February 2019 - Boating World Magazine

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor.

That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*.

1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

THE NUMBER ONE BOAT FOR FAMILIES WHOSE MEMORIES COME IN WAVES.

19FT

SERIES

This year, it’s time to trade in your kids’ screen time with more sunscreen. Thanks to Yamaha’s all-new 19 FT Series, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a premium boat at an entry-level price. The completely redesigned interior feels like a larger model perfect for a growing family. And with the reliable Yamaha Marine Engine and the world-class swim platform, our versatile and affordable package is the perfect introduction to the water for first-time boat owners. Starting at $29,899.

YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M | #RunTheWater ©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel and USCG-approved personal flotation device. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Never drink and ride. Shown with optional accessories.

SX190

SX195

AR190

AR195

Contents

Febru a r y 2019 • Vol u m e 40 N o. 2

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XL NUMBER 2

DEPARTMENTS pg. 50

4

Editor’s Letter

8

Currents

Fishing regulation gets modernized Bits from the boating world

12 Trailering Learn to hook up solo 16 Watersports 10 must-have onboard items 20 Fishing Create kids who love to fish 24 Engines What’s up with jackplates?

28 Electronics VHF radios 30 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions 33 Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make

features

50

56

34 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics

The ubiquitous bowrider is one of the most popular types of pleasureboats — and for good reason.

Finding the right loan for a boat purchase doesn’t have to be difficult.

64 Contest: Name the Boat Win a Theory kneeboard and rope package from Connelly

Get to Know Bowriders

BY LENNY RUDOW

Financing Basics

BY CAPT. TOM SERIO

boats tested

38 Sweetwater 2286 SFL A new pontoon combines sportiness, affordability and a dash of luxury.

42 Scout 255 LXF The family-friendly fishing boat is loaded with standard features and a little thing called style.

46 Ranger VX 1788 WT Any species is fair game aboard the builder’s newest aluminum deep-V model.

• JUNE 2018 2 • 2 FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW TOC new.indd 2

1/3/19 1:03 PM

Fish & Cruise While the 236CC was designed for use as a coastal fishing boat, it's really a multi-purpose boat that can be used for lots of activities — pulling kids on a tube, cruising to dinner, or just a leisurely ride along the waterways.

With seating for up to twelve passengers, rod holders and storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 236CC is ready for a full day of fun on the water with family and friends!

236CC Deck Boat 23’ 8” | 101” beam | 3648 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 68 gal fuel capacity | 12 ppl, 3250 lbs VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM /236CC FOR MORE INFORMATION

Editor’s Letter

by Ala n Jones

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS:

“

You’re struck by lightning and given the power to see the future. What do you name your fortunetelling business?

PUBLISHER

Duncan McIntosh Jr.

Wanna Bet

MODE R N F I S H ACT FOR MANY RECREATIONAL saltwater anglers, the call to action went out when NOAA

Fisheries established a ridiculously short three-day red snapper season in 2017 in federal waters despite strong evidence the population was thriving. Since 2006, the catch rate had increased two and a half times and the average weight of the fish caught had more than doubled. It was beyond frustrating for those of us who had been fishing the bottom offshore but couldn’t get a bait to the bottom because of all the red snapper.

The problem with the way federal and state agencies have managed our marine resources is the process has been skewed to commercial fishing interests, who have held the most political clout. This is despite the fact recreational saltwater anglers number 11 million and contribute $63 billion a year and 440,000 jobs to the economy. In the past few years, though, our representation has grown stronger thanks to lobbying efforts from nonprofit organizations such as the American Sportfishing Association, IGFA, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, to name a few.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), passed in 1976 and most recently reauthorized in 2007, has been successful in increasing fishing stocks but not in giving recreational anglers appropriate and proportional access to marine resources, mainly due to inadequate methods of data collection. To correct the deficiencies, members of both parties, in 2017, proposed the Modern Fish Act (MFA), which was passed last December — unanimously in the Senate and by a 350 to 11 vote in the House. The president signed the bill December 31.

The Modern Fish Act doesn’t replace the MSA but helps augment and define it, to ensure recreational anglers will have plenty of fish in the future and access to them. Its basic thrust is to: 1. Give NOAA Fisheries the authorization and direction to apply tools more appropriate to determining how many fish recreational anglers are actually taking (currently estimated to be only 2 percent of the total finfish take). The main way to collect angler activity and harvest data is through landline-only surveys. The first step is to develop apps for smartphones.

2. Require the Comptroller General to conduct a study of mixed-use allocation between the commercial fisheries, charter anglers and recreational anglers and to continually revise its allocation to give everyone fair access.

3. Recognize the importance of the recreational fishing community.

Not everyone loves this bill, though. Commercial interests are concerned their take will decrease, and their unlikely bedfellows are some conservation groups who don’t want anyone to take any fish. Both are concerned this act will mean recreational anglers will have no limits for any species that is deemed not overfished. Yeah, right. BW

ASSOC . EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming

Dr. Know

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones

FatePal.com

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling

Voltage Visions

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata

Wheeled’-Fortunes—Mobile Mystics to your home

ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan

Thunderstruck

PRODUCTION Mary Monge

Fortune Kookie

CIRCUL ATION

Emily Wells-Horneff FutureBolt Dustin Nguyen Lightning-Fast Fortunes ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Crystal Gazer

Felice Lineberry Felice’s Futures and Fortunes MARKETPL ACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson

Imminent Destiny

AD COORDINATORS

Jennifer Chen Saw It Coming Lacee Garcia Fortune Frogz

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen

Easy Street – Winning Numbers Daily

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

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

VOLUME 40 • NO.2 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 M AG A Z I N E 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 © 2019, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: MMaterial AG A Z I Nin E this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

4

FEBRUARY 2019

•

BOATINGWORLD.COM

M AG A Z I N E

+ BW EdLtr new.indd 4

1/4/19 7:33 AM

Jump into Summer Fun Whether it’s a lady’s day out, family water sport fun, or casting a line towards the catch of the day, Sylvan has floorplans that are perfect for you. Led by class-leading technology, comfort and styling, we will leave you wondering why you don’t hop aboard sooner.

SYLVANMARINE.com

© 2019 Sylvan Marine. All rights reserved

Currents

W

by Steph a n ie S h ibata

HEN IT COMES TO SKIFF models, Boston Whaler is

one of the builder names that inspires jealousy among non-owners and a fair amount of nostalgia among owners and former owners. And even after 60 years the builder is striving for improvement, which its latest, the Boston Whaler 160 Super Sport, proves.

Redesigned from the keel up, the 160 Super Sport retains its Whaler unsinkable hull and durability, and it adds some features that make the skiff versatile and flexible. Foremost among the flexible features, perhaps, is the seating. A variety of configurations are available, including a cooler seat with a cushion, bench seating with cushioned backrests, and a bucket-­ seat option. For lounging, an optional bow cushion comes in handy.

On the versatile front, a powder-coated ski tow or ski arch is available, bringing watersports into the picture. To further

8

LEAD BOAT BOSTON WHALER 160 SUPER SPORT

THE SAME but

DIFFERENT Long a boater favorite, Whaler’s 160 Super Sport gets a refresh.

facilitate behind-the-boat fun, owners can opt for a 90 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard — 75 hp is standard — and a 19-gallon fuel tank. And for protection from the wind and sun, options include a sun top and a removable windshield.

The starboard-situated helm console houses a sport wheel, a tach and two drink holders, and its front side doubles as a lockable storage compartment. Captains will feel confident even in skinny water, since the 160 Super Sport’s draft is only 10 inches, and big lakes shouldn’t be a problem for the proven Boston Whaler hull design.

Owners looking for a bit of flash with their dependable vessel can choose one of several rear-accent hull colors.

The builder tested the boat with a Mercury 75 FourStroke and reached plane in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 37.7 mph.

Fuel burn at that speed was 7.05 gph, roughly 5.35 mpg.

Boston Whaler, bostonwhaler.com

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 8

1/3/19 12:45 PM

Boston Whaler is one of the builder names that inspires jealousy and a fair amount of nostalgia.

The all-new 160 Super Sport has a bevy of options for the owners to customize the boat to meet their needs, from fishing to watersports.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 9

•

9

1/3/19 12:45 PM

CURRENTS

name the boat NOVEMBER/DECEMBER CONTEST WINNER: #CYL/catch you later

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

Jeanna Rathmanner from Vancouver, Wash., was the first to submit the winning name, #CYL/catch you later. For trending with our voters, Jeanna receives a Dock King Lounge & Float from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $199.99.

MORE OF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER’S BEST ENTRIES:

BashMasters

Casting Shade

Text and Release

Ron Moody, Smithville, MO

Cat Brincefield, via BoatingWorld.com

Douglas Stangler, Monroe, WA

Trollodyte

Anthony Petrillo, Tampa, FL

Gone Phishin’ Steve Bates, Durham, CT Rick Martin illustration

Tech-no-Fish Greg Rosol, Lake Orion, MI

Not So Hotspot Johnny Jones, Morehead City, NC

Trolldrums

Robert Karol, Eden Prairie, MN

Catfished

Hater-bait Fish Dis

Lisa Stovall, Mt. Sinai, NY

Brenda Lee, East Bridgewater, MA

Facehook

Text Me if You Can

Steve Wampler, St. Augustine, FL

David Stoddard, Seneca, SC

Michael Baum, Blythewood, SC

Schtick Bait Berry Woolley, Monroe, ME

A Return to the Rivers Cutoff Switches Mandated In late 2018, Congress passed a bill, S.140, that requires boat manufacturers, distributors and dealers to install cutoff switches on new boats less than 26 feet overall in length and capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust. The provision, which includes outboards, inboards and sterndrives, was part of the much larger Coast Guard Authorization Act and mandates a safety mechanism that saves lives. Switches need to meet American Boat and Yacht Council Standards.

Boat owners who ply the waters of the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Kanawha and Arkansas rivers will soon be sharing the waterways with a new old fixture. Thanks to a Congressional exemption from the 1966 Safety at Sea Act, the steamboat Delta Queen can again take passengers on overnight excursions. After a decade in retirement, Delta Queen needs an extensive renovation, but in 2020 the ship — both a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places — will again provide passengers with a trip back in time. Visit deltaqueen.com for more information.

Slaying the Dragon (Boat Record) In November, a boat built by Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) set the fourth Guinness World Record for the longest dragon boat, which was certified at ceremony in Prey Veng province, measuring in at 87.3 meters and accommodating 179 people.

10

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 10

1/3/19 12:45 PM

Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS Dog Vest

S A LT Y D O G OF THE MONTH

Dog: Sydney Owners: Charles & Joanna Smith, Santa Monica, 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

Go Figure

A FIGUREHEAD IS literally defined as the

decoration at the prow of a ship. Ancient mariners viewed them as carvings of good luck. Somewhere along the line — politics are, no doubt, to blame — the term figurehead came to represent a person who holds power in name but in reality exercises little authority.

QUIZ

Isles by Another Name…

Can you match the eight islands of Hawaii to their nickname?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Hawai’i Maui Kaho’olawe O’ahu Kaua’i Lana’i Moloka’i Ni’ihau

The Big Island The Valley Isle C. The Gathering Place D. The Garden Isle E. The Friendly Isle F. The Pineapple Isle G. The Forbidden Isle H. The Target Isle A. B.

A, 1; B, 2; C, 8; D, 3; E, 4; F, 6; G, 5; H, 7 ANSWER KEY: FA S T FAC T

4.6%

Fueled by Fish

HURTIGRUTEN, A NORWEGIAN cruise ship line, announced it will use waste fish parts

to power some of its ships in a new initiative to use green energy. The leftovers of fish processed for food will be mixed with other organic waste to generate bio-gas, which will then be liquefied to use in place of fossil fuels for the cruise ships by the year 2021.

NMMA’s latest New Powerboat Registrations Report showed that powerboat registrations were up 4.6 percent in September 2018, on a rolling year-over-year basis. Tow boats had the biggest jump, at 10.1 percent. Pontoons and PWCs were both up 7 percent.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 11

FEBRUARY 2019

11

•

1/3/19 12:46 PM

Trailering

Sing leh a n ded H ooku ps

Solo Hitching Sometimes there’s no one to go boating with. Can you get hooked up without anyone’s help?

BY CHRIS CASWELL

• SOME BOAT OWNERS ENJOY TAKING their boat out singlehanded. Some maybe don’t have any friends or family to help (or perhaps they’re occupied elsewhere). Either way, there are times when an owner wants to grab the boat by himself and head for the water. But there’s one stumbling block: hitching up the trailer to the tow car by himself. He can, of course, ease the car back, get out and look, get back in, try again. After he’s gone back and forth a few times, he starts thinking about a game of golf. In the process, he might give himself the badge of the novice trailerboater: a dented license plate.

As a teenager working for a boat dealer, I was once stopped by a cop because the license plate on the company tow car was so bent and bruised it was almost unreadable. He let my companion and me off with a warning, but added, “You guys really need to learn how to hitch up without hitting the plate!” At the time, we were always in a hurry and it wasn’t our truck, so the usual method of hooking up a trailer was to back up until we heard the distinctive crunch of immovable trailer meeting flimsy license plate. We could usually

12

Putting one’s foot on the ground can improve backup accuracy, but care is required.

shove the trailer hitch onto the ball from that point. This isn’t a method I’d recommend for your personal and prized tow car.

