January 2018 - Boating World

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contents

JA N UA RY 2018

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXIX NUMBER 1

BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE 2018 Twenty-five boat reports — and 16 pages of gear, accessories and more boats — ensure everyone’s ready for the new boating year. p. 38

departments Editor’s Letter Being social on the water p. 4

Currents Bits from the boating world p. 6

Trailering Be a better trailerboater p. 12

Watersports When well-meaning advice isn’t p. 18

Fishing Banish 10 things from your repertoire p. 22

Engines Be good to your engine p. 26

Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make p. 29

DIY Install an autopilot

p. 30

Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 32

Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics p. 34 Contest: Name the Boat

p. 22

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T H E R E H A S N E V E R B E E N A B E T T E R T I M E for the new Formula 270 and 240 XS series, specially made to bring family and friends together! Now you can enjoy the latest on-water adventures without compromising space, performance or amenities, and eliminating the need for a second day boat.

The XS series can include a multitude of features for your watersport wants such as powder coated Razor tower and vent rails, special XS signature graphics, wake surf racks, upgraded speakers, Blue LED lighting and Wake WorX Super Surf’R tabs.

The Volvo forward-facing drive makes all tow and wake sport adventures possible on the Formula deep-V hull that cuts through chop and has room for your growing family and expanding circle of friends. A larger swim platform, convertible aft sunpad, backrests that adjust for seating in the round, and table arrangements that serve you throughout the day make lasting memories for all.

You’ve worked hard, played hard, and always rewarded with the best. And as your family has changed, you still yearn for those on-water adventures that draw everyone together.

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editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Boating’s Social Medium L

AST YEAR, 142 MILLION AMERICANS went boating, from 36 percent of all households, according to a study released by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), and Discover Boating. You probably already knew that, since you were behind half of them at the boat ramp. But seriously, who are all these people and what are they doing? According to the 2016 Recreational Boating Participation Study, 96 percent of boaters went out primarily to spend time with family and friends. While it’s great to get out there solo and clear your head, there’s something about boating that makes people want to be with other people.

A few years ago, Discover Boating, an organization with the goal of attracting new people to boating, produced a video called “The Wave.” In it, families were shown waving at random people while passing one another riding escalators or walking down the street.

The recipients often wore an expression that said, “What are you doing? Are you some kind of kooks?” The families were then shown waving at other boaters and getting a wave back, which drove home the point that

there is an intrinsic bond between people who go boating.

This camaraderie among boaters even exists between competitors.

Recently, I finished a seemingly endless procession of boating press events, boat shows and test sessions where I spent more time with fellow boating journalists than I did with my wife. Make no mistake, magazines and other publications are aggressively fighting for ad dollars and readers, and while you might think this would lead to contentious relations between competing magazine staffs, the opposite is true.

And it’s not just some professional bond between writers. I’ve been to a number of automotive press events, and it’s a lot different between those writers; it’s a lot more cutthroat. I really think the love of boating is what brings us together.

While boating with people you know is a lot of fun, going boating in groups with other boaters could greatly expand your horizons. Try it this year. Check with your dealer too. Many of them organize local trips with their customers that are usually a blast. Same goes for boat manufacturers. Often, such excursions are longer in length and duration and can really help boaters who have always wanted to make a trip — going to the Bahamas, for example — but lack the experience or the courage to do it solo.

Trips like these almost never fail to create strong friendships among likeminded people. So instead of turning to your computer for a social life, turn on the key to your boat to make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. BW

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: What celebrity’s New Year’s Eve party would you most like to attend? What’s its hashtag?

Duncan McIntosh Jr. Bob Dylan #GetOutOfMyHouse ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming Alex Trebek #NoQuestionsAsked EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones Jim Carrey #CareerCrashBash MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling ’LL Cool J #MamaSaidDon’tPassOut ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata William Shakespeare #ItsLIT #goingHAMlet ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan Walter White #IAmTheOneWhoParties PRODUCTION Mary Monge Tom Cruise #ShowMeTheParty CIRCULATION MGR. Rick Avila Leo DiCaprio #Supermodels CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Emily Wells Horneff Blake Shelton #SexiestPartyOfTheYear PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150 Janette Hood Chris Stapleton #TennesseeWhiskey

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Bruno Mars #EarthtoMars2018 Felice Lineberry Neil deGrasse Tyson #PartySmart MARKETPLACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson Cleveland Browns #NotEvenOne AD COORDINATOR Jennifer Chen Anthony Bourdain #NoResolutions TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen Johnny Rotten #PissOff DIGITAL DIRECTOR Bryan Sheehy Betty White #PartyLikeIts1959 SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

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

VOLUME 39 • NO. 1 Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We assume no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials. Boating World retains reprint rights, via print and electronic media. Contributor retains all other rights for resale, publication, etc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Boating World, P. O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. CANADA POST: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Please send all subscription correspondence to Boating World, P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. Please allow at least six weeks for the change of address to become effective. Include both your old and your new address enclosing, if possible, an address label from a recent issue. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: U.S. and its possessions, $11.00 per year. Additional postage for Canada is $15.00 per year and other foreign countries $30.00 per year. Single copy price $5.00; back issues, $8.50 (in the U.S. only) includes postage and handling. Boating World is a registered trademark of Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Copyright © 2018, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: MMaterial AG A Z I Nin E this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

M AG A Z I N E

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Experience the thrill of surfing the waves behind Starcraft Marine’s full line of surfable deckboats. All Surf Series boats come complete with wave boosting ballast, Zero Off speed control and wave control tab system so you can switch sides in seconds. Rounding off every Starcraft Surf Series boat is the revolutionary Volvo Penta FWD Drive that allows you to use your trim to boost and shape your wave – something the inboards simply can’t do. You will love the space that the side console layout provides and when you add in options like RGB color changing lights and Murphy Touch Screen System you’ll have a boat that will impress your crew both inside and when they’re shredding the waves. Surf over to starcraftmarine.com to see what everyone is talking about.

Easier on the Wallet

Easy to Surf,

currents

BY STEPH A N I E S H I BATA

LEAD BOAT > LARSON LXH 230 IO

FAMILY TIME LARSON EXTENDS ITS LXH LINE TO NEARLY 24 FEET.

