trailer’s weight rating and compare it to the boat’s weight. Don’t forget to include the weight of fuel and water: 100 gallons of water weighs 840 pounds, while the same amount of gas weighs 600 pounds.

3

Tires are just like people: They start to show wear with age. A quick glance at a tire’s sidewall may show tiny cracks, usually near the tread, which means the tire is rotting and should be replaced immediately, before a catastrophic failure. The age of a tire is indicated by the four-digit code printed on the sidewall: 0409 means the tire was made in the fourth week of 2009. Industry experts suggest trailer tires last up to five years.

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OverWhere, Oh Wear inflation

Overinflation

A boat that sits on the trailer for extended periods can lead to flat spots on the tires.

Worn in center: Overinflated

Overinflation

Underinflation

ed

Wear on outside: Underinfl Under-ated

ed

inflation

Tire balance is just as important to a trailer 5 as to a car, and an unbalanced trailer can pound itself to death. Make sure the trailer’s tires are professionally balanced.

Axle Alignment

Tire wear is a natural event, but make sure Overtires have the proper tread depth. Place a inflation Lincoln penny upside down in the tread. If the top of the president’s head is showing, it’s time to replace the tire.

6

Axle Alignment

Flat spots: OverFlat too long Trailer sitting inflation Spots

Underinflation

Overloaded Trailer

Check the sidewalls for any bulges or lumps, which are clear indicators of a cord (carcass) failure or perhaps a break from a side impact.

Replace the tire immediately.

7

Flat Spots

Wear on inside: Overloaded Overloaded trailer Trailer

The valve stem on tires is often the culprit 8 in the case of a slow leak. To test it, use your finger to push the stem to the side and listen for a hissing sound. If you hear the sound, it’s time for Axle new valve stems all around.

Underinflation

Alignment

Trailers face enemies even when they aren’t on the road. The first — and worst — is sunlight. The UV rays of the sun will oxidize tires, causing the sidewall to crack and fail, which is why so many boat trailers (and RVs) are stored with covers over the tires. Tire covers are available cheap at an auto supply store (or they’re Axle Alignment an easy DIY project).

9

Underinflation

Overloaded Trailer

Wear on same side: Axle Axle alignment Alignment

Surprisingly, tires aren’t completely 10 waterproof, so long-term storage on grass

can allow water to penetrate the tire surface and cause all sorts of problems. If possible, park the trailer on concrete or even pads of plywood. Or simply remove the tires to protect them from sun, water and theft.

Trailer tires left to sit for a long period, especially with the load of the boat, can develop flat spots, which cause high wear and are hard on the boat and trailer, because they pound along on the highway. If the boat will be idle for an extended period, jack up the axle and put concrete blocks underneath to lift the tires off the ground.

11

You’re going to hate me for this one, but speed causes increased wear. Most trailer tires are rated for 65 mph, but in reality we all hit 70 mph or more on open stretches. Don’t even think about driving at higher speeds unless you’ve checked the tires carefully and they are inflated properly. Keep in mind that tire pressure will change by one pound of pressure with every 10 degrees of air temperature. If you set the tire pressure on a 50-degree morning, the tires will have increased by five pounds of pressure during a trip to a desert lake on a 100-degree afternoon.

Check regularly to make sure the tires are inflated to the right pressure.

12

Spend as much time taking care of the trailer tires as the boat, and you’ll never spend any time sitting by the roadside. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2017

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watersports

FI RST- RU N BA S I C S

D

EPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE in this gorgeous country, you may

have taken a few months off the water for winter, or winter may have made the decision for you by turning your lake to ice. Whichever is the case, you need to have a smart game plan for your first session back on the water. Of course you’ll be anxious to get the boat in the lake and finally feel water drops on your face instead of snowflakes, but I urge you to set your expectations for your first set of the season much lower than usual. What you want to accomplish during your first ride is threefold: 1

Feel more comfortable at the end of the set than at the beginning.

2

Avoid injuries on the first day back.

3

Remember how it feels to be on the water and how much you love it.

1 / Carve The first thing I do in any set, but especially early season sets, is carve around on my board, to get used to the edges of the board again — how they grip the water, accelerate, and turn. Stretch your muscles out and really get a renewed feel for board control. If you feel like your back, shoulders or hips aren’t able to hold position when you do this, then it’s probably not time to move forward yet. You may need to put extra emphasis on rolling your shoulders back or tightening your abs to tuck your hips under you. It’s a lot easier to adjust your body position when you’re carving around outside the wake than it is while cutting in for a big jump.

Start Strong Make sure the first session of the season goes well.

BY TARAH MIKACICH

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2/ Switch I would encourage you to do some switch riding next, unless riding switch was not one of your skills last season. The idea is to work your way back up, reinforcing the foundations of your riding step by step. Never go for your hardest tricks the first day back on the water. If riding switch is solidly in your skill set, spend a pass or two giving it some attention. The last thing you want to do is feel like you’ve overworked one side of your body. If you’re going to be sore (I guarantee it), you want to be sore evenly. It sounds like a funny concept, but it’s true. If muscles on only one side of your body are sore, you’re a lot more likely to compensate in unusual and detrimental ways.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/5/17 9:55 AM

Day one doesn’t prove anything; it just sets you up.

You’ll twist in funny ways and end up taking unnatural falls, which can lead to injuries, and it’s just not worth it.

3/ Jump As you start feeling more comfortable, go for some wake jumps. Keep a nice, easy rhythm and focus on the transition of the wake. I find that after some months, or even weeks, off my timing is generally the first thing to go. When I focus on the transition of the wake, I can dial in where my board is supposed to be for the takeoff. I notice that the energy I feel through

the rope and the energy against the water start to feel more normal again. The purpose of the season’s first set is to let one’s body remember what it’s like to be on the water. Your body might not remember a whole lot on day one, but each day will be better than the one before.

So success in this first session is simply laying the groundwork for each set after to be more and more productive.

4/ Tricks If you have some stock tricks, try one or two of them. It’ll be like breaking the air-awareness

ice. Most likely, some things will feel natural because you have enough muscle memory built up. And other things will feel unnaturally awkward. On day one, just accept the awkwardness and leave the tricks alone that don’t want to work. Come back to them in the next sets as your body remembers what it’s doing. If your energy is holding up, try to finish the set with a few more wake jumps. These last repetitious movements can build confidence and consistency moving forward.

Go easy on yourself and don’t let anyone in the boat egg you on and convince you to do something that doesn’t feel comfortable. I strongly suggest keeping the session a little shorter than you would in midseason. Like I said, the odds of being sore after this first set are really high, so don’t overdo it. Remember, being productive on the water during the rest of the season is your goal. Day one doesn’t prove anything; it just sets you up. So, keep a good tune in your head, smile because you’re on the water and enjoy the first step moving toward your 2017 summer. BW

Just a Swipe Away Enjoy Boating World no matter where you are. Our iPad app offers exclusive digital extras like videos and photo galleries — add bookmarks, zoom in and share stories with friends and family. Join our team and be enlightened, entertained and inspired.

Download and Subscribe Now Visit boatingworld.com/iPad

Apple, the Apple logo, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

+ BW Watersports.indd 17

4/4/17 10:49 AM

fishing

KN OW TH E R EG U L ATI O NS

An app such as Fish Rules can give an angler all the pertinent info for his area and specific species of fish.

N

OT LONG AGO I WAS angling for redfish north of Daytona Beach, on the Matanzas River, and caught a nice slot red that measured 22 inches — my second keeper of the day. I live a little farther north, in Jacksonville, and know the fishing regulations in my area pretty well, especially for redfish, which are common in northeast Florida. I love to cook fish and had planned on keeping two if I caught them, which is the limit here.

I am not sure what possessed me to look, but I writing a violation, “Ignorance of the law is opened a free app called Fish Rules on my iPhone no excuse.” and was stunned to learn the bag limit where I This scenario illustrates how maddening was fishing was only one per person. I had strayed fishing rules can be, especially in a state like just far enough south to Florida, which has different have crossed the Flagler bag and size limits for County line into Volusia different zones and coasts.

County, where the rules for What makes it even harder is the recent push to create reds change. The only reason no-take zones that aren’t I knew that was because my marked by physical borders, phone’s GPS knew where I just coordinates. For decades was and showed the fishing I used only a Florida regulations for my location. I Sportsman ruler, which had released that one and headed the regs printed on its tri-fold less than half of a mile north. length, but regulations are A check of the app confirmed getting complicated and I was back in the land of are constantly changing, two-a-day reds. Naturally, I

BY ALAN JONES so anyone who fishes in didn’t catch another fish that coastal waters from Maine to Texas (and now the day, but I dodged a bullet.

Bahamas) should download the free Fish Rules Would I have gotten off with a warning? app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

Maybe, but as a wildlife officer will say when

Keep It Legal Think that fish you caught is a keeper?

Not so fast.

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BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/17 10:44 AM

Boating just became even more effortless.

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Now, Helm Master gives you even more control—with Set Point.* This new suite of control functions includes Fish Point,™ Drift Point™ and Stay Point.™ Programmed using our new CL7 touchscreen display,* engaged via the new joystick and guided with unique dual-antenna GPS navigation technology, these functions maintain position, heading or both. Suddenly maneuvers that are difficult for even experienced captains can be automatically achieved via Helm Master.

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NEW 7-INCH LCD DISPLAY

DUAL-ANTENNA GPS TECHNOLOGY

To learn more about Helm Master with Set Point, visit 2017newproducts.yamahaoutboards.com.

FISH POINT This mode maintains position.

It’s perfect for stationary fishing directly below the boat, and uses quiet, lower-RPM power.

DRIFT POINT This mode maintains heading.

It’s great for drift-fishing a wreck, kite fishing or watching a sunset from the stern.

STAY POINT This mode maintains position and heading. It’s handy when waiting for a bridge or for your turn to approach a fuel dock.

Some restrictions apply. Helm Master available on select new twin, triple and quad Yamaha outboards installed on new boat packages manufactured by participating boat builders and sold by authorized dealers only. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

YMOB0756-D-HLM_Sgl_9x10.875.indd 1

3/7/17 4:55 PM

THE ULTIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR LARGE BOATS

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Helm Master is compatible with new Yamaha F350B, F350C and 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards in twin, triple and quad configurations, and also with our I-4 F200, F175 and F150 in twin configurations. *Expected availability May of 2017

Included in the Fish Rules app is information about how to identify fish species.

Freshwater regulations can be even more perplexing with different size and bag limits on different lakes, so anglers really have to pull up each state’s regulations online to know what’s legal. Most states also have cellphone apps available that cost around a dollar.

HOW TO MEASURE

Measuring a fish would seem to be an easy proposition: lay a tape measure across the top of the fish and measure it. Well for one thing, the measuring device should be under the fish, not over. Also, instead of a tape measure, use a measuring decal that can be stuck to the deck or gunwale — a few might get lost — so one is always

Frabill Bump Board

handy. Places such as Bass Pro Shops carry many measuring devices, including the Frabill Bump Board ($14), which has a shallow cradle to keep fish steady while they’re being measured.

Typically, a fish is measured either by its fork length or total length, but how depends on one’s home state and the species. In some places and for certain species, the mouth must be closed and the measurement taken from either the top or bottom jaw. The fork measurement is always taken at the shortest part of the tail indentation. Total length gets a little weird

because the following states require anglers to pinch the fish’s tail before measuring many species: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. The pinch method is a double-edged sword, though. While it can turn a “short” fish into a keeper, some species have a maximum size, so pinching can put them over the limit.

HOW TO ID

Fish identification can be pretty tricky.

I counted 15 kinds of snapper, 19 species of grouper and 41 types of shark. Folks who can identify all of them can probably qualify for a marine biology degree. The aforementioned Fish Rules app has photos or drawings of the species most likely to be caught. That’s handy, but users have to

Fish identification can be pretty tricky. know the name of the species before they can pull it up, which could take a while.

Currently, I find no app with a functioning fish identifier that allows users to take a photo of a fish and have it automatically identified. But that might change. The IGFA is working on such an app, and the folks there are looking for help with field photos of many species.

The catch (get it?) is that contributors have to shoot the photo with IGFA’s $50 official fish measuring ruler (metric only), which allows anglers to enter a fish for the length-only world record and release the catch. But the money goes to a variety of causes that help sportfishing. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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engines

D O CKIN G S YSTE M S

Ski Boats Take Control

MasterCraft DockStar

Inboard ski boats are easier to dock than ever, thanks to new rudder and joystick systems.

BY ALAN JONES

F

OR THE UNINITIATED, DOCKING A direct-drive ski boat can be a humbling experience.

What makes it different from sterndrive- or outboard-powered boats is that the prop stays fixed in one direction and relies on a rudder — positioned behind the prop — for directional control. Sterndrives and outboards allow drivers to move the direction of thrust, which allows them far greater flexibility in docking situations.

Virtually all inboard ski boats have a lefthand prop, so in reverse their prop torque will pull to starboard, which is great for pulling up to a dock on the right side of the boat. Just approach the dock at a 45-degree angle and when the bow gets close to the dock, put the boat in neutral, spin the wheel to the right and gently engage reverse, which will suck the stern against the dock and straighten the boat to parallel … if it’s done exactly right. Forget backing in a

TO THE WEB MasterCraft.com MercuryMarine.com SeaRay.com

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straight line or pulling up to a portside dock with any semblance of grace.

That has changed. At the 2017 Miami International Boat Show in February, boat builders and an engine manufacturer introduced two new systems that make docking a direct-drive ski boat really easy, even for rookies.