There are, however, a multitude of ways to get hitched all by yourself, without any damage. Let’s start with the low-tech (cheap) ways.

If you pull the car straight forward until you can see the trailer in the rearview mirror, you should be able to back up straight until you get close. Get out and estimate the distance between the coupler and the ball. As you back up, do something that would give any driving instructor a

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Trailering3.indd 12

1/3/19 12:47 PM

Learn more at STARCRAFTMARINE.com.

When it’s time to move up to a better pontoon, there’s no better choice than a luxury-minded Starcraft. With an unmatched heritage of quality and craftsmanship, Starcraft pontoons continually set the standard for better experiences on the water.

It takes a heritage of pride and excellence to build Best-In-Class pontoons year after year. So from our family to yours, welcome aboard.

Bringing smiles to the water since 1903.

TRAILERING

Camco version’s balls (search at Walmart or Amazon) are a different color, so you can tell which is which and steer accordingly.

If you’re still a bit queasy about denting the tow car, then a mirror is the next step for easy singlehanding. The internet

If you’re not good at backing, get the widest possible aligner wings.

Low-tech options such as alignment poles still work, but higher tech tools such as Ford’s Trailer Assist (top) and MasterLock’s Hitch Alignment system deliver instant results.

heart attack: put your foot on the ground.

Doing so provides improved accuracy, so you don’t spear the license plate. But it still means a lot of trips in and out of the car.

If you normally leave the boat and trailer rig at home, place a brick — preferably a big heavy one that won’t move or get kicked — behind the driver’s side rear tire before you unhitch. The next time you need to hook up, just back the car, using the sideview mirror, right up to the brick, which will both stop the car and center it in the right spot. Just don’t let anyone move the brick.

I used to buy a cheap radio antenna at

14

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW Trailering3.indd 14

Pep Boys, the old-fashioned kind that extended to at least three feet. I put a ping-pong ball or a red ribbon on top and screwed it to the trailer dead-center in front of the upright that held the winch, where it was clearly visible through the rearview mirror for alignment.

Today, however, a quick internet search will turn up a multitude of magnetic trailer alignment poles, for around $10.

Stick one directly in front of the trailer ball on the receiver and another on top of the trailer coupler. They provide perfect alignment when they barely touch. The

(“trailer alignment mirror”) has numerous offerings: basically a wide-angle mirror with suction cups that is positioned either on the rear window of an SUV or on the trunk of a passenger car. Either way, the wide-angle mirror provides, through the rearview mirror, a view of the trailer ball, so you can align it under the coupler with no fuss. They range in price from $20 up to $50, depending on the quality and size of the mirror. Bigger is better!

Next up the food chain of mechanical positioning aids are adapters that place a pair of sturdy metal wings at about a 90-degree angle on the car side of the trailer ball. As you back up, you get the trailer coupler somewhere between the wings, and they will shepherd it directly over the ball. The adapters come in all thicknesses and widths, to fit any boat owner’s needs. If you’re not good at backing, get the widest possible aligner wings, and if you’re hitching to a heavy trailer rig, get the sturdiest wings.

Most expensive and highest tech is a wireless backup camera. A suction cup secures the camera — most are powered by lithium batteries — just above the trailer ball and a dashboard monitor plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. If you can’t back up perfectly every time using the miracle of modern video, perhaps you oughtn’t be driving a boat, either. Make sure any backup camera you buy is two things: waterproof (to a few feet in case you drop it in the water) and shock resistant (in case it falls onto the road). BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 12:47 PM

Watersports

E ssent ia l G ea r

The Fully Equipped Boat Keep these 10 items in your boat and keep everyone happy and safe, and be prepared for almost any behind-the-boat activity.

BY TRAVIS MOYE

• FOR QUITE SOME time boat manufacturers have been labeling boats as crossover or

multi-activity vessels. But until recently very few crossovers could effectively do “everything.” They would shine in one area and be marginal in others. Now, however, a lot of boats can accommodate several different forms of fun on the water. As boats’ capabilities have expanded, so have the demands of their watersports-dedicated passengers. If you want a boat that’s able to shift from activity to activity with minimum hassle, be sure you have the right gear aboard, some of which can serve more than one purpose. We hope life jackets go without saying, but we’re mentioning them anyway. Have them. We prefer the Ronix Covert model at The Boarding School (theboardingschool.com), for its streamlined fit and comfort.

16

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW Watersports3.indd 16

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 12:57 PM

2018

BOLD

MOVES

L25UC featuring the one-of-a-kind Barletta Ultra-Lounge

THE SMOOTHEST, QUIETEST RIDE ON THE WATER TODAY, BAR NONE DESIGNED AND BUILT WITH YOUR ON-WATER EXPERIENCE IN MIND

E22Q

With a patent-pending underdeck structure featuring V.I.P. Technology (Vibration Isolation Pads), there is simply no other pontoon boat that rides like a Barletta. Premium furniture, booming sound systems, best-in-class helm stations, Yeti-ready cupholders, USB ports in every bench, and yes, even pet-friendly amenities are just a few of the reasons you’ll LOVE Barletta Pontoon Boats. At Barletta, we strive for customers for LIFE. Stop by your local dealer and take a test drive...you won’t be disappointed.

BarlettaPontoonBoats.com Boating World Jan 2019.indd 1

11/26/2018 4:09:52 PM

W AT E R S P O R T S

Inflatable disc. People have

That way, if all else fails and you need a tow, you don’t have to use a nice rope.

been riding discs behind the boat for decades, and they have made a comeback in the past few years. The beauty of a disc is that people can ride it in a lot of different ways, making it fun for kids and adults alike. A disc can also serve as a substitute for a tube, for boat owners who don’t like pulling tubers.

First aid kit. It’s good to have some bandages, coach’s tape, peroxide, antibacterial wipes, and nail clippers or small nail scissors. And, this may sound extreme, but a small neck collar is a good idea. That way if someone takes a bad fall, you can secure him safely until you get back to the dock.

Open-water slalom ski.

Several companies are making user-friendly slalom skis. They are easier to get up on and fun to carve around on. Skis such as the Radar Union aren’t necessarily made for running the slalom course, but rather for riding at slower speeds and ripping some turns in open water. We have been teaching beginners, transitioning wakeboarders and returning former skiers back to the sport over the past few years. Suddenly people who thought they would never ski are having the time of their life.

Sun gear. I still use plenty of

A fully equipped boat is in the eye of the owner, but certain items, including open-toe boots (O’Brien) and a wakesurf-specific rope (Airhead), are vital to versatility.

Cleaning gear. It’s nice to have a small bucket of cleaning supplies. I have a dedicated “boat towel,” some seat cleaner, cleaner wax, etc. Compile your own kit or buy a premade bucket of cleaners from Babe’s Boat Care, Shurhold or BoatLife that can handle any stain or mess.

Wakeboard with open-toe boots. Pro model wakeboards and closed-toe boots are awesome, but on a multi-activity, multi-boarder boat, the versatility of an entry-level board with open-toe boots that can serve a range of sizes is invaluable. You’re better off getting a slightly bigger board, because it’s easier for a smaller person to ride a big board than for a large person to ride a small one.

Ropes. Have at least two ropes. First, get a low-stretch rope that has a lot of takeoff loops, ranging from 50 to 75 or 85 feet long. Such a rope offers the option to ski and wakeboard and accommodate a

18

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW Watersports3.indd 18

sunscreen, but I’ve started to rely on protective clothing too.

Before I hop on the boat in the morning, I don a long-sleeved UV-protective shirt and a sun mask. Everyone asks if I’m hot, but it’s actually way cooler than wearing regular clothing, and I’m protected from the sun’s rays. A sunburn or heat exhaustion will definitely ruin the day.

lot of different speeds and skill levels. Wakesurfing requires a dedicated wakesurf rope that is shorter and thicker, so riders are much less likely to get tangled in it. A dedicated rope is much safer than making a normal rope shorter. Get one with a floating handle, which makes it much easier to get the handle to the rider when picking him up. I also use the floating handle when teaching kids. It can save a ton of time and frustration in the water.

Tool kit. I always assemble a small tool kit on the boat. A small plastic container can stow under one of the seats and hold a few items that can save the day.

I always keep some basic tools: screwdrivers, pliers, Allen keys, zip ties, a quart of oil, a small funnel, a razor knife or scissors, and electrical or duct tape. You can be a hero and at least get back to the dock by fixing small issues that might otherwise leave you stranded. It’s not a bad idea to have an old rope in there too.

Towels/blankets. Not having enough towels and trying to make do with a sopping towel that five people have used is a real downer. I also keep one or two small blankets in the boat, for those chilly boat rides back to the dock.

Snacks. If I’m leaving the dock for a few hours, or the entire day, I make sure I’m fueled with plenty of drinks and snacks.

The fun can be spoiled quickly if someone gets hangry. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 12:58 PM

Build your 2019 boat online now!

PLEASURE + ADVENTURE

About Brunswick Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers, and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine & Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT fitness equipment; and Brunswick billiards tables, accessories and game room furniture. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com.

PRINCECRAFT’S Experience

About Princecraft Boats Inc. Since 1954, Princecraft Boats Inc., headquartered in Princeville, Quebec, Canada, creates unparalleled experiences on the water for fishing and boating enthusiasts with "professionally rigged and ready" packages of aluminum fishing boats, pontoon boats and deck boats. Its commitment is borne out of a deeply rooted heritage of unmatched craftsmanship, incomparable performance and the promise of years of trouble-free boating. More fishermen, families and dealers than ever join the Princecraft family, and create some of the best moments of their lives.

Princecraft Boats Inc.

C

2019 | A Brunswick Company

Fishing

G et K id s I nvolved

8

Create Repeat Anglers Don’t ruin a child’s first fishing experience.

BY DEAN TRAVIS CLARKE

•

TEACHING CHILDREN TO fish and creating a positive first experience not only ensures they want to partake of the activity again, it practically guarantees parents a lifelong fishing buddy. The first thing to remember is to leave your ego behind. Showing children what a stud angler you are helps nobody. And remember, whether you plan to fish from a boat, a dock or the edge of a pond, be sure every child wears a life jacket.

1

For the first outing, scale the tackle to the children’s level. My son caught his first fish on a Popeil Pocket Fisherman and was thrilled. My daughter had a Barbie rig. Maybe you wouldn’t dream of using a spin-caster, but they’re great for kids to

20

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW Fishing2.indd 20

use while they learn, and honestly, the fish don’t know the difference.

Introduce your new anglers to your local tackle shop and its staff.

Explain what questions to ask to help make your fishing adventure more productive.

Ask about the best bait and lures, places to go, best times of day or preferred tides (and why). The question about places to go is important, because you need to hit a fishing site where fish are likely to be found.

Children quickly get bored scouting areas.

2

Let your helpers participate in pre-fishing organization: bait, tackle, food, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. Ask for their opinion on things to bring along.

3

But let them know certain tasks are for the adults. Show children how sharp the hooks are and explain that’s the reason you’ll be tying the knots and handling the hooks. Pinching down the barbs can be an invaluable precaution if a hooking incident occurs.

Carry out pre-fishing simulations.

Show them how to cast in the yard with a rubber weight on the line. That way they have a comfort level when it’s time to fish. Hold the end of the line and tug on it to show the children what it will feel like when a fish strikes. Then explain what they need to do to hook and fight the fish.

Explain why they shouldn’t reel against the fish when it’s taking line. Understand that

4

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 1:00 PM

SAVE BIG ON AMERICA’S

NUMBER 1 DECK BOAT Get a new SD 187 OB or SD Sport 188 OB with a Yamaha 115 HP outboard at these incredible prices until February 28, 2019. Price does not include trailer, options, rigging or freight.

Contact your dealer today!

SunDeck 187 OB

$26,795 BASE BOAT & MOTOR ONLY

$25,595 BASE BOAT & MOTOR ONLY

Does not include trailer, options, rigging or freight.

SunDeck Sport 188 OB Does not include trailer, options, rigging or freight.

www.HurricaneBoats.com

FISHING

what you have been doing for many years is totally new to children.

Even something as simple as holding the rod can be a challenge for them.

Show them the most effective range of motion for the rod while fighting the fish and the easiest way to reel. Be patient when they don’t catch on right away or if they handle things in a clumsy fashion. Finesse takes time and practice. How many bird’s nests have you created?

5

Children seem to have less difficulty with sidearm casts than overhead ones. Sidearm casts are also safer for nearby anglers.

Explain the process slowly and carefully, starting with the need to check all around them to make sure nobody is in the way. Be sure to add lots of encouragement. Don’t let yourself get frustrated, or the children will want to quit.

6

Explain how to bait the hook for the particular application and why you do it that way. Then show them the most effective retrieve for that rig. Don’t do it for them; help them as they do it.

7

Before they ever catch a fish, explain what they should expect. Show them how to gently bring it to the surface. Will it be netted, just lifted or gaffed? Where should they stand, what should they do with the rod and reel? Show them how to safely and gently release a fish properly. Most children don’t like handling slimy, wiggling fish at first. Giving them a small, lightweight dehooker is a great way to eliminate that reticence and at the same time promote safe and proper release techniques without handling the fish.

8

9

Will you be keeping the fish for dinner? Don’t forget to share the importance of only keeping what you need and being a responsible resource caretaker.

Teaching children to fish, and go boating in general, for that matter, has other terrific benefits. It’s a great equalizer. You’ll find that you can talk about all sorts of life subjects while you’re together fishing. You won’t find a better bonding opportunity.