F

rom its pickle-fork bow to its two-footdeep integrated swim platform, the Larson LXH 230 IO expands on the LXH line’s comfort, storage and versatility and quite literally extends the line’s dimensions. The new flagship of the line, the LXH 230 IO combines bowrider spaciousness with sportboat performance.

The LXH 230 IO is a family boat, whether family members like watersports or just lounging. If watersports is the primary function,

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Hold Your Breath Did you know that the elephant seal can hold its breath for up to two hours? That’s a world record for mammals.

the boat has the power and maneuverability wakeboarders and waterskiers need. Standard power on the 23-foot, 10-inch boat is a 200 hp MerCruiser 4.5L Alpha engine, but buyers with more power in mind can choose the optional 300 hp Mercury 6.2L Bravo III. An optional Xtreme wake tower can accommodate the needs of serious watersports enthusiasts. And the watersports picture isn’t complete without tunes, so a Rockford Fosgate audio system is standard; single- or double-can speakers are optional entertainment-boosting features.

In the bow, where the pickle-fork design carries the beam far forward, two people can lounge on chaise-style lounges, or four people can sit with their feet on the deck. A filler cushion turns the area into a sun lounge.

Amidships are twin captain’s chairs, one at the helm and another opposite to port. At the transom is a bench seat and a sunpad. There’s a spot for everyone in the boat’s 10-passenger capacity.

A full windshield, whose middle section opens to facilitate traffic to and from the bow, protects the driver and the first mate. Storage has been spread throughout the boat, including a large glove compartment in the portside console, but there is more tucked into seat backrests and hidden under the floor.

Larson Boats, larsonboats.com

Angling Hooks More Participants

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

(USFWS) and the Outdoor Foundation, fishing license sales went up 1.79 percent in 2016. Even more encouraging, it was the third consecutive year of increases in fishing license sales after a long period of stagnation.

Here are some more highlights of the study: Youth participation in 2016 was up 14.8 million over 2015 About 31 million adults (age 25 or older) participated in fishing, 14.6 percent of the population Fishing participation has increased 8.2 percent overall during the last five years

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currents

name the boat

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

contest winner



Fred Shaffren from Hopewell Junction, N.Y., was the first to submit the winning name, Pediboat Junktion. For updating a TV classic, Fred receives an Airhead G-Force 2 towable, an AIR PIG 12v pump and a 60-foot tow rope, from Airhead (airhead.com), valued at $262.97.

Rick Martin illustration

MORE OF SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER’S BEST ENTRIES:

Human Engine-uity

Pedal Power

Skimp n Spin

Bernie Matsumoto, Half Moon Bay, CA

Mark Welch, Denton, NC

Nikki Tweet, Long Beach, CA

Sea Legs

Exercise in Frugality

Winded Advisory

Eric Stovall, Mt. Sinai, NY

Charles Barnum, via BoatingWorld.com

Bruce Conn, Trabuco Canyon, CA

Cardio Cruiser

Yard Sail

Riff Raft

Albie Tesoro, Seminole, FL

Jason Brustkern, San Diego

Mike Barry, Sparks, NV

Paddle Bored

Tour de Toon

Cycle or Swim

Mark Peterson, St. Louis

Steven Kuhl, Wichita, KS

Mary Heran, Fremont, CA

Schwinnanigans

Junk Pedaller

Perspirinspiration

Darryl Silver, Encino, CA

Tony Petrillo, Tampa, FL

Nicola Heslip, Auburn, WA

EAST Lake Hartwell, Georgia and South Carolina Lake Lanier, Georgia

WEST Lake Mead, Nevada Pyramid Lake, Nevada

> > S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R W I N N E R : Pe dibo at Ju nktio n

Winter Wonderlands

ANGLERS ARE ALWAYS going to feel the itch to wet a line, no matter the season. Whether they can do it is another matter. The folks at Boats. com put together a list of top-notch winter fishing spots. We’ve shared a few here.

CENTRAL Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee Lake Cumberland, Kentucky

NORTHWEST Lake Chelan, Washington For the full list, visit boats.com.

D I D YO U K N OW ?

Head Above Water For the Challenge In March 2017, Chris Bertish, a big-wave surfer from South Africa, was the first person to cross the Atlantic alone, unassisted and unsupported — on a stand-up paddleboard. He completed the journey from Morocco to Antigua, more than 4,000 miles, in 93 days.

8

The reason the toilet on a boat is referred to as “the head” originated in the 17th century.

The restroom on wind-driven ships was always in the bow so the waves could help keep the area clean; plus, the front of the ship was never up-wind, because the ship was sail-powered.

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JET D H A EA ent

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25' CENTER CONSOLE JET

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2018

OPEN THE POSSIBILITIES...AGAIN With more space, more flexibility and more style, a boat like this shouldn’t be possible, but Scarab loves shattering convention.

Learn more at ScarabJetBoats.com

165 ID

195 ID

See the full line from 16' - 25' at ScarabJetBoats.com ©2017 Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ™ and ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of a subsidiary of Rec Boat Holdings, LLC or suppliers.

215 ID

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currents S A LT Y D O G

This month’s winner: RAY

Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS Dog Vest



OWNERS:

John Gibson HOMETOWN:

Yardley, Pa. For your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest (ridecwb.com), send a picture of your boat-loving dog to editor@boatingworld. com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

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

Photos courtesy Tony Klarich

BIG NUMBERS

Surfing

1778

SEA CUCUMBERS. IT was a load of sea

cucumbers that shifted too quickly and caused Capt. John Allen Baker to lose his vessel, Gentle Lady. According to CBCNews, as water flooded the deck, Capt.

Baker’s wallet was sitting on his cabin’s bedside table. Luckily, all four crewmembers survived after drifting in a lifeboat off the coast of Nova Scotia for more than six hours. Flash forward four years, the crew of the very same trawler that rescued Baker and his crew pulled up a catch of Arctic surf clams and in the net was Baker’s wallet. They returned it to Baker, who plans to put it up on the wall to remember the day his crew made it safely to shore.

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66 Record for most people on a surfboard

37 Time, in minutes, of the longest single wave ride ever, accomplished in a tidal bore on the Amazon River

282 Number of surfboards stacked on a car, for the world record

Wacky Wake Toys

THE BOATING WORLD crew found a couple of videos recently that showed a dude wakeboarding on a cookie sheet and another using a household door. And they both got up. It got us thinking about other unconventional “wakeboards” or “skis,” which led us to waterskiing prodigy Tony Klarich. A couple of years ago, he rode 50 different “skis” for his 50th birthday. Can you figure out which item he hasn’t managed to use as a ski?

