January 2017 – Boating World Magazine

BOATING WORLD • JANUARY 2017 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1

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

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

®

BOATS GALORE!

OUR BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE 2017 INCLUDES 25 BOAT REPORTS AND 15 PAGES OF GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND — YES — MORE BOATS

$5.00 USA and Canada

JANUARY 2017 boatingworld.com

+BW OFC2.indd 2

12/7/16 1:45 PM

sylvanmarine.com I 866-766-9698

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

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

EXCLUSIVELY FROM SYLVAN.

THRILL RIDE.

Redefining style on the water.

T H E A L L- N E W H D S E R I E S F R O M F O U R W I N N S

H

S

E

R

I

E

S

January 1 – March 31, 2017

By combining our 40+ years of boat building experience, the HD line is the culmination of stability, cockpit space, luxurious seating, and cavernous storage. A class defying boat that sets new standards of quality and innovation. Redefine your expectations with the all new HD line from Four Winns.

Power is choice All HD models can be equipped with either stern drive or outboard power.

HD 220

Life should be a beautiful ride.

HD 240

©2016, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifi es trademarks of Four Winns, LLC or suppliers.

HD 270

FOURWINNS.COM

contents

JA N UA RY 2017

pg. 42

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXVIII NUMBER 1

departments

pg. 56

Editor’s Letter Getting around p. 4

Currents Bits from the boating world p. 6

Watersports Choose a wakeboard p. 12

pg. 53

BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE 2017 Check out 25 pages of boat reports and 15+ pages of gear, accessories and more boats. p. 40

Trailering Year-round trailer maintenance p. 18 Fishing 8 tips for safer fishing p. 20

Engines Honda BF100 p. 24

pg. 71

DIY Install vinyl boat name lettering p. 28 pg. 70

Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 30

Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make p. 36

Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics p. 38 Contest: Name the Boat Win a $350 boat care package from Bel-Ray p. 92

pg. 55

2

•

pg. 59

JANUARY 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW TOC2.indd 2

12/7/16 8:42 AM

editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Extreme Boating A

S I HIT THE THROTTLE on the last test of our three roundups of the year, I was catapulted to 30 mph in 1.5 seconds, which is a sensation not many people — maybe human cannonballs — will ever experience. I was aboard Yamaha’s newest WaveRunner, the GP 1800, a frighteningly fast and agile out-of-the-box racer. Contrast that with the Sea-Doo Spark Trixx, which is a PWC that’s designed for the rider to have fun going about 10 mph while performing stunts, and I can safely say my testing experience ran the gambit. In 2016, I drove about 100 different boats and performed 61 full tests (so far), 25 of which are chronicled in this issue’s Boat Buyer’s Guide (beginning on page 46), which kicks off our 2017 season. What’s evident is this is a great year to be in the market for a new boat.

Boat builders are aggressively exploring the bounds of the upper and lower price brackets, a trend perhaps best illustrated by the wakesurf boat segment. The most expensive boat we tested in this genre was MasterCraft’s top-of-the-line X26 Surf Edition, which boasted an as-tested price of $225,000. On the other end was the Heyday WT-1 (Water Tractor), a no-frills, made-for-surfing boat that’s cute in a pug-like way but comes in at a beautiful price of less than $40K, including a trailer.

The pontoon boat segment is still going strong. Performance seekers can go fast without buying a go-fast boat, as illustrated by the off-the-charts-crazy PlayCraft XTR (X-Treme Poker Run) 2500, which featured a Mercury Racing 400 outboard that propelled it to 71 mph.

We also tested plenty of twin-outboard pontoons, including the Manitou Legacy XPlode XT and its mind-blowing green metallic color scheme with color-matching Evinrude G2 250s — the visual statement of the year. But pontoons, being the most versatile of boats, can also deliver a

luxurious, fun-filled package such as the Qwest LS 818; powered by a Torqeedo electric motor, it has a top speed barely in double digits.

We were surprised that several manufacturers introduced fishing boats into their lineup. Witness the Scarab 195 Open Fish, a jetboat that has a flipdown tailgate, and Stingray’s new 186cc outboard-powered center console that has 16 rod holders and an option for a second livewell. Multispecies is the watchword for aluminum fishing boats such as the compact Princecraft Sport 164, the G3 Angler V17 and the Ranger RT 198P (yes, an aluminum Ranger).

Deckboats and bowriders are still some of the most popular boats around, and we tested the full range, from Formula’s ultra-luxurious, surprisingly agile and yacht-certified BR 310 to the Hurricane SunDeck 187, which is less than 19 feet long but can hold up to 10 passengers.

The takeaway for 2017 is that there is a boat for every lifestyle and budget, and we got on darn near all of them. BW

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: What is the headline for your first New Year’s Resolution fail?

PUBLISHER Duncan McIntosh Jr. Failure Not an Option; I Don’t Have Plan B! ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming $20K Slot Payout Ruins Stop Gambling Resolution EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones New Def. of Moderation Salvages Man’s Resolution MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling Liquor Store Owner Collects on Short-Lived Bet ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata Woman Fails Whole30 on Day 3, for 5th Time ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan Jan. 2 and Already Batch Deleting Posts On FB PRODUCTION Mary Monge Bored Canines List Selves on Craigslist CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Amelia Salazar Buy Now Pay Later Seemed Reasonable at Time!

FULFILLMENT OPERATIONS MGR. Rick Avila Wife Takes Wallet After First ‘Kobe Woulda’ Comment ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150 Janette Hood Wine Club Boycott Hits Wall at Outbox

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Gym Closed This Month, Exercise Program on Hold!

Felice Lineberry EMTs Revive Woman From Cheesecake Coma, Cleanup Begins MARKETPLACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson One Man’s Weight Loss Journey – Jan. 3: It Ends!

AD COORDINATOR Jennifer Chen Credit Card Bill Reveals Truth: Overspending Wins TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen 3 Weeks in, Deflated Bball Still Slumped in Trunk DIGITAL DIRECTOR Bryan Sheehy Man Realizes Vegetarianism Dumb, Eats Steak 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)

Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We M AG A Z I N E 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 © 2016, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: Material in this publication may notMbe in any form without written permission.

AGreproduced AZINE

4

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM M AG A Z I N E

+ BW EdLtr new.indd 4

12/7/16 8:43 AM

Wave of Versatility

currents

BY STE PH A N IE S H IBATA

L E A D B O AT // A X O PA R 2 4

SCANDINAVIAN STYLE

FROM FINLAND COMES A DAYBOAT WITH A UNIQUE HULL AND INTERESTING FEATURES.

T

he Axopar 24 definitely has a different kind of name, at least to American ears, and that fits, because the Finland-built boat also has a different kind of look and vibe.

A dayboat by design, the Axopar 24 has a passenger rating of eight people, and there is a spot for every rear end aboard, with a triple seat on the aft transom, a captain’s chair to starboard and its companion seat opposite, and an L-shaped settee in the bow. A single built-in seat is in the aft starboard corner of the bow section. The 24 comes in three versions: T-top, Open and

6

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Currents2.indd 6

Hard Top. Many folks will be surprised to find a toilet aboard a 25-footer, but the Axopar has one. Notice we didn’t write “head,” because that would be inaccurate. There is a toilet, but it is pretty much in the open, under one of the steps to the bow area. It’s definitely an emergency toilet, or an “everyone look away, please” toilet.

Another surprise is the presence of two berths, one forward of each console.

Each is big enough for one person, and both are “open air” berths, with only the T-top or hardtop covering them, depending on the model. They’re more of

a nap spot than an overnight option — though plenty of people will find a way to overnight with them.

The captain has control of the outboard — from 60 to 200 hp — at a helm that’s composed of a multifunction display, an engine display, a throttle and more. The twin-stepped hull has a sharp V-shaped entry and 20 degrees of deadrise, and top speed is 40 knots.

Its 8-foot, 4-inch beam makes it easily trailerable. With a 150 hp outboard, the price of a well-optioned Axopar 24 is less than $70,000. — Mike Werling Axopar Boats, axopar.fi

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:34 AM

Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS  S A LT Y D O G

This month’s winner: DUSTY OWNER:

Shirley Bennett HOMETOWN:

La Mirada, Calif.

Send your picture to Bobby for your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest. Contact Bobby at bobby@ boatingworld.com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

Please include a photo, along with your name, your dog's name, address and phone number.

Updating Lighthouse Signals

ACCORDING TO Popular Science, the projector systems of yore are slowly breaking down and spare parts are no longer made for foghorns that are in roughly 400 lighthouses across the country. They are being replaced with Mariner Radio Activated Signal Systems, which allow boaters to activate foghorns themselves when they need help navigating during inclement weather simply by using a standard VHF radio. The mariner can go to a designated channel and key (or tap on) the microphone five times in a row, which will trigger a receiver at the foghorn in the nearest lighthouse to sound for one hour. The sound can be heard from half a mile away.

D I D YO U K N OW ?

T-Top

Open

“Boatswain” is pronounced “bosun.”

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Currents2.indd 7

JANUARY 2017

•

7

12/6/16 11:34 AM

currents

name the boat

To participate in this month’s contest, turn to page 92

contest winner



Dale McIntosh from Holden, Mass., was the first to submit the winning name, Catch U Later. For catching the spirit of ennui, Dale receives a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350.

Rick Martin illustration

MORE OF SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER’S BEST ENTRIES:

Off the Hook

Dot Calm

No Awake Zone

Karl Helmer, Watertown, NY

Chuck Barnum, West Palm Beach, FL

Bernie Matsumoto, Half Moon Bay, CA

Hook, Line & Sleeper

Reelaxing

Goo-Fin-Off

Eric Alleshouse, Saugus, CA

Tom Orifici, Babylon, NY

Pamela Bunker, Bowling Green, VA

SS Lollygag

Catching Up Gene Pedoto, Lincroft, NJ

1/2 Bass Effort

Dwayne Martin, Cleburne, TX

Crazy Faux Fishing

Steve Lancour, via BoatingWorld.com

Feelin’ Reel Lazy

Fishin’ With the Guise

Dean Kruger, Marysville, MI

Book, Wine & Thinker Kathy Koewler, Gilbert, AZ

Jenifer Neale, Tampa, FL Janelle McKinley, Raymore, MO

Man Cave Tiffany Compton, Merritt Island, FL

Rest in Peace

USS SeaEsta Juan Morales, Long Beach, CA

John Battaglia, Dumont, NJ

> S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R ’ S W I N N E R : C AT C H U L AT E R

QUIZ FA S T FA C T S

94.9 Percentage of registered boats that are less than 26 feet long.

Source: NMMA USS Potomac

USS Williamsburg

USS Mayflower

Presidents and their Water Vessels U.S. presidents have always been boaters, perhaps because they can get away from it all on a boat.

Can you put the presidential yachts in chronological order?

A. USS Potomac B. USS Sylph

C. USS Sequoia

D. USS Mayflower

E. USS Williamsburg

2,649 Jeff Kolodzinski of Slinger, Wis., caught this many fish in 24 hours, breaking his own world record. He fished from a dock and caught predominantly bluegill and other panfish.

Answer key: B (1902-1929); D (c. 1905-1929); C (1933-1977); A (1936-1945); E (1945-1953) D I D YO U K N OW ?

Trade winds are defined as the nearly constant easterly winds that blow mainly from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere around the equator.

8

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Currents2.indd 8

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:34 AM

JET D AHEA ent sales ev

JANUARY 1 – MARCH 31, 2017

OPEN

the possibilities...

introducing the

all-new Scarab 195 OPEN TAILGATE

Embark on a journey defined by opportunity, a journey made of endless possibilities.

Whether you love wake sports, fishing, or simply cruising the water, the Scarab Open Series delivers a boating experience unlike ever before.

195 OPEN FISH

©2016 Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ™ and ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of a subsidiary of Rec Boat Holdings, LLC or suppliers.

ScarabJetBoats.com

currents

Let it Row, Let it Row

BY THE TIME this issue comes out, 13 teams of one, two or four rowers will be in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

They pushed off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Dec. 14 and are headed to Antigua in the Caribbean. Teams have to carry all the supplies they need, make water along the way with a water-maker and deal with anything the Atlantic throws at them. If they run out of rations and have to ask for help, their race is over. They’re aiming for a record that stands at 37 days, so even the fastest teams won’t be done until late January. taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com

1. Florida

2. Minnesota

Ship of Theseus

THE SHIP OF Theseus, also

known as Theseus’ paradox, is a thought experiment that raises the question of whether an object that has all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object, according to Wikipedia. USS Niagara, originally built in 1812, still sails on Lake Erie and is a classic example of the Theseus paradox, since new wood has replaced parts of the ship so many times it could be considered an entirely new ship.

Chicken of the Sea Thalassophobia is the fear of the sea. Symptoms of Thalassophobia include fear of large waves, distance from the land, as well as fear from vast emptiness and the mysteries of the sea.

3. Michigan

4. California

5. Wisconsin

6. Texas

State of Boating ACCORDING TO COAST GUARD data from 2014, there were more than 11 million registered recreational vessels in the U.S. Near the top of the list of states with the most registered vessels are a couple of names that shouldn’t surprise you, but a couple of others might.

10

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Currents2.indd 10

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:34 AM

MAKE IT A

GLASTRON SUMMER 60 YEARS SALES CELEBRATION

At Glastron we build summer fun into every model. 18' – 25' trailerable boats that go with you on your summer adventures. Our renowned SSV hull inspires confidence while a myriad of power options including outboard, sterndrive, and jet will put you back in your seats.

Leave the other choices in your wake—it’s time to make it a Glastron summer.

Januar y 1 - March 31, 2017

PICK YOUR POWER OUTBOARD / STERNDRIVE / JE T

GLASTRON.COM © 2016, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifies trademarks of Glastron, LLC, its affiliates or suppliers.

watersports

H OW TO CH O OS E A BOA R D

Get Board Wakeboards are abundant, but a few criteria should help narrow the choices.

BY SEAN O’BRIEN

W

AKEBOARDS ARE BUILT WITH SO many features and come

in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes that finding the right one seems like a daunting task. Things can get confusing pretty quickly. Over the course of my 12 years as a pro rider for O’Brien Watersports, I’ve noticed that if you simply pay attention to a few key elements, you can narrow the options down to a few boards that will work well.

BOARD LENGTH

Wakeboards currently have a size range between 110cm and 160cm, to fit the needs of every body type — from little four-yearold shredders to professional football players. Given the wide variety of participants, it is important to figure out an appropriate

12

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Watersports.indd 12

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:36 AM

watersports size range to suit your needs. Use this chart for a general idea of board sizing.

This is not a fixed scale. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you don’t have to be on a 130cm board. You can go up or down a few centimeters and be just fine. That said, beginners tend to benefit from the added stability of a slightly larger board, so don’t be afraid to go up a little in size.

RIDER’S WEIGHT

APPROX. BOARD LENGTH

Less than 80 lbs.

Less than 122cm

80-120 lbs.

122-130cm

120-160 lbs.

130-138cm

160-200 lbs.

138-146cm

More than 200 lbs.

146cm+

TYPES OF ROCKER

ROCKER

Rocker is the curvature of the base of the wakeboard, and it has a drastic impact on how the board rides on the water and releases off the wake. The two factors you should consider when looking at a board’s rocker are the type of rocker and the amount of rocker.

Types of Rocker

• Continuous: A consistent curvature runs the entire length of the board.

A continuous rocker gives the board a very smooth and predictable feel both on the water and while launching off the wake, making it a great rocker line for beginners.

• 3-stage: Two abrupt changes in the curvature of the board break the running surface into three segments.

Such a rocker gives the board a more explosive, vertical pop off the wake.

However, for beginners, harnessing that pop can be a challenging skill and riding can feel inconsistent.

Continuous rocker 3-stage rocker

CHOOSING BINDINGS

Bindings are a whole other topic, but here’s the bullet-point version: 

Try on several.



Snug fit: not so tight that you lose circulation and not so loose that you can easily pop out of them when the straps or laces are cinched down



Open-toe bindings: more accommodating if you share equipment with people of varying foot size



Closed-toe bindings: more precise fit and improved performance but sharing is limited

A variety of blended rocker lines fall between these two extremes, so as you improve you can find something more suitable to your riding style without having to jump from one extreme to another.

Amount of rocker

Wakeboards typically have anywhere between two and three and a half inches of rocker. Beginners should choose a board on the lower end of the rocker spectrum. This allows the board to ride higher in the water, reducing drag and allowing riders to spend more quality time on the water improving their skills. Boards with more rocker sit deeper in the water and create more drag, which can help generate more pop off the 14

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Watersports.indd 14

Continuous rocker

3-stage rocker

wake, but it comes at the expense of the rider’s endurance.

BOAT OR CABLE

In the early days of wakeboarding, everybody rode behind a boat and all of the boards used a similar compression-molded construction. Over the past several years, there has been a significant emergence in cable-park riding, where instead of launching off wakes, riders hit kickers, rails and other features similar to those found in snowboard parks. Due to this growth, manufacturers have implemented construction techniques that make boards more flexible and durable, since riders are no longer just skimming across water. The majority of “park riders” tend to prefer boards that flex, because of their snappy, responsive feel underfoot and the improved performance on the park features. “Boat riders,” on the other hand, tend to prefer the traditional compression-molded boards, because the added stiffness makes the board more predictable, especially when hitting a wake. This doesn’t mean you can’t ride a flex board behind the boat (which is what I do) or a boat board on the cable; these are the trends, and if you are just getting started it’s probably a safer bet to follow the guidelines.

FINS

Choose a board with either four molded-in fins (with or without a removable center fin) or a board with a total of four removable fins. Boards with only two large removable center fins can still do the job but will end up being somewhat restrictive as you progress.

After figuring out your preferred board size, rocker line and construction, you should be down to only a few options.

Sure, there will be some variety with these boards, but all of them should be able to suit your needs. Talk to someone at your local dealer about those options to see what he recommends and ask if the dealer offers a demo program so you can test the boards out side by side. Even if the dealer doesn’t have that available, you should feel confident in your options, so go pick one out and start riding. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:36 AM

DISCOVER INNER

YOUR

EXPLORER

Introducing The Cutwater 242 Coupe 300 HP Yamaha Outboard • Garmin 7610 Chartplotter • Livewell Fish Box/Cooler • Kenyon Grill • Refrigerator/Freezer • Stove Top Microwave • Private Stateroom & Head • TV/DVD • Dual Stereo System Beaching Ladder • Ski Pylon All Included at Introductory Price of $114,937.00*

Learn more about the new Cutwater 242 Coupe at:

CutwaterBoats.com

MADE IN USA *Options, freight & taxes extra. Prices, specifications, equipment and options may change without notice.

LABSSeaSpread16.qxp_Layout 1 9/29/16 9:54 AM Page 1

Jan. 19-22, 2017 ion! t a c o L New

Fairplex — Pomona 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

We’ve Got a Boat with Your Name on it!

The Los Angeles Boat Show is the ultimate destination for boating and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts, featuring sport fishing boats, yachts, performance boats, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, jet skis, pontoons, motorboats, catamarans, cabin cruisers, dinghys/inflatables, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a lot more! See ’em, touch ‘em and sit yourself down at the helm! The fun starts here!

Come see the newest models, latest marine gear and tech gadgets, accessories and anything and everything a boater needs to kick off the summer season. The LA Boat Show is a one-stop shop for water enthusiasts . . . no couch potatoes here!

Hours: (Rain or shine) Thurs. and Fri.: Noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Duncan McIntosh Co., producers of:

Admission: $15 for adults; Children 12 and younger, FREE Military ID, $5 discount

For more information go to:

LosAngelesBoatShow.com

Official Show Sponsors:

LABSSeaSpread16.qxp_Layout 1 9/29/16 9:54 AM Page 2

trailering

TR A ILE R IN G M A I NTEN A N CE

Year-Round Trailer Maintenance A good portion of you don’t have to winterize, so here are some tips to keep the trailer in top shape all year.