22

TOURNEY TIME Feeling really organized, altruistic and energetic? Maybe you can organize a fishing tournament for kids. I did it years ago, and it wasn’t very difficult.

Fish and Wildlife scientists stretched a net with floats on the water, forming a semicircle about 100 yards long and extending some 200 feet from shore at its max radius.

The next morning a large tanker truck backed up to the sea wall and dumped hundreds of juvenile red drum from the state hatchery into the penned area. The next morning lots of kids (and parents, grandparents, civic groups and school classes) showed up; some had fishing poles but most didn’t. The local sporting goods chain helped sponsor the event and donated inexpensive rods, reels, line, tackle and prizes, as well as staff to help instruct the kids.

Each fish had been tagged at the hatchery. When a child caught a fish, one of the volunteers quickly filled out a form with the child’s name and the fish’s size and tag number.

Each child then received a frame-worthy certificate that commemorated the event.

When the festivities were finished, the biologists pulled the net and the fish joined the environment, no worse for wear. After that day, anytime someone reported one of those tagged fish being caught again, the child who initially caught it got a notice in the mail with pertinent details such as when and where it was caught and how much it had grown. BW

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Fishing2.indd 22

1/3/19 1:00 PM

THE PINNACLE OF PONTOON PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY.

You see at Manitou, our quest is to provide you absolutely breathtaking boating experiences. So while it’s not easy scaling the mountain of pontoon perfection, the climb sure is worth it when you see the view from the top.

With all the horsepower — and the power to impress — Manitou provides an incredible combination of high performance and high style. With over 30 years of craftsmanship, our pontoon boats let you part the water, turn on a dime and carve a wake like no other. Beyond acceleration and handling, our patented V-Toon® and twin tube hulls are constructed to be the strongest in the industry. And our impeccable custom styling ensures that heads will turn when you pass others by.

All of which is why at Manitou, we believe that when you choose one of our pontoon boats, you’ve landed the highest-performing, best-quality boat in the industry. Period.

For more information, visit www.manitoupontoonboats.com

PASSION. PRECISION. PERFORMANCE.

Engines

Jackplates

Jackplates can be inexpensive, especially fixed ones such as the T-H Marine CMC ML-10 Manual Power-Lift Transom Jack.

It costs $338, and its 10-inch setback can put the prop into cleaner water and allow for up to a 5-inch height adjustment.

Changing the outboard’s height on this model requires an owner to loosen four bolts but provides enough fine control to nail any rig’s sweet spot, something simply changing motor mount holes can’t do. It also allows him to alter the height if he knows conditions will change (e.g., a full boat with lots of gear vs. a solo boat trip).

Do You Know Jack?

Get better performance and fuel economy with a jackplate.

BY ALAN JONES

DO NO HARM

BOATERS HAVE ONE thing in common: They want more. More mpg, more flexibil-

ity to run in shallow water, more speed. Well, a device called a jackplate can make all of that happen at an affordable price.

One of the most important elements for rigging a boat for optimum performance is to mount the outboard at the proper height. Most outboards have four or five mounting holes, and most boat owners mount the outboard so its cavitation plate is at or slightly above the hull bottom. But using mounting holes, alone, to set engine height is a pretty blunt instrument. For one thing, optimal height changes depending on the load the boat is carrying and the condition of the water it is running in. A jackplate attaches to the outboard’s mounting bracket, which then gets mounted on the boat’s transom and allows the owner to raise and lower the motor.

24

To really take advantage of a jackplate’s potential, a change-on-the-fly hydraulic model is the way to go. Some of the best hydraulic jackplates are made by Bob’s Machine Shop, T-H Marine, CMC and SeaStar Solutions. They range from $750 to $1,750, can handle engines up to 400 hp, and offer setbacks between four and 12 inches.

A hydraulic jackplate requires one device most boats don’t have: a water-pressure gauge. It’s necessary because if an outboard is raised too far the water pickup on its lower unit could be high and dry, which can cause serious damage to an engine if water isn’t circulating. It’s an inexpensive item that’s easy to install. Locate a special bolt on the engine’s water jacket, remove it

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Engines2.indd 24

1/3/19 12:56 PM

ENGINES

Hydraulic jackplates such as the Atlas from T-H Marine allow operators to make on-thefly adjustments, but they require a waterpressure gauge, whether from Sierra (below) or another company.

shallow as possible. Be warned, though, that steering won’t be as effective, so don’t do this in a twisting creek.

SHALLOW STOPS & STARTS

To come off plane, it’s best to start trimming the engine up, which will cause the boat’s bow to rise. As it continues coming up, chop the throttle. The boat will quickly stop, leading to stern squat, but trimming up avoids having the skeg and prop touch bottom. Once off plane, raise the engine enough to keep the prop and skeg off the bottom.

Taking off in shallow water is different than a deep-water start. A skinny-water start requires more finesse than simply trimming it all the way in and jamming the throttle. The trim should be down a little and the jackplate raised as high as possible with the intakes underwater. Trim tabs are really a plus here. With the tabs fully down, slowly advance the throttle. The prop will start to ventilate a little, so as the boat starts to rise, bump the jackplate down a little to keep the prop immersed. The boat will slowly get on plane without playing tag with the bottom.

and install a pitot tube that runs to a gauge at the helm. Sierra makes a number of kits — at $75 they’re great buys — with different gauge styles that match other instruments.

FASTER FOR LESS

Speed and fuel economy are both improved when just enough of the lower unit is submerged to reduce drag and let it function properly. A quickly adjustable jackplate improves both and is really easy to dial in. Trim the boat to reduce its wetted surface and then start raising the outboard, which should increase the boat’s speed.

When the prop ventilates and boat speed drops, lower it a bit until the offending sound stops. That’s the sweet spot.

A jackplate is also useful in rough water when a prop can lose its grip. Lowering the engine height more than usual will help keep the prop in the water at all times and deliver better control.

GET SKINNY

One of the best attributes of a jackplate is it greatly reduces a boat’s draft, allowing it to go where others can’t and reducing the chances of scarring Mother Earth, which can cost thousands of dollars if the marine patrol observes a skeg-mark-leaving takeoff.

Anyone new to a jackplate should, before heading off to the flats, test his “new” boat 26

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW Engines2.indd 26

EASY WAY

in deeper water, to learn how the boat responds. Set the boat’s trim to dead-level, but not down all the way, because it can actually be trimmed inward to about 6 degrees negative to help push the bow over for faster planing. When the engine’s cavitation plate is trimmed parallel to the hull’s bottom, it’s at its most efficient because it isn’t vectoring away power.

Before the boat reaches shallower water, the driver should start raising the engine’s height until he starts to hear the sound get higher but before speed starts to bleed off. Doing so allows the boat to run as

Working the jackplate and trimming the boat at the same time takes a lot of skill, but SeaStar Solutions has a new answer. Called ProTap Controller ($698), it remembers the ideal setting for both trim and jackplate settings. It connects to NMEA 2000 displays, so the driver can tap the screen once for modes such as Holeshot, Sweet Spot or Shallow Water and let the computer automatically trim and raise and lower the engine. BW

TO THE WEB BobsMachine.com SeaStarSolutions.com THMarineSupplies.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 12:56 PM

Unforgettable Adventures.

Feel-Good Savings.

Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage.

Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2019 GEICO

Electronics

VH F Rad ios

RAYMARINE Ray90 - Ray91

Boater Communication VHF radios have many advantages over cellphones. Here are seven of them.

BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA

• MENTION A VHF radio to a small-boat owner and the immediate question is, “Why do I need one if I have a cellphone?” Relying on a phone while fishing offshore or cruising in out-ofthe-way coves may not be safe, and cellphones are poor swimmers.

VHF, or very high frequency, radios come in fixed-mount and handheld versions. Fixed VHFs usually have more features and up to 25 watts of power, which means they output their signal farther, approximately 25 miles, especially with a remote antenna mounted up high.

Handhelds have a 1- or 5-watt power output and can reach three to eight miles when used from five to 10 feet above the waterline. Expect a battery life of eight to 20 hours, depending on use. Handhelds have the benefit of being independent of a boat’s electrical system, in case the boat loses power, and they can be taken on an inflatable kayak or SUP while exploring or visiting other vessels. (Technically, you need a special license to use

28

one ashore).

Read on to discover seven ways a VHF radio improves on cellphone communications.

CONNECTIVITY

VHFs work on line-of-sight, so they don’t perform well around corners and behind islands, but they do have a great reach across open water. Channel 16 is dedicated to distress and hailing calls, so if trouble arises, you can connect automatically to maritime assistance agencies such as the Coast Guard or a marine towing service. A group of boaters can stay connected and listen in on the same conversation. Anglers can share fishing tips (and lies). Keep in mind that VHF conversations aren’t private, and when you use a channel, others can’t use it, so don’t engage in idle chitchat.

DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING

The DSC feature — built into most VHF models — is a function that alerts boats in the area to a distress call. At the push of a button, DSC alerts not only authorities but

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Electronics.indd 28

1/3/19 12:54 PM

GARMIN VHF 210

UNIDEN MHS75

ICOM M36

Some handheld radios float, including the ICOM M36, Standard Horizon HX210, Uniden MHS75 and Cobra MRHH350FLT. SIZE & PRICE

Today’s VHFs (both handheld and fixed mount) are sleeker, so they don’t eat up a lot of dash or pocket space, and they go easy on the wallet. Garmin’s VHF 110 fixed-mount model has a small footprint with a street price of about $230, while its AIS-enabled VHF 210 is about double that amount.

ICOM’s M605, with a 4.3-inch color display, may cost upwards of $1,000, and Raymarine’s fully featured R73 AIS receiver model is $900, but value-model handhelds start at less than $100 and fixed-mount models cost from $130 to $800, depending on features.

LOWRANCE Link9

FRESH FEATURES

also boaters nearby who are most likely to be able to render aid quickly. GPS-enabled, the DSC call allows others to pinpoint your location even if you’re unable to verbalize it.

The Lowrance Link-9 is a good example of a compact VHF with DSC. AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

AIS is a transponder on vessels that allows other boats to identify them by their call sign. AIS alerts a boat operator to other boats’ bearing, course and speed. It’s the preeminent collision-avoidance system on the water. Some VHF radios that are AIS-enabled can track other boats, which comes in handy in low-visibility conditions.

WEATHER

Real-time NOAA and SAME alerts for upcoming weather and general weather forecasts are usually found on VHF channels 1, 2 and 3. Some radios have up to 10

weather channels. A good weather forecast can make the difference between a great day of fishing and an ordeal.

WEATHERPROOFING

Cellphones don’t like water but are strangely drawn to it — three have drowned under my slip — and don’t float. However, VHF radios are built to take rain, splashes and in serious cases, even a dunking. Most fixed-mount radios are waterproof to certain standards including IPX 6 (splashproof), IPX 7 (dunking to 1 meter) or IPX8 (fully immersed in more than 1 meter). Such protection makes them ideal for mounting under a T-top or on a center console dash.

The Furuno FM4800 is waterproof to an IP68 standard, the highest waterproof rating for this class of marine electronics, which makes it a fit for vessels with an exposed bridge, where it can be bracket or flush mounted.

TO THE WEB Cobra.com, FurunoUSA.com, Garmin.com, ICOMAmerica.com, Lowrance.com, Raymarine.com, StandardHorizon.com, Uniden.com

Today’s VHFs come packed with features, including loudhailer functionality that will also sound pre-programmed fog signals. The Furuno FM4800 can operate as an intercom and has eight patterns of alert sounds. It also has an MOB button, like most other VHFs, to pinpoint the exact location where someone went into the drink.

Garmin’s GHS 20 is wireless, meaning it’s a handheld that acts like a remote-access mic without the attending cord, so you can walk around the deck with it. Raymarine’s R90 is modular with a wired or wireless remote that controls a black-box radio that’s out of sight. It’s a great way to introduce multiple stations on a small vessel.

Noise-cancelling features ensure voice clarity in some radios. Some have large screens to display AIS targets and other information. Standard Horizon’s GX1700W has a 3-inch display, and the ICOM M506 has a 3.4-inch LCD display. The GX1700 also stores up to 100 waypoints and can display course, bearing and distance to each. Some radios, such as the Uniden UM380, have last call recording, so you can listen again if important information was conveyed that you didn’t quite catch. Most radios have backlit keys for easy nighttime operation.

Finally, most radios come with a threeyear standard warranty. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Electronics.indd 29

29

•

1/3/19 12:54 PM

Ask the Experts

Q

+A

A second or so is all they need. Mercury claims its Verado outboards can be shifted from cruise to reverse without damaging them, but I’ve never had the guts to try it. Visit boatingworld.com/engines/7engine-killing-no-nos/ to read more useful engine-preservation tips.

FUEL ISSUES

Not Primer Time

Q I bought a very-slightly-used

ENGINES

Punch It

Q I tend to treat my Yamaha F150 with kid gloves, especially when it comes to shifting. A buddy of mine told me I’m being too easy on the engine in my quest to minimize the clunk. Who’s right here?

Caleb G., via BoatingWorld.com

Alan Jones’ Engines column in our September/October 2018 issue contained information pertinent to this question, so we present that here.

Shifting timidly — trying to avoid that big clunk — does far more damage than shifting quickly. During slow shifts, that grinding sound is the motor’s clutch wearing out, which could lead to its eventual failure. Larger modern Yamahas have a Shift Dampening System that eliminates the loud clunk, but drivers should always make a positive move with the throttle lever to get it in gear quickly, even if that banging sound makes them cringe, because they really can’t do it too quickly. Some skippers wait five seconds or so before shifting from forward to neutral to reverse when docking, but it isn’t necessary.