      

Picnic table Suitcase Water cooler Skateboard A copy of the Guinness Book of World Records Plyobox Crossfit box Wooden pallet We hope you didn’t expend too much mental energy, because he has ridden them all.

The Unlikeliest Reunion

Year Capt. James Cook first noticed native Hawaiians surfing

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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ALL-NEW

GTD SERIES DECK BOATS

60 YEARS SALES CELEBRATION

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2018

We are proud to introduce the GTD Series: revolutionary deck boat with that fun, do-it-all attitude Glastron is known for. Bring your friends and bring your friends' friends.

Just be sure to stock up on enough sunscreen. Learn more at Glastron.com

M A K E

I T

A

G L A S T R O N

S U M M E R

ENDLESS UTILIT Y The GTD has 3 available cockpit/ windshield configurations

GLASTRON.COM © 2017, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifies trademarks of Glastron, LLC, its affiliates or suppliers.

trailering

2018 R E SO LUTI O NS

Be a Better Trailerboater in 2018 Resolve to improve your trailer and your boating life in general.

We have 20 suggestions.

BY CHRIS CASWELL

I

T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR, when we all make resolutions we won’t keep …

again. Lose weight, save money, get in shape, yada, yada. But what if there were some resolutions you could keep. In fact, what if there were some resolutions you looked forward to keeping? We have 20 of them, and since you love your boat and trailer so much, they should be easy to keep.

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RESOLUTIONS FOR THE TRAILER 1. Make a trailering checklist. Every pilot has a

checklist of essential duties, and boat owners should too: Check the drain plug, lights, etc. Write notes as you hook up, get to the ramp, launch, retrieve and drive home. A list will save you from puzzling over whether you’re forgetting something.

2. Repack the trailer bearings right now. Who wants to waste time at the start of the season? Besides, repacking them now will protect the bearings through the winter. Even better, take it to a trailer shop.

3. Never slip off the trailer and crack your shin again.

Apply non-slip self-adhesive tape everywhere you usually step — and places you might step.

4. Stop rushing to launch. Take time on the ramp to get everything right. Hurrying leads to bad decisions. The fish will still be there.

5. Wash the boat and trailer every time you use them.

This is especially important in salt water, but even brackish fresh water can attack a trailer. If necessary,

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All-Out Power EXPERIENCE LUXURY IN STERNDRIVE OR OUTBOARD PROPULSION

Horizon 350 OB

Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2018

Horizon 290 OB

Horizon 210 RS

Four Winns, more than any other brand, offers the power to choose.

Outboard and sterndrive from 18’-35’ with a wide range of horsepower options.

Visit fourwinns.com for more information on the newest additions to our fleet.

Life should be a beautiful ride. ©2017, Rec Boat Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. ®/TM signifi es trademarks of Four Winns, LLC or suppliers.

HD 220 Surf

trailering apologize to your rig for being neglectful in the past.

6. Put the trailer on blocks to keep the tires from flat-spotting (and to make it harder to steal!).

7. Spruce up the rims. Take the trailer’s rims to a tire store, have the tires removed and repaint the rims.

8. Save your back by getting an electric winch. Don’t complain about cranking the boat onto the trailer; do something about it.

9. Challenge yourself. Go to a waterway farther away or one new to you, or explore farther on the waterways you know. No more same-old same-old thing again this year. Experience some fresh scenery — after all, isn’t that why you have a trailer?

10. Learn something new this year, whether it’s how to back up using only your mirrors or how to do a new watersport or how to catch a fish species you’ve never caught.

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RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BOATING LIFE 1. Always put in the drain plug. Anyone who says he’s never forgotten the drain plug owns a

boat that doesn’t have one. Or is an outright liar.

2. Restock the first-aid kit before next season. Everyone should like this resolution, because

it’s easy to keep.

3. Get your family, and especially the kids, more involved this year. Let them steer the boat and help plan trips, and teach them all the stuff you know about boating. Do more beach picnics, more barbecues and more kid fishing — and let them bring friends.

4. Get the right prop for the boat. Estimates indicate that 90 percent of boats are propped incorrectly, and your local dealer can help get the boat running both fast and efficiently.

5. Buy everyone new life jackets. The old ones smell terrible, aren’t comfortable and don’t encourage being worn. Everyone can pick the color and style he likes.

6. Take at least one non-boater on a fun outing. Choose adult friends or kids from the neighborhood and let them experience the joy of boating.

7. Keep your speed (and wake) down, to protect the shoreline and other boats. Sometimes the posted speed limit isn’t slow enough.

8. Protect your skin. Use more sunscreen, wear a hat and have long-sleeved shirts aboard.

9. Look at the decal graphics on the side of the boat. Are they in once-cool but now-ratty condition? Trim them neat with a razor blade or re-glue them with decal glue from a hobby shop or replace them.

10. The most important resolution? Promise to spend quality time with family and friends.

Create the time to spend as many hours on the water as possible, and share it with old and new friends. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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watersports

A DV I CE TO AVO I D

“Always hold on with both hands.”

Best Intentions

101

Sometimes, wellmeaning advice isn’t helpful at all. Here’s the real scoop.

BY TARAH MIKACICH

W

E HAVE A SAYING AT our Orlando-based wakeboard school, Freedom Wake Park.

It’s basically this: “Your friends are your worst teachers.” They mean well, and of course they want to help, but they lack real expertise and experience. (Ed. note: Mikacich is a professional wakeboarder.) Just because they think things work one way doesn’t mean that’s the case, and it certainly doesn’t mean that their way is the best way or easiest way to do it.

Many visitors to our school (freedomwakepark.com) have shared advice they’ve received from well-meaning friends … and much of it is totally wrong! Maybe you’ve heard these suggestions too; maybe you’ve even tried to follow them. Check out the following list of “advice,” and find out how to correct the misguided words.

“To get someone out of the water, you gotta floor it!”

one

We’ve all seen this scenario. Some poor kid is trying to get up on waterskis, a wakeboard or a wakesurf board. The driver is hammering the throttle as hard as he can, and the beginner at the end of the rope is tumbling head over heels, left to right, drinking all the lake water. The truth is, he doesn’t need more speed or more horsepower to get out of the water. He just needs a smooth start, so he can find the correct body position to go with the boat more efficiently. The driver can slowly raise the speed above idle, and that’s the easiest way for someone to learn.