JOYSTICK PILOTING FOR INBOARDS (JPI)

Mercury has had a decade of joystick experience, starting in 2007 with the Zeus diesel/pod system, followed by Axius for gas sterndrives in 2008. But never has this technology extended to single primary engine operation, until the unveiling of the JPI system. It was first seen on a Sea Ray 230 SLX-W, a wakesurfing-capable

watersports boat powered by a MerCruiser 370 hp 6.2L with a V-drive propulsion system. What makes JPI work is a computer system that coordinates the MerCruiser engine with bow and stern thrusters, making virtually any desired maneuver achievable, even walking the boat directly sideways.

The JPI system activates when the boat is put in neutral. A green ring of lights around the joystick activates, to let the driver know the system is engaged. The light show continues when the driver presses the joystick in a direction and the color on that side turns to amber. Twisting it spins the boat in its own length, and the lights rotate in that direction. To switch control back to the boat’s standard control system, put the boat in gear and the lights go off.

Interestingly, the JPI system can use bow and stern thrusters built by Vetus or Side-Power to help it maneuver. While the force provided by the main engine is in proportion to how far one tilts or twists the joystick, the thrusters are on/off only, which makes fine adjustments slightly more difficult. But it works as advertised and has a very short learning curve. Five minutes of practice will have any driver feeling confident making any maneuver, including easing over to downed skiers. One of the only downsides is the $12,500 price tag,

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/17 10:19 AM

which on a smaller boat is proportionally quite a bit.

DOCKSTAR

MasterCraft attacked direct-drive boats’ steering problem in a totally different fashion. In forward, the static runner/ rudder system on a ski boat works like a champ, as wash from the prop blasts the rudder and provides plenty of force to effect turns. Add tracking fins to eliminate slide, and most ski boats can generate some serious Gs while being cranked hard over.

But in reverse, the thrust pushes away from the rudder, making it more of an ornament than a steering device. MasterCraft designers placed two smaller rudders in front of the prop and, voila, drivers now have directional control when the boat’s in reverse. The extra rudders are an adaptation of tugboats’ flanking rudders, which have a similar configuration and have been in use for years, so it’s surprising this clever idea took so long to appear on recreational

Mercury Joystick Piloting for inboards

boats. Even paddleboats in Mark Twain’s era had rudders in front of the wheel for use when reversing course.

There is, however, a big difference between the old school flanking rudders and DockStar’s setup. On tugboats, the aft rudder(s) and fore rudders don’t act at the

same time, but MasterCraft’s designers found a way for all three rudders to act in concert to enhance steering in all maneuvers. The builder has applied for a patent for the system.

So how well does it work? The first test was trying to back it in a straight line — an impossible maneuver on a standard direct-drive ski boat, due to prop torque.

I put the drive-by-wire shift on the XT-23 in reverse and promptly oversteered it, which most drivers will do, until I learned to make small corrections. But in just a few minutes I was able to make it back up in a perfectly straight line — and even to port. So no longer will drivers have to bail on a dock because it’s on the “wrong” side.

The Boating Writers International judges gave this one the Innovation Award in the Tow Boat category for its effectiveness.

DockStar will be available on most of MasterCraft’s 2017 lineup, and the fact it only costs around $1,500 makes it a no-brainer option. BW

StarGazer Wake Edition

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perfectpass.com or contact us at sales@perfectpass.com or call

1 902 468-2150

+ BW Engines.indd 23

IT’S EASY! Any customer with an existing PerfectPass System can easily upgrade to Star Gazer-Wake Edition. In most cases it is a simple 5 minute “Plug & Play” installation. For more details, contact one of our customer service specialists.

4/4/17 10:19 AM

diy

PROJ EC T SA FE T Y

Protect Yourself During any DIY project, live by the physicians’ oath: do no harm … to yourself.

BY ALAN JONES

M

OST NEW BOAT OWNERS QUICKLY learn that relying on a marina to do all the

maintenance on their boat can get pricey, so most of them become do-it-yourselfers. But some boat projects are downright nasty. Many require grinding, sawing, spraying, sanding, painting, stripping and using chemicals that have a warning label as long as the tax code. Fortunately, there are some great, comfortable ways to protect yourself from yourself.

When dealing with any chemical, know exactly what you are working with, which means actually reading the label. The text under words such as “Caution” or “Warning” should be read with care and attention. If the word “toxic” and its big brother “highly toxic” are present, there’s a good chance you need to use protective clothing, a respirator, and eye and/or face protection. It’s not a bad idea to go to msdsonline.com and pull the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which provides 24

MAY 2017

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+ BW DIY.indd 24

the most comprehensive explanation of the substance. It’s easy to “use in a ventilated area” if the project is on the exterior of the boat, but if the workspace is in a garage or an engine compartment or a cabin, don’t take chances.

Workers at boatyards wear suits, masks, boots and respirators, but that has to be really expensive, right? I was shocked by the fact quality gear can be very inexpensive. While researching this story, I found a company called PK Safety that’s been in

business for 65 years and has everything anyone needs for personal protection.

Its experts can advise DIYers as to what protection they need (877-490-1874). All the items mentioned here can be purchased online at pksafety.com. Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) has some of the items and likely has a nearby store to satisfy immediate needs.

VALUE VISION

Protecting one’s eyes is critical during nearly any project. Danger can come from something as innocuous as drilling a couple of holes and then thoughtlessly blowing into the drilled hole to clear the dust — only to have it shoot straight up into your eyes. I cringe when I think about some DIY incidents I’ve experienced. One time I was working with liquid wood that required just a bit of sanding to even out. The wind was blowing away from me and I was wearing regular glasses. Naturally, as soon as I started sanding with a rotary sander the wind shifted and a fine cloud of dust blew right into my eyes. I rinsed them quickly,

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/5/17 1:23 PM

diy

PROJ EC T SA FE T Y

Protect Yourself During any DIY project, live by the physicians’ oath: do no harm … to yourself.

BY ALAN JONES

M

OST NEW BOAT OWNERS QUICKLY learn that relying on a marina to do all the

maintenance on their boat can get pricey, so most of them become do-it-yourselfers. But some boat projects are downright nasty. Many require grinding, sawing, spraying, sanding, painting, stripping and using chemicals that have a warning label as long as the tax code. Fortunately, there are some great, comfortable ways to protect yourself from yourself.

When dealing with any chemical, know exactly what you are working with, which means actually reading the label. The text under words such as “Caution” or “Warning” should be read with care and attention. If the word “toxic” and its big brother “highly toxic” are present, there’s a good chance you need to use protective clothing, a respirator, and eye and/or face protection. It’s not a bad idea to go to msdsonline.com and pull the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which provides 24

MAY 2017

•

+ BW DIY.indd 24

the most comprehensive explanation of the substance. It’s easy to “use in a ventilated area” if the project is on the exterior of the boat, but if the workspace is in a garage or an engine compartment or a cabin, don’t take chances.

Workers at boatyards wear suits, masks, boots and respirators, but that has to be really expensive, right? I was shocked by the fact quality gear can be very inexpensive. While researching this story, I found a company called PK Safety that’s been in

business for 65 years and has everything anyone needs for personal protection.

Its experts can advise DIYers as to what protection they need (877-490-1874). All the items mentioned here can be purchased online at pksafety.com. Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) has some of the items and likely has a nearby store to satisfy immediate needs.

VALUE VISION

Protecting one’s eyes is critical during nearly any project. Danger can come from something as innocuous as drilling a couple of holes and then thoughtlessly blowing into the drilled hole to clear the dust — only to have it shoot straight up into your eyes. I cringe when I think about some DIY incidents I’ve experienced. One time I was working with liquid wood that required just a bit of sanding to even out. The wind was blowing away from me and I was wearing regular glasses. Naturally, as soon as I started sanding with a rotary sander the wind shifted and a fine cloud of dust blew right into my eyes. I rinsed them quickly,

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/5/17 1:54 PM

fine particles. Unless you are outside with a bit of breeze going, it’s also helpful to have a fan to direct the cloud. Modern respirators are comfortable and don’t cost a lot. The filters are split between organic vapor (for filtering chemicals) and particulate filters (for grinding and sanding). A 3M 6000 series half-faceplate respirator is only $13; the 3M P100 filters for particulates only are $6.73 for a pair, and the combination vapor/particulate 3M 2097 6000 filters are $9.25. Tip: If you can smell a chemical with the respirator on, change filters or move to a higher level of protection.

Fine glass particles from fiberglass tend to find a way onto your skin, even if you are wearing a long shirt and gloves, and will itch like crazy. The best item for

than required, for better mobility and less chance of blowing out a seam.

HAPPY HANDS

When working with hazardous chemicals, hand protection is critical, because many substances can be absorbed through the skin and cause victims to become sensitized, which means an allergic reaction that might be ongoing. When you see the term “strong sensitizer” in chemicals like epoxy resins, steps must be taken to avoid contact with the skin, and that means wearing gloves. Nitril surgical-type gloves are preferred over latex for incidental contact with toxic chemicals, and models such as the Ansell Sol-Vex gloves can be purchased for as little as $0.70 a

Modern respirators are comfortable and don’t cost a lot. but my eyes burned for months afterward.

I was lucky. Another time I was inspecting my sterndrive engine when a sharp piece of rusty metal flew off the alternator and hit my glasses hard enough to knock them off my face. In the center of the lens was a deep gouge. I would have lost an eye had I not been wearing glasses. Safety glasses that provide a seal, such as the Pyramex Capstone anti-fog model that only costs $8.25, fit well with a respirator and could protect your eyesight.

BREATHE EASY

Whether working with polyurethane paint such as Imron or thinners, or sanding and grinding fiberglass or wood, first make sure you are not inhaling either fumes or

During a DIY project, especially one that will use harsh chemicals or kick up fine clouds of dust, wear protection for your eyes, face, skin and ears. It’s not as expensive as you might think.

work like this, working with paint or a nasty cleanup, is a DuPont Tyvek suit. It is labeled HazMat, but the fact it saves clothes from ruin is reason enough to wear one. Some are kind of pricy, but a model 400 HazMat coverall suit can be had for $4.50. Tip: Buy a little larger suit

pair. Tip: Avoid using cheap dishwashing gloves or ones made of polyurethane, because they lack durability.

Don’t forget ear protection during grinding, cutting or general exposure to loud sounds. For as little as $4.06, you can protect your hearing. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW DIY.indd 25

MAY 2017

25

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4/5/17 1:23 PM

fine particles. Unless you are outside with a bit of breeze going, it’s also helpful to have a fan to direct the cloud. Modern respirators are comfortable and don’t cost a lot. The filters are split between organic vapor (for filtering chemicals) and particulate filters (for grinding and sanding). A 3M 6000 series half-faceplate respirator is only $13; the 3M P100 filters for particulates only are $6.73 for a pair, and the combination vapor/particulate 3M 2097 6000 filters are $9.25. Tip: If you can smell a chemical with the respirator on, change filters or move to a higher level of protection.

Fine glass particles from fiberglass tend to find a way onto your skin, even if you are wearing a long shirt and gloves, and will itch like crazy. The best item for

than required, for better mobility and less chance of blowing out a seam.

HAPPY HANDS

When working with hazardous chemicals, hand protection is critical, because many substances can be absorbed through the skin and cause victims to become sensitized, which means an allergic reaction that might be ongoing. When you see the term “strong sensitizer” in chemicals like epoxy resins, steps must be taken to avoid contact with the skin, and that means wearing gloves. Nitril surgical-type gloves are preferred over latex for incidental contact with toxic chemicals, and models such as the Ansell Sol-Vex gloves can be purchased for as little as $0.70 a

Modern respirators are comfortable and don’t cost a lot. but my eyes burned for months afterward.

I was lucky. Another time I was inspecting my sterndrive engine when a sharp piece of rusty metal flew off the alternator and hit my glasses hard enough to knock them off my face. In the center of the lens was a deep gouge. I would have lost an eye had I not been wearing glasses. Safety glasses that provide a seal, such as the Pyramex Capstone anti-fog model that only costs $8.25, fit well with a respirator and could protect your eyesight.

BREATHE EASY

Whether working with polyurethane paint such as Imron or thinners, or sanding and grinding fiberglass or wood, first make sure you are not inhaling either fumes or

During a DIY project, especially one that will use harsh chemicals or kick up fine clouds of dust, wear protection for your eyes, face, skin and ears. It’s not as expensive as you might think.

work like this, working with paint or a nasty cleanup, is a DuPont Tyvek suit. It is labeled HazMat, but the fact it saves clothes from ruin is reason enough to wear one. Some are kind of pricy, but a model 400 HazMat coverall suit can be had for $4.50. Tip: Buy a little larger suit

pair. Tip: Avoid using cheap dishwashing gloves or ones made of polyurethane, because they lack durability.

Don’t forget ear protection during grinding, cutting or general exposure to loud sounds. For as little as $4.06, you can protect your hearing. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW DIY.indd 25

MAY 2017

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4/5/17 1:54 PM

ask the experts

Q

+A

the pros and cons associated with each.”

Check out BoatingWorld.com for the entire story.

PROPELLERS

As the Prop Turns

Q I have a 2016 Bennington 2250 triple tube with the ESP tubes under it. It’s rated for a 250. We have a 2016 Honda 250 mounted one hole up and we are turning a 14X19 Honda stainless prop. The dealer is looking for 6000 rpm. As we trim up at WOT, the prop starts to lose its bite between 5900 and 6000 rpm at about 44 or 45 mph. It’s not really holding a good bite at 6000. I actually believe it’s slipping before then. Would going to a different brand of prop with maybe more cupping or a different diameter/pitch combination improve things?