SeaBoss with a 225 hp Bombardier Ficht. I have no problem going fishing.

I have real problems trying to return. I may have to attempt to start the engine a dozen times before it continues to run long enough to return to port. Each time the primer bulb has lost its prime and I squeeze it until it’s firm. The engine may or may not start after that. The computer shows no problems. We have hooked up a six-gallon tank directly to the engine’s filter and run it with no problems, but as you can imagine, six gallons doesn’t go far. I have removed the fuel tank pickup to ensure it’s clear.

I’ve replaced the anti-siphon valve and the fuel line aft to the water separator.

I’ve replaced the separator canister, but not the head, yet. When we check fuel pressure, it holds 35#, which is well within parameters. Last weekend I went to start it before heading out and it went “whoof!” A big ball of flame blew out under the cover. I checked but

MEET OUR 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.

30

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW ATEr.indd 30

Grid Michal

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

Zuzana Prochazka

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

1/3/19 1:01 PM

PONTOONS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME. For over 60 years, Godfrey has led the way. We’ve listened to our customers and integrated their feedback into award-winning, industry-defining designs.

GodfreyPontoonBoats.com

When you own a Godfrey, you join a winning legacy of originality, excellence and over 60 years of unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation.

ASK THE EXPERTS

everything seems unburned.

My mechanic attached the fuel pressure gauge that afternoon and found it was in the 30# range. He did a reasonably complete examination of the engine, noting the stains on the midsection where the engine had poured fuel out. He then changed the water separator, but after priming until the bulb was firm still could not achieve fuel pressure on the gauge. He’s been battling this so long I’m afraid the next step is a Dirty Harry-like “Make my day!” Can you help?

Bryan R., via BoatingWorld.com

I admire your persistence, and I believe you’ve cleared up any problems up to the engine. If he can’t build pressure from the pump, I’d have to say the pump has been the culprit all along. I know it’s a hunk of change to replace it, but I don’t see any other way of getting out to the fishing grounds — and back. Let me know if that worked. — GM OUTBOARDS

Motor Maintenance

Q When I had a two-stroke outboard not so very long ago, it was a constant chore to keep it alive with routine services and some that weren’t routine. I always felt that, even though

I failed to anticipate what needed doing, it was easy to accept responsibility for most of what went wrong. Now, with my four-stroke, I have kept clean, treated fuel in it and essentially just changed the oil every fall. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Will it?

Anton B., via BoatingWorld.com

When the original two-stroke/four-stroke advertising wars began, one of the ads calculated yearly maintenance costs, per the owner’s manual. By the numbers the four-stroke routine service costs were staggering, and I’d imagine more than one buyer elected to stay with his two-stroke. But just like with your car, you pass up the Ford dealer and his routine, electing to zip over to Jiffy Lube and get the $29.95 holiday special oil change. I can see the logic for both services, but I need to add that a preponderance of repairs I perform on either two- or four-strokes are owner-created, and other than failure to keep clean fuel in the engine, and the cooling system clean, could not have been prevented by more, or better, annual service. — GM ENGINES

Something’s Changed

Q I have a Suzuki DF90. I was heading home on plane when the engine noise changed — like it was missing or there was water in fuel. I found the tote tank breather had failed and the tank was imploding. I released the pressure and the engine sound reduced, but since then there’s still a sound/feeling like the engine’s not running 100 percent. It’s more noticeable at speed, where I can hear a sound like it’s not firing quite right.

I’m not sure where to start.

Rob Matheson, via BoatingWorld.com

The best thing you could use to know for certain that the engine wasn’t running 100 percent would be the tach. If you were maxing out at 5500 rpm before this happened and you’re turning 5500 now, afterward, then you have a little man running through your head (happens to me all the time!). If you were doing 5500 before and now you’re doing 5000, then let’s take a look-see.

You need to run the fuel system in order. Start with the primer bulb and make sure the check ball isn’t floating loose in there. If it is, replace it. If you are using gray hose, you probably should replace that as well, because it has a nasty habit of rolling up the inner liner into a stop-fuel ball. Where the fuel line comes into the fuel filter at the starboard aft corner, see if perhaps water got sucked into it, and therefore the rest of the system. Next is the low-pressure fuel pump on the back of the powerhead. Generally when that goes bad the engine won’t run and your oil dipstick will show your crankcase is full of fuel and oil. If you’ve checked that far and all’s well but you still have worries, take it to your closest reputable Suzuki dealer and let him try the tachometer approach.

If he says it’s fine, it probably is. Anything further beyond what I’ve said involves fuel pressure, and I’d feel better knowing someone experienced was working on it. — GM 32

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW ATEr.indd 32

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 1:01 PM

Bonehead Blunders BONEHEAD SCALE:

By G rid M ich a l

1 Acceptably assinine

2 Slightly slow

3 Distinguished dunce

4 Massively moronic

5 Seek mental help

Running Aground BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Dropping a grounding cable THE BONEHEAD: A customer BONEHEAD RATING: 4 WHAT HAPPENED: A customer and I had the following exchange via email. I started the chain, curious as to a repair I’d made on the boat.

Jesse, have you used the boat since I got it running?

Grid, in reference to the boat, I have run it several times. Had to remove the batteries to trace the trim tab wiring. I got the new trim tab motor installed and working, and I repaired and replaced the two gauges. I got the sump pump working; however, the float switch only works if the battery switch is on. Was going to splash it yesterday, but the engine won’t start. The trim tabs work, the motor trim works, the horn works and the starter motor spins but won’t engage the

flywheel. All the engine instruments are inoperative with the switch on. I checked the fuses and charged the batteries. Still nothing. Any ideas?

Jesse, I told him, you forgot to count the sponges. When you took the batteries out you dropped the main ground behind the battery.

You have just enough ground through the gauges to run everything but a starter, and the relevant gauges. Prove it by taking a jumper cable and running it from either battery ground post to a clean ground on the block.

Then I waited for a reply, which came as expected.

Grid, bingo. You got it.

LESSON LEARNED: A charged battery won’t serve its intended purpose if something important — a main ground, for example — isn’t reattached after a well-intentioned DIY session. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+BW ATEr.indd 33

FEBRUARY 2019

33

•

1/3/19 1:01 PM

Gear 1.

St u f f You Wa nt

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

Electric Outboard Motor

$1,799, epropulsion.com

Spirit 1.0 is designed to be an integrated electric outboard with high overall efficiency and long cruising duration. The power of Spirit 1.0 is equivalent to a 3 hp gas outboard, making it a fit for dinghies and small boats. Its detachable battery and foldable tiller make it easy to carry and store, and its 2 1/2 -pound weight means it’s portable, so boaters can simply lift the motor with one hand and carry the battery with the other. Four Seas (fourseas.com) is the U.S. dealer.

2.

1 2

Magic Sponge

$2.99, starbrite.com

The Ultimate Magic Sponge from Starbrite provides a quick way for boat owners to remove stains, scuffs and streaks from fiberglass, plastic and vinyl surfaces aboard.

The sponge removes ground-in dirt, gummy residue, soap scum, ink, paint, tarnish, mildew stains and more. To use, simply lightly dampen sponge, squeeze out excess water, gently scrub stains or scuffmarks, then rinse and wipe clean.

3.

3

F4 Ballast Pump

$250, albinpumpmarine.com Ballast tanks on a wakesurfing boat can take a long time to fill. Albin Pump Marine’s reversible F4 Ballast Pump provides 12 gpm of flow to get surfers on the water faster. The pump is built for maximum durability and a reliable service life with a non-corrosive cast-brass head with half-inch port connections, a stainless steel shaft, a PTFE mechanical seal and a flexible nitrile impeller.

Available in 12v or 24v, the pump has pigtail leads and an integrated shockproof mounting bracket for quick installation.

4.

Waterproof Tablet

$995, seatronx.com

The rugged waterproof, shockproof and sunlight viewable SUNTAB tablet allows boaters to enjoy their apps in both sunny and wet environments. The addition of a SIM card turns the tablet into a full-time communication device with internet and phone access. The 7-inch highbright 100 Nit screen is a full-view display even in direct sunlight. Suntab is made of aero-grade titanium-alloy frame material and is built to meet military standards.

It also includes GPS functions to run navigation and mapping applications and supports additional sensors, including proximity detector sensors and many others.

4

• FEBRUARY • FEBRUARY 34 34 2019 2019BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Gear3.indd 34

1/3/19 12:46 PM

LUXURY

DEFINED THE FOUR WINNS 2019 LINE Four Winns, more than any other brand, offers the power to choose. Outboard and sterndrive from 18'-37' with a wide range of horsepower options. Visit fourwinns.com for more information on the newest additions to our fleet.

Life should be a beautiful ride.

©2018, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifi es trademarks of Four Winns, LLC or suppliers.

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2019 Visit fourwinns.com for details

Gear

St u f f You Wa nt

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

5.

The easy-to-use Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent is rechargeable, scent-free, compact and operates with a single refill component. Powered by a lithium-ion battery rather than fuel, Radius creates a 110-square-foot mosquito protection zone. Radius is also air travel friendly. The package contains one Radius repeller, one 12-hour refill and one USB battery charger.

Each charge supplies six or more hours of operation, and Radius can operate as it charges.

5

6.

Standup Paddleboard/Skiff

$2,499, boteboard.com

Rover AeroBOTE offers the benefits of a paddleboard and a skiff in a bag that can be easily stowed aboard even small boats. The included wireless AeroGo pump inflates the boat in minutes. Also included with the Rover Aero: a rack to attach a motor, a hand pump, an adjustable paddle, a paddle sheath, a sandspear sheath, a travel bag to carry the essentials and a Remora bag to carry accessories. The fully loaded travel bag weighs 85 pounds, and the board is 12 feet 6 inches long and made of heavy-duty PVC fabric.

6

7.

7

8

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW Gear3.indd 36

BOATINGWORLD.COM

Cooler Cleaner

$14.99, canyoncoolers.com Mold, mildew and odors accumulated from the likes of meat, blood, fish slime, spilled beverages or spoiled food can render a cooler useless. Canyon Coolers’ new D-Funk incorporates Double Down Technology, which works at a molecular level to neutralize the most stubborn odors, mold and mildew. D-Funk Cleaner can clean refrigerators, plastic containers, the boat dock, the galley and more — all without harsh chemicals.

8.

36

Mosquito Repeller

$49.99, thermacell.com

Floating Serrated Knife

$27.99, industrialrev.com

Never lose a knife overboard again with a floating serrated knife from Mora. It’s the first version of a new handle technology that features a highly visible orange polymer core surrounded by cork, ensuring the knife will not only float but be easily spotted if dropped in the water. The coil-formed ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip in the wet or dry conditions and doesn’t conduct cold. The serrated 3.7-inch stainless steel blade is designed to cut rope, nylon and other fibers.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

FEBRUARY 2019

36

•

1/3/19 12:46 PM

MAKE IT A

GLASTRON For over 60 years families and friends have been making memories on the most iconic boat on the water. Share with us and the rest of the boating community by tagging your memories with #GLASTRONSUMMER.

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2019 Visit glastron.com for details

© 2018, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifies trademarks of Glastron, LLC, its affiliates or suppliers.

Glastron.com

Tested

First Drive

wanted more room in the stern for staging watersports and for ease of passenger movement. Usually, rear-lounge configurations dominate stern real estate, but the new Single Flip Lounge (SFL) is large enough for a pair of aft-facing couch potatoes, and its location to port opens up the starboard side, which helps avoid that cramped feeling.

Many pontoon boats have a changing station amidships, but it makes sense to have it near where the wet people are located, so this boat’s station is at the very end of the stern lounge, in the form of a popup changing station ($140) that can be equipped with a portable toilet ($140). The Single Flip Lounge’s backrest gives passengers the option to recline facing aft or to sit while facing forward. Because it’s integrated with the portside rear layback seat, it won’t lie flat.

Though it’s an option, the stainless steel safety barrier and gate is ordered on roughly 80 percent of Sweetwater 2286 SFLs. The feature allows riders to use the rear lounge when the boat is running, and it helps contain kids. And no performance pontoon would be complete without a ski tow bar. It’s a $533 option but is required for any buyer who gets the stainless steel cage.

PERFORMANCE

S W E E T WAT E R 2 2 8 6 S F L // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Sweet Ride The Sweetwater 2286 SFL combines sportiness, affordability and a dash of luxury.

• Pontoons Boats value line. With many other companies, value models are fairly spartan boats, but the going trend is more luxury for less money, and the Sweetwater 2286 SFL hits the mark. It’s a nicely equipped boat with triple tubes and a Yamaha F150 that costs less than $50,000.

SWEETWATER IS THE GODFREY

UNIQUE FACTOR

Godfrey is a company that makes extensive use of customer and dealer feedback to help its designers deliver boats such as the Sweetwater 2286 SFL. And its research indicated people 38

Godfrey offers the Sweetwater 2286 SFL with a staggering 143 engine options from every major outboard brand, and they range from 50 hp to its max of 200 hp. The best engine choice depends largely on the boat’s intended use and location. In more remote areas, where people tend to have lake cottages, there’s often only one dealer, so it makes sense to get an outboard that dealer can service and do warranty work on.