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two

“When the rider falls, whip the boat around to get back to him.”

This is called a power turn, and it is an absolute no-no — except in extreme circumstances. The problem with power turns is they send waves across the entire lake, ruining the water for everyone.

Power turns are not even very efficient, because the driver ends up driving a big arcing turn back to the fallen rider. The best thing to do when a rider falls is pull back the throttle and turn the wheel to one side as the boat slows. Once the boat is pointed back at the rider, the driver should idle straight in his direction. It’s direct and doesn’t send rollers everywhere.

The only time a full-speed turn back to a fallen rider should be pulled is if the

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watersports down the wave and stay with the wave without using the rope. And while it’s true that you don’t want to lean back, the reality is that you don’t want to lean in any direction. The trick to controlling your speed while wakesurfing is actually to keep your shoulders and torso upright.

The acceleration and deceleration come from shifting your hips over your front or back foot, which will move your weight on the board, thus changing the attitude of the surfboard on the wave. Pushing your hips over your front foot will make the board accelerate and stay with the wave.

And you can always do a quick “brake check” on your back foot.

The real problem with telling someone to lean forward is that, inevitably, that person will bend at the waist. Her shoulders will lean forward toward the boat, but her hips will sit back over her back foot, which makes the board slow down. It’s the opposite result of the advice’s intent.

“You have to lean forward while wakesurfing.”

five

rider is injured or another boat is headed straight at him. Those are your extreme circumstances.

three

“Cut as hard as you can to clear the wake.”

I hear this all the time, especially from intermediate wakeboarders learning to jump wake to wake. They think they have to turn and burn with all the cross speed they can muster in order to gap the wakes.

Truth is, speed doesn’t equal height. What

20

you want is a nice easy edge that gets stronger as you get closer to the wake.

Then, as you go up the wake, stand tall and push against the energy of the wake. Doing so will give you a nice floaty wake jump, without all the line tension — and crashes.

four

“You have to lean forward while wakesurfing.”

This piece of advice is a little tricky. The intent is to help wakesurfers accelerate

“Always hold on with both hands.”

Great advice. For riders who love faceplants. If you want to watch your buddy fall super hard, tell him to keep both hands on the handle. Or if you personally like the feeling of smacking your face on the water, just keep both hands on the handle when going through rough water or landing a jump. I can almost guarantee a face-plant. So here’s the deal: Because you’re standing sideways on a wakeboard, your back arm wants to twist your body around to face forward. But if you turn forward, your edge catches and you fall down — go boom. When you’re edging, it’s OK to keep two hands on. But when you land a jump or go through the chop — really anytime you’re a little unstable — drop your back hand off the handle. Doing so will line your body up with your board.

The line will pull you straight instead of twisting you. It doesn’t matter which direction you’re traveling. If your left leg is in front, hang on with your left hand.

If your right leg is in front, hang on with your right hand. It will save you nine out of 10 times. BW

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YOU DIDN’T WORK THIS HARD FOR AN AVERAGE PONTOON BOAT. At Manitou, we recognize that hard work should mean great rewards — so with over 30 years of craftsmanship under our belt, we offer unmatched acceleration and handling, plus patented V-Toon® and twin tube hulls that are constructed to be the strongest in the industry. Not to mention our impeccable custom styling that ensures heads will turn when you pass others by.

All of which is why we believe that when you choose a Manitou pontoon boat, you’ve landed the highest-performing, best-quality boat in the industry. Period. For more information, visit www.manitoupontoonboats.com.

PA S S I O N . P R E C I S I O N . P E R F O R M A N C E .

fishing

R E SO LUTI O NS

Minimize Mistakes Banish these 10 things from your fishing repertoire in 2018.

BY LENNY RUDOW

T

HERE ARE CERTAIN TO

be a few failures, flops and fiascos you wish you could forget from the 2017 fishing season. Do you want to minimize the mistakes you make in 2018? No problem.

We have you covered. Banish these 10 things from your fishing repertoire, and you’ll be a much better angler.

22

1 . R EEL MISTAK E Stop spooling reels at home.

Instead, find a tackle store that has a hydraulic line tensioner and have all your reels spooled up there. The machine will not only be able to fit more line on the reel but also pack it tight at the optimal pressure, which means you’ll be able to cast farther and stop worrying about line cutting into the spool. Yes, we know it costs a bit more — stop complaining.

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fishing 2.

Dire Pliers

plan ahead, so they can drift into position without shifting, or they use a trolling motor once they’re in the fishing zone.

You know that hunk of rust you call a pair of pliers? Chuck it in the garbage and get a new pliers set.

The fish will thank you for not forcing them to eat corrosion every time you take a hook out.

9. Life’s

3. Shhh!

This one’s a toughie, but train yourself to stop hooting and hollering when you miss a bite.

Sound carries through water, and that includes the sound of a human’s voice. Every yell probably spooks half the fish within casting distance. Anyone who’s ever fished somewhere like a bonefish flat, where you can watch the scared fish swim off, knows this is a fact. Same goes for waters with less visibility or more depth, except you can’t see the result of your rowdiness.

4. Five Gallons of Foolish Stop using the same five-gallon

6.

HEAD GAME S

Don’t stand on the swim platform when the boat’s zipping along at 55 mph to relieve yourself. ’Nuff said.

bucket to hold baits or baitfish and for the washdown at the end of the day. Haven’t you noticed that most boat soaps are perfumed?

And if you can smell it, what makes you think the fish can’t?

Yes, yes, we know you rinse the

bucket out after each use, but stick your noggin in there and inhale, and you may well discover a bit of that scent gets left behind in the plastic. Get a second bucket, and never take the chance of making an olfactory offense again.

7. Not So Pretty Pictures Turn your fishfinder’s fish icons off and never let them tarnish the LCD screen again. Those icons are huge compared to the arches and dots the raw data provide, and they can actually obscure and/or merge some returns. Meanwhile, they provide no additional insight into what lies beneath the boat.

8.

5.

DENTAL DISASTER

Don’t bite through fishing line with your teeth — ever again. Keep doing so and sooner or later you’ll chip a tooth. Many old-timers get reminded of this mistake every time they look in the mirror.