Mike Henry, via BoatingWorld.com

ANCHORS

Holding Power Matters

Q The fluke anchor I have on my pontoon boat doesn’t seem to do a very good job of holding in many situations. I’m pretty sure it’s the proper weight for the size of my boat, but its performance seems to be lacking. What can I do?

Fred S., via BoatingWorld.com

Fred, while a few more details might help, your question is well timed. In last month’s issue, we had an entire feature dedicated to anchors (p. 54). Here is a selection from that story that is pertinent to your question: “While an anchor’s weight is important, even more so is its holding power — how well the anchor digs in and holds. A modern, well-designed, lightweight anchor can provide significantly more holding power than a heavy, older model that relies more on weight. It’s important to know the common anchor types and a few of

Whatever happened to the days of a dozen folks sitting around at 0 mph with a cooler full of mai tais? I don’t want to interrupt the dealer-owner relationship, but the 250’s operating range is 53006300, with 250 hp rated at 5800 RPM. That’s with a normal load aboard. I’d look to 5800 rpm max. How to achieve that using the parameters of what you feel and hear? I’d go to a 14.5X16 four-blade Piranha prop. That should bring you down to about 5500 to 5600 rpm with plenty of bite. See what your dealer thinks. If he doesn’t like the choice, find out what he does like to bring the boat to the range I suggested. I just know he wants a happy customer! — GM

 OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:

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

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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/5/17 9:57 AM

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

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Radar compatible

NMEA 2000® Engine Interface

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/GO

ask the experts ENGINES

Thermostats Worth the Cost

My mechanic wants me to change thermostats in my 250 hp Yamaha every year at season-prep time. With those two thermostats running close to $50 each and the job taking close to three hours, I have to question his delight when I say “yes.” If the engine were yours, would you change the thermostats yearly?

Xavier A., via BoatingWorld.com

Not only “yes,” but “hell yes!” Technically, thermostats are designed to keep operating temperatures even throughout the engine.

In your car, you have a closed cooling system, so the thermostat’s job is simple keeping the temps even. In an outboard, though, you have cold water entering the bottom of the powerhead being regulated by the thermostat at the top of each cylinder head. Inside the block are dissimilar metals: the block aluminum, the sleeves

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steel. When the engine heats, the water goes up to the top of the cylinder head to do its bounden duty. The thermostat looks for a balance of about 143 degrees. If the thermostat sticks open, the fuel injection thinks it’s still really cold inside the cylinder and increases fuel delivery amounts to compensate, and collect power. It will only be a few minutes before the engine runs lousy.

a fond memory. The next sound will be pure silence — not what you want to hear.

— GM TRAILERS

Trailer Insurance

We didn’t receive a specific question regarding insurance for one’s boat trailer, but it’s a topic that tends to come up only

The thermostat looks for a balance of about 143 degrees.

If it sticks closed, the “perfect storm” begins. When it sticks closed and the hot water is retained there is no place for the piston rings to transfer heat to the block, and the tourists need to “take five.”

At that point aluminum from the overly expanded pistons will start to peel off onto the cylinders, and the engine becomes

when people have a situation. In order to perhaps point a few boat owners in the proper direction before they need help, we offer this short primer from the folks at BoatU.S. Everyone can easily understand what auto, boat or homeowners insurance policies are for. However, which policy insures

4/5/17 9:57 AM

your boat trailer? That really depends.

A simple accident: If a boat trailer is damaged in an accident on the road, it’s typically the separate trailer coverage provided by your boat’s insurance policy that pays for repairs or its replacement.

Damage to property or injuries: However, if your boat trailer damages others’ property (e.g., a fence or neighbor’s car) or leads to injuries when it is connected to your tow vehicle, it’s your auto insurance policy’s liability coverage that would likely pay for damages to other vehicles, property or any medical claims.

Backing into a stone wall: If you accidentally back your rig into your neighbor’s stone wall, your boat’s trailer repairs would most likely be provided for by the trailer coverage in your boat’s insurance policy, while repairs to the neighbor’s wall would go under your auto policy’s liability coverage.

A tree falls on a lonely trailer: What happens if a tree falls on your unloaded

trailer while it is parked in your driveway?

There are two possible answers here: it could be the trailer coverage in your boat’s insurance policy that will compensate you, or you may also be able to make a claim on your homeowner’s policy. If a trailer is damaged or stolen when stored at a marina or other storage location, the trailer coverage in the boat’s insurance policy will compensate you.

OUTBOARDS

Not Impressed

Q I read with question marks popping out of my head your recent article on the “new” Evinrude E-TEC 150 motor (“Monsters of the Midrange,” March, p. 20). I was a little stumped at the top speed you stated on the Ranger 1850 of only 48.4 mph. I own this same exact boat. Running a 2006 Yamaha V MAX and fully loaded with gear (your test boat was empty) and two people we hit the upper 50s easy. With just a driver alone we have topped at more than 60 mph

(speedometer and GPS). This E-TEC is a great motor and has a lot of features I wish my Yamaha had, but if it is lagging behind by 10 mph, then Evinrude still has some work to do.

Sam W., via BoatingWorld.com

The main difference is that the 2006 Ranger Reata 1850 and the 2017 model are different boats. Back in 2006, it was 18 feet, 5 inches long with an 8-foot, 2-inch beam and weighed 1,780 pounds. The newer Reata 1850 is a beefier boat. It’s 5 inches longer, 3 inches wider and weighs 510 pounds more, which explains the speed difference. The old V MAX was a great engine with awesome performance, but newer engines produce far fewer emissions and have better acceleration.

Also, Evinrude (especially the H.O models) tends to fudge its horsepower ratings a bit (allowable within 10 percent) whereas Yamahas are usually very close to the number on the cowling. — Alan Jones

Photo: meddock.com

SUP Made to explore!

Visit us at connellysup.com

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Insta

/connellysup

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gear

STU FF YO U WA NT

Bigger Is Better

$469.99+, fusionentertainment.com Fusion Entertainment has expanded its signature series, in size and number, with the addition of the new Fusion Signature Series 8.8-inch speakers. The speakers perform well under harsh marine conditions and deliver powerful and crisp sound quality. A dual-color diffused LED lighting option illuminates in either striking blue or sparkling white (depending on the wiring polarity chosen at installation), to add to the immersive sound experience. The speakers, which come in Sports White and Sports Chrome ($30 more), are protected by a three-year warranty.

Light up the Night $49.99, tecniqinc.com

The M51 Water Dragon Underwater Lighting fixture from TecNiq is a surface-mounted LED underwater light that can attract fish or create dockside ambiance. It features thermal overheat protection and a plastic body, has three 375-lumen LEDs for reduced energy costs and runs on 12v DC power. The three-LED model is 4.2 inches long by 1.4 inches wide by 0.6 inches deep, and mounts with two screws. One 5/8-inch hole has to be drilled in the hull.

The compact lights are assembled in the U.S. and are available in vibrant white, blue and green.

So Icy $139.99, canyoncoolers.com The Scout cooler from Canyon Coolers sports a marine-grade aluminum hinge and 14 integrated marine-grade aluminum tie-down points that double as mounting points for the Bungy Net System. The new Dura-Latches and No-Lose drain plug are recessed into the cooler, so slipping the Scout into a tight spot on a boat is no problem. Rubber-grip feet on the bottom make the Scout a good option for an extra seat — no sliding around the deck. Measuring 13 by 15.3 by 18 inches, Scout is small enough to be carried over one’s shoulder with a comfortable shoulder strap, even when full, and its one-and-a-half-inch-thick insulated walls ensure extreme cold retention.

Stretch Out

Price Varies, weathermax.com It’s important for boaters to properly cover their boat and protect it from the elements. Safety Components’ new WeatherMAX 3D offers the flexibility to fit almost any project, including cars and boats, unlike other marine fabrics that aren’t very pliable. Under tension, the highly elastic fabric stretches 30 to 100 percent, to conform to almost any shape. When released, it goes back to its original size. The fabric is made from the same engineered polymer as other WeatherMAX products, so the fabric is water resistant, yet breathable, and built to endure outdoor conditions.

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SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/17 10:20 AM

(Net)Work It

$499.95, prospecelectronics.com NMEA2000-enabled multifunction displays give boat operators easy access to numerous devices while saving helm space. That includes access to stereos, and Prospec Electronics delivers a stereo receiver that easily connects into an NMEA2000 network. The Infinity by Harman MBB400 boasts 4x50 watts of power and exceptional sound clarity, including AM/FM tuning, Bluetooth audio streaming with ID tagging, USB and aux inputs, Weather band, RDS, and separate zone control mode for iPod and iPhone.

Triple Threat

Radar de Mar

Taco Marine introduced a strong and durable three-rod holder with a tool caddy. It turns one rod holder into three by mounting the unit on a pole that fits in a rod holder and adds a tray that can hold tools and drinking cups or cans for added convenience. The holder is available in straight-mount and offset-mount models and is made from durable high-polished aluminum and comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Boaters always need navigation assistance, and they never have enough dash space. The Furuno 1815 is a solution for both issues.

Its 8.4-inch color display fits in tight spaces, the 19-inch 4 kw antenna packs the power in a compact dome, and it only uses 38 watts of power at most. Overhead mounts are available, or it can be flush-mounted with a 5-inch hole saw. The gimbal mount allows the display to swivel when it is desktop mounted. With no input from the user, this radar will automatically eliminate unnecessary echoes and present a clear display image with every sweep of its antenna.

$343.10, tacomarine.com

$2,495, furunousa.com

Compelling Impeller $17+, jmpusa.com Whether its seasonal maintenance, buying a spare to have on board or making a last-minute dockside repair, choosing a replacement flexible impeller involves more than just pump compatibility. JMP neoprene and nitrile impellers deliver performance and long life. They are also ROHS free, so they are safe for the environment. JMP uses a proprietary blend of materials in its neoprene and nitrile models that resist salt, oils, chemicals and high heat.

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

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tested

CROW N LI N E E1 XS

Crown Jewel The newest outboard-powered Cross Sport EX series model includes a nationally advertised price that’s difficult to believe.

BY ALAN JONES

P

REMIUM BOAT BUILDERS TEND TO set the expectation bar really high, so when Crownline’s designers were tasked with building a boat priced just south of $45K — the E1 XS — the pressure was intense. After all, the boat had to hit that price and be fit to wear the “Crown.”

UNIQUE FACTOR

While Crownline is best known for its extensive line of sterndrive-powered boats, the E1 XS is actually the sixth outboard-powered boat in its increasingly popular Cross Sport EX series. A couple of features that make sterndrive boats so attractive are the amount of space toward the stern that can be used for lounging and a swim platform with enough room to stage watersports. But the E1 XS proves an outboard model can do all of the above, even though it’s an easily trailerable 21 feet, 4 inches long.

The secret was to take features from its larger boats — such as the Aft Convertible Sun Lounger, which is electronically actuated on models such as the 285 SS — and create proportionally smaller, manual versions. The lounger on the E1 XS features a three-position backrest that allows passengers to recline in comfort while facing backward or stretch out and lie down when the boat is at rest. When flipped aft, it becomes the backrest for the stern bench that’s part of the cockpit’s L-lounge. For some extra wow factor, the optional electronically adjustable aft lounger backrest ($1,047) features a wider range of positions.

Unlike other outboard-powered boats, the E1 XS includes a generous integrated swim platform that’s padded with Soft Touch matting, which continues into the starboard-side walkthrough. A thoughtful addition is the walkthrough gate, which swings into place and helps keep the kids 32

in the cockpit. The platform contains a four-step ladder that’s hidden under a hatch, to preserve the clean look. A familiar theme on this boat is the number of standard features that are usually options — the freshwater transom shower fed by a 15-gallon tank, for example.

PERFORMANCE

The E1 XS is modestly powered by a Mercury FourStroke 150 that uses a single overhead cam design to reduce its number of parts, which makes it the lightest 150 outboard four-stroke (455 pounds). But with a 3.0L motor, it has the most displacement of any Mercury four-stroke, including its supercharged Verado 400R, which has a 2.6L block. The result is power that rolls on smooth and strong.

Another aid to the E1 XS’s performance is Crownline’s F.A.S.T. TAB Hull, which has vented chines that introduce air under the hull to help reduce the drag caused by a hull’s wetted surface, meaning the E1 XS doesn’t need as much power to give it decent performance. Its full-keel planing pad and Delta pad at the stern helped it get up and on top. During our test on Lake Lanier, near Atlanta, it reached plane in 4.2 seconds, despite the hull’s 3,785-pound heft, which indicates how well this boat is put together. This Cross Sport EX reached 30 mph in 10.2 seconds and topped out at 42.9 mph, which is fast enough for any watersport. Buyers can go up to 200 hp on this boat, with either a Mercury Verado or a Yamaha, but they lose the special pricing

Crownline set up for this package, making it a prohibitively expensive upgrade. With a Yamaha F200, the price increases by $15,991, so staying with the Mercury 150 FourStroke seems to be the correct play.

HANDLING

An often overlooked aspect of boat handling is how a vessel steers at idle.

Although it’s more pronounced with sterndrive-propelled boats, stern wander can make a boat weave noticeably. This is where Crownline’s F.A.S.T. Tabs come in to play. They generate vortices that keep water from the sides of a boat from converging on the motor’s lower unit and putting prop torque into play. No problem there with the E1 XS; it tracked straight no matter what speed we were traveling. Conditions on (Clockwise from top right) Walkthrough gate keeps toddlers safe. Beautiful helm station combines form and function. Bow table is sidemounted to increase foot room. The copilot gets a captain’s chair. The Convertible Sun Lounger is a key-off hotspot. Dedicated floor storage holds the table.