BY CHRIS CASWELL

18

•

JANUARY 2017

+BW Trailering2.indd 18

F

OR MOST BOAT OWNERS, THEIR trailer is invis-

ible. They lavish care on the boat that sits atop the trailer — washing it, waxing it, dealing with every little booboo as it happens — and use the trailer as a stepladder to take care of the boat. That’s all well and good until the fit hits the shan somewhere en route to or from a favorite boating spot because you missed something.

Why did you miss it? Well, you (and many, many others) weren’t paying attention. So here’s a look at the things you should do year round — especially those of you lucky enough to go boating all year — to keep your

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/7/16 10:38 AM

trailer rolling along without any surprises.

First, focus on your trailer at the same time you’re checking out your boat. There aren’t many “secret” compartments on most trailers, so everything that needs to be checked is pretty much out in the open.

Right after you hitch up your boat and trailer rig, turn on the tow vehicle’s headlights and walk around to make sure all the tail- and side lights are working.

Then have someone stomp on the brakes to check those lights, and hit the turn signals, too. If a light is out or not working, it’s time to do something about it before you have a personal chat with a state trooper.

You wouldn’t think of launching your boat without making sure the drain plug is in place before you leave the driveway, so kick the tires at the same time. Actually, kicking tires doesn’t show you anything, but doing so makes you look at whether they seem to be inflated properly, so kick every tire and eyeball it.

Even better, grab the tire-pressure gauge from the glove compartment and make sure the pressure is not only right in each tire but that they match each other. One underinflated tire can give the trailer a case of the wanders at highway speeds.

You wouldn’t dream of not rinsing your boat with fresh water, even if you’ve been in a lake, because even pure water can leave scum and crud. Whether you conduct your hose-down at the ramp or when you get home, be careful not to simply wash the salt and crud off the boat and onto the trailer. Make it a point to give the trailer a good washing after the boat. Squirt water into every crevice, and take this moment to see if there are any dings in the paint that can lead to rust or, if neglected, trailer failure. See a chip?

Hit it with an anti-corrosion spray now, not later.

If you look at the calendar on your desk at

home, you’ll certainly see notations such as “dentist appointment,” “Aunt Edna arrives” and others. Don’t stop there. Add the trailer to your calendar. Write “trailer brakes” every six months, or “repack trailer bearings” at the beginning of the boating season.

These are projects that are more involved than a casual once-over, and you may just want to drop your trailer off at the dealership, so the pros there can do the icky job of the repacking wheel bearings or pulling the wheels and the brakes.

Here’s a tip: It doesn’t matter whether you think you haven’t driven your trailer far enough for your bearings to need repacking — just do

Focus on your trailer at the same time you’re checking out your boat.

At the same time you check your boat, check trailer lights, tire pressure, wash the crud off, and check the gear up front.

it! A few pumps of grease can prevent a highway catastrophe that starts with a howling noise that sounds like a hundred raccoons mating and ends with one of your trailer wheels parting company with your trailer and heading for South America.

Do the same with brakes: check them regularly. With disk brakes, eyeball the pads for how much useful life they have left. They usually start at about 9 to 12mm thick. If you’re down to 3mm, get new ones. Don’t forget to run your hand on both sides of the brake rotor to see if there are gouges or scoring. If so, have the rotors turned.

It’s more difficult with drum brakes (a good reason for your dealer to do it), but you still want to check pad and drum wear. I shouldn’t have to tell you to wait until the brakes are cool before touching them but … there are warnings on the turpentine can not to drink it.

Last, when you’re hitching up, take a look at the gear up front. Douse the hitch regularly with anti-corrosion spray, including the socket where the trailer ball lives while on the road. Whatever winch the trailer has will need some attention in the form of lubrication. Check the manual for details, and don’t forget to examine the winch cable or strap for signs of wear. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+BW Trailering2.indd 19

JANUARY 2017

•

19

12/7/16 10:38 AM

fishing

SA FE T Y

8 Safety Hacks Keep fishing excursions safe and fun with a few tried-and-true tips.

BY TOM KEER

T

HERE WAS A TIME A few years ago when I truly believed my life was perfect. My wife

expertly backed the trailer down the ramp, my son unhooked the chain and the strap, and my daughter backed it off the bunks and put it right against the dock as gentle as a baby. My crew was excellent, and that meant my days of running around were over. All I needed to do was tie the bow and stern lines to the cleats and ask for permission to come aboard.

My balloon popped when were all aboard — by a man I had never seen before.

“You going fishing?” He asked.

“Yep,” I said. “Should be on fire.”

“I just got in. It’s as dead as a haddock.”

“Where were you fishing?” I asked.

“Down by the southeast corner.”

He didn’t mean anything by his bad report, but it sure put a damper on our mood. No matter. An hour later we arrived at the spot, and it was game on! Blitzing fish whipped the water to a frothy white. A decade prior, there would have been an equally large melee on board, but fishing this day was as smooth and safe as the launch. Here are eight ways that was accomplished.

20

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Fishing.indd 20

CASTING ROTATION

When there is a hot bite, everyone wants to catch ’em up. But when rods pitching lures, plugs, and bait whip through the air from all around the boat, someone is bound to get hurt. Implement a rotation to minimize danger: • One angler goes to the nose of the bow to cast.

• After his cast, he moves to a position amidships.

• A second angler steps behind him, goes to the nose of the bow and casts.

• When the first angler has retrieved all of his line, he pushes his rod tip and lure to the opposite side of the boat, preferably in the water. Then, he steps behind the angler on the bow, and walks to the nose.

• The second angler steps to an amidships position and continues to retrieve.

• The rotation continues until fish need to be landed.

For landing, it makes sense to have a

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 12:34 PM

fishing central landing spot. On our boat, we land all fish amidships.

GO BARBLESS

Barbed hooks were designed for keeping live bait on a hook. If you’re using flies, lures or plugs, pinch down the barbs. Your hook will penetrate the fish’s mouth more deeply, and it will be a lot easier to remove if someone gets foul hooked.

PATIENCE IS THE MASTER

The younger the child, the shorter the attention span. To keep kids focused, intersperse fishing with other on-water activities. Fish for a while, then go for a swim. Go back to fishing, then drop the hook on an inshore island or a beach and knock around. By mixing fun activities with those that require concentration, everyone will have more fun.

NO DISHPAN HANDS

To keep decks uncluttered and reduce accidents, keep a dishpan or two on board.

Use them to hold anchor line, to bail water or to keep wet gear separate from dry storage. Pop a hole on either side of the top of the basket, add a bungee cord, and you’ve got a stripping basket for fly fishing. In a pinch, that same dishpan can serve as a short-term livewell.

You can make a stripping basket from a dishpan and bungee cord.

PROPER STORAGE

When I fish with my hardcore buddies, I set up frequently used gear like a surgeon’s table. One area is on the seat amidships, for anglers in the bow, and the second area is on top of the console, for those fishing from the stern. That approach is disastrous with kids. Instead, opt for a central location for all gear, and keep sharp items such as hooks, knives and files covered up in a tackle box or a plug bag.

NO SLIP SLIDING AWAY

Kids, particularly those who are young, run around slippery decks. Get them boat shoes or sandals with non-marking, squeegee-like tread.

SUNGLASSES OR UTILITY GLASSES

Plugs, lures and bait have hooks, and excited kids flail randomly. On the water, most everyone wears sunglasses, at a minimum, if not polarized glasses. That said, some polarization disorients kids.

Give them a pair of clear utility glasses.

Their eyes will be protected from any accident.

STEERING WITH A DROGUE

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

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

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

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

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

22

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Fishing.indd 22

When your boat’s steering cable goes down for the count, you have to figure out a way to get back to shore. Make a drogue.

Drogues are commonly known as sea anchors designed to slow a boat. If they’re moved from side to side, drogues can change a boat’s course. While a traditional drogue is made from canvas and is hung off a boat transom on a bridle, you can make one out of two everyday items — 50 feet of line and a five-gallon bucket — and still be home in time for supper.

• Before you leave the dock, cut a hole on either side of a five-gallon bucket.

• Run a tag end of a line through the hole and knot it until it won’t pull through.

• Repeat with the other tag end on the other side.

• Toss the bucket overboard, let it drift out, and tie the line to both stern cleats (starboard and port sides).

• To turn left, gradually shorten the port line. To turn right, let out the line so the bucket returns to the center and gradually shorten the starboard line. Mark the spot when the boat turns and you can immediately go to that spot when you need to turn. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 12:34 PM

MAKE TIME FOR FUN // KICKER® STEREO W/ BLUETOOTH® & USB // STANDARD CRUISE FLOORPLAN // SIX EXTERIOR COLOR CHOICES // MERCURY® 9.9 ELPT CT // BIMINI INCLUDED // 191 | 211 MODELS

SEABREEZE 211 BLACK SAND

$

BASE MODEL STARTING AT

12,399

*

USD

*USD published pricing. Exact product configuration may vary, optional features may be shown. Prices excludes trailer, destination, taxes, title and registration fees.

Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your local dealer.

LOCATE YOUR NEAREST DEALER WITH THE DEALER LOCATOR AT CYPRESSCAYPONTOONS.COM OR CALL

(866) 395-3052

Untitled-1 1

12/2/2016 10:01:45 AM

engines

H O N DA B F100

Centurion Honda’s new BF100 is in a class by itself.

BY ALAN JONES

F

OR WHATEVER REASON, FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARD builders have shied away from the

number 100, which is odd because it’s so even. In all four-stroke outboard lines, the jump is incremental until you get to 90 hp, after which it leaps to 115 … until Honda unveiled its newest, the BF100. Here’s another unique Honda engine number for you: 27.8 million, which is the total number of engines it built worldwide in 2015, encompassing the entire spectrum of its products, including cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, snow blowers, jets — you name it. Honda built its first four-stroke outboard in 1964, the GB30, so the company has had a little practice at it. This motor, in particular, is well sorted out, since it’s based on an L15-Series engine that also powers its sporty compact car the Fit.

Honda BF100

24

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Engines.indd 24

The BF100 shares the same block as the BF90, so there’s no weight penalty for making the deca-leap, and it’s among the lightest of the 90-class four-stroke outboards, weighing 359 pounds; only Suzuki’s 90 weighs less, at 341 pounds.

Like the other four-stroke manufacturers in its class, Honda employs an inline, single overhead cam (SOHC) four-cylinder

configuration, but it has the least amount of displacement at 1.5L (1496 cc, to be exact).

To make up for this, it uses a technology called Variable Valve Timing & Lift (VTEC) that’s shared with Honda’s flagship model, the BF250. At low speeds, it uses a milder cam configuration that features a low-lift, short-duration intake valve opening cycle, but at higher speeds, a synchronizing

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:39 AM

WE BUILD FUN INTO EVERY NAUTICSTAR! Whether you are looking for your first boat or need a full-featured pleasure boat in a smaller package, the all new 193 SC is the perfect choice. Even though it is NauticStar’s smallest sport deck, it does not lack in performance. It combines comfort, features, and versatility with economical horsepower for an exceptional pleasure boating package. So, whether cruising, pulling skis, or fishing, the sporty and stylish 193 SC hits all the marks.

[ 193 SC SPORT DECK ]

For your local dealer, visit our website or call:

(662) 256-5636

NauticStarBoats.com Some photos shown with optional equipment

Factory installed with

engines Boaters who use a lot of electronics, such as anglers who have twin GPS/fishfinder displays, will love its ability to produce charging electricity. It develops 44 amps, overall, and its 35 charging amps ties it with the Mercury 90 to be the highest in its class.

The BF100 is an easy motor to maintain thanks to features such as a built-in flush port that’s designed to work without the motor running, which neighbors will love.

It also has a front-mounted oil filter for easy do-it-yourself changing. Mechanics will appreciate its screw-type valve adjusters that don’t need shims to ensure proper clearance at its 200-hour scheduled maintenance check.

We tested the BF100 on several different boats, including an Alumacraft 1860 Bay Tunnel Boat and two pontoons, the Premier 220 SunSation and the Qwest LS818. It comes in a 20- and 25-inch shaft length, so it fits a wide range of boats, and with a low 2.33:1 gear ratio it can swing a bigger diameter prop to move more water.

piston engages and it changes into more of a racing cam profile that keeps the intake valves open longer for more power when called for.

Honda claims up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy thanks to its Lean Burn Control technology, which uses an ECU computer brain to detect when load is reduced and reduces the air/fuel mixture to squeeze every last drop out of a gallon of gas without compromising performance. Its reliance on 93 octane fuel to make 100 hp tends to negate the fuel savings, though, as most non-supercharged outboards only need 87 octane to achieve their horsepower rating.

Anglers will love its Variable Speed Trolling feature, which allows drivers to dial in the perfect presentation speed in 50 rpm increments when idling along, from 650 up to 1000 rpm. And for fishermen who prefer tiller steering, Honda offers a three-position tiller arm, so anglers can stand and steer in comfort. It’s center mounted, extra long and features up-front shifting on the handle itself, so drivers don’t have to reach around to the side of the engine to shift.

26

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Engines.indd 26

Honda claims up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy thanks to its Lean Burn Control technology.

SPECS Type In-line, 8-valve SOHC four-cylinder, four-stroke Displacement 1.5L Full throttle range 5500-6300 rpm Weight 359 lbs. (20-in. shaft) Gear Ratio 2.33:1 Price $11,978 PERFORMANCE Tested with Alumacraft 1860 Bay Boat Time to plane 2.4 sec.

0-30 mph 7.3 sec.

Top speed 40.2 mph Decibels @ idle 59 Cruise 26.4 mph/4000 rpm/81 dBA Peak 40.2 mph/6300 rpm/92 dBA

One of the features that shined during our performance test was BLAST, which helps boats get on plane quickly. It’s an acronym for Boosted Low Speed Torque, and it only kicks in if you jam the throttle lever quickly, as we did on the Alumacraft.

Doing so aggressively advances the spark, opens the throttle body and enriches the air/fuel mixture; it helped the 1860 Bay Boat get on plane in just 2.4 seconds.

The BF100 propelled it to 30 mph in 7.3 seconds and pushed it a top speed of 40.2 mph as it bumped up against the rev limiter at 6300 rpm.

Honda’s hallmark is its reliability, and the BF100 is backed up by a True 5 warranty, which is the longest in the marine industry. This non-declining warranty means it’s the same on day one all the way to its last day, five years later.

And it’s fully transferable, which helps keep its resale value high. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:39 AM

Hurricane pioneered the deck boat, and has continued to take it to new places through innovation for over 40 years. More than any other deck boat, a Hurricane works hard so you can play hard. Whatever your lifestyle, Hurricane boats give you and your family room to roam, room to play and room to grow.

That’s why Hurricane is the number one selling deck boat in the world - and plans to stay there.

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31, 2017

H U R R IC A N E B OATS .CO M Godfrey Boating World Ads REVISED.indd 2

12/1/2016 3:31:56 PM

diy

V I N Y L LE T TE R A PPLI C ATI O N

Make it Final with Vinyl When it comes time to apply a name to your boat, do it right the first time.

BY CAPT. WILSON SHEPPARD

S

HAKESPEARE OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT A boat owner. “That which we call a rose/By any

other name would smell as sweet” is a statement about the unimportance of labels.

Naming a boat should be taken just as seriously as naming any other family member.

Once you know your boat’s name, here’s how you can use vinyl lettering to proudly announce your newest arrival.

WALL OF NAMES

The perfect name establishes a boat’s identity and reveals something about the owner. Finsanity (a fishing boat), DreamBuilder (a wooden runabout), and Disconnected (a 36-foot project) are three monikers I have given boats. For my newest offspring, a 13-foot fiberglass skiff, I wanted a name that represented my wanderlust and the tranquility of exploration by small boat.

TO THE LETTER

When you are ready to introduce a new boat to the world, you have to decide where to display its name. The most common

amidships on the port and starboard sides of the hull. I ordered the name in four-inch Garamond Bold letters in a blue-green color that matches the skiff’s interior. The final printing of the name was 25 inches in length.

ON THE SURFACE

Vinyl letters are printed on clear transfer tape (1). They have adhesive backing that should stick to the desired surface, but the installation area must be cleaned before mounting the name. Use cleaning chemicals that are safe for the material in that area.

I used acetone to clean my skiff’s

However you say or spell namaste, may you find peace on the water. locations are the hull and the transom.

If you go with vinyl lettering, be sure the installation surface will bond with the adhesive on the vinyl. Measure the height and width of the area. Keep these dimensions in mind when you order the lettering.

You can find vinyl lettering vendors locally or online. To place the order, you will have to select the font, size, color and style (e.g., bold, italics). Ask the vendor for an estimated length of the printed name based on the number of characters. The company should also send a preview of the name before the final printing process.

Both times, verify that it will fit in the selected space on the boat.

I decided to place my skiff’s name 28

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW DIY.indd 28

fiberglass hull. Be sure to wear chemical-resistant gloves for anything stronger than boat soap (2). I applied the acetone with a clean white rag and then rinsed the area with fresh water. I allowed it to air dry before I wiped the area with another clean white rag.

Before I mounted the name, I used a level and a pencil to lightly draw a straight line, so I could properly position the letters.

Applying the vinyl letters is as easy as peel and stick. Starting on the left side, peel off a section of the transfer tape and the exposed letter in the desired mounting location (3). Continue removing sections of the backing material while placing the exposed tape and lettering in contact with

the surface. Squeegee any air bubbles out of the material as you go.

Once the entire length of tape and lettering has been applied, press firmly on the letters and ensure each one has completely adhered to the surface. Starting from the left, very slowly peel away the transfer tape (4). Keep an eye on each letter to be sure the tape is being removed without any part of any letter sticking to it. If part of a letter remains on the tape, reapply a small section of tape to the left, press firmly on the non-transferred part, then very slowly try again to lift away the tape. Do not continue until the letter completely transfers. In an extreme case, you may need to use your fingernail to separate the stubborn part of the letter from the tape. Work carefully so as not to damage any of the lettering.

SUPERSTITION TRADITION

As eager as you may be to get out on the water on your newly named boat, you should christen it before a maiden voyage under its new name. Thanks to my upbringing in Louisiana, I am a little superstitious and always try to respect the commonly held beliefs, lore and notions of sailors before me. The boat christening is one of the most important seafaring traditions.

The ceremony asks the god of the sea to put your boat’s name in his logbook and ensure safe passage. If your boat was previously listed under another name, you should perform a de-naming ceremony first. Find information about both ceremonies online or at a local nautical store.

If you see me trailering or cruising in your area, don’t worry, because “Nah, I’m a stay” does not mean I’ll be taking up permanent residence (5). Sometimes I still use a Southern twang. According to Shakespeare, it’s OK to call me “country.”

However you say or spell namaste, may you find peace on the water. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:45 AM

1

1

EQUIPMENT LIST:    

2

Vinyl lettering Acetone Level Squeegee

3

4

5

4

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW DIY.indd 29

JANUARY 2017

•

29

12/6/16 2:44 PM

ask the experts

Q

+A

ENGINES

Managing Misfires

Q I have a 25-foot Monterey M5 with a 6.2 Merc and an Alpha III outdrive. While I was out on the water the other day, I began to lose power. When I accelerated to 3000 rpm, the engine hesitated and dropped to 2200 rpm. I attempted to accelerate back to 3000, but the engine stopped. Fortunately, I was able to start the engine and get back to the marina. While at the marina, the engine started to misfire after several attempts to start. Any thoughts?

Gregory Millwater, via BoatingWorld.com

I’m saying this because I first want you to do things the old-fashioned way, but if everything you check indicates no engine problem, the 6.2 can be diagnosed via computer. However, old-fashioned checks: Did you get fuel just before the problem surfaced?

Have you checked all fuel filters for water?

Have you checked the operation of the boat’s fuel anti-siphon valve?

How many hours do you have on the current spark plugs?

Did any warning alarms sound when the problem started?

Finally, did you check all the spark plugs for any glaring discrepancies among them?

If you’ve done all that and still can’t find the problem, I grudgingly give you permission to let a tech hook it up to a computer.

— GM

 OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:

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

30

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW ATE.indd 30

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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:35 AM

Godfrey, the pioneer, the pacesetter, the pontoon.

Godfrey introduced the world’s first aluminum pontoon over half a century ago, and continues to lead the industry with new innovations in styling, quality, safety, comfort and performance.