24

Clunk for a Skunk

Quit shifting the boat in and out of gear, unless it’s absolutely called for, to maneuver over a school of fish. That big “clunk” you hear when the driveshaft engages? The fish hear it too. This is easily proven; just creep your boat up to some visible nearby fish, shift into reverse and watch their reaction. Savvy anglers will

a Drag

Quit setting your drags by hand.

Don’t deny it — we know you’ve yanked on the line, called the tension “about right” and started casting. The thing is, when Bubba strikes you need to know that drag is set exactly where it should be, not about where it should be.

This is especially important for anyone going after big fish with light gear, when an ounce of pressure can mean the difference between victory and misery. Use a scale to set the drags — one-third of the line’s breaking strength is usually considered best — and you might be surprised at just how different that drag feels. You might also be surprised at how much more frequently you manage to get Bubba up to the boat.

10.

Buggy Behavior

We hate mosquitoes, and we know you do too, but get that bug repellent off the boat and never use it while fishing again. DEET, the active ingredient in most bug repellents, is also a scientifically proven fish repellent. If any gets on your hands and makes it from there onto a lure or bait, not only will the mosquitoes stay away, but so will the fish.

Bonus Banishment The moment you step aboard the boat, pull that cellphone out of its easily reachable pocket and banish it to a stowage compartment — preferably one that’s soundproof.

How many times in 2017 did you miss a bite because you were chatting it up or scrolling down the screen? Yeah, we thought so. BW

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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies. geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office See how much you could save on boat insurance.

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. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2018 GEICO

engines

A B E T TER 2018

2018 RESOLUTIONS

1

I will use the oils my manufacturer encourages me to use to lubricate my $25,000 engine.

The engine manufacturer makes ongoing changes to ensure a better product, and these changes call for better lubricant formulas — something aftermarket companies aren’t privy to.

I Be Good to Your Engine Make 2018 the year you resolve to treat the boat’s power plant to a better life.

BY GRID MICHAL

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’VE FOUND IN MY MARRIAGES that having to answer to She Who Must Be Obeyed is a bit like owning a boat, except one gets more redo opportunities in marriage than with a boat.

“Honey, you promised to take out the trash!”

“Yes, dear, that makes six times you’ve reminded me.

I’ll get it.”

“But that was your big New Year’s Resolution!”

“Resolution, revolution,” you mutter as you load the wheelbarrow with trash from July until November.

Resolutions beget revolutions. I love messin’ with words. Being constantly on the road gives my mind time to wander (not unlike the steering wheel). One little letter can make a big difference: “Garage sale” many times becomes a garbage sale. Pick a word. Roll it around in your head. See what you can do with it. And thus, “resolutions and revolutions.” Think about it: The Bolsheviks made a resolution to change things, and a revolution was born.

The best revolution you can treat to a New Year’s resolution is the flywheel revolution on your boat’s engine. (You read that whole pile of weirdness to come to this?? Damn right! Sit back, sip a little good attitude and enjoy — then go and do.) You’re gonna want your resolutions to be good forever and ever, amen. You want hardcore promises that have the same amazing results as quitting smoking. I quit smoking Dec. 6, 1986, at 5:56 p.m. You want to remember your resolution-day as a day you promised to be good to your outboard 365 days a year for many 365s to come.

2

I will religiously change all lubricants yearly, since finding that operating in a marine environment is one of the worst abuses one can throw at an engine.

Can you envision Ole Evinrude trying to buy off the marine police with ice cream that was still edible because of his invention?

“Sir, putting a cold piece of assembled, dissimilar metals into salt water is a Class A felony!”

“Whatever … want a scoop of butter pecan?

“Absolutely not! And the liquids you’re putting into the … um, just one scoop? Look, I’ll let you go this time, but be sure you get thermostats installed before I check your registration again.”

3

I will be diligent about the removal of mud dauber nests under the engine cover. Might as well just throw sand into the intake as ignore the nests. The daubers will have to move to a low-income setting.

4

I will change the thermostats at the same time I change the water pump — every three years, unless I start boating in sandy areas. 

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/6/17 8:00 AM

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engines

5 6

For once in my life I will listen to my mechanic instead of going online to try to gain knowledge from folks I never met.

I will learn about propeller selection relevant to what the engine needs to operate efficiently for the long term. I will apply that knowledge (and my Visa card) appropriately.

7

I will leave the power on at the lift, a charge in the battery, the ignition key in the dash, gas in the tank, a full explanation — chronological — of what happened to this point, and my Visa number for my mechanic’s visit. (Mechanic: A tuna on rye for lunch would be rather nice, don’t you think? Sweet tea, too, if you don’t mind, sir.)

8

I will give those little grease fittings the undivided attention of the grease gun at least twice a year. They deserve it. Mr. Grease makes an outboard engine smile!

9

I will not foist my mechanical shortcomings upon the mechanical needs of my engine. This is why jobs are available for, and filled by, people with those abilities. I will hunt them down and employ them.

10

I will never, ever, disparage my engine in front of another engine, unless rowing home is a checked option. Anyone who has ever thought that an inanimate object has no faculties should try admiring someone else’s engine. BW

DISCOVER YOUR INNER EXPLORER

C ut wate r B o at s.co m MADE IN USA 28

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bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

Oh, Cap! BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Fresh fuel, no cap THE BONEHEAD: My buddy Charles BONEHEAD RATING: 1 WHAT HAPPENED: No, the rating isn’t because he’s my pal. I’ll let you figure it out at the end.

I met Charles about three years ago. He’s provided fodder for a few columns, but he has such an interesting life, I have to work hard to show humor in reality. He also

sounded as though it were trying to run on water. His hands flew up. “Absolutely not!

I just put 30 gallons of non-ethanol in that tank!”

As we slowed, the engine didn’t even bother coughing: it just quit. I said, “Charles, see about a restart while I remove the air box.” The engine ran for fewer than 10 seconds and quit. “Charles?” “No way! I put fresh gas in it at the beginning of last

Always, always, always make sure the gas cap is on — tight! provides us with a wonderful opportunity to unwind at his retreat atop Martha’s Vineyard … but I still don’t cut him any slack, because Charles has projects, and somehow I’m drawn inexorably to the center and hopefully, a resolution.

One of Charles’ projects is a 25-foot center console with twin Evinrude two-strokes. When I met Charles, I had to give him the bad news that the starboard engine needed rebuilding, which he approved. I did, and as it wasn’t my first rodeo, was confused when it wouldn’t idle, accelerate or act like an engine should.