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owner feedback

Purchased by Ben and Deb Rubenzer, Marco Island, Fla. Purchased at The Boat House, Naples, Fla. W H AT W E L I K E D :

Convertible stern seat/Ease of boarding/Great stereo/Attractive styling/Powerful Yamaha F150 W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E :

We wish the cupholders had drains, and we would like an adjustable-height pedestal seat for the driver.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT:

We moved from Wisconsin to Marco Island in southwest Florida a few years ago and live on a canal. We had a pontoon boat up north and decided it was time to get a boat down here to enjoy the great opportunities the area offers. We looked at several boats but really liked the Crownline because of its quality, good looks, performance and ideal size. The water down here can get pretty shallow, so a boat with an outboard makes more sense.

We are not into fishing, so we wanted a sporty boat that was designed for comfortable cruising. We love going to places like Keewadin Island or pulling up on a secluded beach and going shelling. Although the inland waters here are usually fairly calm, we do go past large cruisers and the E1 XS handles those huge wakes really well. Throughout the buying process, The Boat House was great.

The staff there was very responsive, answered all our questions and gave us a thorough demonstration how everything on the boat works. They even took us to several nearby boat destinations we wanted to go to, so we would be familiar with the area.

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Lake Lanier were a bit choppy, but thanks to the E1 XS’s ultra-sharp 39 degrees of “V” at the hull’s entry point, it cleaved the surface in style. The angle tapers off to 19 degrees at the stern, so laterally speaking, it’s very stable. When I cranked it hard over, it hooked up well as it carved a tight 180.

Even the base engine comes standard with Sea-Star hydraulic steering, so taking the kids tubing should be easy.

model really can’t be called a deckboat, but it does carry the beam far forward to create extra passenger space. To make it even more usable, an optional filler cushion ($466) turns the bow section into a giant sunpad. The bowrider seats have standard flip-up armrests, but they are just a touch too high for smaller folk. There’s a boarding ladder for beaching and a step pad with a padded non-skid surface.

BEST USES

PREFERRED SETUP

The E1 XS is a made-for-the-sun runabout with plenty of watersports ability.

One thing is certain: storage space is abundant. Since this is a modified E1 sterndrive boat, it has a massive compartment where the engine would normally go. Thanks to ample drainage, it can be used to stow wet items such as life jackets, tow ropes and towables. For skis, there’s an enormous in-floor locker that’s longer and wider than any ski ever made. On most boats, the cockpit table stores loose in a compartment, but Crownline engineers created a sliding shelf in the in-floor compartment that’s dedicated to storing the standard side-mount table and pedestal, so it doesn’t eat up valuable storage real estate.

The E1 XS is rated to carry nine passengers, and there’s a seat for all on an L-lounge in the stern and a pair of crew seats in the cockpit. A great standard feature (seeing a trend yet?) is the bucket seat’s suspension system, which smoothes out the ride in a chop. Both have flip-up bolsters, so riders’ heads can get above the curved glass windshield on hot days. This

Even with zero optional features, the E1 XS is a better-equipped boat than most.

Crownline clearly didn’t play the oh-youwant-seat-cushions-with-that? game with the E1 XS. The list of standards that are normally options is quite impressive, starting with a custom dual-axle trailer with mag wheels. Then throw in a six-speaker Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo, a Bimini top, cockpit and bow canvas, a ski tow, a depthfinder, snap-in carpeting, docking lights, LED cockpit lights, a tilt wheel and a fire extinguisher, just to name a few of the 37 value-added standard features I counted. As one would expect, even though it has an attractive price, it still features the excellent fit and finish that Crownline is known for.

The plethora of standards means buyers need very few options, if any. The big-dollar option is a Samson Blade Onyx watersports tower. It costs $8,261, plus $1,223 for swiveling racks. Bumping up to the premium stereo package with a subwoofer runs $3,686, with the further option to add Polk or Wet Sounds speakers. BW

Specs Length 21 ft., 4 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Deadrise 19 degrees Capacity 9 people Dry Weight (hull) 3,785 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 27 gal. Max HP 200 PERFORMANCE Peak 42.9 mph/5500 rpm/92 dBA Cruise 29.1 mph/4000 rpm/81 dBA Time to Plane 4.2 sec.

Time to 30 mph 10.2 sec.

POWER Test Mercury FourStroke 150 hp Cylinders I-4 Displacement 3.0L Weight w/outdrive 455 lbs.

WOT Range 5000-5800 rpm Base Price w/test power $44,995 Value-Added Standard Features: Dual-axle trailer, ski tow, cockpit table, freshwater shower, centerline ski locker, Marine Audio Bluetooth 6-speaker, depthfinder, SeaStar hydraulic steering Must-Have Options: Samson Blade Onyx watersports tower, premium stereo upgrade w/subwoofer, snap-in deck padding, wood wheel, Raymarine GPS, underwater lighting Builder: Crownline, crownline.com Financing: $323/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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tested

S PA R K TR IX X

TRIXX Aren’t Just For Kids The Spark TRIXX makes everyone a PWC trick artist hero in a matter of minutes.

BY ALAN JONES

E

VERY TIME I GO TO a personal watercraft press event, I am surrounded by riders

who grew up racing PWCs and who spend as much time on the water as they can pushing these machines to the extreme. And, invariably, they start busting tricks that might have taken decades to perfect. But even the best of them can be stymied by the equipment. Most PWCs are too heavy to really fling around, and others aren’t as agile as they could be.

Being a recreational rider, my list of tricks is pretty short, unless carving a turn and staying upright count as stunts. At the Spark intro in Orlando in 2013, Sea-Doo changed the way we ride in one fell swoop and invented a whole new category of personal watercraft called Rec Lite, whose vessels can be had for less than $5,000.

The effect on the hotshot riders around me was immediate. Although the new model had less power (60 and 90 hp) than anything we’d tested in decades, it was incredibly light at only 405 pounds, dry.

Instead of lamenting the lack of speed, the pros started flinging the neon skis around, showing their incredible nimbleness.

Cavorting would be the correct word.

After watching how everyone rode them, I suspect Sea-Doo began dreaming of ways to leverage this aspect of their performance.

For 2017, Sea-Doo is again changing

the way we ride, with the introduction of the Spark TRIXX, which is designed to fast-forward the recreational rider into the pantheon of stunt riders with perhaps the shortest learning curve of any machine I’ve ever been on. Within five minutes I was doing tricks I’d only seen others pull off.

ALTERED STATE OF BEING

The metamorphosis begins with a 2-Up Spark with the optional 90 hp Rotax 900 HO ACE, a three-cylinder four-stroke Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) 899 cc engine that is incredibly light at only 125 pounds. Given the engine’s power and the Spark’s ultra-light, extra-strong Polytec hull, the power-to-weight ratio spells playful fun. The machine also includes Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR), the same system found on Sea-Doo’s higher-end offerings. It gives

Specs LOA 9 ft., 2 in. Beam 3 ft., 10 in. Capacity 2 passengers Dry Weight 422 lbs. Fuel 7.9 gal. Max HP 90 Price $7,299 Notable standard features: Extended Range VTS, Intelligent Brake and Reverse, telescoping handlebar, Off Throttle Assisted Steering (OTAS), special coloration, two-rider saddle, tow hook Must-have options: Front storage bin, custom cover, MOVE trailer, reboarding step, fenders, depthfinder, speed tie, RF DESS radio frequency key security system Builder: Bombardier Recreational Products, sea-doo.com Financing: $120/month with 15% down and 6% interest for 5 years

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the rider twin throttle levers: the right for moving forward and the left for reverse.

And jamming the left one at high speed is OK, as it is a brake system, meant to stop the machine quickly. The PWC also always starts in neutral and provides excellent docking maneuverability.

This iBR-equipped version of the 2-Up Spark comes bundled with the Convenience Package Plus, which includes an accessory step for easier boarding, a front storage bin and the RF DESS radio frequency key security system, and it retails for $6,899. Buyers will love the fact Sea-Doo didn’t blow up the unbelievable Spark price to create the TRIXX. In fact, this conversion only raised the price by $735, including all the bundled features.

At the heart of the TRIXX conversion is a modified jet nozzle, called the Extended Range Variable Trim System (VTS), that has an extreme range of motion. The normal range for a Spark jet nozzle is four and a half degrees down and seven degrees up, but the TRIXX jet extends from six degrees down to a whopping 17 degrees up.

In addition, The handlebar has a quickrelease lever that allows it to be raised a full 6 inches, to give the rider more leverage to toss the ski around easily. The bar is already 3 inches higher, so this amounts to a 9-inch advantage over a stock Spark. The final mod is a pair of wedge-like footrests toward the back of the padded deck. They put the rider in an ergonomically superior position for the first trick he will attempt within one minute of getting into open water.

PERFORMANCE

Now for the fun part. At the unveiling of the TRIXX in Tampa, I idled out into the play zone and put the trim in the extreme up position and moved my feet back to the rearmost footrests. I tentatively eased on the throttle, and the bow pointed skyward.

At first, I thought it would keep on going and flip me backward, so, like most people, I chopped the throttle in a panic and the front end slammed back to horizontal.

The next time, I knew nothing bad would happen, so I stayed on the gas and kept my “wheelie” going while cruising along at

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(Below, left to right) Step Wedges deliver secure footing for pointing the bow skyward. Extendedrange VTS trim helps during tricks. Signature Chili Pepper red and Candy blue make a TRIXX stand out.

all of 5 mph. Riders control their direction by shifting their weight, and subtle blips of the throttle make it possible to keep it going indefinitely. In minutes, riders can get this maneuver mastered enough to impress people.

Part of the fun of the TRIXX is

experimenting, so I trimmed it all the way down to see what would happen. I gave it some gas and turned the handlebar hard over and found it turned nearly in its own length, so I kept adding power until I looked like a dog chasing its tail. But what’s cool about the TRIXX is it’s not a one-trick

pony; with the trim set normally, it ran just like a Spark, which is to say sporty and light on its feet, so buyers quite literally get two skis in one. With such a short learning curve, it would be really interesting to see what sort of crazy things riders could learn after a year of owning this thing. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2017

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tested

YA M A H A G P1800

Return of the Beast Light weight converges with extreme power and channels a bit of checkered (flag) history.

BY ALAN JONES

B

EING A RECREATIONAL RIDER, NOT a professional racer, I’ll admit to being a little nervous when I hopped aboard the GP1800 prior to shooting our test video. I had just taken a 10-minute warm-up run to get a feel for this WaveRunner — the fastest production racing machine Yamaha’s ever produced. And now I was going to ride alongside — in close proximity to — our photo boat and engage in aggressive maneuvers while wearing a frightfully expensive, non-waterproofed Sennheiser microphone, just in case I could share a few thoughts that didn’t sound like a frightened kid inquiring as to his mommy’s whereabouts. Before I do things like this I always give myself a pre-ride pep talk that goes something like this: “Smacking into the side of a boat would really hurt.”

Once the run began I realized the genius of Yamaha’s creation. While it is designed to be ridden on a closed-course racing circuit by a trained professional, a recreational rider can drive this thing without looking like a fool. During the first ride, people will discover the GP1800’s limitations are human-based, not mechanical.

The GP legend began in 1997 with the GP1200, powered by a 1.1L three-cylinder engine that produced 135 hp, the most of any production PWC at the time.

Fast forward 20 years and Yamaha has reanimated the GP name — phased out in 2003 — with a machine that has taken a quantum leap into the future with improvements in every facet of its design.

UNIQUE FACTOR

While Yamaha markets this beast as an out-of-the-box racer designed to dominate closed-course buoy circuits, designers did give it a sense of style. It features a NanoXcell2 hull, which, as the name intimates, is the revolutionary material’s second generation. Yamaha engineers combined microscopic nano-clay particles and glass micro-bubbles and put them under intense pressure to create a stronger resin system that reduced the weight of the GP1800 to 38

769 pounds, which is 22 pounds less than the FZR it replaced. It even costs less, with an MSRP of $13,999 vs. $14,799. The NanoXcell2 surface is more dense, allowing it to have a really shiny finish, available in metallic Torch Red or Azure Blue.

It has three storage bins that total 25 gallons. The largest is up front, and then there’s a glovebox in front of the seat and a small waterproof under-seat storage tank behind the driver. The information center is fairly Spartan and doesn’t include the plethora of info Yamaha’s luxury rides have. The GP1800 does have room for three people, a ski tow and a reboarding step.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the GP1800 is the most powerful WaveRunner engine Yamaha has ever built. With an estimated 270 hp — Yamaha doesn’t release exact numbers — it’s twice as powerful as the original GP1200 powerplant. The Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) engine, which requires premium gas, starts with a 1.8L block, which is the largest displacement in

The speed at which it reached its 68 mph top speed was startling.

the industry, eclipsing Kawasaki’s 1.5L and Sea-Doo’s 1.6L. That block helps the in-line four-cylinder four-stroke generate power organically before adding a supercharger and an intercooler that compresses and cools air so more fuel can be mixed, which wrings the most out of this engine. It uses a 160mm eight-vane pump that has a threeblade stainless steel impeller to deliver incredible acceleration.

While preparing for our acceleration test, I hit the down button on the trim system, leaned forward to reduce bowrise

(Clockwise from far right) Ergonomically correct grip is great for long rides. A tow rope comes standard. Padded rear deck is sloped downward for easy reboarding. Electronic trim on the left handlebar improves performance. The reboarding ladder automatically retracts when not in use.

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and squeezed the right trigger as quickly as I dared, and the GP1800 shot off the line faster than any car with a license plate.