Godfrey knows pontoons, and doesn’t just set the standard—they raise the bar. As the true original, Godfrey makes pontoons for every family, every lifestyle and every body of water.

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31, 2017

Godfrey Pontoon Boats.com

Wherever the day may take you.

The Yamaha F150.

Godfrey Boating World Ads REVISED.indd 1

12/1/2016 3:31:15 PM

ask the experts ELECTRONICS

Wire to Wire

Q I have a Lowrance Elite 5 chartplotter and a Lowrance Link-8 VHF. Both have NMEA 0183 connectors, but I am unable to find clear instructions or a cable to connect the two together. Do you have any tips or pointers?

Mike Kostersitz, via BoatingWorld.com

We’ll get you through this, but first a little background info.

NMEA 0183 is a voluntary industry standard designed to facilitate data communications between different marine electronic products. It’s an ASCII, serial communications protocol that defines how data is transmitted from one piece of gear, or ‘talker,’ to one or more ‘listeners’ at a time. Even though it’s old school (it was introduced in 1983) and has been supplanted by NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 is still a widely used, perfectly acceptable way to integrate two sets of data, such as your chartplotter GPS to a fixed-mount VHF for DSC capabilities (which I’m assuming is the case here).

The problem, as you’ve discovered, can be how to connect different pieces of electronics. There often won’t be a “magic cable” that can be used to connect them. Both of them being from the same manufacturer helps, but can still be frustrating, as connectors can vary between gear and model years.

I’d start by contacting Lowrance to see what help they can offer.

Worst case, you will have to break out the manuals for the chartplotter and VHF and work through it on your own. Don’t worry though — it’ll be easier than you think.

Both your chartplotter and VHF should have been provided cables for the NMEA jack. One end will have a plug corresponding to the NMEA jack, while the other end will probably be just a bunch of little colored wires. Referencing the NMEA diagram in the manuals, you have to match up the data “out” for the chartplotter GPS to the data “in” for the VHF. This will be listed as a pair of wires, one positive (+) and one negative (-).

Using the example of providing GPS data from the chartplotter to the VHF, let’s say data out from the chartplotter is listed in that manual as: NMEA Out + (yellow wire) and NMEA Out - (brown wire).

In your VHF manual you see: NMEA In + (blue wire) and NMEA In - (white wire).

Based on this, you’d simply connect the yellow wire from the chartplotter cable to the blue wire of the VHF cable and the brown wire from the chartplotter to the white wire to the VHF. Drawing this all out prior to making the connections will make

There often won’t be a “magic cable” that can be used to connect them.

32

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW ATE.indd 32

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:35 AM

™

C limb aboard the ultimate family fun machine and surround

yourself with a world of watersports. Every model in the Ranger ®

Reata ® Series is precision-engineered to help you get away from it all.

Inside, plush, handcrafted comfort is complemented by extraordinary attention to detail, an ultra-smooth dry ride, and a wide choice of outboard power. There’s even more pride of ownership with advantages like our exclusive pultruded fiberglass deck, floor, and transom.

Further highlighted by our Zone-Tempered Fiberglass Layup ®, every Reata ® is rewarded with extraordinary flotation standards, our Best Built-Best Backed ™ Limited Warranty, and a custom Ranger Trail ® trailer.

From our unparalleled quality and performance to a lifetime of unforgettable memories, now you can Get Away While You’re Completely Surrounded ™.

For The Name Of Your Nearest Ranger ® Dealer, Call:

1-800-373-BOAT

(2628)

TM/® are trademarks of Ranger Boats, LLC and its affiliates or suppliers. © Copyright MMXVI White River Marine Group R-6111

ask the experts it easier, particularly for more complex installations (e.g., one involving more than two pieces of gear). Connections can be made using marine-grade butt connectors (preferably those with heat shrink) or a terminal board. — FL ENGINES

Be Careful With Fuses

Q I have a 2005 Mercury 60 hp Bigfoot on my pontoon boat. There is a fuse holder on the port side of the engine. The fuse kept melting and I started replacing it each day until one day I went on a long trip on the boat and the fuse had melted to the holder.

The part broke entirely when I tried to remove the 25-amp fuse. There was a part number, and I found and ordered the new part. It has arrived. I want to install the new part (everything just snaps in) and take the boat out on the water to see if the new part takes care of the melting fuse issue. What is your advice?

Amanda Thayer, via BoatingWorld.com

34

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW ATE.indd 34

Today I divulge a couple of well-kept mechanics’ sayings. The first is “If a customer asks you for a fuse, give it to him, then follow him.” Unsaid is that there is an IRA in your near future.

The fuse is there to protect something from something. In this case, not knowing which fuses link, I’ll assume, since you didn’t say the engine lost all functions when the fuse blew, that it serves the charging system.

One thing you can easily check is the battery and cable connection. Remove each cable, one at a time, clean the ends to bright and shiny. Clean any corrosion from the battery posts. Reassemble and use lock nuts or standard nuts with lock washers. Do not use wing nuts. If the engine is over-charging, you’ll probably be better off having a tech who has the service specs to refer to checking your engine and taking corrective action.

As far as your question about repairing it yourself, here’s the second saying: “Always test into the wind, and never go any farther than you want to paddle back.” — GM

B AT T E R I E S

What’s Best for Batteries?

Q I live in southeast Iowa. My question is

about winter storage of boats and PWCs. Should I remove any batteries and store them in an above-freezing area or keep in units where they are, place battery tenders on the batteries and keep the tenders running during storage? I’m not sure if one is better than another.

Tim Noll, via BoatingWorld.com

I was in Iowa once many years ago and had no idea that 20 years later I’d still be cold! I’d have thought ice-boating would have been a winter sport. Definitely bring your batteries in to a non-freezing location and put a controlled trickle charge on them. What you refer to as a battery tender is fine. If you were in southeast Virginia instead of Iowa, you’d shut the boats down, have a mint julep, and call it a day. We have room for another boater if you get too cold. — GM

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:35 AM

The perfect blend of luxury and performance.

Spacious and well appointed, the all-new 212 Series elevates the standard of 21-foot boating. Featuring Yamaha’s exclusive Connext® helm control system and industry-leading twin 1.8 liter High Output Yamaha Marine engines, nothing else on the water comes close. Innovative, luxurious and reliable, it’s every thing you’ve come to expect from the leader in marine performance.

YAMAHA. THE #1 BRAND ON THE WATER.

yamahaboats.com ©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and ride. For more information, visit yamahaboats.com or call 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

ywc01248_boating_world_0117_yamaha_212ltd_1a.indd 1

11/22/16 10:41 AM

bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

A Draining Experience BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Eschewing the drain

plug THE BONEHEAD: A local BONEHEAD RATING: 10 (two miscreants) WHAT HAPPENED: The summer was a

pressure-cooker, figuratively and literally.

May’s rains held off scheduled repairs until June, when more of Noah’s doom struck and suddenly May and June’s workload became July’s. I was calling owners, trying

dinner. This year, instead of residing on his trailer, the boat was on a friend’s boat lift.

We made the trek down the hill with the stuff for the engine, got to the lift, found the boat too far from the pier to get aboard.

It had to be in the water, removed from the lift and brought to the pier. There was a single line dead-center in the boat. Using a series of crabbing nets and fish hooks, the Nurse and I managed to snag the line

Someone, somewhere, is slurping up unused brain cells. to reschedule, being asked, “When it stops raining, when will you be here?” If only I knew when it would stop. Remember, as mobile service, all my work is done outside, so I’m dependent on it not pouring. We went from toweling off the rain to toweling off the sweat overnight.

One fine, respected local made it a point to swing by our home to see where he was on the list (dead last) and how I was doing getting to his boat (slowly, sir). After a couple of weeks, his smile didn’t quite make it to his eyes, and there was much less optimism in his voice. Finally, I relented and went to his boat for simple servicing and yearly running before heading home to

so we could pull the boat to us once it was floating. Floating eluded us, however, as the aft lift motor would work going up but not down. Finally, risking a trip to the hospital, I spun the belted pulley by hand and the motor started lowering the boat. When the boat floated, we hauled it close, I clambered aboard, changed the spark plugs and water separator filter, checked lights, VHF, horn (OK), bilge pump (nope) and made a mental list to give the owner.

MaryLou noted that the self-bailer had water in the corner. “Put my 280 pounds at the stern of any boat and you’ll have water there,” I retorted. Time for a diet. I ran the engine, which seemed OK. Shut it down,

Send your boating-related maintenance or repair question to our panel of experts at boatingworld.com/AskTheExperts.

36

•

JANUARY 2017

Acceptably assinine Slightly slow Distinguished dunce Massively moronic Seek mental help

cleaned up, and we pulled the boat back to the lift. I guess the tide had gone out pretty quickly as it required lowering the lift even farther to get the boat onto the rails. With the boat finally lined up, The Nurse hit the UP switches while I kept the hull straight.

As it came out of the water, water started coming out of it. Hundreds of gallons. The drain plug was hanging free, bouncing in the rushing water. We headed back up the hill, leaving the still-draining boat behind.

Once in the truck, I called the customer to report we’d finished, and he was happily surprised to hear the news. I reminded him to install the drain plug, as someone had removed it. “I did,” he said. “Lets the rain go right through.” (That makes the bilge pump superfluous, I guess). Then I told him about the lift motor. “Been that way for three years,” he said.

“Sir, don’t you think it would have helped letting me know about this?”

“Didn’t tell you because I didn’t know when you’d be there.”

LESSON LEARNED: I don’t know if “shrinks” are sending customers our way, or we’re sending customers to the “shrinks,” but I can guaran-damn-tee you somewhere along the line there’s been a massive sucking sound as someone, somewhere, is slurping up unused brain cells. A selfbailer with a drain plug out, on a lift: I never would have anticipated it.

ASK OUR EXPERTS. Ask Experts 1/6H filler.indd 1

BONEHEAD RATING SYSTEM

Ed. Note: If you enjoy Grid’s curmudgeonly riffing, his new book, “Boneheads and a Bully Pulpit,” is available for Kindle at Amazon.com.

8/2/16 1:12 PM

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Bonehead template new.indd 29

12/6/16 11:46 AM

gear

STU FF YO U WA NT

Boom Bap

$419, aquaticav.com

The new Aquatic AV Media player is designed, engineered and built to withstand the most demanding conditions on the water, playing music wirelessly via a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or MP3 device, or via USB connection. Wired connections can also be made with stereo 3.5mm jack or RCA inputs. Now, users can listen to and store their favorite stations right on board, including SiriusXM satellite radio. The AQ-MP-5UBT-S unit also features an onboard 288W amplifier capable of powering up to eight speakers, or a combination of speakers and subwoofers, and can also charge USB devices and devices with a USB connector.

Slow Trolled

$149.99, davisnet.com

Optimal trolling speed is often difficult to achieve, even at the lowest throttle. Many gamefish won’t chase and strike at a lure if it’s moving too fast. The updated Happy Troller from Davis Instruments slows even large engines when deployed, increases stability when cruising, and now has a 45 degree setting for added flexibility. Built to last in fresh or salt water, the Happy Troller is made from high-quality stainless steel components and anodized marine aluminum. It mounts permanently on the anti-cavitation plate in less than 15 minutes and comes with a one-year warranty.

MOB Ready $199, fellmarine.com Unfortunately, many boaters don’t use kill switches because they tether drivers to one location and are easily activated by accident. But they are one of the most important safety features on any boat, keeping the boat from leaving a solo MOB behind.

Fell Marine’s MOB+ is the first wireless kill switch that can be carried in a pocket or worn on a lifejacket or wristband, and it automatically cuts off the engine if the key-fob-like device becomes submerged or is 10 to 15 meters away from the boat.

After six seconds pass, anyone left on board can restart the engine to rescue the MOB. A lithium-ion battery powers the unit for more than 300 hours.

Cabin Cooler $99.99, caframo.com Sirocco 12v and 24v fans from Caframo feature a gimbaled designed that allows airflow to be directed in any direction of the cabin — 360 degrees. The Sirocco II can also be folded flat and out of the way against the bulkhead when not in use.

Available in white and black, the Sirocco II includes standard features such as FingerSafe blades, auto-shutoff, ultra-low power draw, UV-resistant materials and compliance with CE standards.

38

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Gear3.indd 38

BOATINGWORLD.COM

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:33 AM

facebook.com/manitoupontoons | www.manitoupontoonboats.com

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE GUIDE 2017 BOAT BUYER’S

BOWRIDERS Formula 310 Bowrider

42

Rinker QX 29 Bow Rider

44

CRUISERS Glastron GS 259

46

DECKBOATS Hurricane 187 IO

48

Princecraft Ventura 220 WS

50

Splendor 239 SunStar

52

Starcraft Star Step 221 E I/O

53

Stingray 186cc Deck Boat

54

Acing the Tests

PONTOONS Bennington Q27RSD Custom 10

55

Berkshire 25 Sport RFX9

56

Coach 250RL

57

Crest III 250 SLC

58

Cypress Cay Cabana 220

59

Harris Cruiser 220

60

Lowe Infinity 250 RFL

61

Premier 220 SunSation

62

Qwest LS 818 XRE Cruise

63

Sweetwater 2286 SB

64

FISHING Charger 210 Elite

65

G3 Angler V17 SF

66

Key Largo 216 LX

67

Princecraft Sport 164

68

Ranger RT 198P

69

WAKE

40

Malibu M235

70

MasterCraft X26

71

•

JANUARY 2017

H

APPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Welcome to the first issue of 2017, which marks year number 38 for Boating World. As usual, our January issue is a big one, marking our Boat Buyer’s Guide, which includes all of our normal content plus 25 one-page boat reviews — all of boats we actually tested over the last four months. Our three main test sites were, once again, Lake Wawasee in Indiana, Table Rock Lake in Missouri and Lake Lanier in Georgia. The full crew of executive editor Alan Jones, videographer/photographer Steve Banta and publisher Duncan McIntosh attended the main sites, but Jones was busy at other test locations and dealer meetings, pushing his total to nearly 70 boats.

The goal for this issue is to give readers a sneak peek at what’s new for 2017, and that includes new models, refurbished models and new lines. There were pontoons aplenty, as has been the case for a few years now as manufacturers develop the entry-level and luxury segments. Wakeboat manufacturers continue to take advantage of new wake-producing tech and safety developments such as Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive sterndrive.

We had a boat break the $200K mark, but we had a few that kept the price tag below $40K, too, so the gamut was run. There really is a boat for every activity and budget.

Sometimes, there’s even a boat for more than one activity at a bargain price point.

All in all, the autumn of 2016 was a productive introduction to 2017, and we’ll continue to bring you what we found, plus whatever else we discover along the way, because boat manufacturers never stop building, and we never stop testing and reviewing. Enjoy.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 40

12/6/16 12:36 PM

YOU DESERVE A

RETREAT

INTRODUCING THE NEW LOWE RETREAT PONTOONS. Spacious and well appointed, Retreat is your oasis on the water. Enjoy deluxe vinyl flooring, a premium stereo system, pillow-top furniture and a range of high-performance propulsion options. And because it’s a Lowe, you can count on lasting quality at a price that won’t break the bank.

Escape from the everyday with the new Lowe Retreat.

www.loweboats.com

AVAILABLE IN 23 AND 25 FEET.

lowe_230Retreat11.29.16.indd 1

11/29/16 4:51 PM

BOWRIDERS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Formula 310 Bowrider

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

Specifications LOA 32 ft., 8 in. w/extended platform BEAM 9 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY Yacht certified DRY WEIGHT 9,875 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 130 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 860 DEADRISE 22 degrees PRICE W/TWIN 380 HP MERCRUISER 8.2L $272,820 TIME TO PLANE 3.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.5 sec.

PEAK 58.9 mph/4900 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 32.7 mph/3000 rpm/81 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: VacuFlush head w/pumpout, Garmin 547 GPS chartplotter, Bennett hydraulic trim tabs

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Windlass, fiberglass arch, JL Audio Bluetooth stereo w/subwoofer Formula Boats, formulaboats.com

42

•

JANUARY 2017

B

IG BOWRIDERS ARE still

among the hottest boats on the water, and the Formula 310 BR shows why. It’s all about wide-open spaces for however many guests want to come along, because this model is yacht-certified — and at 31 feet long (not counting the swim platform) it’s also a certified yacht. With a huge group aboard, a boat tends to spend a lot of time with the key off, and this model is the king of the sandbar thanks to features such as a huge optional extended swim platform ($7,690) that’s totally devoid of any toe-stubbing features, since the ladder is neatly tucked underneath. The entire perimeter is encircled with a stainless steel grabrail, so swimmers have a place to hang on.

Formula made the cockpit more dynamic than in previous years, with convertible backrests for the sunpad/stern bench seats that operate independently and another one at the doublewide helm seat, which forms a rear-facing lounger when the boat is at anchor.

Every bit of the perimeter on the boat is circled with seating, except the portside entertainment center, which on our test boat had an optional refrigerator ($2,040). Pretty much everything on the 310 BR is

gargantuan, including the yacht-worthy head compartment and the bow section.

For boaters who want to step up to a large bowrider but aren’t sure they have the skills to handle one, all they have to do is check one box on the option sheet: Joystick Piloting. It delivers total control over the 310 BR — without decades of docking practice. It’s incredibly easy to make it perform any docking maneuver with the twist or push of the chunky knob. It also includes Active Trim, which keeps the boat running at the perfect attitude. Joystick Piloting isn’t cheap, at $25,025, but the list price of this premium boat starts at $272,820 with twin 380 hp 8.2L MerCruiser sterndrives, so it’s not that much more.

The 8.2L engine package makes the 310 BR perform like a hot rod. With the Bennett trim tabs engaged for takeoff, it got on plane in just 3 seconds with vastly reduced bowrise and scooted to 30 mph under very linear acceleration in 7.5 seconds. Top speed was a ripping 58.9 mph. — AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 42

12/6/16 12:36 PM

GEICO and TowBoatU.S. have teamed up to help you on the water.

As a GEICO policyholder, you’ll receive outstanding coverage for your boat at an outstanding price. Plus, when you add towing to your policy, you’ll have the benefits of services provided by TowBoatU.S. — the nation’s largest fleet.

geico.com/boat 800-865-4846

for your boat

Service provided by Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company.

GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO

BOWRIDERS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Rinker QX 29 Bow Rider

F

OR 2017, RINKER has upgraded practically its entire line of boats to reflect a more upscale posture, and no other boat shows off the new styling scheme better than the QX 29, a big new bowrider with a long list of standard features. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the exterior, which eschews stick-on graphics — they often peel after a few years — in favor of a clean, gelcoat-only look. At the stern, the swim platform sits low to the water for easy entry and extraction, and a pair of integrated rumble seats are perfect for booting up for a ski run or hanging out when the key is off. Underneath the seat bottoms are two cavernous wet lockers. A centerline walkthrough makes it easy to enter the cockpit, and under the portside sunpad sectional is a flip-over filler cushion that helps create a really wide platform for catching rays.

The beam is 9 feet, 1 inch, which gives the boat extra room throughout, so the starboard-side entertainment center doesn’t dominate the passenger space. It features a Corian countertop with an integrated fiddle

to keep things from sliding off and, like all Rinkers, it has a trash can. There’s a sink with a spigot, and below is storage and a carry-on Igloo cooler. A refrigerator and shore power are optional ($1,921). Rare standard features include a Raymarine A65 GPS/chartplotter and Lenco trim tabs. Rinker is using new fabric for its upholstery this year; it has a cloth-like look on the darker panels to keep them cooler. The deck is clad in standard snap-in Chilliwich Bamboo. To port is a second captain’s chair, and in front of that is a roomy head compartment that has a standard portable toilet. Our test boat had the optional folding Sport Arch ($8,221), which comes with an upgrade to a Kicker sound system and coffee-can speakers that are mounted high to avoid head clunking.

Pressing a button on our test boat electronically raised the engine hatch to reveal a 350 hp MerCruiser 6.2L sterndrive that had the twinprop Bravo 3 outdrive, which provided sporty performance. The QX 29 launched well and was on plane in 3.6 seconds without the tabs engaged. Time to 30 mph was 6.8 seconds, and it hit a top speed of 44.8 mph. For skiing, add Star Gazer Perfect Pass speed control for $1,700.