After a year of intelligent diagnostics, machine work and finally just throwing parts at it in frustration, I finally discovered that the shop boring the block had honed it just a tad too long, leaving me with an engine that produced all kinds of symptoms, up to and including the negative bodily functions people exhibit on the evening news ads.

It was with joy that Charles, escaping the seriousness of his other projects, took us for a ride in his boat with the full-time power band. Two months later, The Phone Call: “This is Charles. Can you come by?”

(I think he thinks he gets charged by the word.) So we went over there. I finally got the Evinrude warmed up and smooth … for a moment. Out the creek we went, at which point the starboard engine, running on the starboard tank, got ragged. I told Charles it

mon…” His voice trailed off as he looked at the dangling gas-tank cap. At least the port engine got us home.

As I was pumping out a mix of Seafoam, StaBil, gasoline and water, I told him about the Saturday the Nurse and I had gone boating, only to discover that if one leaves

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

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

the cap off for a year between uses, the penalty is steep, especially having a fellow dealer tow us in, and then sitting to read an email from said dealer explaining how water gets in fuel tanks.

Thus the “1” rating: No way I’d let my buddy take a fall for something that I had done better.

LESSON LEARNED: Always, always, always make sure the gas cap is on — tight! BW

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

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

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

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

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diy

AUTO PI LOT S YSTEM I NSTA LL

Install an Autopilot System

Serious DIYers can give their boat a new autopilot in less than a day.

BY ALAN JONES

M

Y NEIGHBOR JK IS IN the process of upgrading his Pro-Line 31 Express.

He recently replaced the twin Honda BF225 outboards — barely enough horsepower to do the job — with two new Yamaha F300s, which were installed by Scott Tuozzo at Atlantic Coast Marine. Now that it has enough power to run properly and reach a top speed of 46 mph, JK wants to take it on trips to the Bahamas. I learned during many trips to the Bahamas that one of the most important items a boat can have is an autopilot, so JK did some looking and after some research chose the Simrad AP44 VRF Medium Capacity Pack, which costs $2,500.

The system (1) consists of a hydraulic pump, a computer unit, an electronic compass and a dash display/controller. The hydraulic pump taps into the existing SeaStar hydraulic steering at the helm, and since everything except the electronic compass can be installed right behind the dash panel, we didn’t have to make any long hose or wire runs. A newbie will take most of the day to complete the job; somebody more skilled can do it in about four hours. The needed skill level is pretty high, but the project can be tackled by competent shade-tree mechanics.

On the Pro-Line, we were able to access the area behind the dash by undoing a couple of latches and tilting the entire dash backward, which is when our first problem presented itself. There was hardly room for anything. Fortunately, the supplied pump and black box computer are very compact, and we were lucky to find a place for each … barely.

We started by installing the controller at the dash, which had a Starboard panel over the gelcoat, to cover a few holes from items we removed when we installed a Simrad NSS 12 during another project. We taped the supplied template to the dash and then surrounded the template with blue painter’s tape, to prevent the gelcoat from cracking. We drilled four holes, one in each corner, with a 3/8-inch bit to create a starting point for a Matco air saw to cut the hole (2) for the four-inch display/controller.

After trimming the sides a bit, we were able to slide the unit into place.

Simrad chose tiny #1 mounting screws, and the holes are really close to the bonded glass display, so the kit includes a gray tool (3). It helped us guide the 3/32 drill bit for the pilot holes and screws and protected the glass. Use this tool or you will likely crack the display!

Since we installed an NMEA 2000 network backbone when we installed the NSS 12 chartplotter, all we had to do was add a T-connector to the backbone and connect the controller with a five-pin plug. Doing so accomplishes two things. It connects the power and allows the autopilot to interface with other NMEA-compatible items, such as the display.

30

Installing the NAC-2 computer was as easy as finding a space for it, screwing it in place and plugging in the wire that has a five-pin plug on it into the NMEA backbone. This component requires a power supply, so we hooked it up before the next step.

Next, we installed the hydraulic pump and were lucky enough to find a spot right below the wheel assembly. Simrad supplies nearly everything except the hoses, because it doesn’t know how long of a run each boat requires. We needed five two-foot sections of 1,000 psi steering hose, which is reinforced. Before placing the pump (4), it’s easiest to pop the red covers and install the fittings (5) and hoses. Don’t mount the pump’s motor below the fittings, because a leak could damage it.

Before we disconnected the existing hoses from the steering unit, we placed an absorbent towel to catch the ounce or so of hydraulic fluid we knew would leak out (6). Then we connected the new hoses to the steering unit. The center line is the compensation line and must be connected from the center position on the steering to the center fitting on the new pump. At the other end of the other two hoses, we connected a T-fitting (7) (not supplied) to create a path to the autopilot pump and the lines going to the SeaStar hydraulic steering system at the stern. We got it right, but what’s nice is that it doesn’t matter if you mix up the right and left hoses; the pump is reversible, so if the hoses are reversed, you switch a wire instead of having to change the hoses.

Last, we connected the pump’s power line to the boat’s fuse panel.

The trickiest item to place is the Precision 9 compass (8). It needs to be positioned as low and as close to the centerline as possible, to minimize its movement when the boat rocks, and it should be kept away from metal, which can throw off the reading. We found a spot in a storage compartment in the forward V-berth that was low and a couple of feet from the centerline. Make sure to orient it so the arrow points forward. Then we plugged it into the NMEA network and it communicated with the computer.

Before splashing the boat to calibrate the autopilot, we bled the hydraulic lines to remove the air we introduced when we added empty hoses. Calibrating new autopilots is much easier than in the past. We followed the steps in the manual and in about 30 minutes the unit was working perfectly. Now, JK and I are planning our first trip across the Gulf Stream and beyond. BW

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TOOLS NEEDED Simrad AP44 VRF Medium

1

Capacity Pack Autopilot Blue painter’s tape 3/8 inch drill bit Drill Air saw 1,000 psi steering hose T-fitting for hose Absorbent towel

2

3

4

6

5

8 7

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ask the experts

Q

+A

ENGINES

An Off-season Respite

Q If the weather turns nice and I see a few days ahead to enjoy my boat, which is already winterized, can I use it, and return it to storage until the real boating season?