After blasting to 30 mph in 1.5 seconds, my first thought was one of gratefulness for the racing seat, which was cradling my behind to prevent it from accelerating off the back and revealing my lack of upper body strength. Top speed was around 68 mph — because of the manufacturer/U.S. Coast Guard gentleman’s agreement to keep top speed limited to around 65 mph — but the speed with which the GP1800 got there was startling. Thankfully, Yamaha engineers made the power curve perfectly linear, so all that fury rolls on with perfect control.

allow drivers to roll it into a really smooth turn that will carve harder than most folks can hang on. There’s zero slide thanks to the strakes and rear sponsons, so drivers can really generate some Gs. The GP1800 will appeal to PWC enthusiasts, even non-racers, who want to experience the ultimate in speed and

handling while gradually expanding their driving chops. The most recreational of riders will probably be better off with models such as the FX SVHO, which has more bells and whistles and a more Cadillac-like ride but with more than enough performance to satisfy the need for extreme speed. BW

HANDLING

Like virtually all Yamaha WaveRunners, the GP1800 has the RiDE system, which is a twin-lever throttle and “shift” system whose benefits begin with unparalleled control around docks: ease on the right trigger to go forward and the left for reverse. Release either and it’s in neutral.

It also includes “brakes,” which, even when jammed on from wide-open throttle, don’t produce a violent event that buries the bow; rather, the brakes deliver a rapid but smooth deceleration that still allows steerage. The hull is what makes this machine, and it features soft forward chines that 40

Specs LOA 11 ft. Beam 4 ft. Capacity 3 passengers Dry Weight 769 lbs. Fuel 18.5 gal. Horsepower 270 (estimated) Price $13,999 Notable Standard Features: Custom cut padded deck mats, race-inspired seat, cupholders, dual rearview mirrors, RiDE with Traction Control, dry storage compartment, tow hook, bilge pump Must-have Options: Custom cover, pull-up cleats, fenders, anchor, handlebar pack Builder: Yamaha Motor Corp., yamahawaverunners.com Financing $230/month with 15% down and 6% interest for 5 years

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W O R L D

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W A T E R S P O R T S

JUNE 1st

tested

PL AYCR A F T XPR 2500 P O KER RU N ED ITI O N

The Good Life In the Fast Lane You don’t have to give up go-fast performance to embrace the pontoon lifestyle.

BY ALAN JONES

I

F BOATS CAN BE SEXY, then go-fast machines are the runway models of boating. Just

sitting at the dock they appear to be going 100 mph. Turning the key and lighting up the engines sparks a rumble of pure violence that lets everyone within a mile know the boat’s whereabouts. Of course, the downside is owning a boat with one of the smallest cockpits for its length and very little usable space forward of the steering wheel. If only there were a way to possess a cake and also be able to consume it… Fortunately, PlayCraft created the XPR 2500 Poker Run Edition pontoon, which can romp with the big boys and chill with the deck space of a yacht.

UNIQUE FACTOR

PlayCraft’s unique attitude toward styling resulted in checkerboard upholstery and splashes of bold colors inside and out, an in-your-face approach designed to appeal to the NASCAR fan in all of us while speaking to a love of going fast despite the creature comforts afforded by a roomy pontoon. The newest member of the PowerToon X-Treme family announces itself with a giant red X across the side fencing, a motif that’s replicated on the gates in fire-engine red and also on the upholstery. Our test boat’s red, white and black theme is merely one of 21 available off-the-rack color schemes, but consider them mere suggestions, because PlayCraft is really a custom builder that will accommodate any color combination or design, which is why I’ve never seen two that look exactly alike. But clearly, PlayCraft wants everyone across the lake to immediately know what kind of boat he’s looking at.

On previous PlayCraft models I tested, the upholstery consisted of four panels usually segmented in crazy colors, with nuclear orange being a favorite choice.

Despite being a Poker Run Edition, our test boat actually had one of the more sedate upholstery color schemes I’ve seen on an X-Treme model. Up front, the bowrider 42

chaise lounges’ seatbacks featured the signature black-and-white checkerboard look, but aside from the red X slashed across the finish-line flag, the rest of the hot tub–style lounges were an unblemished sea of white.

PERFORMANCE

The Mercury Racing Verado 400R mounted on the 10-inch Hydro-Jacker hydraulic jackplate ($2,135) pretty much tells the story of this boat. When Mercury unveiled this engine a couple of years ago at the Miami Boat Show, most observers thought it would be a cool niche engine, but seeing it on a pontoon boat wasn’t something any of us expected. It has become a far more mainstream engine, however, showing up on a wide variety of boats. It’s actually downright civilized, like other supercharged Verado four-strokes, being stealthily quiet upon startup and smoother than Chivas Royale Salute.

The PlayCraft XPR 2500 utilizes an unusual triple-tube setup. Its 28-inch-tall, 20-inch-wide tubes take a page out of offshore racing hulls by having twin 2-inch steps. The steps introduce air under the hulls to reduce friction by literally unsticking the pontoons from the bond of surface tension, leading to higher speeds and

better fuel economy. Throwing the driveby-wire throttle all the way reveals how well Mercury managed to harness that 400 hp. There’s nothing violent about its power curve, just a strong, steady pull all the way to its 7000 rpm max. Time to plane was a scant 2 seconds and the XPR 2500 reached 30 mph in 6.9 seconds. Top speed was … drum roll, please … 74 mph! This matched its performance at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout where it won its class (NPO1F1) at this year’s time-trial tournament.

HANDLING

At the helm, the driver sits behind a carbon fiber–like dash on a console that’s placed fairly far aft, as is the companion bucket seat. Both feature Milsco barreltype racing seats found on traditional go-fast models; they have side bolsters that keep riders in place during hard turns. The

(Clockwise from top right) Even the ski tow is X-Treme. Carbon-fiber dash is sporty and functional. Curved forward deck provides a unique look. Racing-style seat bolsters keep passengers locked in. A jackplate helps wring out a few extra mph. The cooler is X-Treme in its size and style.

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owner feedback

Purchased by Danny Drum, Big Lake, Alaska (near Anchorage) Purchased at XTreme Marine and Sports, Big Lake, Alaska W H AT I L I K E D :

Extreme styling/Really awesome ride/ Comfortable seating/Loads of storage/ Powerful Suzuki 300 outboard W H AT I W O U L D C H A N G E :

I am in the process of upgrading my stereo to include a subwoofer.

WHY I BOUGHT IT:

Here in Alaska, the boating season for people on lakes is very short, so we need to make the most of it. The plus side is that during summer in June, the sun is out for nearly 20 hours a day. I really liked the Playcraft for its performance and handling and its stability. Big Lake can get rough, and my PlayCraft’s big tubes handle the chop really well. To extend my season as long as possible, I have the boat entirely enclosed, so it’s like a giant cabin cruiser but far sportier. Its roominess allows me to bring along lots of guests and we like to ski, wakeboard and tube. But really I just like to cruise around the lake and maybe stop off at the two restaurants here: The Alaska Boat House and The Islander, which is accessible only by boat (or snowmobile) and even has palm trees. Happy, who owns Xtreme Marine and Sports, really takes care of his customers.

Although I’ve never had an issue with my boat, when it came time to lay up my pontoon for the winter, he came out to the lake, picked up my boat and took it to his storage facility, which saved me a huge drive since I live 60 miles away.

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copilot seat is a $920 upgrade and the driver’s is standard. While it looks like these two seats are placed at the back of the bus, they’re farther forward than they appear because of the massive rear deck.

Stepped hulls don’t have much of an effect on performance until speeds of 30 to 35 mph, which is when they start aerating the hull behind the steps. Up front, the nosecones are saber-sharp, which improves the tubes’ wave-piercing prowess — and gives the boat a more predatory look. As the GPS-driven analog-display speedometer marched steadily clockwise, the XPR 2500 developed a bit of a porpoise that we had to drive through to get to its top speed. I left the top-speed driving to Joe Dorris, who, along with his dad, Jim Dorris, and mom, Carolyn, has more experience at high-speed pontooning. He didn’t have any problem, though the rise and fall of the bow never completely dissipated. In hard cornering maneuvers, the boat carved like a champ.

BEST USES

If poker runs are your thing, the XPR 2500 will certainly be the envy of the pack, especially when it comes to social time at the end of the day. With an optional padded 90-quart cooler ($265) that doubles as a seat for two, it has refreshment needs covered. On this model the usual L-lounge is missing, giving it more standing room than most pontoons of this length, which is perfect for docktailing. And with a Kicker stereo, it’s likely some moves will be busted.

In addition to high-speed cruising, watersports can be counted among its

strengths, as evidenced by the expansive rear deck and the powder-coated X-Scape ski tow ($585), emblazoned with a giant X. Probably its best watersport is slalom skiing, thanks to the relatively flat wake it throws. And barefooting, with its 40 mph minimum speed, will be no problem.

Getting back aboard is incredibly easy thanks to PlayCraft’s patented boarding system, which has steps built in to the starboard tube.

PREFERRED SETUP

A buyer’s main decision is how many horsepower to put on the transom. The number 400 is pretty cool, but it does come with an upcharge of $6,825 over the Verado 350, which carries a three-year standard warranty — the Racing 400R’s warranty is two years — and runs on 89 octane regular gas. The 400R is available in white or black and can be customized with seven colors of graphics. Both engines can be covered

by Mercury’s optional five-year extended warranty that’s one of the best in the business, because it’s not administered by a third party. The 350 Verado, whose previous incarnation was the Racing 350 SCi, will deliver speeds in the mid-60s, which in my book is fast enough. With this much power, I’d upgrade the smallish 30-gallon fuel tank to the 50-gallon in-pontoon model ($665).

Our test boat had the SeaGrass flooring option ($2,520), which is a definite upgrade over carpeting. And to increase the cool factor, it also had black powder-coated rails that cost another $2,920. BW

Specs Length 25 ft., 6 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Dimensions 20 in. x 28 in. Capacity 13 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,600 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 30 gal. Max HP 400 PERFORMANCE Peak 74.0 mph/7000 rpm/99 dBA Cruise 41.5 mph/4000 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane 2.0 sec.

Time to 30 mph 6.9 sec.

POWER Test Mercury Racing 400R Cylinders In-line 6 Displacement 2.6L Weight w/outdrive 668 lbs.

WOT Range 6400-7000 rpm Base Price w/test power $75,300 Value-Added Standard Features: Gussi wheel, Kicker Bluetooth stereo, Milsco captain’s seat, carpeting, Mercury DTS drive-by-wire controls, docking lights, interior mood lighting, built-in swim step Must-Have Options: SeaGrass flooring, depthfinder, 90-qt. cooler, 50-gal. fuel tank, copilot Milsco seat, 2-inch stepped pontoon, powder-coated rails, Bimini top Builder: PlayCraft Boats, playcraftboats.com Financing: $540/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

Ticket to Ride BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Not thinking better

of it THE BONEHEADS: Two old men BONEHEAD RATING: 5 WHAT HAPPENED: This is the way bone-

heads become columns. Sometimes it’s one guy, sometimes he has a friend, but always there’s no regard for the mental “Stop” sign.

Prior to the Wright brothers’ first successful flight, probably hundreds of people called them boneheads. Some of us wear the mantle in shame, some with honor and some laugh so hard at becoming a bonehead that everybody wants to become one. Therefore, as we imagine Orville going airborne, we note that my neighbor Gil — who bought an outboard from me, making this a proper boating column — had taken “stuff” out of his garage, laid it all out and was calling me to join his land-bound misguidance.

The main problem was that Gil wanted a motorcycle and his wife wouldn’t let him. I

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

say, he’s retired, let him do what he wants to. However, if she tossed him out, he’d come to live with us, and I can think of a bazillion things better than that. Gil had made up his mind to drive his wife batty on the way to insanity. “Look at what you want to do with your boat.” “Look at where he is and what he wants to do.” Gil is actually fairly sane, though you’ll have doubts in a moment.

Where we live there are no “dumpster diving” laws. The instant Gil’s wife told him “no,” he hopped in his pickup and drove 25 miles to where he could sit like a buzzard and wait for good product to be, well, dumped. An hour later somebody tossed a good ol’ Schwinn men’s bike. He put it in the pickup and waited. Shortly, somebody dumped an old McCulloch 10-10 chainsaw with a bow blade. He took it, removed the bow and sold the bow and chain for $50 to the next logger who came through. He brought his prizes home. The bike rolled, Enter your pooch in our Salty Dog of the Month contest.

Email your pet’s photo and name, your name, address and phone number to editor@boatingworld.com, or snail mail to Boating World Salty Dog Contest, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Your pet could win a cool PFD from CWB.

This month’s Boating World Salty Dog will win this cool CWB dog vest.

*Shown above is our current prize, a CWB Dog Vest valued at $24.95. Prizes are subject to change.

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

the saw didn’t run.

Having spent most of my adult life generating heat for the house with wood, I took the saw and had it running in short order, all but a muffler — obsolete. Gil built a bracket for the back of the bike and mounted the engine on it with the sprocket above the tire. The theory was to start the engine, use the lawnmower throttle cable to speed it up, lower it onto the tire and sally on down the street. Because the outer portion of the sprocket was smooth, it was a “Hold my beer!” moment that didn’t evolve.

I had another idea. I went back to the shop, got a roll of emery cloth and some 3M adhesive. I slathered the sprocket with “M” and wrapped the emery cloth around it. We waited. Had a beer. It dried. I started the engine, Gil opened the throttle.

Ba-wahhhhhhhhhhpow!

The McCullough clutch was strong.