Folks who do their boating on small bodies of water or on private lakes that have horsepower restrictions can get the two-tube version with a smaller motor, so they can putter about and enjoy a day afloat. To make the most of limited horsepower, it’s not a bad idea to choose a motor that’s geared to use a large-diameter prop, such as the Mercury Big Foot, Yamaha’s T-series motors or any Suzuki.

Our test boat featured the GTP 25 tube package ($4,687). It includes an oversized 27-inch center tube, 25-inch outers and

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Sweetwater.indd 38

1/3/19 12:50 PM

The Sweetwater 2286 SFL is a midsized pontoon boat that’s ready for just about any mission.

four lifting strakes that give it plenty of planing surfaces for better performance.

Integrated into the center tube is an engine bracket with a generous setback that doesn’t intrude on the rear deck, so passenger space is maximized. A Yamaha F150 powered our test boat and is probably the smallest outboard capable of taking advantage of this triple-tube configuration. The F150 pushed the 23-foot, 6-inch 2286 SFL well, especially out of the hole, yielding a time to plane of 2.6 seconds. Time to 30 mph was 8.2 seconds, and this mid-sized Sweetwater hit a top speed of 41 mph. Bumping up to a Yamaha F200 costs an extra $4,613, which is a little pricey considering it’s the same engine with different engine mapping, but it would put the top speed into the mid-40s.

The helm is well placed among the seating (opposite top), and the aft lounge is approved for passengers underway thanks to the optional safety barrier (opposite bottom). The dash has room for multifunction gauges and a space for a 5-inch MFD.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Sweetwater.indd 39

39

•

1/4/19 7:31 AM

OW N E R F E E D B AC K

HANDLING

The larger center tube provides extra buoyancy, which helps it ride higher in the water and creates a pivot point for cornering help. During our test on Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana, the Sweetwater 2286 SFL experienced a fair amount of inward lean during hard cornering, which allowed it to hook up really well. With some pontoons, trimming the engine out doesn’t do a whole lot, but this boat responded well to trim and allowed us to raise the front half of the tubes clear of the water to reduce hull drag, which increases top-end speed and improves fuel economy. While most pontoon boats don’t throw much of a wake at cruising speeds, the 2286’s wake was extra flat. Instead of having a single port and starboard wake, its tube configuration created two small wakes on both sides that slalom skiers will love for their Iowa-like topography.

BEST USES PURCHA SED BY HARRY AND SUSAN WA T K I N S , M C C L E L L A N V I L L E , S . C .

PURCH A SED AT HUN T L E Y M A RINE, PIKE VILLE, N.C. W H AT W E L IK ED

Amount of storage/Roomy floor plan/Quiet and powerful Suzuki 140/ Comfortable upholstery/Versatility/ Mood lighting W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

Although it was an option, we didn’t get the GPS but now wish we had, since it’s easy to get lost in our waters.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

Our first powerboat was a Scout 172. It was a great boat, but we wanted something roomier so we could invite our two sons’ families, which include two grandsons, age 3 and 6. We do our boating in the coastal Low Country of South Carolina between Georgetown and Charleston, mostly in the Intracoastal, and while we weren’t sure how a pontoon boat would be in saltwater, it’s been the ideal boat for us. We like to do a little bit of everything. Mostly, we go cruising around Cape Romain National Refuge, which is scenic and a good place to fish for redfish and trout. We especially love taking sunset cruises with our friends.

This summer, we plan to get our grandsons out tubing and skiing, and we’ll take some longer trips. The buying experience at Huntley’s was great. They gave us a very fair trade-in for our Scout and didn’t put any pressure on us to buy.

40

The Sweetwater 2286 SFL is a midsized pontoon boat that’s ready for just about any mission. A few simple options maximize its entertainment capabilities, including upgrading the round cockpit table to a larger rectangular model ($227). Another one just like it costs $388 and improves snack-display space. The standard stereo is a Marine Audio Bluetooth system with four S W E E T WAT E R speakers, but for added nighttime ambiance, a Light-It-Up 2286 SFL speaker package costs $393. The 2286 has a capacity of 13 Length 23 ft., 6 in. passengers and can seat them all, with an L-lounge in the stern, Beam 8 ft., 6 in. an extra-long chaise lounge in front of the helm and a slightly Tube Diameter 25 in./ shorter one to port.

27 in./25 in.

With the GTP 25 tube package and ski tow, watersports are in Capacity 13 people the picture, and there’s plenty of room for toy storage under the rear Dry Weight (hull) lounge. For even more room — more toys, right? — the in-floor locker 2,440 lbs. option costs $1,193. The GTP 25 package also improves its cruising Fuel Capacity 45 gal. capability with a noise-reducing aluminum underskin and a generMax HP 200 ous 45-gallon fuel tank. The helm station features a flat panel that PERFORMANCE can hold a flush-mounted 5-inch Simrad GO5 touchscreen GPS/ Peak 41.0 mph/ fishfinder ($760).

6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 28.4 mph/ 4500 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane 2.6 sec.

Time to 30 mph 8.2 sec.

POWER Test Yamaha F150 four-stroke

Cylinders Inline 4 Displacement 2.8L Weight w/outdrive 487 lbs.

WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm

Base Price w/test power $49,633

PREFERRED SETUP

Despite being one of Godfrey’s less expensive lines, Sweetwater’s new Luxe Plus Soft Touch vinyl is, like the name implies, decidedly upscale and available for $827, with either the two-tone Caramel or Slate gray. Our test boat featured the latter, which is one of the hottest “colors” going for upholstery. It features a diamond-stitched pattern at the lumbar panel, and the Plus means the base is wicker-wrapped.

A Harbor Gray faux-teak woven vinyl deck adds a touch of nautical elegance for $800. This year, Sweetwater added four floor-mounted cupholders up front on select models, including the 2296 SFL. For easy cleanup at the end of the day, a bow washdown option comes with a coiled hose set into the kick panel, although the pump resides in the under-seat storage area just in front of the helm and eats up about half the storage in that compartment. BW

Value-Added Standard Features: Bimini top, Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo, playpen cover, stern storage w/ tip-out fender racks, Silver Easy four-step boarding ladder

Must-Have Options: Dual-axle trailer, stern safety rails and gate, heavy-duty channels, changing room, concealed washdown hose, moveable cupholders, Ottoman cooler

Builder: Godfrey Pontoons, sweetwaterboats.com Financing: $356/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Sweetwater.indd 40

1/3/19 12:50 PM

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2019 Visit scarabjetboats.com for details

JOIN THE

JETPACK From 16' to 25' and everything in-between Scarab Jet offers the most complete jet boat lineup in the industry. Be the alpha and customize yours at scarabjetboats.com.

165 ID

195 ID

215 ID

165 G

| Starting at $20,714 255 ID

195 OPEN ID

See the full line at scarabjetboats.com ©2018 Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ™ and ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of a subsidiary of Rec Boat Holdings, LLC or suppliers.

255 OPEN ID

Tested

First D rive

S C O U T 2 5 5 L X F // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Scout the Deep Blue in Style The family-friendly Scout 255 LXF fishing boat is loaded with standard features and a little thing called style.

• WHEN STEVE POTTS BUILT HIS first 14-foot creek boat in 1989, it’s doubtful he imagined that

30 years later he would build a 53-footer powered by five Yamaha 425 XTO outboards. That boat, the largest member of the LXF line, debuts this month at the Miami International Boat Show and is already selling briskly. For folks who don’t have around $2 million to spend but still have the urge to fish the deep blue, the smallest member of the Luxury Fishing Series, the Scout 255 LXF, will still get them on the fish in style.

42

UNIQUE FACTOR

I can always tell when the designers and builders of a boat actually fish, and it’s clear Potts and crew walk the piscatorial walk. But what’s also evident is Scout designers, while creating a boat hardcore anglers will love, didn’t see any reason why owners couldn’t be comfortable and exude style while wetting a hook. In some snobby circles, a “familied-up” fishing boat is heresy, but that’s only true when family features get in the way of fishing. Not the case here.

Up front are bowrider seats and a cool flip-down table, but when it’s time to get serious, the cushions and backrests can be removed and stowed. At the stern the bench seat flips flush with the transom to maximize angling real estate. Cushions are standard on the boat, but buyers can opt

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Scout.indd 42

1/3/19 12:49 PM

(Clockwise from top right) Flip-up bolsters accommodate standing or sitting. A head compartment resides within the console. Boarding ladder is recessed into the platformette.

There’s plenty of room for fish or gear in the bow. Bowrider backrests can be stowed. A wraparound windshield delivers protection.

for a new Grigio cushion upgrade ($2,723) that features a darker tan color that brings to mind a Porsche interior. Keep in mind that darker upholstery tends to heat up when the sun’s blazing.

An impressive list of standard features makes the Scout 255 LXF special. Take the hardtop. Its D-shaped tubing conforms to the shape of the console, so no toe-stubbing supports stick out on the deck. Another unusual standard feature is the windlass, which comes complete with a chromeplated plow anchor that doubles as a hood ornament when not in use. Of course, with

such standard features the price gets a little non-standard. Its MSRP is $134,099 when it’s powered by twin Yamaha F150 outboards.

PERFORMANCE

Our test boat was powered by upgraded twin Yamaha F200s. They add $9,963 to the bottom line but are worth it. According to Yamaha tests, a twin F150-powered Scout 255 LXF reached a top speed of 52 mph; the same model powered by twin F200s reached 57.9 mph. We only reached 56.7 mph during our test, but that’s still

great performance for a boat that weighs 4,300 pounds. Scout 255 LXF models feature the NuV3 hull, a variable-deadrise hull that creates a lot of lift, which helped ours get on plane in 3.4 seconds with a fair amount of bowrise. I engaged the standard Lenco trim tabs, which vastly reduced the amount of bowrise and knocked 0.2 seconds off its time to plane. With 400 hp — this boat’s max — time to 30 mph was only 7.5 seconds.

Buyers can opt for Mercury power, and Scout offers the 255 LXF with either single or twin engines. A single Yamaha F300, instead of twin F150s, will save buyers $7,224 and deliver similar performance.

A Mercury 300 V-8 (non-supercharged), instead of twin 150 FourStrokes, saves $4,265 when compared to mechanically controlled models. The proper setup BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Scout.indd 43

43

•

1/3/19 12:50 PM

depends on owner usage and philosophy.

Owners who head far offshore will like the peace of mind delivered by twin engines, but if fuel economy and sticker price matter more, a single is the way to go. I find it puzzling Scout doesn’t offer a single 350 or 400R Mercury Racing option.

SCOUT 255 LXF Length 25 ft., 6 in.

Beam 8 ft., 11 in.

Deadrise 22 degrees Capacity 11 people Dry Weight (hull) 4,300 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 132 gal.

HANDLING

Max HP 400

PERFORMANCE Peak 56.7 mph/ 6000 rpm/94 dBA Cruise 42.7 mph/ 4500 rpm/85 dBA Time to Plane 3.4 sec.

Time to 30 mph 7.5 sec.

POWER Test Twin Yamaha F200 four-strokes

Cylinders Inline 4

The back of the leaning post conceals tackle drawers and a 65-quart cooler.

Unlike most variable-deadrise hulls, the NuV3 hull grows progressively steeper as it moves outward from the keel. Potts likens the convex hull’s response to the water to being like the back of a cupped hand as opposed to the palm side down. We tested it on a blustery day on Table Rock Lake, which is an extra-large reservoir not far from Branson, Mo. We didn’t have steep seas, but there was a nasty enough chop to get a feel for the ride. The first thing I noticed as we idled out, beam-to the waves,

Displacement 2.8L Weight w/outdrive 487 lbs.

WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm

Base Price w/test power $148,446

44

Value-Added Standard Features: Hardtop, windlass w/anchor, bow cushions, flip-down lunch table, 20-gallon recirculating livewell, Igloo console cooler, bow rails, Fusion Bluetooth 4-speaker stereo

Must-Have Options: Trailer, porcelain head, Grigio cushion upgrade, hull color, Taco outriggers, Deluxe leaning post w/livewell and Yeti cooler, extra rod holders, power steering

Builder: Scout Boats, scoutboats.com Financing: $1,065/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Scout.indd 44

1/3/19 12:50 PM

OW N E R F E E D B AC K

PURCHA SED BY ED AND LORI-ANNE HARRIS, The transom seat folds up to create more room for fishing in the cockpit.

NOKOMIS, FL A. PURCH A SED AT V I AGE GROUP SA R A SO TA, SA R A SO TA, FL A.

was how stable it was. Of course, some of that had to do with its extra-wide 8-foot, 11-inch beam, but also credit its large reverse chines. I would have no qualms taking this boat to the Bahamas in appropriate weather.

As we ramped up the speed, the 21½-degree deadrise did a great job of slicing through the slop. In hard turns, the hull hooked up well and we were able to carve an impressive arc. Keeping the spray down was a generous Carolina flare at the bow, which is what we should expect from a boat built in Summerville, S.C. Also keeping us dry were the tempered glass windshield and side panes. There are gaps at the top that let in a little air, but on a really hot day, a little breeze from side vents or scoops would be nice.

BEST USES

Obviously, the Scout 255 LXF’s forte is fishing, and angling needs are handled by a standard transom livewell, five stern rod holders, four under-gunwale holders and two more on the gunwale. An optional combo cupholder/rod holder is up front ($574). Our test boat had the Deluxe leaning post ($3,679), which includes a huge livewell, four sculpted-in rod holders, dual Airmar bolster seats with armrests and a 65-quart Yeti cooler that slides out for easy use. A must-have option for the standard hardtop is the five-rod rocket launcher ($1,182). At the helm is a standard Garmin 942xs GPS/fishfinder with a B60 transducer, but buyers can go up to a 12-inch Garmin 7612XSV, for $5,297, and still have room for another display.