Paul R., via BoatingWorld.com

Of course you can, and I won’t even tell your mama! It’s your boat, and I can’t see it from my house. Actually, like everything else about boating, it comes down to how much money you want to spend. If it’s an outboard, you’ve stabilized the fuel, you’ve changed the

gear oil and — depending on whether it’s a two-stroke or four-stroke — the crankcase oil and filter, so all you’re doing is bumping up the season a few weeks. If you do your boating in salt water, flush the engine with fresh water, and if the outboard’s a two-stroke, fog it through the fogging ports or intakes. Essentially, putting it back into storage just costs you your time. If you do

 OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:

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

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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

12/5/17 8:27 AM

your boating in freshwater lakes, there’s no need to flush it again.

An I/O or inboard is another story, however, as they are either full of antifreeze or the block has been drained completely. If you elect to use a boat whose engine block has been filled with antifreeze, you’ll probably want to fill it again right after you flush it, or during the flushing process.

Also, winter is the time that most marinas schedule serious work. Make sure nobody has taken the outdrive off your boat before you attempt forward motion. — GM

moving. If it is, tie and tape a stout piece of cord to the console end, then pull from the transom. If the cable pulls through, you’re a hero. Pull the new cable through the way the old one went out. If, however, it goes a foot and seizes, it probably wound itself around other cables as it was being rigged at the dealer’s. If it doesn’t move at all, you

might try to find an online forum for your boat and ask if they know how to get to where it’s strapped. And if you make the economical choice to just route a new cable through using an old remote control cable as your “mouse” — or what home builders use, called “fish sticks” — you’ll be a hero to me. — GM BW

W I N T E R I Z AT I O N

Is Antifreeze Mandatory?

Q Do you have to run antifreeze through an outboard motor to winterize it?

Charlie Blome, via BoatingWorld.com

THERE’S A LOT GOING ON INSIDE A 4-STROKE ENGINE Keep it protected with ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil and Chemicals

No, you don’t. Outboards have a discharge system that dumps the water back down the engine and onto the ground or into the water when the engine is shut off. What you want to see is that the engine reaches operating temps so the thermostats open. — GM MAINTENANCE

Cable Replacement 101

Q What is the best way to replace the transducer cable on my boat?

Gibb Felton, via BoatingWorld.com

Years ago I would have called that a dumb question. Then I discovered that some wires and cables weave around and through one another as they’re installed at the dealer’s. If it’s a factory installation, the transducer cable may be strapped to the fuel hose or line. Some enterprising rigger may have tie-strapped all the wires and cables every two inches beginning at the dash, down into the tunnel and then again in the transom area. Of course, the battery will interfere with access at one end or another. My thoughts? Cut all the tie straps you can find holding the transducer cable. Have a friend at the other end gently tug on the cable so you can determine if it’s

Available in Gallons or Quarts at a Suzuki Marine Dealer Near You.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

ECSTAR. the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on the water and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of Ameria, Inc.

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gear 1. One

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

STU FF YO U WA NT

Holder for All

$80.92, acconmarine.com The Adjustable Drink Holder from Accon can hold everything from a two-liter soda to a delicate stemmed wine glass.

When it’s time to dock, the holder snaps out of its quick base for easy stowage. The holder is made from 316 stainless steel and adjusts two and a half inches vertically, with an grabbing range of two and a quarter inches to four inches. It provides a solid grip for spill-free use. The stainless steel base mounts flush to the surface, so cutouts aren’t needed, and installs easily with two #10 screws.

2. Mood

2 1

Lighting

$109, lumiteclighting.com The Pinnacle LED Flood Light offers a 1,000-plus lumens of output. Pinnacle’s radially symmetrical spot/flood optical design stays tighter and punches farther. With a small profile and versatile mounting bracket, Pinnacle is well suited to light the way forward on land or at sea. The voltage is 10v to 30v DC and is third-party dimmer compatible.

3. Buff

Essentials

4. Find

More Fish

3

$45, meguiars.com The New Boat Owner’s Essentials Box includes Meguiar’s Gel Wash, a biodegradable detergent that removes surface contaminants without stripping wax protection; Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Marine Wax, a UV protectant formulated to enrich color and shine while also removing light oxidation, fine scratches and swirls; Meguiar’s Flagship Ultimate Detailer, a water-repellant that removes dirt, grime and contaminants; and Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel and Hi-Tech Applicator pad for application of each product. The New Boat Owner’s Essentials Box can be used on boats, pontoons, and PWCs that have gelcoat, fiberglass or plastic surfaces.

$199, lowrance.com Lowrance’s FishHunter 3D delivers three-dimensional sonar capabilities. FishHunter’s buoy-shaped design makes it difficult to submerge and increases the reliability of its Wi-Fi connection. The antenna protruding at the top ensures a solid image and signal, reaching up to 160 feet in depth and delivering a 200-foot Wi-Fi range. The rechargeable battery lasts for 10 hours of active use and 500 hours on standby.

Connecting the device to an Apple or Android device, anglers can log catches and waypoints and follow friends around the world.

4

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Geki Parting Seas

A REVOLUTION IN INNOVATION Introducing The All-New Suzuki DF350A Our innovative Dual Louver Direct Intake System and Dual Fuel Injectors provide cooler air and precisely measured fuel to the combustion chamber. A hydrodynamically designed gear case and contra-rotating dual propellers deliver extra “traction” underwater where you need it most.

The 350 horsepower Suzuki DF350A V6 4-Stroke does indeed take “Ultimate” to the next level.

DUAL LOUVER SYSTEM

DUAL FUEL INJECTORS

We began with a concept, Geki. Parting Seas.

We matched the power of nature and the sea with our passion and commitment to provide you with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard. There’s nothing else like it.

We invite you to learn more about the DF350A at your Suzuki Marine dealer or by visiting www.suzukimarine.com.

DUAL WATER INTAKES

CONTRA-ROTATING DUAL PROP SYSTEM

The Suzuki “S”, Ultimate tagline and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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gear 5. Infinite

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

STU FF YO U WA NT

Power

$179.99, prospecelectronics.com The 2018 Infinity by Harman Reference multi-element marine speakers and subwoofers are engineered for on-the-water sound. Their frequency bands are optimized for enhancing listening in an open-air, moving-boat environment. The speaker features UV-resistant one-piece cast polymer baskets and seven-color LED lighting that is mounted on the tweeters’ underside to provide a visual display. Infinity’s 622MLT and 622MLW (titanium and white colors) are 6 ½ -inch coaxial speakers with integrated half-inch tweeters and deliver 75 watts of power.