The “M” was strong. The emery cloth was strong. The engine was strong — 8000 rpm and that cloth ate a hole in the rear tire faster than you’d believe. We were laughing so hard we couldn’t stand up.

Off to Walmart for a tire and then back to replace the shreds and manifest a new procedure: start the engine, lower it onto the tire, slowly advance the throttle and ride that muffler-less death-trap up and down the long street faster and faster until neighbors and wife decided maybe a new Honda was OK after all.

LESSON LEARNED: Boneheads, regardless of social standing, are all just good ol’ boys inside. Here, hold my beer. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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A SECOND

BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA

If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden or even seen a personal watercraft (PWC), you may be surprised by the changes that are defining the category today.

Other than towing and pontoon boats, PWCs are possibly the fastest evolving segment of the boating market, and they may surprise many observers with their new features and versatility. Depending on a buyer’s goals, a PWC could be a complete boating solution.

PWCs have changed dramatically, specifically in three ways: • Size and power • Number of new features and capabilities • Available options with which buyers can make one their own

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No longer just toys, PWCs have come on strong as all-around boating solutions.

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K AWA SA K I SX-R STA N DU P

MORE IS MORE

Bigger and Smaller One size doesn’t fit all, and that’s why PWCs have been growing and shrinking. Both ends of the market are where innovation has been the most concentrated and visible. On one hand, PWCs have grown larger, heavier, more powerful and quite luxurious. On the other, water bikes are built with lighter materials and smaller, fuel-sipping engines that make them more manageable and affordable.

LESS IS MORE SEA-DOO HIT THE MARK WITH ITS SPARK, A KIND

of small upstart that thumbed its nose at everything that defined a traditional PWC. It’s made of lightweight, durable PolyTec material, so YA M A H A T R-1 the Spark weighs in around 400 pounds, and it’s much more scratch- and dent-resistant.

(Sea-Doo’s website even shows a guy beating up a Spark hull with a baseball bat.)

Color-in molding has allowed customers to specify one of five vibrant colors at no extra cost, and the Spark is powered by a Rotax 900 ACE 60 hp engine that runs on 87 octane (regular) gas. Due to its weight, the Spark is quite fuel efficient and nimble. Of course, its primary appeal is the new price point: the Spark starts around $5,300.

Yamaha focused on entry-level bikes with the development of the TR-1 engine that it now uses on its EX Series. The smaller and lighter TR-1 replaces the very successful MR-1, which was installed on more than 200,000 PWCs. The new engine has one less cylinder and is reported to be 13 percent more powerful than its predecessor. It’s also 40 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter, for faster acceleration, a higher top speed and better fuel economy. The 1,049 cc engine weighs 160 pounds and has an integrated oil tank. EX Series PWCs start around $6,600.

Whether one is looking for big power and luxury or an affordable all-around basic model, there are options.

THREE PWC manufacturers — Kawasaki, Sea-Doo and Yamaha — are duking it out, especially at the top. Kawasaki’s 1.5L Ultra 310 series uses a fuel-injected, supercharged and intercooled 1,498 cc inline four-cylinder engine. With 310 hp, Kawasaki leads the field in raw horsepower. The TVS supercharger delivers superior boost from idle to wide-open throttle, while the intercooler delivers cool air for maximum performance.

Yamaha’s top dog is the FX Series, which is powered by its Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) engine. Although Yamaha doesn’t release horsepower ratings on its WaveRunners, the SVHO is estimated at about 270 hp, and it is also supercharged and intercooled. The larger 1.8L displacement and its overall lighter weight give this series its edge. Don’t let the lower horsepower number fool you. Skis such as the GP1800 (see page 38) tend to dominate closed-course racing circuits.

Sea-Doo’s power machine is found on a PWC such as the GTX Limited 300. Its Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) technology is supercharged with an external intercooler. The 1,630 cc four-stroke Rotax engine has three cylinders in-line and four valves per cylinder. Its acceleration will push your face back on takeoff.

To find which is the biggest and baddest, concentrate on comparing the supercharger, throttle body pump diameter (bigger is better), horsepower, maximum boost, engine block size, thrust, overall weight, and size and type of the intercooler. However, remember that top speed will be affected by the rider’s body size, riding style, the shape of the hull, engine optimization for the type of fuel (regular or premium), and even the salinity of the water and the amount

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of fuel in the tank. It’s never really an apples-toapples comparison.

Remember also that all three makers have a “handshake agreement” with the U.S. Coast Guard to voluntarily limit top speed to 65 mph (plus a couple of mph leeway). The engines may be capable of more, but they are effectively governed or limited, which is easy to do with today’s electronically controlled motors. A way to look at comparisons is not so much the speed at the top end but rather the rate of acceleration and how fast they reach the red line.

Of course, power and luxury come at a price, and top-end PWCs can cost $15,000 to $20,000.

Extra Capabilities and Features PWCs today have sharper acceleration curves, advanced hull design to grip the water and suspension systems that will save riders’ kidneys.

They can stop, back up and remember owners’ favorite cruising modes. Let’s take a look at the level of sophistication that is becoming standard in the industry.

Hull design and construction have made big strides.

K AWA S A K I U LT R A 310R DEEP V HULL

S E A- D O O R X T-X 3 0 0

DESIGN DONE BETTER HULL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

have made big strides. Deep V-hulls are better for rough water while more moderate, flatter hulls are more forgiving and responsive on calm lakes and rivers. Sea-Doo’s ultimate racing machine, the RXP-X 300, features the manufacturer’s T3 hull, which features hard chines in the back and a fine entry in the front for better cornering, less need for lean-in and overall enhanced S E A- D O O R X T-X 3 0 0 responsiveness.

A DJ U STA B L E SPON SOON S Sponsons (small projections on the hull sides) have enhanced performance and maneuverability, so the rider doesn’t have to throw his weight around to make snappy turns. Adjustable sponsons can be set in different positions depending on the rider’s skill level, so anyone can go from zero to hero in an afternoon of riding.

Sea-Doo’s introduction of the new Spark TRIXX (see page 36) answered the call for

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DRIVE TECH PERHAPS THE MOST USEFUL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN

SEA-DOO INTELLIGENT BRAKE AND REVERSE

SEA-DOO DRIVING CENTER

more acrobatic machines and stood the game on-end — literally. Tail-stands, power slides, hops and freestyle tricks are all possible on the 422-pound TRIXX, and younger riders are bound to take notice. Many of the tricks can be performed at slow speeds, so it’s a safe way for riders to show off their moves.

Stand-ups are back too, although models such as Kawasaki’s SX-R and Yamaha’s 306-pound SUPERJET are designed primarily for closed-course racing.

Yamaha, known for the lightest-in-class hulls and decks, focused on hull construction techniques with its NanoXcel technology. Using nano clay and glass micro-bubbles, Yamaha’s engineers created a stronger resin using less material. This translated into a lighter PWC with better acceleration, increased fuel economy and excellent handling while still maintaining strength and durability.

those that affect drivability. Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) was recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard for improving safety, because it stops the vessel up to 160 feet sooner than other PWCs without a braking system. Yamaha’s RiDE system has a specially shaped bucket to give it better steering when the driver hits the brakes. The driver can switch from forward to neutral to reverse with one pull of the throttle, which makes for faster deceleration and easier docking.

Takes on cruise control and acceleration profiles abound. Yamaha features No Wake Mode, which sets cruising speeds through no-wake zones, and Cruise Assist, which maintains a speed, much as in a car. Sea-Doo ups the ante with four modes: 1 Cruise mode is ideal for set-it-and-forget-it situations and can work for towing, cruising and no-wake areas.

2 Touring mode offers a progressive acceleration curve for multiple riders.

3 Sport mode is activated with a button for a performance-oriented aggressive throttle response, while Ski mode helps the driver with five pre-programmed acceleration profiles for smooth starts with different wakeboarders.

4 Eco mode dials back the power to deliver up to 46 percent improved fuel efficiency when cruising.

With lighter hulls that grip the water better, increased comfort and a plethora of driver-assist features, new PWCs make it easy even for newbies to look like a pro driving, towing or docking.

FEELIN’ FINE ABOVE THE HULL, ERGONOMICS HAVE

been greatly improved for a better ride.

Sea-Doo’s Ergolock system combines a narrow saddle with deep knee pockets and angled footrests to lock riders into an aggressive riding position. Riders use their legs for better control during cornering, which reduces upper-body fatigue and provides a more secure ride.

YA M A H A FX C RU I SE R Seating has gotten much attention W/ T H E AT E R - S T Y L E S E AT I N G too. Yamaha calls its three-rider seat “theater-style seating.” Progressively taller sections behind the driver provide more comfort and better visibility for passengers, even the one in the back.

Handlebar adjustment is big. Sea-Doo’s Adjustable Ergonomic Steering (AES) changes the width and grip angle. Yamaha focuses on tilt and handlebar angle, while Kawasaki boasts a five-position handlebar adjustment on select models. And finally, Sea-Doo’s exclusive active suspension system lets the hull move independently of the upper deck. The system provides almost six inches of travel, which isolates riders from the effects of choppy water and provides a smoother ride — something everyone’s back will appreciate on long rides.

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Big Options Lists Formerly called bikes or skis, PWCs have evolved into small boats with big features. Sophisticated electronics now grace PWC dashboards and provide information to the driver via new and attractive multifunction displays. For example, Yamaha LCD screens and gauges display water and air temperature, a trip meter, current and average fuel consumption, and compass heading. All brands have a tachometer, speedometer and an hourmeter.

K AWA S A K I U LT R A 310 W/J E T S O U N D A U D I O

Depending on the model, Sea-Doo adds a clock, a depthfinder, a time-speed-distance calculator and information about the current engine mode — Cruising, Touring, Sport or Eco — as well as real-time stats on idle and open throttle pressures, so the rider is aware of engine loads at all times.

Sea-Doo also offers a digitally encoded security system to deter theft, and its iControl learning key limits top speed for beginners or kids. Kawasaki has a similar feature called Smart Learning Operation (SLO) mode that allows new riders to learn with controllable power.

Additionally, luxury models come with high-end tunes. Kawasaki has the JETSOUND audio system with two speakers mounted below the handlebars and angled at the rider. Yamaha tapped premier stereo-maker JL Audio, because clear sounds are a part of boating. Its FX WaveRunners have the SlamPak, which includes waterproof speakers, a 500-watt amplifier and the ability to access music via Bluetooth, so riders can play their smartphone playlist.

T HEY’VE GOT THE LOOK LET’S NOT FORGET AESTHETICS.

Each of the big three has at least a dozen color combinations of body accents and footwell decking.

Luxury models such as Sea-Doo’s GTI hulls still sport subtle tones, including muted metallics, but its recreational PolyTec construction hulls include vivid oranges and reds along with an eye-crossing array of neon blues and greens. Yamaha’s NanoXcel 2 hull has the shiniest finish of the bunch, which makes its metallic paints really stand out.

Palettes across the brands may be personalized to a great extent.

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SEA-DOO WAKE PRO

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TOW, STOW & MO’ MANY TOWING ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE

SEA DOO WAKE-PRO W/ WA K E B O A R D R A C K

YA M A H A G P 1 8 0 0 W/S K I T O W E Y E

S E A-D O O S PA R K T R I X X

too. For example, Sea-Doo’s Wake 155 comes with a three-position retractable ski pylon, a removable wakeboard rack and an integrated reboarding ladder. Rearview mirrors and kill switches also keep towing and riding safer.

Stowage options are mindboggling. They’re bigger, lockable and waterproof, so bring that smartphone and relax, knowing it will not be taken by a thief or fall to the watery deep. Most brands have glove-compartment cubbies, at the least, but some have much more.

Sea-Doo’s luxury GTX models have 43 gallons of stowage space and a watertight compartment. A 12v outlet is even an option — keep those electronics charged. Yamaha’s FX Limited SVHO offers 33 gallons of stowage space to carry drinks, snorkeling equipment, lunch and more.

Other features prevalent across all brands are cupholders, fire extinguishers, snap-in fenders and pop-up cleats. Securing a PWC is no longer about tying a line to the handlebars and hoping for the best. Sea-Doo even offers a full canvas cover with an integrated solar panel to trickle-charge the PWC battery when the bike is stored.

A SECOND LOOK

This laundry list of smart features, advanced engines, innovative construction and plentiful options is something that wasn’t available on PWCs even a few years ago, and it makes them that much more attractive. If you don’t have the budget, space or inclination to buy a boat, you can get a PWC and have a comprehensive experience on the water. You can take a couple of friends for a ride, tow a wakeboard or water toys, race, perform acrobatics, plug in tunes and carry enough gear for long daytrips or quick fishing outings.

Finally, being more compact than a boat, a PWC will store easily in a garage, and since the heaviest luxury models are around 1,000 pounds — plus the weight of a trailer — they can be towed with most vehicles, precluding the need to buy a special towing vehicle.

It may be time to give PWCs another look, because they’ve become a real boat option for when you don’t have a boat. So, if you haven’t checked out a PWC since your dad said they were weird, dip your toe in and see if a personal watercraft could be your personal boating solution. BW

K AWA S A K I U LT R A 310X S E

<Head:> To the Web Kawasaki.com Sea-Doo.com YamahaWaveRunners.com

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QUANTUM PHYSICISTS CLAIM THAT TIME IS AN ARTIFICIAL CONSTRUCT, FLEXIBLE AND INCONSTANT. TRUE, PERHAPS, BUT NOT AT A BOAT LAUNCHING RAMP. There, time is the most important focal point. Get boat in the water + get boat out of the water as quickly and efficiently as humanly possible = success. Bug zappers, late-night big-box store denizens and launch ramps all qualify as quality entertainment. If you don’t want fellow boaters to smirk, make a snarky comment or worse, better brush up on how to get in and out of a launch ramp area fast. To learn from other people’s mistakes, just go to YouTube and enter “Boat Ramp Fails.” The content is never-ending.