Volvo Penta power is available. —AJ

Specifications LENGTH 29 ft., 2 in.

BEAM 9 ft., 1 in.

CAPACITY Yacht certified DRY WEIGHT 5,865 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 75 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 430 DEADRISE 20 degrees PRICE W/MERCRUISER 350 HP 6.2L $87,043 TIME TO PLANE 3.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.8 sec.

PEAK 44.8 mph/5200 rpm/94 dBA

CRUISE 30.6 mph/3500 rpm/86 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Twin in-deck ski lockers, cockpit table, transom shower

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Windlass, Silent Choice exhaust system, MerCruiser Digital Shift and Throttle (DTS) Rinker Boats, rinkerboats.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

44

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 44

12/6/16 12:36 PM

THIS YEAR, MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY ON THE WATER

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE MATCHED BY EXCEPTIONAL VALUE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL BOAT SHOW OFFERS FROM SUZUKI MARINE

REPOWER FINANCE

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

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

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

Offers end March 31, 2017. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki outboard motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki outboards made between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki marine engines. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki marine engines purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17.“Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2016 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

SZ_Q1Promo_WIP.indd 1

11/21/16 1:52 PM

CRUISERS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Glastron GS 259 Specifications LENGTH 25 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 10 people DRY WEIGHT 6,150 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 70 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 300 DEADRISE 17 degrees PRICE W/VOLVO PENTA 4.3L 280 HP V-6 $79,893 TIME TO PLANE 4.3 sec.

0-25 MPH 9.8 sec.

PEAK 40.4 mph/5800 rpm/94 dBA

CRUISE 28.4 mph/2500 rpm/86 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Ski tow, Bluetooth stereo w/ remote control, swim platform w/ladder

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Extended swim platform, bow sunpad, flat-screen TV Glastron, glastron.com

I

F YOU THOUGHT Glastron only manu-

factured sporty bowriders from 18 to 24 feet long, you’re almost right. But there, hidden in the lineup, is a weekender that channels Glastron’s style into a cruiser — the GS 259 — that’s equal parts floating hotel and fun-in-the-sun boat.

Stretching 25 feet long, it also has an 8-foot, 6-inch beam, which makes it easily trailerable.

The open cockpit layout has a doublewide helm seat with a flippable backrest, and on the starboard side is a comfortable couch with storage underneath. It creates an L-lounge with the stern bench, which also has a convertible backrest, so passengers can face the water in max relax mode.

The best part of owning a cruiser is when all the other boaters head for the dock near sundown but you

don’t have to. With the Glastron GS 259, you’ll just be setting the anchor while sliding into happy hour and prepping for dinner. On most cruisers, the galley is in the cabin, but Glastron’s designers wisely placed the galley on the port side of the cockpit in a roomy entertainment center that has a sink with a spigot. Just behind is a gunwale rail for mounting an aftermarket gas grill. To make this cruiser self-sufficient, items such as an oversized stove burner, a microwave, a refrigerator for the cabin, a hot-water heater and dockside power with electrical outlets are bundled for $4,667. A rarity for pocket cruisers is a generator option ($14,667) that can power items such as an optional air conditioner with reverse heat ($2,800). The GS 259 sleeps four in a V-berth and the amidships cabin, which has a queen-size bed.

There’s a stand-up head compartment with a shower and a pumpout head option ($207).

Surprisingly, our test boat was powered by a single Volvo Penta V-6 sterndrive engine, which didn’t seem like enough power to push this 6,150pound hull. But it was the new 280 hp 4.3L Gen 5 GM engine that also powers Chevy Silverado pickup trucks, so it had plenty of guts. With the standard Lenco hydraulic tabs down, it put the GS 259 on plane in 4.3 seconds with reduced bowrise. Time to 25 mph was 9.8 seconds, and it reached a top speed of 40.4 mph. A 300 hp MerCruiser or Volvo Penta is also available. It was surprisingly agile in hard turns, which improves its watersports potential. — AJ

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

46

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 46

12/6/16 12:36 PM

EASY

ON & OFF

DRIVE-ON PORTS KEEP YOUR BOAT HIGH & DRY • Made in the USA • The simplest drive-on, push-off method of dry-docking • Drive-on ports for PWCs, Boats and Pontoons

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER EZ-DOCK.COM

|

800-654-8168

|

b j

EZ Dock ® is a division of PlayPower, Inc.®. Copyright 2016 © by PlayPower, Inc.® All rights reserved.

a r

DECKBOATS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Hurricane 187 IO

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

Specifications LENGTH 18 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 5 in.

CAPACITY 10 people DRY WEIGHT 3,005 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 27 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 270 DEADRISE 13 degrees PRICE W/MERCRUISER 250 HP 4.5L $39,825 TIME TO PLANE 3.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 9.8 sec.

PEAK 49.2 mph/4800 rpm/94 dBA

CRUISE 30.7 mph/3500 rpm/84 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Ski tow eye, ski locker, Bluetooth Marine Audio stereo w/2 speakers

T

ALK ABOUT GREATEST hits; not

only are Hurricane’s 187 and sister hull the 188 the best-selling deckboats in the world, they are better sellers than any other deckboat company’s full line combined.

Hurricane’s designers aren’t going to scrap this model anytime soon, but for 2017 they brought forth a new version called the Sport. It’s a new trim line that features a sportier lower-profile windshield with a frameless lower section and new, bolder graphics. Inside, a new upholstery scheme takes the color from the hull’s Sport graphics and uses it as part of the insert accents. Designers also make use of black panels, which are normally a horrible idea, but the material is a fabric-like vinyl that diffuses direct sunlight and keeps it cool enough to avoid searing bare skin.

You would be hard pressed to find a roomier sub-19foot boat than the 187 IO, and that’s the beauty of a

deckboat. Its 8-foot, 5-inch beam is carried all the way forward, so the bow seating area is huge. Five people can actually sit with their feet on the deck.

And an optional filler cushion ($454) turns the whole area into a sunning platform. Another plus is the roomy foredeck that has a boarding ladder and an anchor locker, both hidden by hatches.

The Fishing Package ($234) includes a pedestal seat, fishing rod clips and trolling motor rigging that can plug and play with any brand. The livewell is standard. In the cockpit is an L-lounge that helps give the 187 IO a passenger capacity of 10. Our boat also had the extended swim platform ($794), which created a huge back porch.

The compact helm still contains plenty of utility thanks to the use of multifunction gauges that preserve enough space in between for dealer-installed, flushmounted electronics of the buyer’s choice.

Our sterndrive 187 IO was powered by MerCruiser’s new-gen 4.5L V-6 that puts out 250 hp, giving it plenty of guts.

You would be hard pressed to find a roomier sub-19-foot boat.

It reached plane in 3.6 seconds, hit 30 mph in 9.8 seconds and topped out at 49.2 mph. The hull is a relatively flat 13 degrees, which when combined with its wide beam creates a very stable platform for guests when they walk around. It also keeps the boat from heeling far over in hard turns. —AJ

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Snap-in Marine Mat padded flooring, bow and cockpit tables, stainless upgrade for rubrail, cupholders and pull-up cleats Hurricane Boats, hurricaneboats.com

48

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 48

12/7/16 10:47 AM

OVER 460 BOAT TEST VIDEOS... ... AND COUNTING! We answer the questions that really matter to you - before you buy a boat.

Ride along with Boating World’s executive editor Alan Jones as he tests hundreds of makes and models, from ski boats to pontoons. Our boat test video vault includes over 460 clips — each with in-depth walk-throughs highlighting features and options, and running footage showing how the boat accelerates and corners (including the type of wake). We put ourselves in your shoes and deliver practical and objective opinions on how each boat measures up.

468 Boat Tests and Over 3,684,000 Views Search ”Boating World’ on Youtube.com to access our video channel.

®

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature template new.indd Video single page.indd 28 49

JANUARY 2017

•

49

12/7/16 12/5/16 8:57 1:29 AM PM

DECKBOATS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Princecraft Ventura 220 WS

P

RINCECRAFT BOATS

are built in Quebec, and being up north means a shorter season, so boaters want to cram as much fun as they can into a short span — much like Princecraft did with the 22-foot-long Ventura 220 WS deckboat. The major advantage of its deckboat layout is the beamy bowriding section that has overstuffed chaise lounges. Boarding is easy via a centerline walkthrough at the bow. Its nonskid surface keeps guests off the beautiful upholstery. Despite a cool, rainy day of testing at Lac William, the full windshield (the WS in the boat’s name) kept us comfortable, and we didn’t even have to deploy the optional full camper enclosure.

The big difference between the Ventura 220 and conventional deckboats is its hull.

It is made from aluminum alloy H36, which is ultra-strong and significantly lighter than fiberglass. With a dry weight of 2,108 pounds, this 22-foot, 2-inch-long hull is 1,301 pounds lighter than the similar-sized Hurricane 2200, which means it can be towed by most anything with a trailer hitch. It’s rated for

up to 12 passengers, and there a seat for all, beginning with an L-lounge in the cockpit that has storage underneath. An unusual feature is a huge stern sunpad that spans the beam; it has a raised trailing edge to keep sunbathers on deck. Its entertainment factor can be ratcheted up with the addition of a portside galley ($304) with a sink and an electric faucet and an oversized rectangular bow-mounted table that augments the one in the cockpit. The stereo on our test boat was upgraded from the standard 160-watt Jensen Bluetooth system to a 200-watt Clarion ($541). For watersports, get the Entertainment Package, which includes a ski tow, a starboard-side swim platform and a bolstered captain’s chair ($1,320). Skis will fit in the standard in-floor locker.

A lighter aluminum hull means less horsepower will still deliver great performance.

Take the Mercury 175 Verado, for instance; it is midway through the power options, which include the 150 FourStroke and 200 Verado.

Thanks to the Ventura 220’s oversized reverse chines and relatively flat 13 degrees of deadrise, the 175 Verado got it on plane with very little bowrise in just 2.4 seconds, pushed it to 30 mph in 6.8 seconds and reached a top speed of 46.2 mph. —AJ

Specifications LENGTH 22 ft., 2 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 1 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,108 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 200 DEADRISE 13 degrees PRICE W/MERCURY 175 HP VERADO $47,786

TIME TO PLANE 2.4 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.8 sec.

PEAK 46.2 mph/6200 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 32.3 mph/4500 rpm/82 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: 160-watt Jensen Bluetooth stereo, SeaStar hydraulic steering, DTS throttle (Verado-equipped)

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Ski tow bar, trailer, Premium sound system w/Clarion 200-watt amp and subwoofer Princecraft, princecraft.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

50

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 50

12/6/16 12:37 PM

THE ULTIMATE IN MARINE LUBRICATION NAME THAT BOAT! Go to www.boatingworld.com/name-the-boat/ and enter for a chance to win a BEL-RAY® prize.

PROUD SPONSOR

DECKBOATS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Splendor 239 SunStar

Specifications LENGTH 24 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 4 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 3,700 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 54 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 250 DEADRISE N/A PRICE W/SUZUKI DF250 $52,400 TIME TO PLANE 2.1 sec.

0-30 MPH 8.1 sec.

PEAK 45.3 mph/5200 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 31.8 mph/4000 rpm/84 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Sink w/transom shower and 13-gal. tank, tilt steering, Sunbrella bow and cockpit covers

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Upgraded Polk Audio stereo, wakeboard tower, underwater lights Splendor Boats, splendorboats.com

52

•

JANUARY 2017

T

HE GREAT THING about

deckboats is their roominess, especially up front, thanks to the beam being carried all the way forward. And models such as Splendor’s 239 SunStar take this attribute to the max. Its huge foredeck can be customized with features such as fishing chairs or even a wheelchair ramp, and it is a great spot for sunning with the optional pads in place. A boarding ladder up front facilitates dry beach landings or acts as a second place for swimmers to reboard. While deckboats aren’t normally esteemed for their seakeeping ability, Splendor’s unique catamaran hull makes it one of the most seaworthy boats in its class. At cruising speeds, air is trapped and compressed between the twin hulls, giving it lift and helping it ride high over the water. And unlike most catamaran designs, which use twin engines and have a pronounced outward lean, the 239 has one outboard that helps it lean inward like a monohull and hook up really well in hard turns.

As evidenced by the hull design, the folks at Splendor do things a little differently, such as selling direct to the consumer, but it goes further than that. Instead of offering a base boat with few features, they give buyers a fully loaded turnkey package that has carefully chosen, quality components such as a standard Polk

Ultramarine Bluetooth stereo, a Livorsi steering wheel, a Sunbrella fabric Bimini top and a galvanized TrailMaster dualaxle trailer, for $52,400. There’s even a head compartment with a portable toilet.

The forward section of the cockpit is home to two really long forward-facing recliners that have well-placed stainless steel grabrails. Storage is abundant underneath in compartments that are really deep, thanks to being set into the cat sponsons, and long enough to hold any type of waterski.

The rear deck is raised, so the stern passengers in the L-lounge and the driver, who sits on a helm chair with a standard adjustable-height pedestal seat, have a great view. Following the theme, the tall stainless steel ski tow is part of the package. Powering our test boat was the Suzuki DF250 four-stroke outboard, which pushed the 239 SunStar really well. With the throttle jammed, there was very little bowrise as the boat got on plane in only 2.1 seconds. Its time to 30 mph was 8.1 seconds, and the 24-footlong Splendor reached a top speed of 45.3 mph. —AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 52

12/6/16 12:37 PM

DECKBOATS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Starcraft Star Step 221 E I/O Specifications LENGTH 21 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 2,940 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 44 gal.

D

MAXIMUM HP 250 ECKBOATS TEND TO

be the sensible shoes in a marine world of stiletto heels. Carrying the beam forward to the bow creates maximum space, but often the look is the exact opposite of edgy — unless it’s the Star Step 221 E I/O. It features bold graphics and vibrant colors that migrate from the hull to the interior.

Add a few key options that ratchet up the attitude and not many people would look at this boat and say, “Same old, same old.” There are 10 hull color choices, and our test boat featured red as its primary hue. That theme was reinforced by the accents in tri-color upholstery that also featured gray and white. At the compact helm station, a color-matching sport wheel was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The platform up front tapers to a rounded point to avoid the squared-off look that can make deckboats less elegant, and it features a boarding ladder, so passengers can hop off on a beach without getting wet.

A good way to jumpstart this boat’s cool factor is to select the Tow, Stereo and Speaker Package ($8,513), which features a foldable wakesports tower, a Kicker stereo amp and speakers in

the boat, a tower, and a subwoofer for some low-end thump. Skiers will also love the really deep wet locker in the cockpit walkthrough, for storing wet vests and tow ropes. Like the front deck and cockpit, the standard extended rear swim platform is optioned up with gray faux-teak snap-in Martine Mat, which is extra cushy on bare feet.

Our test boat was the “E” model, which stands for Entertainment. E models include a wet bar amidships that’s clad in brushed stainless steel and has a sink with a spigot and storage beneath the working surface. Another great option for upping the bling factor is the LX Package ($2,396); it features underwater lighting, lighted cupholders, speakers and deck mood lighting. In addition, it includes a transom stereo remote control and a shower for rinsing off after ski runs.

Our test boat was powered by MerCruiser’s newest V-6, a 4.5L that produces 250 hp. A sterndrive engine allows room for a sunpad in the stern and also helps the boat plow up a decent wakeboarding wake at 20 mph. It put the Star Step 221 on plane in 2.9 seconds.

Time to 30 mph was 7.8 seconds and top speed was 47.2 mph. —AJ

DEADRISE 17 degrees PRICE W/MERCRUISER 250 HP 4.5L V-6 $39,908 TIME TO PLANE 2.9 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.8 sec.

PEAK 47.2 mph/5300 rpm/95 dBA

CRUISE 31 mph/3500 rpm/86 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Extended swim platform, cockpit table, Bimini top

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Fishing Package, watersports tower, Murphy touchscreen Starcraft Marine, starcraftmarine.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

BOATINGWORLD.COM JANUARY 2017

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 53

•

53

12/7/16 9:24 AM

DECKBOATS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Stingray 186cc Deck Boat Specifications LENGTH 19 ft., 1 in.

BEAM 7 ft. 6 in.

CAPACITY 7 people DRY WEIGHT 2,300 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 34 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 DEADRISE 15 degrees PRICE W/YAMAHA F115 $32,609 TIME TO PLANE 2.6 sec.

0-25 MPH 6.2 sec.

PEAK 43.4 mph/6000 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 26.0 mph/4000 rpm/83 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Leaning post with flip-up backrest, 160-watt Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo, 48-quart cooler

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Hydraulic steering, Bimini top, stainless steel ski tow Stingray Boats, stingrayboats.com

54

•

JANUARY 2017

T

HE BIG NEWS at Stingray this

year is its new line of center console deckboats, which starts with the 186cc Deck Boat. It’s multitask-ready, but like most center consoles, fishing is high on the list of to-dos, so Stingray checked off a lot of wish-list boxes, such as ample rod storage: six in-gunwale holders, including four at the stern that can be used for trolling, six vertical holders in the center console, and four holders under the gunwale. That’s 16, which is more than many one-trick-only fishing boats. A 104-quart livewell is under the leaning post, and a cooler under the jumpseat in front of the console can be converted to a 68-quart livewell. The beauty of the 186cc’s deckboat layout is evidenced by the wide bow casting deck, which is huge and includes twin storage

compartments and an anchor locker that has a cradle for a Danforth-style hook. It comes standard with a pedestal fishing seat and can be rigged with a trolling motor harness and mount ($346).

The center console itself is perfectly proportioned for a boat this size but still has enough dash space for big-screen electronics. Stingray designers wisely created a storage well at the top, which is lined with cork for stowing odds and ends. Flip a couple of latches and the entire console tilts back for easy maintenance access to the wiring and easy access to stowed items.

It’s also the spot for a pair of trolling motor batteries. The three-position backrest on the leaning post features latches on the sides to lock it into place, so riders standing behind can grab it securely without jamming the backrest into the driver and copilot. The 186cc is ready for cruising and entertaining, and the bow can become a sunning platform with optional filler cushions ($531). At the stern, four passengers can sit abreast on a bench that’s flanked by twin flip-up jumpseats. There’s a slot for an optional ski pylon ($492), and extended swim platformettes create plenty of room to boot up or land a fish next to the outboard.

Our test boat was powered by a Yamaha F115, which was plenty of engine thanks to Stingray’s efficient Z-Plane hull. On plane in 2.6 seconds, the 186cc reached 25 mph in 6.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 43.4 mph. — AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 54

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Bennington Q27RSD Custom 10

B

ENNINGTON HAS A wide variety of off-the-rack luxury pontoons that fit any boater’s lifestyle, but if one has a special vision, the builder can probably make it happen. The model we tested is called the Q27RSD Custom 10, and it was commissioned by a customer who wanted the ultimate entertainment pontoon. It’s like a high-end floating dining room with features such as a huge dinette table to the starboard stern side that’s surrounded by four newly restyled V2 Pure Comfort reclining captain’s chairs, counting the helm seat at about-face. The table’s edge glows invitingly with built-in ambiance lighting and has four lighted cupholders set within. On the port side is a giant refreshment center that is themed with the same edge lighting and has plenty of working space and storage beneath. For an added wow factor, all the lights can be programmed to periodically change colors.

It’s clear the owner saw the floor plan for the 8-foot, 6-inch-wide Q25 Side Dinette and noticed there wasn’t much room between the dinette and

It’s like a highend floating dining room. the entertainment center. To fix that, he commissioned it as a 10-foot-wide model that’s also two feet longer. The added beam created plenty of room for dancing, and thanks to the upscale Kicker Ultimate All-In-One Speaker system Bluetooth stereo with the subwoofer and amp upgrade ($1,396), it has a nightclub-worthy sound to match. For

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

added seating, there’s a bench seat at the stern, a lounge opposite the helm station and twin recliners up front that are clad in the new Diamond-Pressed Pillow-Top. For an added James Bond moment, the portside lounge contains the Mega Privacy enclosure ($5,374), which deploys electronically with the push of a button.