One feature that’s often missing on

offshore boats is something for passengers to hang onto when conditions get rough. Scout, however, installs handhold bars behind the leaning post and on the hard top; plus, the boat has flush-mounted bow rails. The extra beam on this boat leaves a wide path around the console, and the Carolina flare creates an extra-wide walkway on top of the gunwale at the bow, which makes a perfect platform for tossing a cast net. And there’s storage set into the deck deep enough for a five-gallon bucket. Under the bowrider seats are 70-quart storage compartments that drain. For the catch o’ the day, there’s a 220-quart fish box.

PREFERRED SETUP

The boat really doesn’t need any options to be ready to splash and hunt fish, but Scout does provide customization options, such as a choice of four hull colors ($2,741).

It is one of the few manufacturers that will custom paint outboards, though it’s a pricy option: for twins, Scout White costs $7,873, and custom colors cost $9,343. Mercury will upgrade its outboards to Pearl Fusion White at the factory, and it’s close to Scout’s white hull color but not an exact match.

For entertainment, the Scout 255 LXF comes standard with a Fusion stereo system and upgraded 7-inch speakers: two in the bow and another pair down-firing from the hardtop. The upgraded Deluxe system includes six JL Audio speakers, an amp and a subwoofer ($2,906). For watersports, a tall removable ski pylon costs $1,177. In the large console, which has teak flooring, a self-contained porcelain head costs $1,118, but it isn’t available without the freshwater washdown ($942). BW

W H AT W E L IK ED

Attractive styling/Excellent fit and finish/ High gunwales for security/Glassed-in helm/Porcelain head/Powerful and quiet Mercury 200 FourStrokes W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

We wish it had a lockable rod compartment, so we didn’t have to take them off the boat every time.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

We moved from Atlanta 13 years ago to the Sarasota area and fell in love with the Gulf of Mexico. Usually, we rented boats, but as Hilton (17), Audrey (20) and Payton (23) got older, we realized we wanted to maximize our time with them, so we decided to buy our first boat. At first, we looked at used boats but realized the ones we liked were still pretty close to the original sale price, so after checking out the Scouts at Viage Group we decided to order a new one. The Scout 255 LXF is a great all-purpose family boat and a serious fishing boat, though we don’t fish much. Andrew at Viage was phenomenal; it never felt like he was selling us a boat. And after the purchase, they spent a lot of time showing us how to operate it. We got invited to visit Charleston to watch our boat being built, and the facility and folks at Scout were fantastic. Our boat features a black hull and looks great with the black engines; we’ve never been envious of another boat and have never regretted buying it.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Scout.indd 45

45

•

1/3/19 12:50 PM

Tested

First Drive

UNIQUE FACTOR

R A N G E R V X 1 7 8 8 W T // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Wide Ranger The Ranger VX 1788 WT is ready to chase whatever quarry you choose.

• IT’S ALMOST CERTAIN WHOEVER coined the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” never

took a ride on the Ranger VX 1788 WT. Ranger’s newest multispecies aluminum deep-V boat is rigged and ready to go for everything from bluegill to muskie. Like ice-fishing shacks, aluminum fishing boats used to be the purview of the northern angler. Anyone who was in one was going to be baiting a hook and getting down to some serious fishing business.

While Ranger is a relative newcomer to the aluminum boat business — 2013 was the first year it produced them — its designers shared some of the fiberglass know-how they gleaned from building models such as those in the Reata line, which helped them build an aluminum model that passes the family boat test.

46

The first feature I noticed about the Ranger VX 1788 WT was its width-tolength ratio. In relation to its 18-foot, 2-inch length, its 8-foot, 6-inch beam — the same beam as a Regulator 26 center console — translates to a surprising amount of interior space. That 102-inch beam provides plenty of room to walk between the twin Air Ride helm seats and creates more room on the front casting deck, which includes a filler sectional that maximizes its square footage. To make the bow a non-stumble zone, a hatch holds a foot pedal for the standard Minn Kota 70PD trolling motor. The pedal can be stored neatly away, and during use it perches atop the closed lid.

Normally Ranger isn’t shy about charging for its boats, as evidenced by the near six figures buyers can spend on a top-of-theline Z521L, if they select enough options.

In contrast, the Ranger VX 1788 WT is aggressively priced to compete with more established aluminum brands. With the largest engine available, the Mercury ProXS 175, and a standard dual-axle trailer, the

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Ranger.indd 46

1/3/19 12:47 PM

total comes to $38,345. Compare that to the similarly equipped Lund Tyee 1800 — 1 inch shorter and 5½-inches narrower — which costs $44,017, and the Ranger looks even better.

Ranger offers six hull color choices at no extra charge, and its pedestal and jumpseats are quite upscale, which runs counter to the trend on less expensive boats. Ranger’s in-house craftswomen — there were zero men fabricating the seats during my last visit a few years ago — make sure the upholstery stands out.

PERFORMANCE

The least expensive iteration of the Ranger VX 1788 costs $36,095 when powered by Mercury’s inline four-cylinder 3.0L 150 FourStroke, an engine that should push the boat well. Ranger is owned by Bass Pro Shops, whose boats have been equipped solely with Mercury engines for decades, but Ranger will rig the VX 1788 with Yamaha and Evinrude outboards. An upgrade to Mercury’s new 3.4L V-6 175 Pro XS fourstroke is totally worth the $2,300 price bump, and not just for the added 25 hp. The new-gen outboard features a service hatch on top that allows owners to check and add

The VX 1788 carved impressive turns in either direction. oil without removing the cowling. Its deep growl at startup is extra gravy.

The VX 1788 launched like a frightened rabbit and got on plane in just 2 seconds with minimal bowrise. It blazed to 30 mph in 6 seconds flat and reached a sporty top speed of 50.8 mph, which on an 18-footer feels a heck of a lot faster.

(Clockwise from top) Removable front cushions form bowrider seats. Fiberglass helm holds big-screen electronics. Flip-up stern jumpseats boost seating capacity to six. Under-gunwale rod lockers are lockable.

Optional ski tow pylon adds watersports readiness. Cockpit pedestal seats can be moved forward for fishing.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Ranger.indd 47

•

47

1/4/19 7:32 AM

HANDLING RANGER VX 1788 WT Length 18 ft., 2 in.

Beam 8 ft., 6 in.

Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity 6 people Dry Weight (hull) 1,950 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 40 gal.

Max HP 175

PERFORMANCE Peak 50.8 mph/ 6000 rpm/92 dBA Cruise 33.2 mph/ 4000 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane 2.0 sec.

Time to 30 mph 6.0 sec.

POWER Test Mercury Pro XS 175 HP

Fishing options include a centerline rod-storage compartment and a pedal for the Minn Kota trolling motor. Passengers can keep their phone full of juice at charging stations near the captain and companion’s feet.

The Ranger VX 1788 features a deep-V hull that has 20 degrees of deadrise, which is a lot for a sub-20footer. This is mitigated by its substantial 1,950-pound weight — the aforementioned Lund weighs just 1,400 pounds — and its wide beam. We tested the Ranger on a rough day on Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Mo., and found it handled the chop really well, even at top speed. Its wide beam allowed it to cruise slowly through the waves and easily stay on plane at less than 20 mph, which is a handy trick when someone flips the toggle switch on the wind. This Florida boy greatly appreciated the tall walkthrough (the WT in the boat’s name) windshield

Cylinders V-6 Displacement 3.4L Weight w/outdrive 470 lbs.

WOT Range 5400-6000 rpm

Base Price w/test power $38,345

48

Value-Added Standard Features: Minn Kota trolling motor, dual-axle Ranger Trail trailer, Lowrance Hook-2, hydraulic steering, Dual-Pro battery charger , boarding ladder

Must-Have Options: Bowrider cushions, snap-in carpeting, ski tow pylon, stand-up top, curtain set w/windshield connector, GPS trolling motor, barrel seat upgrade

Builder: Bass Pro Shops/Ranger Boats, rangerboats.com Financing: $275/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Ranger.indd 48

1/3/19 12:47 PM

OW N E R F E E D B AC K

Easy-to-fold seatbacks convert from backrests to casting deck in seconds, and a 20-gallon livewell resides between the seats.

P U R C H A S E D B Y M I C H A E L A N D L O R R I K E N N Y, CORCOR AN, MINN.

on a chilly morning, because it ate all the spray our boat collected and cut the chilly air nicely. With a bit of inward lean, the VX 1788 carved impressive turns in either direction.

BEST USES

Designed to be a multispecies fishing boat, the Ranger VX 1788 WT has four rod-storage areas that have tubes to protect delicate rod tips. In the centerline bow compartment is storage for up to six 7-and-a-half-foot-long rods. Under the portside gunwale is a lockable rod locker for three 8-and-a-half-footlong rods. And in the bow, on both sides, are under-gunwale rod racks that bring the total storage capability to 13 rods.

On top of the gunwales is a Bert’scompatible track system that allows owners to add accessories such as rigging tables, downriggers and extra rod holders. Such capability comes in handy trolling a spread for striper and walleye or spraying some buckshot for panfish with a dozen rods deployed. The seven-gallon baitwell set into the foredeck in front of the helm can hold dozens of golden shiners or can be used to hold crappie. The 20-gallon stern livewell can hold extra-long fish such as pike or musky, and it can be divided, so bass tournament anglers can segregate potential culls.

The Ranger VX 1788 WT also has a playful side. A standard two-speaker Infinity Bluetooth stereo system facilitates entertainment, and a receiver for an optional ski tow pylon ($570) enables watersports. As on most aluminum fishing boats, the boarding ladder is sort of an afterthought, made primarily for anglers who lean a little too far over the gunwale to land a fish. For folks who ski, it would be nice to have a four-step

ladder option with grabrails.

PREFERRED SETUP

A buyer’s biggest decision on the Ranger VX 1788 is whether to get it with a full walkthrough windshield or a dual-console with two smaller Plexiglas windscreens (VX 1788 DC). To me it’s a no-brainer. The WT costs $700 more but comes with a curtain set with a windshield connector ($899) that will allow the crew to fish comfortably in rainy or chilly weather. For boaters up north, this adds months to an all-too-short boating season.

The boat includes four pedestal seat receivers, and twin jumpseats at the stern flip down to help form a large aft casting platform. The cockpit deck is clad in vinyl, and the fore and aft decks are covered in carpet, but buyers can make all surfaces vinyl if they choose, for $222. Alternatively, snap-in carpeting costs $475. Up front, bowriding seatbacks are already in place, so the corresponding cushions for the deck ($378) are a must-have.

For fishing, the Ranger VX 1788 WT’s all-fiberglass helm comes standard with a Lowrance Hook-2 5-inch fishfinder, but buyers can boost their angling prowess with a Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE for $3,300, or any size screen in between. At the bow, a fiberglass panel is ready to accept another 12-inch fishfinder/GPS. And for the ultimate in no-anchor fishing, upgrading the trolling motor to a Minn Kota 80 Terrova with iPilot Link ($1,763) is a must. It interfaces with the boat’s GPS and comes with a key fob–like device the operator can use to control it and make it perform functions such as Spot Lock, which keeps the boat hovered over a hot fishing spot. BW

PURCH A SED AT FR A NK IE’S L I V E BA I T & M A R I N E , C H I S A G O C I T Y, M I N N .

W H AT W E L IK ED

Durable aluminum hull/Full windshield/ Powerful Evinrude E-TEC 150/Abundance of storage/Ranger Trail trailer W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

I wish the livewells had timers; they are either on or off. Plus, we added a screen to prevent minnows from escaping through the outflow.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

We had a fiberglass Ranger 681 for 20 years and loved it. When it was time for a new boat, I saw Ranger had started building aluminum boats, which are better for the rocky shorelines we have in Minnesota and Canada. My wife, Lorri, isn’t quite as avid an angler as I am, but she likes to go out with me on the local lakes near Minneapolis with our son Kenny and grandson, Liam, who is four and just getting into fishing. We plan on taking him tubing also. I am really picky about my boats and the Ranger is perfect for what we do. We took it to the Missouri River in South Dakota and got into 4-footers and it handled the conditions well. I like to fish for anything that’s biting — walleye, crappie and even carp — but most of our time is spent casting for bass. Frankie’s has been fantastic.

Todd and Frankie are great; they gave me a $12,000 trade-in on my mint-condition, 20-year-old boat.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW Ranger.indd 49

49

•

1/3/19 12:47 PM

>

The ubiquitous bowrider is one of the most popular types of pleasureboats on Earth — and for good reason.

BY LENNY RUDOW

Many of you reading this right now grew up with a bowrider in the family, or maybe you own one right now. Through the years, many folks have fallen in love with bowriders.

But there are still a lot of folks out there who are wondering just what defines a bowrider. Is the design really as versatile as it seems? What changes have taken place in the world of bowriders? What, perhaps most importantly, should one look for in a new bowrider?

Get to Know

BOWRIDERS

Yamaha SX190

50

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW feature bowriders.indd 50

1/4/19 9:32 AM

PUMP IT UP!