–

RULE THE RAMP AS B OAT I N G S E AS O N G E T S R E A DY T O O P E N AC R O S S T H E C O U N T R Y, T A K E S O M E T I M E T O T H I N K A B O U T Y O U R L A U N C H R A M P S T R A T E G Y.

– B Y D E A N T R AV I S C L A R K E

–

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– RULE THE RAMP –

B Y D E A N T R AV I S CLARKE

–

Before the Ramp As the song says, “He’s making a list, checking it twice...” Before ever leaving the driveway, make a list of everything you want aboard. Carefully check off the listed items before leaving home. Don’t waste time at the launch ramp searching for that widget you left in the garage.

Make sure the trailer is in good enough shape to back down a ramp and into the water (twice) without falling apart.

Make sure you have good trailer-backing

That way, the trailer will travel in the direction you move your hand. Directional confusion is no more.

At the launch area, find an out-of-the-way spot to prepare the boat for launching. Do not immediately go to the ramp and do this while blocking other boats that are waiting to launch.

Make certain to untie the security straps from the back of the boat or it will never come off the trailer.

Attach the bow, stern and spring lines to the gunwale, so you can tie the boat to the dock while you park the tow vehicle. I’ve seen people back a boat into the water only to have it drift off in the current before they could get to it. Make sure the bow line is attached to something, to prevent such ignominy.

Ideally, the action of launching a boat should be a single fluid motion. Back in, boat slides off, drive out — a matter of seconds. Of course, it’s always easier to accomplish with a helper to handle the boat while you drive the rig. Please be sure that the helper isn’t a 5-year-old with no boat handling skills.

Park the vehicle and trailer in the designated spots for same. Don’t block cars or other rigs and make it so they can’t get out.

During the Launch The boat ramp dock is not the place to shoot the breeze with your long-lost pals. Hop aboard and immediately check for adverse wind and current. Watch what happens to the boat ahead of you when it leaves the launch area. Does it suddenly get swept sideways? Be prepared! At a ramp in Morehead City, N.C., the cross current from the tide gets fierce. I watched as one boater tried repeatedly to get his boat onto the trailer. Finally, he started well up current and timed it so that at the last possible second, he could be lined up and gun it onto his trailer. It worked great until the wind blew too and he drove straight into a piling. Ask for help if necessary. That is less embarrassing than screwing up royally. Then move out of the launch area as quickly as possible.

skills. Not so hot? Visit a Walmart sometime when the parking lot is empty and practice backing up with the trailer.

Remember, the easiest way to steer a trailer in the desired direction is by placing your controlling hand at the bottom of the steering wheel instead of the top or side.

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After the Fun Hauling a boat should basically be a mirror image of the launch. Just the same but reversed. Check for wind and current. Some ramps suffer from wicked cross currents that make getting a boat onto a trailer a real challenge. As stated earlier, watch how other boaters do it successfully and emulate their approach.

Tie the boat to the dock in a place that leaves the most room for other boats. Don’t park in the middle of a two-boat space and make the next captain wait for you to back your trailer down the ramp.

Prepare the trailer to receive the boat before backing it down the ramp. Make sure the

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DEAN DONE DID IT

I launched a boat for a mass boat-test event. I carefully put it in its slip at the marina with all the other manufacturers. I got a call several hours later that my boat had sunk.

I rushed down while trying to think of what could have caused it. The batteries were topped off, the bilge pumps worked. But sure enough, the only thing keeping my boat from going straight to the bottom were the bow, stern and spring lines. I brought a high-capacity dewatering pump, and when the boat rode high enough, I put it back on the trailer. My inspection showed that I had forgotten to put the drain plug back in. Even experts make stupid mistakes. Figure out a system to remind yourself.

– –

Remember when I sank the boat at the dock? That whole trip was an embarrassment for me. This particular ramp didn’t attach to the sea floor, but rather had a lip built up to stop trailer wheels. Beyond the lip, the water was 10 feet deep. What the dockmaster hadn’t told us was that a week earlier, a big offshore racing powerboat had been backed down that ramp and knocked the lip off the end. Sure enough, I backed my trailer wheels off the lip and couldn’t get it back up onto the ramp!

So here’s what I suggest if you’re launching at an unfamiliar ramp: Ask an experienced local what the end of the ramp looks like. Boaters always gun the engine to help slide the boat up onto the trailer when retrieving. This action washes the soft bottom away from the end of the paved ramp, often resulting in the end of the ramp collapsing. If you back your trailer wheels over the edge, you may not be able to pull it back up the ramp. (Yep, done that!)

–

IDEALLY, THE ACTION OF LAUNCHING A BOAT SHOULD BE A SINGLE FLUID MOTION. BACK IN, BOAT SLIDES OFF, DRIVE OUT — A MATTER OF SECONDS.

winch cable is loose and ready. Then get in line. When your turn comes, back down the ramp like a pro, but make sure not to go too far into the water. Ramps are often very slippery from marine growth. If all four of the tow vehicle’s wheels are on slime, you may well be unable to pull the boat back up the ramp. I’ve even seen the weight of the boat drag a tow vehicle down an algae-laden ramp and right into the deep. Don’t be afraid to ask an onlooker or other boat owner to give you cues as to the gap before the bow touches the receiver, if there’s any doubt. Drive the boat onto the trailer, attach the winch cable and haul it in tight. Then immediately leave the ramp.

Does the ramp offer a washdown area? Wait your turn and then make it quick. Flush the engine? Go ahead, but don’t take forever. This spot isn’t meant for you to break out a bucket of soapy water and start a thorough scrubbing followed by a chamois

drying. Save that for home. Just get the worst salt off the boat and trailer and be done.

Make sure to attach the safety straps to keep the boat from shifting while rolling down the highway. All it takes is one sharp or high-speed curve to send your precious baby into oblivion. And it’s not just novices who suffer such fates. The National Champion Kingfisherman sent me photos of his boat upside down on the shoulder of a highway!

Courtesy should continue after leaving the ramp. I know many people who remove the drain plug and let the sea drain out onto the highway.

I don’t. It irks me when I’m driving behind a boat and all that salt water is splashing on my car and windshield.

It’s inconsiderate. Drain it at home.

It’s all just common sense, which isn’t too common these days. But you can avoid verbal abuse at the ramp by following these simple rules. Bon voyage. BW

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2017 YAMAHA // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

O

Yamaha’s Top 10 Maintenance Tips

In addition to checking out the boat and trailer, check the outboard’s oil to make sure it’s full and the color looks good. Also, give the boat’s gas the “sniff test.” Bad gas has a certain funkiness that is easy to detect. Check out the trim system to make sure it’s working properly and that the outboard is properly supported in the up position for the trip to the ramp.

2/Prop check If the outboard’s performance seems a bit off, the first thing to check is the prop. Take it off periodically to inspect for wrapped fishing line, and look for dings and imperfections on the prop itself, because they can affect performance. Make sure the spline is greased and the prop is reattached properly.

3/Don’t be fuelish Most fuel today has about 10 percent ethanol, so be sure to add Yamalube® Fuel

6/Flush it after every use

Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS during each fill-up, especially if the fuel’s going to sit in the tank a while before it all gets used. Also, use a fresh Yamaha 10-micron filter each season (at least) to remove any impurities.

Even if you boat in fresh water, it can contain impurities, so flush the outboard after each use. Using the hose connection flush port, run the water for 15 minutes with the engine off. Using ear muffs, turn on the water until it squirts out of the sides and then start the engine, running it at no more than 900 rpm while constantly monitoring it to make sure the muff doesn’t slide down.

4 /Fight electrical system corrosion

7/Keep the outside clean

The electrical system is especially prone to corrosion in harsh saltwater environments, and the best way to combat this is by taking off the cowling and spraying the entire powerhead with Yamalube® Silicone Protectant & Lubricant (avoiding O2 sensors on a two-stroke). And make sure the connection is tight by using Yamalube® Battery Terminal Cleaner & Protector.

When washing the outboard’s cowling and lower unit, don’t use dishwashing soap, because it removes the wax and other protective coatings. Use a mild, marine-specific detergent such as Yamaclean® and wax it periodically.

ne of the reasons boaters have made Yamaha the number one–selling brand of outboard is its reputation for reliability. Here are 10 ways to make sure you’re doing everything possible to help your Yamaha stand the test of time.

1/ Pre-trip check

fluid, to avoid corrosion from being exposed.

Spray anything that moves with Yamalube® Lubezall spray.

5/Protect the trim and tilt system While outboards have a lock to keep them trimmed up during trailering, use additional support. During storage, trim it down to keep the rams inside the cylinder of hydraulic

8/Make sure the water pump is ready The first indication the water-pump impeller could be failing is a reduction in the strength of the water coming from the telltale hole (check for obstructions in the hole itself first) or if the outboard begins to overheat. Lack of use can actually be harder on a rubber impeller, since it can dry out or take a set.

9/Keep up with interval maintenance Routine interval maintenance is critical for an outboard. For four-strokes, change the engine oil after the first 20 hours and every 100 hours after that, or at the end of the season. Same goes for gear oil, but also make sure to replace the screw’s O-ring every time you check it, to ensure a proper seal. Consult the owner’s manual for other items.

10/Store it properly

Routine interval maintenance, including oil changes, is critical for an outboard.

58

Some people think because their boat is in a warm climate they don’t need to do anything during extended periods of non-use. Incorrect.

If you know you won’t be using your boat for a few months, fog a modern four-stroke with Yamalube® EFI Fogging Oil (for two-strokes, use Yamalube Stor-Rite Engine Fogging Oil) and follow the instructions. Also, change the engine oil, gear oil and the 10-micron filter at the end of each season. 

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sylvanmarine.com I 866-766-9698

With patented Revolutionary Planing Technology (RPT) Sylvan changes everything about pontoon performance.

Our exclusive tube design slices through the water with sports car handling and runabout exhilaration. The unique V-shaped tube provides increased top speed per horsepower and dramatically improved fuel efficiency. RPT is a revolution in pontoon performance. AND ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY FROM SYLVAN.

EXCLUSIVELY FROM SYLVAN.

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2017 YAMAHA // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Pontoon Propping

There’s no magic propeller that’s always best, so do a little homework and get the right one — or two.

W

hile the one-size-fits-all concept works great for items such as ball caps, it will never fly in the world of pontoons when it’s time to choose a prop. Outwardly, pontoons look pretty similar, but the number of variations in size, power, tube configuration and mission is staggering. So choosing a prop might seem like a daunting task, but Yamaha and its dealer network make it easy to decide, thanks to Endless Propeller Solutions.

On one end of the pontoon spectrum are cruising pontoons with lower horsepower.

Here, the goal isn’t so much raw speed as making the most of available horsepower and choosing a prop that will provide the most control, which is important on a larger pontoon with a fairly small outboard. For its line of High-Thrust engines (T9.9 to T60), Yamaha engineers developed the Dual Thrust prop, which pushes the exhaust gases out of the through-hub in forward gear, so the propeller “bites” undisturbed water, for 70 percent more thrust than a conventional prop. In reverse, the through-hub exhaust is rechanneled so the blades do not get aerated water, providing 60 percent more thrust in

reverse. It’s like having a pontoon with brakes.

For larger high-performance pontoons, some of which feature as many as three 300-horsepower (or larger) outboards, the goal is to get as much bite out of the props as possible. Picture a sports car with really skinny tires: doesn’t matter how much horsepower it has if the wheels just spin.

Same goes for props. Pontoons actually share a number of characteristics with large, outboard-powered offshore fishing boats.

They are big boats, so it’s not surprising that one of the best matches is often the Saltwater Series II prop, given its large diameter and expansive blade surface area.

This year, Yamaha introduced the new Talon Pontoon model propeller, which uses Yamaha’s exclusive Shift Dampener System to drastically reduce sound and vibration due to shifting.

Pontoon boats, due to their large footprint and aluminum structure, have a tendency to amplify shift noise and vibrations, in addition to

The Talon Pontoon prop is the choice for pontoons using mid-range power.

2017 Yamaha Talon Pontoon prop components

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engine vibrations that sometimes accompany low-rpm cruise speeds. Yamaha’s Shift Dampening System does a remarkable job of deadening these types of sounds and vibrations. This makes the Talon Pontoon propeller the perfect choice for pontoons using mid-range power (T50 to F115). The Talon Pontoon uses large, rounded blades that provide plenty of blade surface area to push lots of water, which produces lots of thrust. Additionally, the blades are positioned with a low rake angle, which means the outboard has a much easier time spinning up the propeller, especially from a low rpm — like during maneuvering around the docks, where precisely controlling a pontoon boat can be a real challenge.

A great resource for helping choose the perfect prop is the Performance Bulletin section at yamaha.com. It is under the Owner Resources tab and includes detailed performance data for 162 pontoon boats with Yamaha four-strokes ranging from 25 to 350 hp, including prop information. If a specific pontoon isn’t listed, there’s likely a similar model. The information can also help owners decide how to power a pontoon.

Take a Bennington 2275 GCW, for example.

The Performance Bulletin reveals information on three of them with F115, F150 and F200 configurations, all featuring the same twin elliptical-tube setup. Torn between a Sylvan S3 and an S5, and you’re going to use how they perform as the deciding factor? In the catalog of Performance Bulletins are tests on both, and the info includes which props were chosen. 

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Quadroponic

Turn a pontoon into the four boats of your dreams.