While it would be a blast just sitting at the dock, this 28-foot, 3-inch-long model is a waterborne Bentley Mulsanne — in other words, it’s the ultimate sleeper.

Powered by twin Yamaha F250 outboards, it’s a monster off the line, planing in just 2 seconds and with a time to 30 mph of 5.1 seconds. The Q27RSD gets a lot of lift from its giant Triple ESP tubes, which have a diameter of 32 inches; the tubes helped it ride high in the water, for better seakeeping, and aided in its top speed of 50.4 mph. Alas, dreams can be rather expensive, and the as-tested price of this dream pontoon managed to crack the $200K mark. —AJ

Specifications LENGTH 28 ft., 3 in.

BEAM 10 ft.

CAPACITY 18 people DRY WEIGHT 4,702 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 83 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 600 TUBE DIAMETER 32 in.

PRICE W/TWIN YAMAHA F250 FOUR-STROKES $197,848 TIME TO PLANE 2.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 5.1 sec.

PEAK 50.4 mph/5700 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 33.1 mph/4000 rpm/80 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Seagrass flooring, Striker 4 fish graph, bench seat cooler

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Yamaha Helm Master joystick docking, in-floor storage, underwater and side illumination Bennington Marine, benningtonmarine.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 55

JANUARY 2017

•

55

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Berkshire 25 Sport RFX9

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

Specifications LENGTH 25 ft., 7 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 1,855 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 52 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350 TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/MERCURY 300 HP VERADO PRO $97,180 TIME TO PLANE 2.8 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.5 sec.

PEAK 49.3 mph/6300 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 27.1 mph/4000 rpm/81 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Electronically powered Sport Arch w/Bimini top, transom shower, popup changing room

U

SUALLY, THE WORD Sport in a boat’s name is code for a model that’s been stripped of standard features to hit a special price point — not so in the case of Berkshire’s Ultra Series 25 Sport RFX9.

Perhaps a better name would be Uber Sport, because one would be hard pressed to find another pontoon with more high-end standard features. It has some edge to it, with features such as a color-coordinated curved ski tow that has built-in board racks ($1,703), artfully melding form and function. Its signature standard feature is an aluminum Sport Arch that electronically folds down to limbo under bridges or garage entrances. It features a high tow point for wakeboarders and has a Bimini top that casts a wide swath of shade. And for ski storage, there’s a 79-inch-long in-deck locker ($1,750). The rear deck is wide open for

watersports staging or hanging out, and the entire boat is decked out in faux teak vinyl flooring ($946).

The 25 Sport RFX9’s seating exudes luxury. On our test boat, its Soft Touch vinyl was done up in Camel with Bronze accents, giving it a European motor coach feel and look. The twin Lexington-built helm chairs with adjustable-height pedestals have unique armrests that appear to be built to aircraft specs. Four equal-length, moodlit recliners with cleanly integrated armrests are located in all quadrants and are supported by triple-density foam that is soft yet supportive. For entertaining, there’s a woodgrain cockpit table, and its standard stereo is a Bluetooth Kicker with six lighted speakers plus a subwoofer with a stern remote control. On our boat, there were two more optional rear-firing tower speakers ($713).

At the helm is a standard Murphy touchscreen that controls all the boat’s systems, including the rearview camera ($358), which is displayed in color. Our boat featured the 3.0+ Performance Package, which bundles together features such as the ski tow, lifting strakes, a running pad, aluminum underskin, a 52-gallon fuel tank and power hydraulic SeaStar steering. This tube package helps it turn impressively, and the driver is aided by the spinner knob on the stainless steel wheel. It was powered by a Mercury Verado 300 Pro, which gave it plenty of kick. On plane in 2.8 seconds, it reached 30 mph in only 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 49.3 mph. — AJ

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Underwater lighting, rearview camera, reinforced splash fins Berkshire, berkshirepontoon.com

56

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 56

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Coach 250RL

C

Specifications LENGTH 27 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

OACH IS A relatively new player in the pontoon industry, but its principals have been building pontoons for quite a while, and the expertise shows. For 2017, the 250RL showcases what this company is all about: giving owners a quality boat loaded with standard features that would be options on most others. The seating is new this year and features Marino Soft Touch upholstery with a basket-weave pattern for the accent panels and scalloped seat bottoms that add an interesting look. The RL stands for Rear Loungers, and the 250RL has four chaise lounges, one in each corner and all with unique armrests. All the sofas are comfortable for sitting facing forward or aft.

The seat bases are contoured inward at the deck, to give feet more room, and the standard Bazooka speakers are angled 20 degrees upward for a better sound. The 500-watt Kicker stereo system on our boat included two Bazooka bass tubes.

One thing you won’t see on a Coach is carpeting; rather, the builder offers a wide range of Infinity AVD vinyl floors. Our test boat had a darker weave pattern that stayed surprisingly cool in direct sunlight. The rear deck on this 27-footer is extra roomy and includes a stainless steel ski tow and a matching four-step

boarding ladder as part of the standard package. New this year is a standard black Bimini frame and Sunbrella canvas that goes well with the black fencing, which includes just a flash of sparkle with silver D-rails for contrast.

At the helm is an Italian Gussi wheel and a standard Simrad Go 7 glass cockpit-style touchscreen that allows the driver to take control of all the boat’s systems. Coach has decided to make Honda its only outboard choice and uses Honda’s digital smart gauges, which link to the GPS for accurate speed and deliver important fuel flow info. Our model was powered by the BF225, which has a slightly smaller displacement than the flagship BF250 and weighs 13 pounds less. The 250RL, like other Coach models, sits with a pronounced rearward tilt, which, along with Honda’s BLAST system that advances the spark and enriches the air/fuel mixture when the driver jams the throttle, allowed it to get on plane in 2.3 seconds. Its time to 30 mph was seven seconds, and the 250RL reached a top speed of 38.6 mph. —AJ

CAPACITY 15 people DRY WEIGHT 2,800 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 58 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 300 PONTOON DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/HONDA BF225 $64,329 TIME TO PLANE 2.3 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.0 sec.

PEAK 38.6 mph/6000 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 24.6 mph/4000 rpm/81 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Premium 500-watt Kicker Bluetooth stereo, Simrad touchscreen GPS chartplotter, stainless steel ski tow

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Raised helm station, Infinity faux teak deck, privacy enclosure Coach Pontoon, coachpontoons.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 57

JANUARY 2017

•

57

12/7/16 9:25 AM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Crest III 250 SLC

Specifications LENGTH 25 ft., 8 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 16 people DRY WEIGHT 2,558 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 28 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 250 TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/MERCURY 150 HP FOURSTROKE $56,589 TIME TO PLANE 2.5 sec.

0-25 MPH 6.5 sec.

PEAK 36.3 mph/5800 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 22.4 mph/4500 rpm/81 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Tilt hydraulic steering, 4-step stainless steel boarding ladder, changing station

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Premium Fusion stereo, lighted speakers, additional captain’s chair Crest, crestpontoonboats.com

58

•

JANUARY 2017

M

ANY PONTOON buyers

are seeking the holy grail of price-performance-panache otherwise known as “best bang for the buck.” The Crest III 250 SLC delivers on all three. Black rails are hot right now, and the 250 SLC features powder-coated rails with a hammered look that’s replicated on its Bimini frame. Our test boat’s exterior featured the Burgundy and black combo with gray accents, which provided eye-catching contrast.

Lovers of shade will appreciate the available twin Bimini top setup — sort of like poor man’s air conditioning. Another eye-grabber is the unique decking our test boat featured. I remarked it looked just like the floor of an old cabin I rented in Ashville, N.C., and was not surprised to learn its name is Cabin Life, made by Better Way, an exclusive provider to Crest. Six vinyl floor choices are part of the standard package.

The upholstery on the four identical chaise lounges features PermaGuard Soft Touch vinyl, which is highly scuff-resistant and covers high-density foam that delivers great support. Triple-stitching adds a touch of class, as do the accent panels that have a denim look. All the lounges curve in toward the centerline for more passenger capacity — it holds 16 — so adding

a filler sectional creates a U-lounge on either end. At the helm is a standard four-speaker Fusion stereo system that can be controlled via Bluetooth and also by a standard USB port. Our boat had the optional Lowrance Hook Series GPS/fishfinder, but the coolest option — quite literally — was the Captain Cool electric cupholder that will not only keep a drink cold all day but will actually chill a warm one.

Our test boat had the upgraded JR Ski Beast ski tow, which is industrialstrength strong and is powder-coat black to match the D-rails. Our 250 SLC also had the CPT tube upgrade, which includes a third tube, aluminum underskin, hydraulic steering and a 28-gallon fuel tank. It was powered by the Mercury 150 hp FourStroke, which is probably the smallest engine this triple-tube pontoon will be rigged with, since it’s rated up to a 250 (350 with the CP3 option).

Nonetheless, it did a watersports-worthy job of powering the pontoon. On plane in 2.5 seconds, it reached 25 mph in 6.5 seconds and had a top speed of 36.3 mph. — AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 58

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Cypress Cay Cabana 220 Specifications LENGTH 23 ft., 8 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,979 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 37 gal.

O

MAXIMUM HP 250 NE OF THE hottest

pontoon trends in 2017 is something called the “Black Out” edition, which, despite its connotation, has nothing to do with the cessation of power. Instead, it refers to the use of black hardware.

Cypress Cay showcased such a look nicely on its Cabana 220, which featured contrasting True Red fencing (one of six available colors).

The package is a $1,130 add-on, but it includes black anodized rubrails, black powder-coated D-rails and black corner caps. To complete the look, add a black 11-foot, 6-inch Sport Bimini top that’s attached to a forward-swept tower ($2,190). For skiing, add a stainless steel ski tow bar for $530, since the tower has no tow point. There’s a matching four-step boarding ladder with swimming pooltype grabrails that are set far apart for better leverage. To stow boards, get the in-floor storage option ($980), which requires a third tube.

Our test boat featured the dual helm chair floor plan, which includes four chaise lounges with armrests in all four corners of the boat. The lounges are really comfortable and don’t feature any

ersatz headrests or other intrusive protrusions on the backrest. All four curve toward the center, so a filler section creates a U-lounge on either end. Another entertainment-enhancing option is the rolling cooler table ($600), which slides open at the top for easy beverage access. Set into the backrest of the forward portside lounge is a popup changing room ($510) that can be equipped with a portable toilet ($210).

The triple-tube Performance Plus setup ($3,600) on our test boat came with an aluminum underskin and lifting strakes, and it can be bundled with the ski tow bar and in-floor storage, to save a few bucks. The tubes can be upgraded to 27-inch logs (from 25-inchers) for better seakeeping in rough water, but during our test, the standard tubes did a good job. Our Cabana 220 test boat was powered by the Mercury 150 hp FourStroke, which gave it a good blend of performance and economy. On plane in 3.1 seconds, it reached 30 mph in 9.4 seconds and topped out at 36.4 mph.

Boaters in a bigger hurry can power it with a Honda BF225 or a Mercury 250 Verado. — AJ

TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/MERCURY 150 HP FOURSTROKE $45,485 TIME TO PLANE 3.1 sec.

0-30 MPH 9.4 sec.

PEAK 36.4 mph/5600 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 27.2 mph/4500 rpm/85 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: SeaStar hydraulic steering, Seagrass flooring, 10-foot Bimini top

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Lowrance Hook 4 fishfinder, Kicker 6-speaker stereo upgrade, highback captain’s chairs Cypress Cay Pontoons, cypresscaypontoons.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 59

JANUARY 2017

•

59

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Harris Cruiser 220 Specifications LENGTH 23 ft., 5 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 2,812 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 37 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 200 (w/triple tubes)

PONTOON DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/MERCURY 115 HP PRO XS $32,611

TIME TO PLANE 3.5 sec.

0-25 MPH 9.8 sec.

PEAK 32.4 mph/6200 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 21.1 mph/4500 rpm/84 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Four-speaker Fusion Bluetooth stereo, Seagrass vinyl flooring, 10-foot Bimini top

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Ski tow bar, hydraulic tilt steering, metallic accent fencing Harris, harrisboats.com

60

•

JANUARY 2017

E

NTRY-LEVEL PONTOONS

sometimes announce their owner’s frugality for all the world to see.

Harris, however, decided to blur the lines between its more upscale pontoons, the Crowne series, and its Cruiser series with models such as the Cruiser 220, which received a total makeover for 2017. Outside, ours sported a new D-rail pattern that had the optional black, anodized rails and Bimini supports ($1,070). Inside, the furniture’s Desert Camel upholstery featured the optional pillowtop padding and diamond-stitched inserts ($590), adding a classy touch that’s seldom seen on anything but the upper-crust models. Our test boat featured the 2 PC Port Bow Group floor plan, which includes two UltraLux high-back seats that transform into living room–worthy recliners with a press of a button, and there’s a flip-up

table in between.

Opposite of the twin portside chairs is a chaise lounge, in case passengers to starboard have recliner envy. And there are two more rear-facing chaises in the stern; the one behind the helm seat is far shorter than the oversized one to port, which has an optional changing station ($450) tucked inside that can also hold a portable head ($210). Another example of carpet flooring being dead is that Harris offers Seagrass vinyl flooring as a standard feature. Our test boat had the optional faux teak vinyl deck option that costs $870 extra but adds a great nautical look.

Our test Cruiser 220 had an as-tested price of $45,131, but only because it was loaded with 25 options. It started with the triple-tube Performance Plus package ($3,400), which includes an aluminum underskin, a GPS speedometer, lifting strakes and the Rough Water package.

Although it’s rated for up to a 200 hp Mercury or Honda outboard, our test boat was powered by the new Mercury 115 hp Pro XS FourStroke that had the Command Thrust lower unit with a 2.38:1 gear ratio, to swing a bigger prop. The setup provided decent performance, with a time to plane of 3.5 seconds, a zero-to-25 mph time of 9.8 seconds and a watersports-capable top speed of 32.4 mph.

If you don’t add any options besides the triple-tube setup and the Mercury 115 hp Pro XS, you will have a well-equipped pontoon that includes standard features such as a four-speaker Fusion Bluetooth stereo, a 10-foot Bimini top and a fourstep boarding ladder for an MSRP of just $32,331. —AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 60

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Lowe Infinity 250 RFL

M

ANY PONTOON COMPANIES

can deliver plenty of luxury but often at a staggeringly upscale price. When Lowe came out with its top-of-the-line Infinity Series in 2015, the one thing it didn’t do is blow up the price tag. Lowe continues that trend with the 250 RFL, which can be had with a Mercury 250 Verado Pro for less than $60K, complete with DTS power steering.

Lowe made sure buyers couldn’t order a performance dog, making the minimum power option the Mercury OptiMax 150 (as a Brunswick company, Lowe uses only Mercury outboards). Every Infinity comes with triple tubes, so the addition of a ski pylon ($600) makes it watersports ready.

The rear deck is huge and comes standard with Ultra Teak decking and an oversized boarding ladder that’s curved to stick out farther in the water for easy reboarding.

At just an inch less than 26 feet long, it has plenty of room aboard, and for comfortable cruising it features two rear-facing loungers (RFL) with pillowtop backrests. The Infinity’s unique styling features fences and rails that swoop down toward the stern and aesthetically blend with the stainless steel tubing that forms the cockpit’s transom perimeter.

Two more chaise lounges in the bow wrap around, turning the seating group into a U-lounge with the addition of a gate seat insert ($667). An adjoining captain’s chair — identical to the one at the helm — means the skipper can have company.

At the helm is a standard Lowrance Hook 5X fishfinder with CHIRP sonar and DownScan imaging. Lowe equips it with a premium six-speaker Polk Audio Bluetooth stereo that just needs

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

a bump (literally), with the addition of a Polk MM104 subwoofer for only $247.

The 250 RFL can be equipped with up to a Mercury 300 Verado, but the 250 felt like the performance sweet

At just an inch less than 26 feet long, it has plenty of room aboard. spot. The mandatory DTS drive-by-wire shifter was incredibly smooth, and when we jammed it forward, the Verado put the Infinity on plane in 2.4 seconds, pushed it to 30 mph in just 6.3 seconds and achieved a top speed of 46.6 mph. The triple tubes are all 25 inches in diameter and are mounted at the same height, which keeps the boat fairly flat during hard cornering. Full-length keels help avoid sliding during hard-over turns. —AJ

Specifications LENGTH 25 ft., 11 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 3,031 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 300 PONTOON DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/MERCURY VERADO 250 PRO $59,686 TIME TO PLANE 2.4 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.3 sec.

PEAK 46.6 mph/6200 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 28.8 mph/4000 rpm/82 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Changing room, Coleman stainless steel cooler, concealed lock box

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Lowe factory trailer, Sea Grass flooring, center log storage Lowe Boats, loweboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 61

JANUARY 2017

•

61

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Premier 220 SunSation

Specifications LENGTH 22 ft., 5 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 11 people DRY WEIGHT 1,950 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 21 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/HONDA BF100 $36,373 TIME TO PLANE 2.7 sec.

0-25 MPH 9.8 sec.

PEAK 25.9 mph/4800 rpm/90 dBA

CRUISE 21.8 mph/3500 rpm/82 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Sea Weave vinyl flooring, Garmin 301c fishfinder, 9-foot Bimini top

P

REMIER IS KNOWN for high-end pontoons with crazy amounts of power, such as the 12-foot-wide Dodici we tested last year. It had triple 300s on it, so it’s a little difficult to get used to the idea that there is something called an entry-level Premier pontoon, but there is, and the 220 SunSation does its best to confuse the issue. Paired with a Honda BF100, the SunSation starts at $36,373 but looks like it costs more. Simply adding the Atomic rails ($3,369) turns the already good-looking 220 into a real eye-grabber.

Our test boat featured Atomic Blue rails, which, in addition to Atomic Red, was introduced last year.

It ratcheted up the color intensity and contrasted it against matte-black, hammered-look fencing to greater effect.

This year, new upholstery helps elevate the

SunSation beyond its humble place in Premier’s hierarchy. Contrasting colors and textures and a pop of piping color that matches the rails bring it all together. The fencing dips slightly toward the bow, giving the overstuffed seating the look of a rising soufflé. Up front are matching recliner sofas that can be conjoined by a bow gate filler sectional. Despite being a sub-23-footer, it includes an unappreciated feature: a starboard-side boarding gate, which makes it far easier for the driver to dock, because of the unencumbered visibility.

The L-lounge creates plenty of seating on the rear half and conceals a popup changing room under the stern sunpad.

Our test boat had the optional Rockford Fosgate Bluetooth stereo ($538) with the subwoofer ($569), which upped its party factor.

Our test boat was set up for cruising and light-duty watersports with the standard 25-inch twin-tube configuration. It was matched with Honda’s newest outboard, the BF100, which includes technology such as Variable Valve Timing & Lift Control (VTEC), which flattens the power curve. Out of the hole, BLAST technology advances the timing when you jam the throttle hard and got the 220 SunSation on plane in 2.7 seconds. Time to 25 mph was 9.8 seconds and was near its top speed of 25.9 mph. We’re not sure it was propped correctly for our test, since it was only turning 4800 rpm with a high-revving outboard that’s capable of reaching 6300 rpm. Triple-tube options are available with up to 175 hp for buyers looking to enliven its performance. — AJ

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Ricochet self-lifting boarding ladder, 30-in PTX center tube, refrigerated captain’s cupholder Premier Pontoons, pontoons.com

62

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 62

12/6/16 12:37 PM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Qwest LS 818 XRE Cruise

Q

Specifications LENGTH 20 ft., 1 in.

BEAM 8 ft.

CAPACITY 10 people

WEST CONTINUES TO be the master of cramming as much luxury, sportiness and versatility as possible into a compact package, and the LS 818 XRE Cruise is proof of concept. With a 20-foot, 1-inch LOA, it features a wider-than-usual 8-foot beam to provide plenty of interior space and is maximized for myriad activities. At the stern is the Rear Fish Station, which includes a large bait-prep table with a built-in livewell, vertical rod holders and rod holders for trolling.