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW feature bowriders.indd 51

51

•

1/4/19 9:32 AM

GE T T O K N O W BO W R I DE R S

WHAT THEY ARE JUST AS THE NAME PORTENDS, a bowrider can be defined fairly simply as a boat with an open bow that features seating forward. But truth be told, there’s more than meets the eye. Bowriders as a rule also have comfortable seating aft, enough power for some degree of watersports, tow points to accommodate tubers and boarders, and a split windshield design that provides protection for the driver and the passengers.

Sizewise, bowriders usually start at about 16 feet and range up to 35 feet, give or take a couple of feet. True, a handful of larger boats have forward bow cockpits, but these models often have cabins in the side consoles and betray many of the other defining features that truly make a boat a bowrider.

Intended for short jaunts on the water, bowriders are dayboats, not really meant for overnight cruising. They tend to be one of the more affordable varieties of pleasurecraft, and many models can be purchased for the price of a new car. And they’re usually easy for an average boater to handle, without extended training or deep mechanical knowledge. In short, they’re an everyman’s boat — the ideal runabout for an average middle-class American family that loves the water.

WHAT THEY’RE NOT As with any genre of boat, there are naturally some downsides to the bowrider design. Perhaps foremost, as mentioned, they aren’t ideal for overnight trips, much less extended cruising. That’s not to say that plenty of boaters won’t stow sleeping bags and a portable stove aboard and enjoy some waterborne camping now and again. But anyone who wants a boat with comfortable sleeping accommodations is best served by looking at other boat designs. Another area in which bowriders are commonly a bit lacking is weather protection. True, many come with a Bimini top than can be erected in a downpour, and their windshields do provide some cover when the spray starts flying, but they are essentially fair-weather boats, intended for use mostly in pleasant conditions.

Many manufacturers have begun to offer outboard versions of their bowriders along with the sterndrive models.

The Glastron GTD200 is an example of a bowriding deckboat with a mix of standard features, including bow seating, and newer features such as an outboard, a boarding ladder on the swim platform’s corner and a tow pole.

WHAT THEY’RE BECOMING G o tta S h ow

Bowriders have been around for about as long as there have been recreational powerboats, but we have seen some major design changes and new trends in recent years. Most apparent is a shift away from sterndrive power and toward outboard engines. Yes, there are certainly still countless sterndrive options on the market, but sterndrives used to rule the bowrider market almost exclusively. In the past five years, however, many manufacturers have begun to offer outboard versions of their bowriders along with the sterndrive models.

The reason for the growing popularity of outboards on bowriders is twofold. First, modern outboards are far more reliable, quieter and cleaner-burning than old-tech outboards. Second, a pricing advantage that sterndrives used to enjoy was eliminated by EPA mandates that require a catalytic converter and onboard diagnostic systems in sterndrive boats.

52

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW feature bowriders.indd 52

Many people still prefer sterndrives thanks to their automotive-like familiarity, and some would argue that the weight distribution they provide in a boat enhances its seakeeping abilities, but the near-complete sterndrive dominance in the bowrider market has passed.

G o t ta Go

Another major change in recent years is the addition of an enclosed

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/4/19 9:32 AM

head compartment. Such an amenity used to be reserved for large models only or for different designs, such as cuddy cabins or center consoles, whose layout could easily accommodate a portable head in an already-present enclosure. Today, however, boats as small as 20-footers have a head compartment, and few bowriders larger than 23 feet fail to offer one. The secret?

Designers have increased the size of the passenger-side console

and integrated swing-open doors that include a significant portion of the console itself, allowing for easier entry into relatively tight compartments. While it’s true the head compartment on smaller boats can be a bit cramped, simply having one is a make-or-break feature for many families.

G o tta Tow

Finally, today’s bowriders have adapted to become much more

competent towing platforms for a number of different watersports.

Volvo Penta’s development of Forward Drive, which shifts the propeller on a sterndrive from behind the transom to under the boat’s hull, makes it possible to safely enjoy wakesurfing behind a bowrider. Meanwhile, popup tow bits and arches with elevated tow points have become common, allowing for better wakeboarding and waterskiing.

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW feature bowriders.indd 53

53

•

1/4/19 9:32 AM

GE T T O K N O W BO W R I DE R S

COOL FACTOR OK, SO WHAT SHOULD A buyer look for in a new bowrider?

Naturally, solid construction, performance that meets one’s tastes, sufficient size and a good warranty are basic concerns that need to be met. Beyond that, however, we’ve seen some knock-our-socks-off features in the past few years that can provide a serious boost to a family’s boating fun-factor. These five stand out.

1.

Bow boarding ladders.

Historically bowriders were entered from the stern swim platform only, and during a beaching, usually passengers had to wade through hip-deep water to get on and off the boat. Many of today’s models, however, have bow boarding ladders hidden under a hatch. Some savvy designs even incorporate a bow boarding ladder into an anchor locker. Everyone can get to and from the beach without taking a dip.

Stingray’s 234LR (above) is an outboard-powered bowrider with sundeck swim pods around the outboard. Its 225LR’s bow (top right) is relaxation-ready.

The Monterey 204FS (below) includes a spacious padded swim platform and a bow boarding ladder.

2.

Convertible aft-facing lounges.

Old bowrider models generally had forward-facing aft seating affixed to the transom. It’s a feature we still see a lot on modern models, especially smaller ones, but some inventive designers have developed seating arrangements in the rear that can be converted to face out the back of the boat. (Note: Most such arrangements are for use while the boat is at rest; they are generally not for use while underway.) This is a perk popular with parents, since it allows mom and dad to kick back, relax and keep an eye on kids playing in the water, when the boat is beached or at anchor.

54

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+BW feature bowriders.indd 54

3.

Swim platforms that extend back beyond the outboard.

Once upon a time sterndrives enjoyed a major advantage in that they allowed swim platforms to be broad and stretch across the beam.

Truth be told, sterndrive swim platforms are still roomier than those on outboard models. Today, however, designers have pushed the platforms back to extend along either side of the outboard. And

in a nod to ingenuity, they often mount boarding ladders on the corner of the platform instead of on the back, which keeps swimmers’ feet and legs away from the outdrive as they climb in and out of the boat.

4.

Foam padding — everywhere.

A few years ago some manufacturers began putting foam padding on the swim platform. More recently,

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/4/19 9:32 AM

Abundant seating from bow to stern, including an aft-facing lounge, makes the Cobalt R7 a dayboating platform, and an enclosed head compartment means the party can stay on the water longer.

A head compartment is a make-or-break feature for some families.

some of them have covered the deck with it, from stem to stern. Foam padding is much more comfortable to walk or kneel on than nonskid fiberglass, and it compares favorably to marine carpet for comfort. Its longevity is also comparable to carpet, and cleaning up spills and messes is easier. Multiple colors and textures allow it to mimic the look of teak, and manufacturers can create other customized patterns that are attractive to the eye.

5.

Electronic integration.

The boat’s systems and the helm station can communicate, much like on larger vessels. This can be more or less advanced in nature and can drive up the cost of a boat, but the more integrated and advanced a bowrider is, the more likely owners are to love it. Digital switching systems, for example, allow the captain to turn on the running lights, the freshwater

shower, the stereo system, or just about anything aboard with a swipe of a finger on an LCD display at the dash. And when the MFD and the engine can talk to each other, all kinds of possibilities become available. Operators can pre-set acceleration curves for watersports, employ features such as cruise control and fine-tune performance to make the ideal wake for each individual in the family. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW feature bowriders.indd 55

55

•

1/4/19 9:32 AM

Finding the right loan for a boat purchase doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require some research and guidance.

56

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW feature Finance.indd 56

1/3/19 12:44 PM

BOAT FINANCING

BY T O M SER IO

ou spot her across the dock at a boat show or in a brokerage listing in the back of a magazine or in a showroom.

Just what you have been looking for. The right style with all the right features. It’s your next love. A new boat, or a new-to-you used boat. The only thing standing between you and seeing this beauty in your slip or garage is a little bit of coin.

Before you let delusions of grandeur dance through your head and convince you to buy it, let’s get grounded for a minute to cover some basic and not-so-basic ideas and options.

If you plan to pay for a new boat in cash — cold, hard, greenbacks in a brown bag — then you really don’t have to read any further. Cash is king, but not everyone — probably most people — has that kind of lettuce lying around or stuffed in the mattress.

If you don’t, then read on.

I AM WORTHY To start, you need to show you are worthy, as in creditworthy. Banks and financial institutions are out of the business of doling out loans to whoever walks through the door. You need to show and prove your creditworthiness. And that begins with a self-exam (not that kind) of your credit prowess.

Get your hands on two things: your credit score (FICO score) and credit report. A credit score is fairly easy to obtain. Several credit

BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW feature Finance.indd 57

57

•

1/3/19 12:44 PM

BOAT FINANCING BASICS cards, including American Express and Discover (depending on type/level), offer monthly credit scores. Using the monthly statements or checking directly online, you can keep tabs on your score, monitor trends and see what others see. Credit scores of 800 and above are considered excellent, 740-799 is very good, 670-739 is good, and any score below 669 is not good or poor, its holder likely not a good credit candidate.

A credit score is a summary of information on a credit report in a single number that lenders can use. It’s the credit report that has the details to create the number, and it should be reviewed periodically for errors, omissions or corrections. A free credit report can be requested from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at least once annually, through a website such as annualcreditreport.com.

“Be aware of the reality of credit and credit history” said Julio Santana of Trident Funding Corp. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., adding that not all credit history is accurate, so check yours carefully and dispute errors. “Credit also takes into consideration your disposable income after issuing a loan. Boat costs after purchase include regular operations, maintenance and repairs.”

BANK ON IT Many financial institutions offer boat loans and other financial products. Local or regional banks usually have loan offers, as do national banks. Buyers need to check out the possibilities as far as rates and loan terms, and be aware that not all banks offer boat loans. Bank of America stated it does not offer boat loans at this time, but Wells Fargo does, so conduct due diligence.

Compare banks, as some will be more aggressive with rates than others. Some institutions — if you get a boat loan with a bank you already deal with, say one that is already carrying your mortgage or savings — may shave a small percent or fraction of a percent off the top. Any discount is money back in your pocket.

Credit union members should check there too. Typically, loans from credit unions have better rates, since they don’t have a lot of the overhead big banks carry.

Other institutions may be open to boat loans, such as financial services companies like Fidelity. It’s also possible, with a little research, to leverage a loan against a 401(k) account or other retirement vehicle, although many accountants and financially savvy folks will or should tell you not to risk retirement savings.

Don’t be surprised but there are additional costs to a boat loan.

HOME SWEET HOME Consider the equity tied up in your home. A home equity loan or line of credit can put the value of your home to use. A home equity loan (HEL) is just that, a loan against the free/available value of 58

your home (a secured loan).

Once tapped, the value of the home can’t be used for other loans or purchases. But it may be the difference between sitting in the backyard all summer or hitting the water.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a credit amount that is available based on the free value of your home, but it’s not used all at once. It allows you to secure an amount that may be needed, or used for the initial purchase of a boat, and then used for other items at a later date, such as electronics.

The beauty is that you’re not paying anything back or accumulating interest on the unused amount.

MIND THE TERMS A key consideration when you purchase a boat is to have an idea of how long you will keep it. Why opt for a 20-year loan when the plan is to keep the boat for five years?

Understand that the rates will likely vary depending on the length of the loan.

“Boat ownership is three to four years; that’s the norm,” Santana said. “Twenty-year loans are around 4.75 percent, pushing 4.99 percent.” In March 2018, a three-year fixed loan was about 3.99 percent.

FIXED? VARIABLE? A simple-interest loan, one with a fixed rate and fixed term, is the most common and easiest to manage. There’s a fixed amount due every pay period over the life of the loan.

Variable-rate loans usually have a combination of fixed plus variable or changing rates after a certain amount of time.

With the trend of interest rates

rising since 2017 and into 2018, a variable-rate loan may not be attractive. They work best as interest rates are trending downward.

NEW VS. USED When it comes to boats, or at least the loan-to-value ratio of a boat, new is different than used. New boats have a higher inherent value and a longer life span and therefore can command lower rates, longer term periods or larger loan amounts. Also, lenders can retrieve their value out of the boat, either via the borrower or by selling it in case of a fore­ closure or other reasons.

Older craft have lost value or depreciated over the years and are a higher risk to lenders.

Banks may charge higher rates,

FEBRUARY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW feature Finance.indd 58

1/3/19 12:44 PM

get from your lender IRS Form 1098, which reports interest paid on your loan. Check at the state level for any possible deductions.

FRIENDS OUT THERE

have shorter terms and/or require a larger down payment to alleviate some of the risk.

COSTS & FEES Don’t be surprised but there are additional costs to a boat loan, just like most other loans.

Consider sales tax — or no tax, depending where the purchase is made and where you live (consult your accountant or attorney, or both, on this). Bank fees are a distinct possibility, and title and registration costs are a near certainty.

(Remember, if you’re financing the boat, the bank owns it and will be listed on the title until cleared). Don’t forget about a solid, comprehensive insurance policy, and if the boat doesn’t come with a trailer, you’ll need to get one.

When it comes TAX MAN If you own a home, a boat to boats, or may qualify as a second home, at least the where the loan interest may be from federal income loan-to-value deducted taxes. Typically, a boat has to ratio of a boat, have a galley, a head/toilet and sleeping quarters. A general new is different rule is that if you can live on it, you probably can write off the than used. interest. But tread carefully

TO THE WEB BoatBanker.com (Sterling Associates) BoatUS.org EssexCredit.com MarineLenders.org/category/lenders (NMLA) SterlingAcceptance.com TridentFunding.com

here and make sure your accountant guides you through this potential tax advantage.