W

ith many boats, the mission is defined by the type of boat you buy, but pontoons are a blank slate that allow owners to create up to four boats in one.

Ultimate Entertainer

Entertaining is perhaps a pontoon’s best advantage over other boats. With wide-open spaces and living room-like furniture that’s supported by buoyant logs that give them amazing passenger-carrying capabilities, pontoons set the stage for some high-end entertaining. But to fully realize a pontoon’s potential, there are a few things owners can do when they order a boat or modify it later.

And Qwest proves you don’t have to have a huge pontoon to host a get-together, with models that have the Splash Pad or Rear Bar options on its line of compact pontoons that range from 16 to 25 feet long. Many builders offer an Ottoman cooler/coffee table for additional snack storage. Need even more room? Aftermarket tables can clamp onto a pontoon’s square railings. Same goes for gas grills, which can turn a party into a special

The Starcraft Majestic 256 Starliner is a great example of a pontoon built to entertain.

The cornerstone of any on-water soiree is food, and having ample places to present a spread is key. Most pontoons come with one or two cockpit tables, but that’s just a start.

Of course, some high-end builders do the heavy lifting when it comes to configuring a pontoon for entertaining. Sylvan’s Mandalay 8525 Bar, for example, provides a huge surface for displaying all manner of goodies.

62

event by cooking food right on the boat.

To create the perfect mood for merriment, soft deck lighting, exterior underdeck lighting and underwater lighting options are available and really affordable now that LED lights are in the picture. Next, light up all speakers and cupholders to take it over the top. But the real attitude-changer is an upscale stereo from one of the top companies, such as Polk or

Infinity, with plenty of power and a subwoofer for great low-end thump.

Overnighter Most people assume they need a cabin cruiser to spend the night or go off on a weekending vacation, but pontoons can handle such duty, and they can often do it better than a “regular” boat. The key is to get the manufacturer’s full-enclosure camping package, which can turn an entire pontoon’s deck into a cabin. Imagine how much one might have to spend to get a cabin cruiser with a cabin that’s 22 feet long by 8 feet, 6 inches wide? The added bonus to the full camper enclosure is an all-weather pontoon that will extend boating season on both ends, thanks to the additional protection.

A pontoon has far more sleeping capacity than any other type of boat of the same length. Many models have four chaise lounges that make great bunks, but that’s just a start.

Qwest makes many of its models available with a filler cushion that bridges the two recliner sofas up front to create a king-sized sleeping surface that can do double duty during the day as a three- or four-wide sunning platform. For a kid’s slumber party, a bunch of air mattresses turn a pontoon into a party platform.

A few amenities will make a pontoon more cruiser-like. Consider a portable toilet, which can be tucked away in the pontoon’s changing station, which is another must-have option for overnighting. For nighttime entertaining after a day of being unplugged, get your fix of electronic entertainment. A 24-inch smart LCD ROKU TV costs just $130, and many models run on 12v plugs, but even if they don’t, a $20 inverter can plug into a 12v plug and accommodate devices such as a TV or a blender. The draw is very low on these (they cost $7 a year to run at home), but owners should always use a separate deep-cycle house battery, so the boat’s engine will start in the morning.

Water Park There are several ways to turn a pontoon into a water park that will keep kids entertained all day. A pontoon makes a great tow boat for a wide variety of watersports, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities that can get anyone into the game. The easiest for

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young kids is the towable tube — especially one that has a seat that precludes them from having to hang on to stay aboard. Pontoons are especially suited for this because they tend to plane at slower speeds than monohulls, which is safer. Kneeboards also don’t require an expert to ride, but a recent innovation called the ZUP board is even easier because the handle can be cradled in a notch to take the strain when the boat takes off.

Once up and going, kids can lie down, kneel or stand up after getting a little confidence.

Older kids and adults can slalom, wakeboard or even barefoot on models that can go around 40 mph or better.

For decades, kids have been running and jumping off pontoons, but thanks to some recent innovations, their fun is a lot more exciting. One of the hottest products is the Lillipad diving board, which can be installed at the bow, stern or amidships. What makes this well-engineered board special is that it doesn’t transmit the force of the dive to the boat, so it doesn’t rock when a diver launches.

The SportStuff Spillway inflatable slide turns a pontoon into a water park.

Manufacturers such as Bennington can supply full camper enclosures, to maximize a pontoon’s overnighting ability.

It can be removed easily when not in use and is even a factory option on Qwest pontoon boats. A great new product that will have the kids in a constant queue is the SportStuff Spillway pontoon boat inflatable slide, which attaches amidships. Another accessory that will keep kids entertained while giving adults a little more elbow room is the inflatable WOW Water Walkway, a 6-foot-by-10-foot floating island that kids and adults can stand on, lie down on and catch some rays, or run 64

and jump off of. Connect several together to create a super island.

Fishing Machine Pontoons make great fishing boats because of all the room, their stability and high fences that help keep anglers on board. With a few well-chosen options and aftermarket additions, almost any boat can turn into a great fishing platform. Of course, the pontoon manufacturer can get

you on the right track by building a fishing model to order, but what’s great about many of the optional/aftermarket fishing features is they can be used for entertaining. Take Qwest’s Splash Pad floorplan. It includes a giant rigging table with cupholders built in and a pair of fishing seats at the stern. When it’s time to watch the sunset go down, replace the bait with snacks (after wiping down the table) and entertainment mode is engaged. Same goes for the Traxstech Track accessory tracks that are a standard feature on the Angler Qwest 824 Pro Troll; they hold items such as rod holders and downriggers on the gunwales, but when it’s time to have fun, the same tracks can hold a gas grill and a table for snacks, so the transition from fish to fun is seamless.

Pontoons can deliver a higher level of comfort while anglers chase their favorite quarry. SunChaser’s Classic Fish model, for example, has four luxurious captain’s chairs — one in each quadrant. It comes standard with a livewell and rod holders and can be rigged with a trolling motor to go into stealth mode. To switch to entertaining, simply put the rods in the holders. 

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• Includes keychain remote • Weighs 14.3 lbs.

• 11-1/4" W x 4-1/8" H

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ITEM 63476/61840/61297/68146/61258 shown

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WITH

1" x 25 FT. TAPE MEASURE

2500 LB. Voted Best ELECTRIC WINCH Winches in WITH WIRELESS Quality & Price REMOTE CONTROL

ITEM 69091/61454 61693/62803 67847 shown

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1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK

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20"

ITEM 69780 41005 shown

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ITEM 68496/61363 68497/61360 68498/61359

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$ 99

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ITEM 69594/69955 42292 shown

$

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Use Coupons: In-Store, HarborFreight.com or 800-423-2567

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days.

Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go toHarborFreight.com or see store associate.

3/24/17 11:53 AM

LOUD BY DESIGN

The new AQ-MP-5UBT-S marine stereo is packed with quality and innovation. Built specifically for marine use it features a fully waterproof internal dock to stow away even the largest Smartphones and MP3 devices and connects with wireless Bluetooth, USB (including charging) or headphone-style jack connections.

2-way wireless Bluetooth displays album artwork (Apple iOS), with song, playlist and album information (iOS and Android) and crystal clear audio streaming, while our powerful 288W amplifier is in a class of its own, powering outstanding sound quality and volume, even when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cruising on the water at speed!

High-quality 4V RCA pre-outputs and a dedicated 4V RCA Subwoofer output provide the best quality signal when connecting additional amps or subs for system expansion.

SiriusXMÂŽ Satellite Radio Bluetooth Ready 3" color screen Album artwork display (iOS) 288W power (4x 72W) Connect up to 8 speakers USB & 3.5mm jack inputs USB device charging x2 DSP EQ 2-Zone / 2-Source

Clock display RCA 4V pre-outs RCA aux inputs Rotary control 30 AM/FM radio presets Removable faceplate Waterproof IP55 12V device triggers Fits largest Smartphones

Make sure your marine stereo is LOUD BY DESIGN! Only from Aquatic AV. Find out more online.

Includes Dummy Faceplate/Dust Cover and USB Socket

WWW.AQUATICAV.COM/MARINE

t: 1-877-579-2782 e: info@aquaticav.com

iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. All rights reserved.

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

marketplace

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

Contact Us for a Free Quote

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4/5/17 12:34 PM

Powerful. Agile. Responsive.

Move almost any trailer with our powerful, compact dolly.

With Stablelock technology, our dolly wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tip, tilt or pivot and is easily controlled with a simple thumb control switch. Our units have the ability to freewheel and smart trailer brakes are an available option for added control.

1-888-926-5517 | www.parkit360.com

For five generations and counting, our family has been dedicated to building boats that deliver better experiences on the water.

Each year, we put our heritage on the line with great new models and features that are responsive to today’s boat buyer and are backed by the industry-leading Lifetime +6 Warranty.

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See our 2017 lineup at THEBESTBOATBRANDS.COM.

70

MAY 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

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4/4/17 10:14 AM

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

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

for Service/Sales/Rentals of Aviation and Marine life rafts and vests since 1974.

advertiser index PR O D U C T I N FO R M ATI O N A N D PH O N E N U M B E R S

BOATS Apex Marine (989) 681-4300.. .................. 3, 61

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

Survival Products, Inc.

marketplace

EMERGENCY LIFE RAFT BUY or RENT

McGard, Inc. (800) 669-6887..................... 70 Parkit360 (888) 926-5517.......................... 69

Crownline Boats (618) 937-6426................ 6-7

Survival Products (954) 966-7329.. .............. 71

Ranger Tugs (253) 839-5213......................... 1

The Durabak Company (303) 690-7190.. ...... 70

Formula Boats (800) 736-7685.. ............... CV4 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873.......

5, 13, 59, 63, 70 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835...................68 Stingray (843) 383-4507............................ 19

The World’s Smallest Package Lightest Weight • Least Expensive 4-6 Man 4” x 12” x14” 12 lbs $1510

9-13 Man 5” x 12” x 14” 18 lbs $1960

NEW!! FAA TSO Approved Life Rafts Available

SURVIVAL PRODUCTS, INC.

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

ELECTRONICS SIMRAD (800) 628-4487............................ 27 ENGINES SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127......... 66

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT Yamaha Waverunners (800) 888-2624.......... 11 SERVICES 1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737.. .......... CV2 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643........................ 71 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846................45 National Marine Underwriters (800) 262-8467....................................68 Water Sports Foundation (407) 833-0383..... 47

Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040.................. CV3 Yamaha Outboards (800) 962-7926......... 20-21

WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT Connelly Skis Inc./CWB (425) 775-5416.... 28-29

GEAR & ACCESSORIES

Kwik Tek, Inc. (800) 624-1297..................... 35

Aquatic AV (877) 579-2782.. ....................... 67

Perfect Pass Control Systems (902) 468-2150..................................... 23

Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697... 70 Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567........... 65

WOW World of Watersports (844) 969-9063.................................... 41

Made in U.S.A

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2017

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4/4/17 11:42 AM

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

The little-known, elusive and underappreciated plumber fish rarely gets its due. Send us your name for this dad without a clue in a boat on the blue. If it wins, we will give you a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350, and your name will appear in the July/August 2017 issue of Boating World. > SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE MARCH CONTEST ON PAGE 8.

WIN THIS 72

MAY 2017

•

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



YOURS FREE

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

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the July/August 2017 issue. Submissions are due by May 17.

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

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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/5/17 7:11 AM

suzuki spring savings Three Limited Time Offers Make A Good Deal Even Better Suzuki Gives You All Three So You Don’t Have To Choose One Or The Other

Buy a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but ALL THREE Suzuki Spring promotional offers.

Add cash rebates on select models and you can get up to $800 cash back. Plus our Repower Financing is available at attractive interest rates (on approved credit.*)

Just say, “Gimme Six!” and you’ll get six years of product protection. That’s right, you’ll get Suzuki’s three-year limited warranty and Suzuki’s 3-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge.

See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today and find out how you can get the ultimate deal on the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard.

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase.

If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

SZ_Q2Promo_1PG_WIPv2.indd 1

3/21/17 3:19 PM

FORMULA’S 330 CROSSOVER BOWRIDER is sure to please, perfectly integrating day boating and overnighting for those who want the best of both worlds. The 330 CBR is now available in triple outboard power as well as sterndrive, expanding possibilities and preference.

Bluetooth stereo, roomy storage forward, a portside cabinet, HDTV and microwave options, plus a spacious, fully equipped head compartment. All together this makes the 330 perfect for overnight trips or taking a break from the sun.

The cockpit maximizes space, comfort and style. The roomy portside lounge and U-shaped lounge aft take full advantage of the clever helm seat convertibility to expand seating and entertaining activities.

The rear-facing aft sun lounge with convertible backrests adds to the sunbathing space. Storage is abundant, and 22 drink holders offer ease and convenience at every turn. The molded cockpit wetbar features an integrated sink and picnicware bin while stunning blue LED lighting adds a dramatic flair as you entertain.

This smart combination of bow and cabin space in the amenity-packed Formula 330 CBR can take you wherever you want to go. You choose your destination and power!

Forward, the deep bow section is a seamless, flush transition from the cockpit. Seating is plentiful, yet convertible to a spacious sunlounge with starboard double-wide seating and two dual height tables. Two integrated, under-seat coolers in the bow and cockpit keep drinks and snacks chilled and ready.

Entering the cabin, the L-shaped Ultraleather® lounge features a dual position backrest, perfect for sitting or converting to a queen-sized sleeping area. The cabin features six-foot headroom, WWW.F

O R M U L A B O A T S .COM

BY FAR THE BEST – THE FORMULA 330 CBR!

2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 • Decatur, IN 46733 • 260-724-9111