The table can pull double duty as a snack-presentation platform, complete with cupholders. Its dual pedestal chairs are inside the fence, so occupants can use them while cruising, and on models equipped with a ski tow, the chairs make excellent spotter seats. Skiers will find reboarding easy thanks to a four-step boarding ladder with oversized grabrails. The stern section on our test boat featured faux teak vinyl flooring and the cockpit featured Diamond Seagrass flooring ($648).

Despite a deck that’s only 17 feet, 2 inches, the LS 818 features three seating groups, including two couches up front with storage underneath and a unique air-flow design that inhibits mold. The lounge seat in front of the helm station is a recliner and the one to port is

a shorter club chair. Because this is a Luxury Series model (the LS in the boat’s name), it features high-backed furniture in either gray or beige that comes with a choice of seven piping colors. Amidships is a double-ended sofa with a rear-facing recliner and an L-extension on the other end that faces the helm.

Our test boat featured the Gen II Triple Tube Package, which includes a sturdy aluminum ski tow, an aluminum underskin, a 24-gallon fuel tank built into the center tube and lifting strakes on both sides of all tubes. The tubes themselves are 23 inches in diameter. Some buyers might think the tubes aren’t big enough, considering 25 inches is the standard, but Qwest makes its own lightweight furniture that’s up to 700 pounds lighter than the competition, so the tube diameter isn’t an issue. Our test boat was powered by Yamaha’s F115, which is the max power, and we found it to be the perfect match.

On plane in 2.5 seconds, it reached 25 mph in 7.8 seconds and climbed to a top speed of 37.1 mph. —AJ

DRY WEIGHT 1,750 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 24 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 PONTOON DIAMETER 23 in.

PRICE W/YAMAHA F115 $32,375 TIME TO PLANE 2.5 sec.

0-25 MPH 7.8 sec.

PEAK 37.1 mph/5800 rpm/92 dBA

CRUISE 22.7 mph/4000 rpm/82 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Humminbird Helix 5 color GPS/ fishfinder, Infinity PRV 250 Bluetooth 4-speaker stereo, 9-foot Bimini top

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Highpressure washdown, LED docking lights, stereo upgrade w/2 more speakers and a subwoofer Apex Marine, apexmarineinc.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 63

JANUARY 2017

•

63

12/7/16 9:25 AM

PONTOONS

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Sweetwater 2286 SB

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

Specifications LENGTH 22 ft., 6 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 10 people DRY WEIGHT 1,921 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 24 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

PRICE W/YAMAHA F115LB $26,970

TIME TO PLANE 2.0 sec.

0-25 MPH 7.8 sec.

PEAK 26.6 mph/6000 rpm/88 dBA

CRUISE 17.6 mph/4000 rpm/78 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Bimini top, 2-speaker Bluetooth Marine Audio stereo, boarding ladder

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Ski tow bar, 4-Speaker Polk Audio Bluetooth stereo, Lowrance Hook 3X color fishfinder Sweetwater Boats, sweetwaterboats.com

64

•

JANUARY 2017

S

OME ENTRY-LEVEL PONTOONS

can look pretty downscale as their manufacturers try to establish a clear delineation between their entry and luxury lines. But the designers at Godfrey decided to add an extra touch of class to the Sweetwater 2286 SB, giving it new furniture for 2017. It’s more than a skin-deep makeover; the frames and foam underneath are all new. The Soft Touch upholstery on our test boat featured a tri-tone gray color scheme that matched well the compass gray faux-teak vinyl flooring, which is a $1,398 upcharge. Sweetwater takes an á la carte approach to its models and offers the two-tube version of the 2286 SB at an attractive starting point of $26,970 when powered by a Yamaha F115LB. The list of options is extensive, and buyers can ratchet up the level of sophistication based on their needs and budget.

The SB designation in its moniker stands for Split Bench, which is a new floor plan for Sweetwater. With it, buyers get two rear-facing recliners that feature the proper amount of recline and aren’t saddled with anything weird in the backrest (e.g., pokey badges or too-low “headrests” that jab passengers between the shoulders). Twin mid-height captain’s chairs with armrests provide amidships seating. Up front is a pair of forward-facing chaise lounges; concealed in the

backrest of the one to port is a flip-up changing station ($296) that can be equipped with a portable toilet ($127).

Sweetwater will rig one’s two-tube 2286 SB with any outboard brand of choice, from 25 hp (don’t do it!) to the max F115 hp Yamaha, which our test boat had. It featured the Extreme cable steering system with a tilt wheel ($193), and while it’s better than most cable systems, we recommend the SeaStar hydraulic steering system for anything 90 hp and above, a $952 investment that’s well worth it, especially for pulling the kids around on a tube. The Yamaha F115 rocketed the 2286 SB on plane in just two seconds and fast-forwarded it to 25 mph in 7.8 seconds, which was near the boat’s top speed of 26.6 mph. If watersports are in the forecast, optioning up to a triple-tube setup ($3,247) is the way to go; the package includes an aluminum underskin, lifting strakes and a launch pad. Bumping the 25-inch tubes to 27-inchers costs $362 and is useful for carrying heavy loads or operating in choppy water. — AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 64

12/6/16 12:37 PM

FISHING

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Charger 210 Elite Specifications LENGTH 20 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 7 ft., 11 in.

CAPACITY 6 people DRY WEIGHT 1,900 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

U

MAXIMUM HP 300 SUALLY, WHEN A

new model is based on an older hull, that tidbit is downplayed, but not in the case of the Charger 210 Elite. Its hull is a Challenger 210 hull, last built in 2008, and that fact is embraced by the Dorris family, which has been building Playcraft pontoons for 43 years. The reason is simple: this 210 hull is thought, by many, to be one of the best bass boat hulls ever built. Challenger had the misfortune of being part of boating giant Genmar, which went Chapter 11 in 2009.

Like a phoenix, however, the Challenger hull is back and better than ever with some really interesting features, such as what’s under the 43-square-foot padded front deck that stays wide toward the bow. There, one will find three large rod boxes, instead of the usual one or two, giving anglers the flexibility to decide where they want the bulk of their rods to go. When a large angler fishes alone, he can stow heavy Plano tackle boxes on the port side, to counterbalance his weight.

The 210 Elite has an optional all-fiberglass console ($1,410) on the co-angler’s side. On the

matching helm console, the accessories are controlled by elevator buttons that light up when engaged. One of the unique features is a standard infrared camera that allows the driver to see obstructions in the dark, when most anglers get going. Wisely, Charger uses each engine manufacturer’s digital multifunction gauges instead of using cheaper generic gauges. The starting price, with the Mercury 250 and a trailer, comes in below $70K, which should leave a budget for other features — e.g., the Hydrowave fish attractor ($590), a Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 3 upgrade at the helm ($940).

The day we tested the Charger 210 Elite in Missouri, massive Table Rock Lake was pretty choppy, so we got to discover one of this hull’s best attributes: its smooth ride when conditions are less than perfect. Our test boat was powered by the Mercury 250 hp OptiMax Pro XS direct-injected, two-stroke, and despite this engine’s annoying hesitation when the throttle is jammed, the 210 got on plane in just 2.4 seconds, which is fast for a bass boat.

The Mercury powered it to 30 mph in 7.1 seconds and helped the Charger reach a top speed of 76.1 mph. — AJ

DEADRISE N/A PRICE W/MERCURY 250HP OPTIMAX PRO XS $69,995 TIME TO PLANE 2.4 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.1 sec.

PEAK 76.1 mph/5800 rpm/96 dBA

CRUISE 40.7 mph/4000 rpm/85 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Lowrance HDS 7 Gen 3 GPS/ fishfinder, 10-inch jackplate, MotorGuide X5 trolling motor

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Blade Series Power Poles, Lowrance HDS 9 at helm and bow, padded rear deck Charger Boats, chargerboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 65

JANUARY 2017

•

65

12/6/16 2:42 PM

FISHING

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

G3 Angler V17 SF

G

3’S V17 SF has been one

of its top sellers in recent years, and for 2017 the builder sure found a few ways to make it even better. Some of them stand out, such as the new graphics, but others are more subtle, such as the aluminum at the transom, which replaces wood, increasing the transom’s longevity and making it stronger. This year G3 includes the option of either carpeting or vinyl for the same price. The V17 SF is only 17 feet, 2 inches long, but it sports an 8-foot beam and narrow gunwales, to deliver maximum interior space. G3 designers carried the beam far forward, to create one of the largest casting decks in its class, and included loads of storage underneath. All compartments have molded-in lips and compression hatches for a positive seal, to make them totally waterproof. The center locker has been redesigned to include four-rod tubes that protect rod tips, and there’s an open area to store even more.

The V17 SF has a tall windshield to protect people in the cockpit on chilly mornings. To extend the season, an available Bimini top

and canvas set fully encloses the cockpit and maintains standup headroom. While G3’s Angler V17 Sport Fish name starts with the word “Angler,” its designers also had family in mind, making it compatible with a TurboSwing ski tow for watersports fun. For seating, there are two standard pedestal fishing chairs with options for more, and an optional stern flip-up bench seat. Both the front and rear deck have a livewell.

The V17 SF is all about getting anglers and their family on the water at a price that won’t break the bank. The MSRP for our test boat with a Yamaha F150 is $33,395. We haven’t included the price of options such as electronics and trolling motors, since they are handled at the dealer level. The V17 SF is priced below $30K with an F90, and it costs $4,000 to $5,000 more with an F150 or a V MAX SHO 150. The extra horsepower is a quantum leap, taking the boat from merely being a decent performer to a sports car, with a top speed around 50 mph. —AJ

The extra horsepower is a quantum leap.

Specifications LENGTH 17 ft., 2 in.

BEAM 8 ft.

CAPACITY 7 people DRY WEIGHT 1,460 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 34 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 150 DEADRISE 13 degrees PRICE W/YAMAHA F150 $33,395 TIME TO PLANE 2.1 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.5 sec.

PEAK 50.4 mph/6000 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 34.4 mph/4500 rpm/86 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Trail Guard trailer, vinyl front deck, SeaStar hydraulic steering

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Minn Kota Terrova 80 trolling motor, Garmin electronics, Yamaha F9.9 kicker G3 Boats, g3boats.com

66

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 66

12/7/16 6:42 AM

FISHING

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Key Largo 216 LX

K

EY LARGO DESIGNERS seem

to understand that even avid anglers shift into recreational boater mode, as evidenced by the 216 LX. It has plenty of fishing amenities, including twin livewells that reside on the centerline, for better balance. The first is at the transom and the second is in front of the console under a wide jumpseat that is wide enough for two close friends and has a high backrest for comfort. At the bow is a large casting platform with one giant hatch that provides instant access to stored gear. When it’s time to play, one can lie on a sunpad that’s part of the Cushion Package, which includes coaming pads that encircle the cockpit for comfort when fishing.

A striking feature of this 20-foot, 9-inch-long center console boat is how wide it is in relation to its length, stretching a full 8 feet, 6 inches from gunwale to gunwale. That width gives passengers plenty of room to walk around or fight a fish with plenty of clearance when heading past the center console. High freeboard provides safety and comfort for fighting fish in choppy seas. An unusual standard feature for a boat this size is a bow pulpit with a roller, for gently lowering the anchor. At the helm, owners have a choice between twin captain’s chairs that can swivel 180 degrees or a standard leaning post that comes with a backrest and a 70-quart cooler. One of the great options is a powder-coated T-top with an extra-long canvas cover that the Caravelle Boat Group builds in house. There’s plenty of room for electronics larger than the standard Humminbird Helix 5 Series GPS/fishfinder, which has advanced

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

Specifications features such as DownScan and SideScan. Our test boat had the optional AM/FM/CD stereo package.

The standard power for this boat’s No-Haggle nationally advertised price, which includes a galvanized trailer, is a Suzuki DF115 that will push it to a top speed of around 40 mph. Our test boat had the optional Evinrude E-TEC 135 H.O., which seemed to be a good place to start for the 216 LX, whose max power rating is 175 hp.

The Evinrude put the 3,520-pound hull on plane in just 2.8 seconds and powered it to 30 mph in eight seconds.

Top speed at 5400 rpm was 42.9 mph. —AJ

An unusual standard feature for a boat this size is a bow pulpit with a roller.

LENGTH 20 ft., 9 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 8 people DRY WEIGHT 3,520 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 78 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 175 DEADRISE 18 degrees PRICE W/EVINRUDE E-TEC 135 H.O. $42,899

TIME TO PLANE 2.8 sec.

0-30 MPH 8.0 sec.

PEAK 42.9 mph/5500 rpm/96 dBA

CRUISE 35.4 mph/4000 rpm/88 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: SeaStar hydraulic steering, leaning post w/70-qt. cooler, galvanized trailer

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Five hull color options, T-top w/Bimini, raw water washdown Caravelle Boat Group, caravelleboatgroup.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 67

JANUARY 2017

•

67

12/6/16 12:38 PM

FISHING

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Princecraft Sport 164

Specifications LENGTH 16 ft. 6 in.

BEAM 7 ft. 6 in.

CAPACITY 6 people DRY WEIGHT 1,090 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 19 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 DEADRISE 13 degrees PRICE W/MERCURY 90 HP FOURSTROKE $23,125 TIME TO PLANE 1.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.8 sec.

PEAK 44.2 mph/5600 rpm/94 dBA

CRUISE 29.3 mph/4000 rpm/85 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Single-axle trailer, twin fishing seats, in-gunwale rod storage

B

OATING CAN GET a little pricey

for a family with both anglers and watersports aficionados, if it takes two boats to keep everyone happy. But Princecraft’s new Sport 164 is a sub-17-footer that’s up to the challenge and is really budget friendly. It doesn’t even require a special tow vehicle (sorry about that), since its aluminum hull weighs in at a svelte 1,090 pounds. The 2017 version of the Sport 164 replaces the 167 model and has some key improvements, such as a revamped rear deck that has extra space on both sides of the motor — more casting room or more space to boot up for a ski run.

Also new are twin flip-up single jumpseats at the stern that replace the portside doublewide seat and single seat configuration. At the stern are dedicated pedestal receivers for a fishing seat and an optional ski tow pylon ($508).

Hardcore anglers won’t feel they are sacrificing with

this boat, which looks like a smaller version of a tournament walleye boat.

The base price of our test boat with a Mercury 90 hp FourStroke was $23,125, but even loaded with options, the price remains very affordable. It had the aforementioned ski pylon, 160-watt Jensen Bluetooth sound system ($477) and Lowrance Hook 3 fishfinder. To make this an all-weather boat, it also had a standup high top with a tonneau cover, curtains connected to the windshield and a back extension ($2,077). And to turn the forward casting deck into a bowriding section, it was equipped with a set of bow cushions ($500). When it’s time to fish, stow the cushions, install the forward fishing seat, grab a golden shiner from the 10-gallon SportFlo livewell set into the deck, and fire away.

Princecraft is a Brunswick company, so buyers have a choice of four Mercury outboards to power the Sport 164, starting with a FourStroke 60 or 70 hp.

Our test boat had the 90 hp FourStroke, which proved to be its sweet spot. With the throttle jammed, the Sport 164 had

Hardcore anglers won’t feel they are sacrificing. a fair amount of bowrise, but before I worried about not being able to see forward, the bow came down in just 1.6 seconds. Time to 30 mph was a snappy 7.8 seconds, and its speed peaked at 44.2 mph. For even hotter performance, the 115 hp FourStroke should just about do it. —AJ

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: 200-watt Bluetooth Clarion stereo, Humminbird Helix 7 fishfinder, Minn Kota trolling motor Princecraft, princecraft.com

68

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 68

12/6/16 12:38 PM

FISHING

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Ranger RT 198P Specifications LENGTH 19 ft., 4 in.

BEAM 7 ft., 7 in.

CAPACITY 4 people DRY WEIGHT 1,300 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 31 gal.

A

MAXIMUM HP 150 NGLERS WHO THOUGHT they

couldn’t afford a Ranger haven’t checked out its aluminum RT series of boats.

The new flagship model for 2017 is the RT 198P, which, with a Mercury 150 hp Pro XS, costs less than $29K — including a Ranger Trail trailer complete with aluminum spoke wheels. Ranger started building aluminum boats in 2013 and since then has integrated many features from its legendary fiberglass tournament boats, such as the roomy bow section. It’s all about the little details — recessed foot control for the standard Minn Kota Max 70 BG trolling motor, cupholders and tool holders — that are often left out.

Like on the big rigs, two rod lockers are built into the padded front deck. The centerline locker has a tackle organizer and eight rod tubes that can handle up to 8-foot rods; the portside compartment has seven tubes that can hold up to 6-foot, 6-inch rods. Anglers in run-and-gun mode can avoid tip breakage by parking three rods on the portside ramp, which has three rod tubes built into the front deck. For refreshments, an insulated fiberglass cooler rests just in front of the helm console.

At the fiberglass helm, which has Ranger’s sparkle finish, there’s a standard Lowrance Hook 7 touchscreen GPS/fishfinder that has advanced features such as StructureScan and Insight Genesis, which can build detailed maps of one’s favorite fishing holes. An optional passenger console is available ($519), but adding it eliminates the starboard rod ramp. Between the running seats, there’s a step-up to a rear deck that sits atop a shallow storage compartment perfect for cellphones and wallets. Set into the back deck are twin dry storage compartments and a deep aerated livewell with a divider.

When some people think about aluminum boats, they picture pokey Jon boats, but our test RT 198P rocked our performance test thanks to a Mercury 150 hp Pro XS. Wisely, Ranger only offers this model with 150 hp outboards from Mercury, Yamaha and Evinrude, because it’s the perfect match. On plane in just 2 seconds with little bowrise, our test boat ripped to 30 mph in just 5.2 seconds. It had a surprisingly fast top speed of 56.4 mph, thanks to the bass boat-like planing pad design on the 13-degree deadrise hull, but it was very stable at all speeds. —AJ

DEADRISE 13 degrees PRICE W/MERCURY 150 HP PRO XS $28,795

TIME TO PLANE 2.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 5.2 sec.

PEAK 56.4 mph/6000 rpm/95 dBA

CRUISE 40.4 mph/4000 rpm/89 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Ranger Trail trailer, Lowrance Hook 7 GPS/Chartplotter, SeaStar hydraulic steering

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Boarding ladder, Lowrance or Garmin bow electronics, Dual Pro 3-battery charger Ranger Boats, rangeraluminum.com

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 69

JANUARY 2017

•

69

12/6/16 12:38 PM

WAKE

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Malibu M235 Specifications LENGTH 23 ft., 6 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY 17 people DRY WEIGHT 6,200 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 73 gal.

MAXIMUM TORQUE 575 ft. lb.

DEADRISE N/A PRICE W/INDMAR MONSOON 575 $160,375

TIME TO PLANE 2.8 sec.

0-25 MPH 5.6 sec.

PEAK 43.2 mph/5400 rpm/93 dBA

CRUISE 22.2 mph/3000 rpm/83 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Viper 2 Command Center 12-inch touchscreen, drop-in Yeti coolers, pop-up cleats

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Soft Grip flooring, Command Wheel, Surf Gate system with SurfBand remote control Malibu Boats, malibuboats.com

I

T ISN’T DIFFICULT to find Malibu’s new alpha dog, because it’s literally in a class of its own: the M-Class. The M235 has a deeper Wake + hull than anything Malibu has ever built, and it is purpose-designed to deliver the biggest, baddest wake ever, whether for wakeboarding or wakesurfing.

The boat itself weighs 6,200 pounds and comes with a standard 2,360-pound ballast system that can be plumped up to 5,400 pounds. All tonnage aside, the M235’s wake-producing prowess comes from its Integrated Surf Package (ISP), which begins with a quad hard-tank ballast system designed to create a full range of wake sizes. Then, the M235 uses Malibu’s patented Surf Gate vertical tab system to disrupt the convergence point of the wake and deliver a clean wake on either side that can be changed by the driver or the surfer via the SurfBand remote, which the rider wears around his wrist. These two innovations cost $4,458 but are

mission critical. The last element of ISP is the optional Power Wedge II ($3,667), which adds an additional 1,500 pounds of ballast.