With the recent tax changes in 2017 and changes to deduction amounts, your floating palace may not qualify, especially if you are using a home equity loan.

People will have their own interpretation of the new tax code changes, so check with a qualified accountant to see if you qualify. And make sure you

Several organizations have websites that can help buyers get educated on the process of boat buying and financing.

BoatUS has a detailed website that has a section on boat loans, including a Boat Loan Calculator. Simply enter the length of the loan (number of years), the interest rate and the amount, and the calculator will spit out the monthly payment. While it’s for educational purposes and shouldn’t be considered the final word, it’s a great tool for planning.

Another organization with a helpful website is the National Marine Lenders Association.

Created for marine lenders, NMLA offers education on marine finance procedures, promotes the extension of credit to consumers and keeps the pulse of the market. Its website includes a section for financing options for boat buyers. Additionally, it offers information about boat surveys, titles, registrations and vessel documentation. It’s like getting an inside scoop.

LAST THOUGHTS One last bit of advice, emphasized by Santana, is to make sure you fill out all loan paperwork completely and accurately. “It’s the only way for the bank to know who you are,” he said, “and don’t let them guess if information is missing.”

He stressed how important it is to give the financial institution all the information it needs to make a decision. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019

+BW feature Finance.indd 59

59

•

1/3/19 12:44 PM

BWSubInfoFP.qxp_Layout 1 1/3/19 2:26 PM Page 1

Subscription/Renewals

Renew Your Subscription Go to: boatingworld.com/renew Enter your 8 digit order number* located on your mailing label to renew your subscription.

8 digit order number can be found on * Your the mailing label #1234 5678 1234#

NOV 2018

RECIPIENTS NAME STREET ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX CITY, STATE ABBREVIATION, ZIP+4

12345678

New Subscription Subscribing to Boating World is easy.

Simply go online: boatingworld.com/BW219

2 Years, 18 issues for only $10!

!

Or you can just mail the coupon below and we’ll get your subscription activated ASAP!

OFFICIAL SAVINGS COUPON 2 Years for Only

$

10

Our Best Offer!

55¢

an issue

Enter my 2-year subscription (18 issues) to Boating World Magazine at the low rate of just $10.

Name Address

Mail Subscription Coupon to:

Boating World P.O. Box 25859 Santa Ana, CA 92799-9907 Offer good in U.S. and Canada only. Canadian orders $40 (includes postage): U.S. funds only.

City, State, ZIP E-mail (You’ll receive our digital edition and newsletter FREE!)

BW219

Check enclosed (Do not send cash)

Bill me later

Splendor 1-2h4c.qxp_Layout 1 5/3/18 3:35 PM Page 1

Splendor: 239 SunStar

Splendor Boats 239 SunStar, the outboard configuration of their ever popular 240 SunStar is sleek and stylish and just as capable as its sterndrive counterpart. Offering a large deck space with a capacity for up to 12 adults, an oversized head compartment complete with a standard portable toilet and custom installed options of your choice, the 239 SunStar offers all of the essentials needed for a day of fun on the water, but that’s just the start. So, what makes this boat different from the rest? How about the full planning catamaran hull that offers a very stable, smooth ride and only drafts 12" of water. Pair those features with the 239 SunStar’s standard 225 horsepower Suzuki outboard and you have a combination of class and power that no one can compete with.

www.splendorboats.com│260.352.2835│Silver Lake, Indiana

NEW!

COMPACT BLUETOOTH

MARINE STEREO CP6 The New CP6 Marine Stereo...

Connecting you to the perfect onboard sound.

Find out more online...

WWW.AQUATICAV.COM/MARINE

DSP EQ AM/FM RADIO

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 61

AM/FM RADIO

DSP EQ

288W

POWER FEBRUARY 2019

BOATINGWORLD.COM

61

•

1/3/19 12:43 PM

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

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

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

HAS YOUR DOG

Enter your pooch in our Salty Dog of the Month contest.

Email your pet’s photo, name, your name, address and phone number to editor@ boatingworld.com, or snail mail to:

marketplace

ENTER YOUR DOG NOW

Boating World Salty Dog Contest 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley CA 92708

Your pet could win a cool PFD.

WIN

THIS

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 ............................................................................................CV4 Barletta Boat Company (574) 825-8900 ........................................................................... 17 Crownline Boats (618) 937-6426 ....................................................................................... 6-7 Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab (231) 775-1351...................................................... 35, 37, 45 Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381 ............................................................................................31 Harris (260) 432-4555.............................................................................................................15 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381 ...........................................................................................21 Manitou Pontoon Boats (517) 322-3822 ............................................................................ 23 Princecraft Boats Inc. (800) 395-8858 ...............................................................................19 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873 ...........................................................5, 13, 62 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835 ...........................................................................................61 Stingray (843) 383-4507 ......................................................................................................... 3 Yamaha WaterCraft (800) 962-7926 .................................................................................... 1 ENGINES GM Marine...............................................................................................................................CV3 GEAR & ACCESSORIES Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697 ......................................................................62 Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567 ...............................................................................63 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 ...................................... 33 SERVICES 1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737 .................................................................................CV2 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 .................................................................................................62 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846 ...................................................................................... 27 Water Sports Foundation (407) 833-0383....................................................................... 25

62

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 62

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 12:43 PM

SUPER COUPON

FREE

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com SUPER COUPON

WITH

26" x 22" SINGLE BANK ROLLER CABINET 9,800 CU.IN.

STORAGE CAPACITY

10,000 CU.IN.

1,000 LBS.

WEIGHT CAPACITY

1,300 LBS.

26-5/8"

WIDTH

26"

22"

DEPTH

20"

40-1/2"

HEIGHT

37"

8

DRAWER COUNT

8

RED

ITEM 64163 64162 shown BLUE

ITEM 64434 64433

DRAWER DETENTS

YES

PRE-CUT DRAWER LINERS

YES

YES

LOCKING SWIVEL CASTERS

YES

YES

AVAILABLE TOP CHEST

YES

BALL BEARING SLIDES

YES

174 LBS.

WEIGHT

183 LBS.

ITEM 64432 64431

YOUR CHOIRCE OF COLO

299 99

$

SAVE 1,425 $

PRICE

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

YES

1,665

* Snap-on KRA4008FPBO stated specs

339

$289

SAVE $1,609

• Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI

99

HONDA $

1,899

MODEL: EB4000

$

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

$

229 SAVE $ 79

MODEL: C201H

NOW

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET Customer Rating

NOW

$79

SAVE $ 70

$

COMPARE TO

TEQ $

14999

MODEL: T830018Z

99

20"

NOW

$5 99

COMPARE TO

97

99

BLUE HAWK $ 99

19

MODEL: 77280

ITEM 64264/64266/64879/64881 61282/62326/61253 shown

SAVE 70%

8

$ 99

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

*66225225 * 66225225

*66227926 * 66227926

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

SUPER COUPON

2399

COMPARE TO

GOODYEAR

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

7" VARIABLE SPEED 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. POLISHER/SANDER RATCHETING TIE DOWNS

Customer Rating

• 400 lb. working load

$32

$

SAVE $ 99 58% 38

30

MODEL: 12865

$

COMPARE TO

89

GENESIS ITEM 61939/62884/62890 shown

$

7999

SAVE 87%

MODEL: GSP1711

ITEM 62861/92623/69474/60626 shown

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER AND ENGINE STARTER

$699

99

SAVE 35%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOW

NOW

$1 999

$

1199

COMPARE TO

ATE TOOLS

$

5488

MODEL: 33079

ITEM 63094/90984/60405/63056/63057/63150/61524 shown

COMPARE TO

59

9 $299

SAVE 50%

SCHUMACHER $ 99 MODEL: SE-1250 ITEM 60581/3418/60653 shown ELECTRIC

*66233281 * 66233281

*66235524 * 66235524

*66237393 * 66237393

LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER

18" WORKING PLATFORM AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER KIT Customer Rating STEP STOOL

• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle

Customer Rating

NOW

COMPARE TO

$

NOW

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

44 SAVE $94 BRIGGS & $ STRATTON MODEL: 20600 ITEM 63255/63254 shown

174

GPL

$

51

45

MODEL: H-21

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

$1 9

SAVE 61%

$

SUPER COUPON

18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY

Customer Rating

NOW

• 1000 lb. capacity

99 $1 69

• 350 lb. capacity

9 $799

9999

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

99

21499

COMPARE TO

GRACO $

299

2999

MODEL: 262800

SAVE $ 129

ITEM 62915/60600 shown

SAVE 54%

COMPARE TO

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 65

17

MODEL: HDFDOLLY

NOW

$

9 1099 $7

*66237671 * 66237671

*66238106 * 66238106

*66241766 * 66241766

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

Customer Rating

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER 1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK

SAVE 65% PERFORMAX $ 99

SUPER COUPON

$

14

99

ITEM 69645/95578/60625 shown

NOW

$9

99

SUPER COUPON

3 PIECE TITANIUM HIGH SPEED STEEL STEP BITS • Drill 28 hole sizes from 1/8" to 3/4"

Customer Rating

• Height range: 12-1/2" to 24"

SAVE 60%

NOW

SAVE 85%

99

IRWIN $ 98

99

$1 7

COMPARE TO

REESE $ 99

45

MODEL: 74410

$

25

ITEM 69780/41005 shown

Customer Rating

NOW

$8

COMPARE TO

59

$

MODEL: 15504PKSM

99

12

99

ITEM 69087/60379/91616 shown

SUPER COUPON

MECHANIC'S GLOVES Customer Rating

5

$ 99 COMPARE TO

VALEO $ 02

11

MODEL: 25521

NOW

$499

SAVE 54%

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown

*66242323 * 66242323

*66243348 * 66243348

*66248244 * 66248244

*66248305 * 66248305

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/25/19.

hft_boatingworld_0219_M-REG162503.indd 1

9

ITEM 63098/60497/61899/63095/63096/63097/93888 shown

*66237664 * 66237664 SUPER COUPON

5299

NOW

*66230620 * 66230620 SUPER COUPON

28

99

ITEM 61454/69091 62803/63635/67847 shown

NOW

MODEL: 2411-1

SUPER COUPON

*66224500 * 66224500

3/8" x 50 FT. INDUSTRIAL GRADE RUBBER AIR HOSE

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

*66221823 * 66221823

Customer Rating

$

17499

$1 49

SUPER COUPON

$

*66217756 * 66217756

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/25/19.

21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI RAPID PUMP® 3 TON STEEL VERTICAL OIL-LUBE HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE AIR COMPRESSOR FLOOR JACK • Weighs 73 lbs.

COMPARE TO

ITEM 63080/69729/63079 shown ITEM 63089/63090, CALIFORNIA ONLY

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

Customer Rating

• 10 hour run time

99

16

20% OFF

MODEL: MT-1210

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 5/25/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

PROSKIT $ 72

*66219966 * 66219966

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

SUPER COUPON

$

ITEM 98025/30756/63604 63758/63759/69096/90899 shown

Snap-on KRA4008FPBO

$

4000 MAX. STARTING/ 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATOR Wheel kit sold separately.

PURCHASE

COMPARE TO

*66221678 * 66221678

NOW

ANY

• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included

YES

YES

BLACK

99 $239

Snap-on*

BEATS

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

12/26/18 10:15 AM

Reader Contest

Rick Martin illustration

Name the Boat

SPONSORED BY

See the winning entry and the best of the rest from the November/December contest on page 10.

Legend has it the mystery wakeboarder developed a trick so revolutionary that nobody saw it coming. Send us your name for our boat. If it wins, we will give you a Theory kneeboard and Proline EVA rope combo, valued at $330, from Connelly, and your name will appear in the April 2019 issue of Boating World.

Win This!

YOURS FREE

64

FEBRUARY 2019

•

+ BW NTB2.indd 64

The first person to submit the best boat name will receive a Theory kneeboard and a Proline EVA wake/ski/kneeboard rope combo, valued at $330, from Connelly (connellyskis.com).

How to enter: We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the April 2018 issue. Submissions are due by February 15.

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

A plush kneepad and padded Velcro strap provide

include your full name, address and phone number, along with

a comfortable ride on the sleek Theory board, and

your entry. Duncan McIntosh Co. and Connelly employees and

a front handle hook makes it easy for newbies to

their families are prohibited from entering. Prizewinners are

start. The Proline rope combo has a soft EVA grip

responsible for any applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and

on a floating handle and 75 feet of poly-e rope.

the editor are final.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

1/3/19 2:04 PM

T:9” S:8.25”

When power meets maneuverability, it’s a beautiful thing.

Volvo Penta V8-380 with Forward Drive

©2018 General Motors. All rights reserved. The marks appearing in this ad are the trademarks or service marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

T:10.875”

S:10.125”

Innovations from Volvo Penta and GM Marine Engine Technology come together to bring excitement to your water-sport action. Engineering breakthroughs such as Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing can optimize efficiency and maximize overall performance — helping to provide maximum thrills every time your family hits the water.

Learn more about our marine partnership at gmmarinepower.com.

GREAT

STORIES BEGIN WITH A

989.681.4300 | QWESTPONTOONS.COM | FIND US @ QWEST PONTOONS

| APEX MARINE, INC. | 300 WOODSIDE DR., ST. LOUIS, MI 48880