The M235 is the most luxurious ride Malibu’s ever produced, a distinction that comes at a price, starting at $160,375. It doesn’t take many checks of the option

The M235 is the most luxurious ride Malibu’s ever produced. boxes to reach a number that starts with a two, but as they say, in for a penny… There are some must-have options, including the Illusion G4 tower ($9,125) and the eightspeaker sound system with subwoofer ($9,658). With a passenger capacity of 17 people, aka organic ballast bags, the M235 features plush seating that rings the cockpit and the bowrider section. The best seat in the house is the optional WakeView seat ($2,500), which transforms in about one second to a rear-facing bench seat.

At the helm, the driver takes control with the standard Command Center, which includes a 12-inch tiltable touchscreen display and another seven-inch display off to the right. Powering our test boat was the Indmar Monsoon 575, the only power choice. The 575 refers to its torque rating, which is the important number for hauling loads like this. With the Power Wedge II deployed in Auto Wedge mode, the M235 reached plane in 2.8 seconds (3.2 without), hit 25 mph in 5.6 seconds and topped out at 43.2 mph. —AJ

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF OUR TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

70

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 70

12/7/16 6:48 AM

WAKE

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

MasterCraft X26

Specifications LENGTH 26 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

CAPACITY Yacht certified DRY WEIGHT 6,700 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 94 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 522 DEADRISE N/A PRICE W/522 HP ILMOR 7.4L $161,680

TIME TO PLANE 3.2 sec.

0-25 MPH 6.2 sec.

PEAK 39.2 mph/5800 rpm/95 dBA

CRUISE 23.2 mph/3500 rpm/84 dBA

3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Zero OFF cruise control, ZFT 0 Tower, Wake Adjustment Plate

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Premium Fusion audio system w/ subwoofer, hydraulic steering, tandem-axle trailer MasterCraft, mastercraft.com

W

HEN IT COMES

to wakesurfing, is there such a thing as too big? The MasterCraft X26 proves the answer is a big fat no. Stretching to 26 feet long, it’s yacht certified, so there’s no capacity limit (though common sense plays a role), and it features seating for 18 people in the luxurious wraparound cockpit and roomy bowrider section.

Our test boat featured the Surf Edition Package ($3,700), which bundles some great features, including Decadence flooring — water passes right through it — a wood swim platform, surf graphics and a tasty beach/ mocha interior with Cool Feel upholstery that stays unexpectedly cool. But the wake is what establishes the X26’s surf cred, and it plows up a clean, green monster on both sides thanks to the optional Gen 2 Surf System ($5,480), whose two large trim tabs act as extensions of its Vector Drive hull. A large center tab is key to its Auto Launch function, which puts it on plane quickly with little bowrise and also saves gas. The standard 2,800 pounds of ballast is spread around

three hard tanks and is plenty to plow big waves behind a 6,700-pound hull. A convertible rear bench seat gives two passengers a front-row seat for surfer watching.

As you would expect, the ticket to ride on MasterCraft’s top-of-the-line boat isn’t cheap.

Pricing starts at $153,970, but most of the cool features come á la carte. Fortunately, most options are bundled, to alleviate some of the monetary sting, but our test boat was optioned to the max, and its out-the-door price exceeded $225,000. One doesn’t often see a head compartment on a wake boat, but the X26 has a portside necessary room equipped with an optional pumpout head that’s bundled with a wet bar ($3,440). Two portable Igloo coolers are standard, and a refrigerator option ($2,360) provides added beveragability. Our test boat had the optional ZFT 7 tower ($13,930), a must-have feature that’s easy for one person to lower.

This model doesn’t have MasterCraft’s new DockStar feature to make docking easier, but a bow thruster ($10,940) is an option. Powering our test boat was the optional Ilmor 522 hp 7.4L engine ($7,710). With Auto Launch engaged, the X26 reached plane in 3.2 seconds, zipped to 25 mph in 6.2 seconds and reached a top speed of 39.2 mph. —AJ

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW boat roundup rerenew.indd 71

JANUARY 2017

•

71

12/6/16 12:38 PM

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider

DECKBOATS

Imagine choosing all of boating’s smartest ideas for versatility in one ultimate platform. It’s now available in the popular Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider with new outboard power. This smartly balanced combination of expanded bow and cabin space is the perfect crossover for all your boating ventures, taking you farther than ever before. The unique Formula CBR design extends the fun into the bow entertainment zone without giving up the ever important flush cockpit. The 350 is the only outboard in its class to give you a spacious, aft-facing sun lounge and extended swim platform that brings you closer to your on-water adventures. It’s also available in sterndrive power. Of course, you know a good thing when you see it, so don’t overlook this smart sensation – absolutely the best today in all around boating for the fun of it. Imagine that!

Choose the Best — The Formula 350 CBR Outboard!

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 35' • Beam: 10' 9" • Weight: 13,470 lbs.

• Fuel: 162 gal • Water: 29 gal

FISHING

Formula Boats 2200 W Monroe Street, Decatur, IN 46733 Tel 260-724-9111 www.formulaboats.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Glastron GTS 225 In the GTS 225, Glastron® provides all sorts of excitement without skimping out on much needed storage and luxury. This open bow provides the leg room that your family needs with its deep bucket seating and impressive sundeck that converts into a chaise lounge. With the immense amount of storage compartments located forward and aft, the GTS 225 can easily stow anything from life jackets, water toys, and skis. The bold GTS graphics and available color schemes give this boat an edge over the competition, but if you prefer a more refined look you can also purchase this model within the classy Glastron® GT series. Glastron® also provides this model with up to 300-hp of stern driven performance, alongside a custom-matched trailer. With all this, the GTS 225 is still very affordable; it’s everything you need to get you and your family to where the party is.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 22'0" • Beam: 8'4" • Approx. Weight: 3360 lbs • Fuel: 40 gal • Capacity: 11 people Glastron Boats 925 Frisbie Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1351 Contact email: boating@glastron.com glastron.com

72

+ BW BBG.indd 72

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Scarab 255 Platinum SE

DECKBOATS

As part of the Scarab® 255 model line, the 255 Platinum SE is the go to model for a highly equipped, affordable 25' jet boat. Coming standard is an enclosed head with porta pottie and a transom shower, equating to endless days of fun without the need for pit stops. The visuals provided by the platinum trim, two tone deck with Savannah Sand interior, and Dune cockpit reed mat truly give this boat a touch of elegance. In addition to the crisp interior and exterior, the 255 Platinum SE easily seats up to 13 passengers and comes equipped with ample storage for everyone’s gear. Notably included, the Rotax® exclusive iNR (Intelligent Neutral & Reverse) provides boaters with improved neutral positioning and enhanced low speed maneuverability—making docking quick and easy.

The 255 Platinum SE comes with a custom tandem axle trailer delivering movable fun from sunrise to sunset.

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

Specifications • Length: 25' • Beam: 8'4" • Dry Weight: 3660 lbs • Fuel: 56 Gallons Scarab Jet Boats 925 Frisbie Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1351 Contact email: boating@scarabboats.com scarabjetboats.com

For 2017, Yamaha has reimagined its entire 21-foot boat line from the ground up to include the new, luxurious Yamaha 212 Limited S, the 212 Limited, and the watersports-driven 212X. These 21-footers now have more in common with Yamaha’s flagship 24-foot models than with their predecessors; offering more space, more features, and improved handling. And like the 242 models, the 212 Series now comes with Yamaha's award-winning Connext helm control system with 7" touchscreen and joystick control.

All-new from the ground up, the Yamaha 212 Series offers high-end luxury features in an easy to tow, easy to store package. The 212 Limited S, 212 Limited and 212X take the 21-foot runabout category to a new level of comfort and convenience not seen before in the boating industry.

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Yamaha 212 Series

To learn more about Yamaha boats, visit www.yamahaboats.com.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 21' 3" • Beam: 8' 6" • Seating Capacity: 10 Yamaha WaterCraft 1270 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.yamahaboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 73

JANUARY 2017

•

73

12/6/16 2:36 PM

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

Four Winns HD 240 OB

DECKBOATS

Bred for perfect afternoons on the water, the HD 240 OB excels as the prominent choice in deck boats for families of all sizes. Headlined by ample space for up to 11 people, a fully enclosed head compartment, and a luxurious interior the HD 240 OB was designed for a good time, all the time. The oversized bow layout, Comfort Ride bucket seating, and spacious lounge area on the stern provide passengers with maximum comfort when hanging out onboard. In addition to the remarkable aft cockpit storage compartment, there is even more cavernous storage located throughout the boat delivering plenty of space for everyone’s gear. All day relaxation and comfort comes easy with multiple built-in coolers, dual swim ladders, and a Four Winns® custom-matched trailer that enables easy, efficient travel.

Specifications • Length: 24'4" • Beam: 8'5" • Approx. boat & engine weight: 4610 lbs • Fuel: 55 gal • Capacity: 11 people

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

FISHING

Four Winns Boats 925 Frisbie Street Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1351 Contact email: boating@fourwinns.com fourwinns.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Hurricane HC SD 2400 OB Hurricane not only pioneered the deck boat, they continually take it to new places. More than any other deck boat, a Hurricane works hard so you can play hard. It doesn’t strive to be all things to all people. But to its owner, it’s everything. Hurricane gives you and your family the room to live your unique lifestyle to the fullest. Room to grow. Room to roam. Room to play. Hurricane’s passion for quality, comfort, performance and fun is unmatched. Hurricane only builds deck boats…and they do it well. That’s why Hurricane offers the largest selection of models in the industry. Choose from our full windshield line-up in SunDeck, the sporty and value conscious models in SunDeck Sport, the Center Consoles series including the CC19 and new for 2017 CC21, or the completely unique and recently updated FunDeck series.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

• • • • • •

Length: 24' 0" Wet Weight: 4950 Dry Weight: 3735 Capacity: 12 persons Power: 300 Fuel: 66

Hurricane Boats info@hurricaneboats.com www.hurricaneboats.com

74

+ BW BBG.indd 74

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

2017 NauticStar 193SC Side Console Deck Boat

DECKBOATS

Whether boat buyers are looking for their first boat or need a fullfeatured pleasure boat in a smaller package, the all-new 193 SC by NauticStar Boats is a perfect choice. Even though it is NauticStar’s smallest sport deck, it does not lack in performance made possible by the STAR Performance System hull design. It combines comfort, features, and versatility with economical horsepower for an exceptional pleasure boating package for skiing, fishing or just cruising. The 193 has enough room for 10 people. Its beautifully styled and comfortable bow and L-shaped cockpit lounge seats are all hinged for easy access to storage compartments. It features a portside galley with freshwater, 25 qt. Igloo cooler, captain’s station with padded wheel, lighted switches, stereo with Bluetooth, 2-waterproof speakers, and an adjustable swivel seat. There is also an insulated cooler in the bow with overboard drain.

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

Specifications • Length: 18' 9" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2091 lbs • Fuel: 31 Gallons NauticStar 500 Waterway Drive, Amory, MS 38821 Phone: 662-256-5636 Fax: 662-256-5638 www.nauticstarboats.com

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.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications: • Length: 24' • Beam: 8' 4" • Weight: 3700 lbs (w. motor) • Capacity: 12 people / 2400 lbs.

• Base Price: $51,900.00 Splendor Boats, LLC 9526 S State Road 15 · Silver Lake, In 46982 800-359-7915 www.splendorboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 75

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Splendor Boats 239 SunStar

JANUARY 2017

•

75

12/6/16 2:36 PM

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

Stingray 186CC Stingray has two new boats, the 186CC and 206CC—center console fishing boats and family deck boats combined. Their versatility makes them perfect for families with varied interests.

For anglers, a low profile design creates easy navigation in low clearance areas, a helm seat for two has an adjustable seat/leaning post, a clean dash design leaves room for a 10-inch fish finder/plotter, the main seat lifts to reveal a 26-gallon live well, and the forward bench offers an 18-gallon cooler that can be upgraded to a live well. Two rear seats lift for seating and quickly fold down for use as casting platforms. Fishing rods are easily accessible with rod storage on both sides of the boat.

DECKBOATS

For a day out with family, there’s lots of space for maneuvering, plus seating for seven. To ensure the deck is uncluttered, Stingray made use of all space to incorporate lots of storage.

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications: • Length: 19' 1" • Beam: 90" • Weight: 2300 lbs (w/ standard motor) • Fuel Capacity: 34 gallons • People Capacity: 7 ppl / 1875 lbs

FISHING

Stingray Boats 625 Railroad Ave., P.O. Box 669, Hartsville, SC 29551 (843) 383-4507 boatsales@stingrayboats.com www.stingrayboats.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Stingray 182SC Deck Boat The 182SC Deck Boat -- you won’t believe this boat until you take it for a test drive. Not only is it just plain fun to drive, but it’s also almost effortless. Seasoned boaters and first time boaters alike remark at how easy and fun the 182SC is when they try it out for the first time. In addition to its fun factor, the 182SC is loaded with storage, has plenty of room for all your passengers, water toys, and supplies, and it proves to be very functional. Seating is abundant. The stern area features wrap-around seating for your passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride. Opposite the captain’s chair is a rear-facing lounge so your co-captain can keep an eye on your tubers and wake boarders. See your local dealer today to reserve your 182SC Deck Boat. You don’t want to miss out on the fun!

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 19' 1" • Beam: 90" • Weight: 2,000 lbs.

• Fuel: 21 gal • Capacity: 9 people Stingray Boats 625 Railroad Ave. P.O. Box 669, Hartsville, SC 29551 (843) 383-4507 boatsales@stingrayboats.com www.stingrayboats.com

76

+ BW BBG.indd 76

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

Specifications • Length: 21' 7" • Beam: 102 • Weight: 3300 • Capacity: 13 Starcraft Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-772-4538 www.starcraftmarine.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Avalon LS Cruise The LS Cruise Luxury Compact 8' wide model offers the luxurious design and rigid structure you expect from an Avalon deco inspired model. It features a dual use rear bench that offers interior and exterior seating. The Retro looks of the Deco 4 wall design and cadet drivers stand give this boat high end looks in an affordable luxury compact design. The dash features tach & volt gauges as well as a powerful Millenia Bluetooth stereo, speakers and 12 volt receptacle. All furnishings feature the world's only aluminum lifetime seat frames with flow through dry ventilation.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Pontoon Diameter: 23" • Width: 8' • Dry Weight: 1600 lbs.

• Max Weight Capacity: 1575 lbs.

• Max Engine: HP 60 • Max # People: 7 Avalon Pontoons 903 Michigan Ave. Alma, MI 48801 (800) 334-2913 www.avalonpontoons.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 77

DECKBOATS

If your craving speed, comfort, and convenience, look no further than the Starcraft SCX. The innovated series of crossovers combines runabout performance with deckboat spaciousness. The SCX IO and OB series includes 12 models ranging from 20 to 25 feet, all featuring Starcraft’s exclusive dihedral vee hull and pickle-fork bow designs – eliminating almost all rocking and providing an incredibly stable ride as well as a sizeable bow area. For 2017, Starcraft is excited to announce the industry’s first surfable deckboat the SCX 231 Surf. The SCX 231 Surf is the perfect platform for surfers of all skill levels and offers the surf features you crave. Adjustable surf tabs, Volvo Penta’s forward drive propulsion, zero off GPS speed control, and 1385 lbs. of fillable ballast combine to provide the wave’s steepness, shape, and push. Like every Starcraft boat, the SCX is back by the Lifetime +6 warranty, giving you the peace of mind you deserve. When you’re ready for the good life, get your hands on a SCX from Starcraft.

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Starcraft SCX 231 Surf

JANUARY 2017

•

77

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

SunCatcher Diamond Elite 324 SS

DECKBOATS

New Elite model for the SunCatcher line was designed with head-turning style, with black powder coated logs and rails, charcoal fencing, pewter with harbor gray exterior graphics, white interior and aqua tread slanted weathered gray flooring, topped off with a black powder coated tower with charcoal tweed Sunbrella® canvas. Elegant style, custom craftsmanship, and the spirit of the SunCatcher line combine in the new Diamond Elite 324 SS. This unsurpassed combination of beauty and personality has created a new level of luxury for the SunCatcher line. You’ve waited long enough… it’s your time to shine.

SunCatcher Pontoons; Quality, Performance, and Satisfaction.

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 23' 10" • Deck Width: 8' 6" • Maximum HP: 250 • Fuel: 38 gal

FISHING

G3 Boats 901 Cowan Drive, Lebanon, Missouri 65536 (800) 588-9787 g3boats.com/suncatcherpontoons.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Harris V270 The V series from Harris introduces a unique center console design with a sleek fiberglass exterior paired with a stable, standard beam 3-tube platform. Available in the 270 length, this new model offers entertainment and convenience features to make it easy to pass the whole day on the water.

The V270 features a completely integrated, patent pending, marine head with a full pump-out toilet, sink and shower all conveniently recessed into the center tube. A galley with a faucet, sink and optional stainless steel refrigerator drawer with a freezer adjoin the console.

Add Harris’ balanced handling and panache for performance and the V270 is ready for the open water.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 29' • Beam/Width: 8' 6" • Fuel Capacity: 59 gal • Dry Weight: 5590 lbs.

Harris Boats 1111 N. Hadley Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Tel: 866-395-3052 harrisboats.com

78

+ BW BBG.indd 78

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Godfrey AP 255 SDP

Length: 25' 9" Wet Weight: 3608 Dry Weight: 2799 Capacity: 14 persons Power: 150 (250 with Triple Tube Package) Fuel: 24

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

• • • • • •

DECKBOATS

Godfrey…it’s more than a pontoon. Godfrey was the origin, the standard and the future. Godfrey invented the world’s first aluminum pontoon over half a century ago, and continues to pioneer new innovations in styling, quality, safety, comfort and performance. Godfrey doesn’t just set the standard; they raise the bar. As the true original, Godfrey offers a pontoon boat for every family, every lifestyle, every body of water. No matter where you are, Godfrey gets you where you want to go. The possibilities are endless, with over 95 layouts, one of the largest amenity offerings in the industry, and four unique series to choose from including the ultra-luxurious Sanpan, the sporty Aqua Patio, the plush Sweetwater Premium, or the family and budget friendly Sweetwater. When you drive a Godfrey, you’re a trusted leader and a daring pioneer.

Godfrey Pontoon Boats godfreyinfo@godfreymarine.com www.godfreypontoonboats.com

Escape to your own private oasis with the new Lowe Retreat 250 RFL! This deluxe pontoon features everything you need for an idyllic on-water getaway: Plush, rear-facing lounge seating with armrests at the stern provide uninterrupted views. Spacious seating throughout the pontoon also includes custom reclining helm and passenger seats, which swivel easily to join the conversation. A stylish plexiglass table includes convenient holders to keep your beverages secure, and a heavy-duty 9' Bimini top lends welcome shade from the sun. Plus, because it’s a Lowe, you can count on durable construction, reliable performance and lasting quality for season after season of use. Crank up the Bluetooth®compatible Marine Audio® stereo and hit the throttle—your own personal Retreat has arrived.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Overall Length: 25'7" • Overall Beam: 8'6" • Max. Weight Capacity: 2,366 lbs • Fuel Capacity: 24 gal.

Lowe Boats 2900 Industrial Drive, Lebanon, Missouri 65536 (417) 532-9101 loweboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 79

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Retreat Series 250 RFL

JANUARY 2017

•

79

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Manitou 20 Aurora Manitou now has something to offer every budget on the water. Stepping into a great pontoon has never been easier with the new entry-level Aurora model. The Aurora has all the Manitou hallmarks — craftsmanship, quality components, attention to detail — but limited options and one seating configuration keep the price attractive for first time boat buyer and value seeker. It’s not complicated, it’s just a great choice when you’re ready to start embracing all that a great pontoon can offer.

DECKBOATS

Specifications • Length Overall/Deck: 20' 11"/19' 7" • Pontoon Diameter: 23" • Weight: 1815 lbs.

• Capacity: 9/1,265 lbs.

• Power: Max HP 75

FISHING

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

Manitou Boats www.manitoupontoonboats.com 800-999-9788 manitou@manitouboats.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Starcraft MX 25 DL For more than a century, Starcraft has championed quality, innovation, and comfort. With 62 models for 2017 ranging from 18 to 26 feet, Starcraft pontoons offer a range of innovative and industry leading features. Plus, take your pontoon to the next level with the optional HMX PR25 performance package that gives you a full length center tube, HMX performance strakes, 60 gallon gas tank, and a ski pylon. Highlighted in the 2017 model line-up is the MX series and the new MX 25 DL, which features a dual rear lounge that easily converts into two benches for the ultimate conversation area. The MX series comes packed with premium features like, plush soft touch furniture, an extended deck, and an ergonomic fiberglass console with a high back helm chair. The MX series also offers an array of options, such as floor coverings, black painted tubes, and a raised helm platform.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 26' 10" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2542 • Capacity: 14 Starcraft Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-772-4538 www.starcraftmarine.com

80

+ BW BBG.indd 80

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

Specifications • Length: 25' 10" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2471 lbs.

• Capacity: 14 people SunChaser P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 888-797-9023 www.sunchaserboats.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Sylvan – S3

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Sylvan has been making waves in the pontoon industry for over multiple decades. With patented Revolutionary Planing Technology (RPT) tubes, Sylvan has changed everything about pontoon performance. The exclusive tube design slices through the water with sports car handling and runabout exhilaration, and the unique V-shaped tube provides increased to speed per horsepower and dramatically improved fuel efficiency. Designed with the speed and handling of a sport boat, the S-Series is primed for towing a wakeboarder or pulling a tuber with the adrenaline-charged performance RPT tubes. With options like a wake tower, underwater lights, and black painted tubes, you’ll be turning head with the S-Series. Sylvan offers models ranging from 18' to 26', and these pontoon boats are made for hours of play on the water. All backed by Sylvan’s Lifetime +6 Warranty. No matter which Sylvan you choose, you’ll be part of the revolution in pontoon performance.

Specifications • Length: 24' 10" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2425 lbs.

• Capacity: 13 people Sylvan Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-766-9698 www.sylvanmarine.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 81

DECKBOATS

Loaded with great features, reliable construction, and our Lifetime +6 warranty, SunChaser gives you the peace of mind that you deserve when buying something for your family.

With 52 performance, cruising, and fishing models, SunChaser has something for everyone. The Eclipse 8525 Entertainer features a port bar that is a perfect entertainment area, while still providing ample lounge seating so all your friends and family can get in on the fun. Other premium features for the Eclipse include plush soft touch furniture and an executive helm station on a raised platform. Plus, to take your SunChaser to the next level, by upgrading to the optional X-Treme PR25 performance package that gives you full length center tube, X-treme performance strakes, 60 gallon gas tank, and a ski pylon. Contact your local SunChaser dealer today and find the perfect boat for your family.

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

SunChaser – Eclipse 8525 Entertainer

JANUARY 2017

•

81

12/6/16 2:36 PM

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

AVANTI Series from Qwest Pontoons

DECKBOATS

• Introducing the all new "AVANTI" Series from Qwest Pontoons • Luxury comes standard • Extensive list of standard features and amenties • Extended rear platform offers more usable deck space for swimming, lounging, fishing, etc • Rear pontoon extension provides better flotation and capacity for heavier 4-stroke outboards • Real world designs for today's boaters • Unrivaled quality and fit n finish Specifications • New rigid wall design with "ht" (horizontal truss) • Elegant 2-tone wall panels with custom graphics • All new state of the art fiberglass helm stand • Innovative, multi-functional rear deck & pontoon extension • Exquisite, hand crafted upholstery

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

FISHING

Apex Marine, Inc. 300 Woodside Drive, St. Louis, Michigan, 48880 Tel: 989-681-4300 Fax: 989-681-4333 www.qwestpontoons.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

Qwest LS 824 Lanai Bar • The perfect family friendly multi-functional boat • Rear facing lanai bench on the back deck with full width storage. A perfect design for water sports or swimming.

• Bar refreshment center on the starboard side with removable cooler, storage, and a 12 Volt receptacle.

• The optional front sleeper benches in the bow is perfect for laying in the sun. Easy to deploy and retains storage inside the bench.

• Shown with the Gen II Triple Tube Package which has a maximum of 200 HP, 13 person capacity.

• Lightweight design with proprietary Ultra-Flow hand crafted seats for maximum performance and efficiency.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 24' 4" • Maximum HP: 115 HP • Maximum Weight Capacity: 2,580 lbs.

• Maximum Person Capacity: 12/1,718 lbs.

Apex Marine, Inc. 300 Woodside Drive, St. Louis, Michigan, 48880 Tel: 989-681-4300 Fax: 989-681-4333 www.qwestpontoons.com

82

+ BW BBG.indd 82

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Princecraft Sportfisher 21-2S

DECKBOATS

Built for your fishing as well as your leisure needs, the Sportfisher 21-2S has it all: rear padded sundeck, swim platform, radio, a chaise lounge, 2 swivel folding seats, rear ladder, and more. With a wide selection of popular options available, you can customize your pontoon as you wish. You may upgrade the look of your Sportfisher by adding the Classic Edition option. For more performance, you can add the Speed or Sport Configuration and the SeaStar hydraulic steering system. For extra fishing features, don’t hesitate to choose a sonar or a trolling motor. For extra comfort, a chemical head with holding tank and pump out system and a pop-up privacy enclosure are available as well. The Sportfisher 21-2S can be fitted with Mercury motors from 40 HP up to 115 HP (150 HP for a pontoon equipped with the optional Sport Configuration). The Sportfisher 21-2S (and the whole Sportfisher Series) is truly the best of both worlds!

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

Specifications • Length: 21' 6" • Beam: 8' 5" • Approximate Boat Weight: 1,724 lb • Fuel Capacity: Portable Gas Tank Princecraft Boats 800.395.8858 www.princecraft.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Ranger 1850MS Reata As Ranger® Boat's newest addition to the acclaimed Reata® line, the 1850MS delivers a multipurpose watercraft to fit a family’s full day on the water. This configurable and versatile boat is ideal for serious fishing, water sports or pleasure cruising and offers unparalleled performance and features.

Measuring 18', 10", and boasting an ultra-stable 101" beam, the Ranger 1850MS Reata is rated for 175 horsepower and is available with a variety of precision-matched outboards.

The innovative design and feature set draws inspiration from what's become one of Ranger's most popular packages over the last several years, replacing the celebrated 1850LS. A fully redesigned interior, console and dash layout give the new 1850MS even more ability to accommodate a family with a wide range of on-the-water interests and activities.

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 18' 10" • Beam: 101" • Weight: 2,290 lbs.

• Fuel: 34 gals.

Ranger Boats P.O. Box 179, Highway 178 North, Flippin, AR 72634 (800) 373-BOAT (2628) www.rangerboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 83

JANUARY 2017

•

83

12/6/16 2:36 PM

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

DECKBOATS

Got An Old Boat?

Donate It Today!

Boat Angel 800-227-2643 www.boatangel.com

FISHING

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

EZ Port® MAX 2i For over 25 years, EZ Dock® has been the industry leader in floating modular docks, offering a wide selection of dock systems, boat and PWC lifts, and accessories. Whether you have a boat, PWC or pontoon, EZ Dock has the perfect place for all of them.

EZ Port revolutionized docking and launching with the original, drive-on PWC lift. The industry leader, EZ Port is the simplest and most durable drive-on, push-off method of dry-docking. The raised bow stop helps prevent drives from overshooting, and there is no winching, cranking, pumping or hoisting needed.

Learn more about what EZ Dock can do for you at www.EZ-Dock.com

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

EZ Dock, Inc. 878 Hwy 60, Monett, MO 65708 800-654-8168 www.ez-dock.com

84

+ BW BBG.indd 84

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 2:36 PM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

Globalstar GSP-1700 For the boating enthusiasts on your list...You can’t get a better deal than this!

DECKBOATS

The Globalstar GSP-1700 mobile satellite phone allows you to stay connected no matter what. It is the fastest, clearest and lowest-priced mobile satellite solution allowing you to stay connected to the people and data that matters whenever you are beyond cellular service. The GSP-1700 is powered 100% by satellite technology and offer crystalclear voice quality, 4x faster data speeds than any other mobile satellite company and lowest-priced airtime plans in the industry. Don’t let cellular limitations be a lump of coal in your boating enthusiast’s stocking. Get a FREE Globalstar Satellite Phone today!

Globalstar Learn more at www.Globalstar.com

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Suzuki DF150/175AP Outboards Suzuki is adding two new outboards to their Innovation Award-winning AP Series. New 150 and 175 horsepower outboards feature Suzuki Precision Control drive-by-wire throttle and shift controls, along with Suzuki Selective Rotation (SSR). Suzuki’s SSR feature allows the outboard to run in either standard or counter rotation. The 150AP and 175AP share engineering DNA with the Suzuki 200AP outboard, offering large displacement, dual overhead cams and Suzuki’s proven offset driveshaft layout. Both performance and reliability are enhanced thanks to an array of sensors that provide information to the engine’s ECM. These engines also feature Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control Technology for improved fuel economy across a wide rpm range, but especially at cruising speeds. Both are available in Suzuki’s new Pearl Nebular Black or Suzuki’s popular Cool White color. www.suzukimarine.com

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 85

JANUARY 2017

•

85

12/6/16 2:36 PM

DECKBOATS

BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

PONTOONS

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide

Survival Products, Inc., servicing/sales of aviation/marine life rafts, vests, slides since 1974, manufactures newly designed emergency inflatable four to six man life raft for private aircraft/pleasure boats; world’s lightest weight (only 12 pounds); world’s smallest package (only 4 x 12 x 14 inches); world’s least expensive (only $1,510); optional customized survival kits. (9 to 13 man, 18 lbs.; valise. 5 x 12 x 14 inches: $1,960). Non TSO’d and TSO’d. New!! Valise, 5”x14”x19”; $3620. 6 man also available. Buy or rent.

Made in USA. Survival Products, Inc. 5614 S.W. 25th St. Hollywood, Fl 33023 (954) 966-7329 Fax (954) 966-3584 www.survivalproductsinc.com

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES

FISHING

Emergency Life Raft

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

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

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

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

Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit Introducing BoatLIFE’s newest product, Super Slick Sealant Smoother, the ideal liquid to aid in the tooling of sealants. Makes it easy to tool beads of caulk and to wipe excess caulks and sealants off fingers. No more struggle to clean sticky sealants off fingers! Available in easy-touse applicator bottles. Please contact us for additional information on Super Slick Sealant Smoother and our other fine line of maintenance products. info@boatlife.com, 800-382-9706

The WEST SYSTEM Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit (105-K) contains enough epoxy, fiberglass and fillers to repairs cracks and holes, gelcoat blisters, delaminated cored panels and more. Detailed instructions show users how to do it right. Each Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit contains eight packets of WEST SYSTEM 105 resin and 205 hardener, fiberglass fabric, adhesive filler, fairing filler, glue brushes, mixing pots, a mixing stick, an application syringe, three pairs of disposable gloves and illustrated instructions for completing a variety of common fiberglass repairs. All components are contained in a sturdy, re-sealable package that can be easily stowed aboard your boat.

BoatLIFE www.boatlife.com info@boatlife.com 800-382-9706

100 Patterson Ave. , P.O. Box 665, Bay City, MI 48707-0665 Toll free 866-937-8797 / 989-684-7286 www.westsystem.com

Super Slick Sealant Smoother

86

+ BW BBG.indd 86

•

JANUARY 2017

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/7/16 8:59 AM

introduction BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

1386 West McNab Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 800-825-6289, 954-978-9988 E-mail: info@fortressanchors.com Web site: www.fortressanchors.com

Fortress Stowaway Bag

2017 boat Buyer’s Guide PONTOONS FISHING

“With its light weight, quick setting and retrieval, enormous holding power at a variety of scopes, and easy stowability, the Fortress ranked high among all the anchors tested.”

- SAIL “The Fortress is the best fluke type anchor we have ever tested.”

- PONTOON & DECK BOAT “The Fortress FX-16’s holding power is excellent in all conditions.”

- TRAILER BOATS “Fortress carries the ‘form, not weight’ theory to its logical conclusion.”

- POWER & MOTORYACHT

DECKBOATS

Fortress Marine Anchors

The perfect storage solution for the perfect secondary or storm anchor!

1386 West McNab Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 800-825-6289, 954-978-9988 E-mail: info@fortressanchors.com Web site: www.fortressanchors.com

GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Just a Swipe Away

2017 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

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

Download and Subscribe Now Visit boatingworld.com/iPad

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW BBG.indd 87

JANUARY 2017

•

87

12/6/16 2:36 PM

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

marketplace

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

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

88

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 88

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/7/16 6:51 AM

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

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

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

Apex Marine (989) 681-4300............................................................................................................ 3 Tahoe Pontoons (800) 334-2913....................................................................................................21 Cutwater Boats (800) 349-7198 .....................................................................................................15 Cypress Cay (866) 395-3052 ..........................................................................................................23 Formula Boats (800) 736-7685 ................................................................................................. CV4 G3 Boats (800) 588-9787 .................................................................................................................13 Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381 ......................................................................................................31 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381 ...................................................................................................27 Lowe Boats (417) 532-9101 .............................................................................................................. 41 Manitou Pontoon Boats (517) 322-3822 ......................................................................................39 NauticStar Boats (662) 256-5636 .................................................................................................25 Princecraft Boats, Inc. (800) 395-8858 .......................................................................................37 Ranger Boats (800) 373-2628 .......................................................................................................33 Rec Boat Holdings/Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab (231) 775-1351................................ 1, 9, 11 SmokerCraft, Inc/Starcraft (866) 719-7873 ................................................................5, 88, CV2 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835 ................................................................................................... 89 Stingray (843) 383-4507.............................................................................................................. CV3 Yamaha Sportboats (800) 962-7926 ..........................................................................................35

DOCKS & MOORINGS EZ Dock (800) 654-8168 ..................................................................................................................47

ENGINES SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127 ...................................................................................... 90 Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040 ...................................................................................................... 45

EVENTS Los Angeles Boat Show (949) 757-5959...............................................................................16-17

GEAR & ACCESSORIES Bel-Ray Company, Inc. (732) 938-2421 ........................................................................................51 Fortress Marine Anchors (954) 978-9988 ..................................................................................32 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 ............................................. 34

SERVICES Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 ............................................................................................................88 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846 ............................................................................................... 43

BUYER’S GUIDE Apex Marine (989) 681-4300..........................................................................................................82 Avalon Pontoons (800) 334-2913 .................................................................................................77 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 ........................................................................................................... 84 BoatLIFE/Life Industries (800) 382-9706 ................................................................................. 86 Cypress Cay (866) 395-3052 ..........................................................................................................78 EZ Dock (800) 654-8168 ................................................................................................................. 84 Formula Boats (260) 724-9111 ........................................................................................................72 Fortress Marine Anchors (954) 978-9988 ..................................................................................87 G3 Boats (800) 588-9787 ................................................................................................................78 Globalstar USA (877) 452-5782 .....................................................................................................85 Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381 .....................................................................................................79 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381 7 ...................................................................................................4 Lowe Boats (417) 532-9101 ..............................................................................................................79 Manitou Pontoon Boats (800) 999-9788 .................................................................................. 80 NauticStar Boats (662) 256-5636 .................................................................................................75 Princecraft Boats, Inc. (800) 395-8858 .......................................................................................83 Ranger Boats (800) 373-2628 .......................................................................................................83 Rec Boat Holdings/Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab (231) 775-1351.........................72, 73, 74 SmokerCraft, Inc/Starcraft (866) 719-7873 ................................................................. 77, 80, 81 Splendor Boats (800) 359-7915.....................................................................................................75 Stingray (843) 383-4507..................................................................................................................76 Survival Products (954) 966-7329............................................................................................... 86 Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040 .......................................................................................................85 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 ............................................. 86 Yamaha Sportboats (800) 962-7926 ..........................................................................................73

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 91

marketplace

· 1. Publication Title “Boating World” · 2. Publication Number “1059-5155” · 3. Filing Date “10/1/16” · 4. Issue Frequency 9 Times A Year “Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/ Oct, Nov/Dec.” · 5. Number of issues Published Annually “9” · 6. Annual Subscription Price “$11.00” · 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not Printer) (Street, City, County, State, and Zip + 4) “18475 BANDILIER CIRCLE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92708-7000” ° Contact Person “A. SALAZAR” ° Telephone “949-660-6150217” • 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not Printer) “18475 BANDILIER CIRCLE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92708-7000” • 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) ° Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) “DUNCAN McINTOSH JR., 18475 BANDILIER CIRCLE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92708-7000” ° Editor (Name and complete mailing address) “JEFFREY FLEMING, 18475 BANDILIER CIRCLE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92708-7000” ° Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) “MIKE WERLING, 18475 BANDILIER CIRCLE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92708-7000” • 10.

Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address. ° Full Name “Duncan McIntosh Company, Inc.” “Duncan McIntosh Jr.” ° Complete Mailing Address “18475 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley CA 92708-7000” • 11.

Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box  None ° Full Name ° Complete Mailing Address • 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) ° The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: °  Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months °  Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) · PS Form 3526, September 2007 · 13. Publication Title “Boating World” • 14.

Issue Date for Circulation Data Below “September/October” · 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation ° Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months ° No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date · a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) “50,458” “48,091” · b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By Mail and outside the mail) ° (1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.

(Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and internet request from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies.) “25,096” “23,647” ° (2) In-County Paid/ Requested Mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (Include direct written request from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies) ° (3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS “1,209” “1,172” ° (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) ° c. “Total Paid Distribution and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b. (1), (2), (3), and (4)) “26,305” “24,819” · d. Non-requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail) ° (1) Outside-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include samples copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists and other sources) “22,397” “21,404” ° (2) In-County Nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541(include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists and other sources° (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, nonrequested copies mailed in excess of 10% limited mailed at Standard Mail or Package Services Rates). ° (4) Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms and other sources) “0” “0” · e. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4) “22,397” “21,404” · f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e) “48,702” “46,223” · g. Copies Not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)) “1,756” “1,868” · h. Total (sum of 15f and g) “50,458” “48,091” · i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by f times 100) “54.01%” “53.69%” · 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership °  Publication required. Will be printed in the January, 2017 issue of this publication.  Publication not required · 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, ° Date 10/1/2016 · I certify that all information Business Manager, or Owner ° furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanction (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

JANUARY 2017

•

91

12/7/16 8:39 AM

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

Fifteen minutes later, Reggie mixed up the bags with a couple he had purchased earlier and — after a short bout of nausea — had to use a sausage patty and eggs as bait. Send us your name for this boat. If it wins, we will give you a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350, and your name will appear in the March 2017 issue of Boating World. > SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CONTEST ON PAGE 10.

YOURS FREE

WIN THIS 92

•

JANUARY 2017

+ BW NTB2.indd 92



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

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

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the March 2017 issue. Submissions are due by January 16.

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

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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/16 11:35 AM

stainless wheel. The molded wetbar with integrated sink, dry storage compartments and Corian® countertops plays right along, and in place of the cooler, a stainless-front, pullout refrigerator is available. As usual, the highest number of polished drink holders are within easy reach.

CHOOSE THE FORMULA 310 BOWRIDER OR 310 SUN SPORT, each loaded with great ideas for carefree fun. Reconfigured for longer days on the water, the cockpit expands the space and possibilities, from twin command seats with backrests that move individually fore and aft to the U-shaped lounge with stowable tables that invites spur-of-the-moment entertaining and easily converts to a large sunpad. The extended portside lounge and aft-facing sunpad with dualposition backrests offer endless seating and sunning positions.

Choose either the 310 BR with roomy wraparound bow seating or the sporty 310 SS with sleep-aboard cabin, complete with private head and entertainment galley.

The dash is a handsome blend of Liquid Black panels, sturdy composite molded construction and precision-stitched upholstery. Livorsi® instrumentation and the Garmin® 547 GPS put you in control at the impressive leather wrapped

Long noted for sleek styling and excellent performance, Formula establishes another winner in the 310. With the deep-V hull design and Merc or Volvo power from twin 300 to 430 HP, the ride is smooth, fast and exciting.

Formula Boats • 2200 W Monroe St. PO Box 1003 • Decatur, IN 46733 260.724.9111 WWW.F

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