6. Out

of Touch

Price Varies, tocuhlesscover.com Touchless Cover introduced a top-only canopy. The Touchless Cabana Canopy comes in 10 standard colors and is backed by a five-year limited warranty. One of the hassles of boating is making sure you keep it covered, and then the task of uncovering it can often be time consuming. With the Touchless Cover’s Cabana, the boat will remain protected without ever having to worry about snaps, straps or ropes.

7. Turning

5 6

Down for Winter

$74.95, iosso.com The Iosso Fabric Cleaner and Protectant kit comes with Iosso’s Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Cleaner, which removes tough stains. It doesn’t contain bleach or chlorine, so it won’t harm or discolor boat covers, tarps, cushions or carpeting. The kit also includes a 32-ounce bottle of Water Repellant concentrate. Used after cleaning, the concentrate is sprayed on fabric to repel water, soil, and oils, and resist mildew and stains. It dries completely with no residue. This kit treats and cleans 450 square feet of fabric.

8. Shipmate’s

Pick

$18.10, beckson.com Chipping and splitting ice blocks is easier with the Beckson Marine Shipmate Stainless Steel Pick, which has a multitude of other uses. The seven-inch pick is built with a stainless steel four-inch shaft that won’t flex under normal use. The ergonomic plastic handle is paneled so it won’t roll when set down. A sheath is included to keep the tip sharp and for protection when it’s stored. There is also an optional mounting clip and hardware sold separately.

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BOATINGWORLD.COM

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11/29/2017 1:31:22 PM

INTRODUCTION ITNKT H RE OA DD U C T I O N

TK HEADER

2018 2 0BOAT 1 8 B OBUYER’S AT B U Y EGUIDE R’S GUIDE

F

or 244 bowrider’s gunwales seem

Reagan was president. The skipper looks at a yacht-like glass cockpit that has three to b e closing in on you and cramping your standard Garmin displays, including a style? Cobalt has the cure: the R30, the newest color Garmin 571 GPS. The port console and biggest bowrider in its R-Series. Thanks hides a cavernous head compartment to the Free Space Reclamation technique that’s usually optioned with a VacuFlush for maximizing cockpit space, you’ll be able ceramic toilet. Up front, the bowrider seats to invite all your friends and they won’t feel are set deep beneath the gunwales like commuters in a Tokyo subway. Of for passenger security, and the course it doesn’t hurt that the R30 has a 9-foot,  BOWRIDERS Varadense seating, found through6-inch Regal 29 OBX Bowrider. . . . . . . . . . . . .

40 beam and is 30 feet, 8 inches long. The out the boat, supports recliners in cockpit 42 features a multiposition seatback to port Rinker 17QX OB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . comfort. deep beneath the gunwales that Sea Ray SLX 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44can form a companion seat next to the captain for passenger deep beneath the gunwales or become a rear-facing recliner. At the stern, a lounger for passenger The R30 can be equipped has room for up to four passengers when the boat is at  DECKBOATS with single or twin MerCruiser or Volvo rest.

46For sunning, the seatbacks flip down to become the Four Winns HD 200 OB Freedom. . .

Penta engines, and our test boat sported center 48 cushions in a wrestling mat–sized sunpad. The Glastron GTD 205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a single MerCruiser 430 hp 8.2L HO V-8. stern Hurricane SunDeck 217 OB. . . . . . . . . .

50 bench in the cockpit also has flippable backrests to Without the trim tabs engaged, it reached form either a cockpit bench seat or a four-wide rear-facSplendor Sunstar 240. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 plane in 5 seconds; about a second was ing52 chaise lounge.

Tahoe 2150. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . knocked off with the tabs engaged, which Cobalt is one of the industry’s leaders in innovation, also reduced bowrise. Time to 30 mph and on the R30 the show-stopping feature is a standard  CUDDY was 8.7 seconds, and we romped to a top hydraulic swim platform that can lower into the Stingray 208CR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

53 test most of the boats that appear on the pages of Boating World speed of 47.1 mph while marveling at its water to provide a submersible seat for lounging or S P ECI FI C AT I O N S at roundups on Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana, Table Rock Lake near luxury car ride. With twin engines, this is a way for two- and four-legged guests to reboard. At  PONTOONS Branson, Mo., and Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta. But this year I also tested boats a 60-plus mph boat, and it comes with the the54 helm, another example of a feature Cobalt did Bennington 25 GSB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOA tk at 15 other venues in 10 other states and Canada, so we can present the latest and BEAM tk. Cay Cozumel 240. . . . . . . . . . . option of joystick docking. — AJ first55is the flip-up bolster for the doublewide captain’s Cypress greatest boats for your perusal. In all, I climbed aboard more than 100 boats and DEADRISE tk 230 RFL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . seat56— something its designers came up with when Arum facerspiene optaquassum Lowe Retreat conducted full tests on more than 70 of them, most of which will be posted to PASSENGER CAPACITY tk Sanpan 2500 ULH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 BoatingWorld.com and our YouTube channel during the year. All of the boats in the DRY WEIGHT tk South Bay 525RS Arch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 FUEL CAPACITY tk Boat Buyer’s Guide represent full tests I conducted on 2018 models in 2017, during Starcraft EX 22 R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 MAXIMUM HP tk which time I learned a few things.

SunCatcher X322 RC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

60 PRICE W/MERCRUISER 8.2L 430 Wakesurfing is still the fastest-growing watersport, and manufacturers are finding Tahoe LTZ QL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 HP HO 2485 tk many different, innovative and affordable ways to get buyers to hang 10. Jetboats have drastically upped their surfing game. Yamaha’s 242X (page 66) has a new wave-shapPERFORMANCE  FISHING BOATS

MPH RPM DBA ing system called SurfPointe. Volvo Penta got many manufacturers, including Alumacraft 2072 PEAK TK TK TK Chaparral, Glastron, Four Winns and Regal, into wakesurfing with Forward Drive, a 62 Coastal Bay TK Tunnel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CRUISE TK TK propulsion system that tucks twin forward-facing, counter-rotating props under the 63 Bullet 21PLANE SST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TIME TO 5tk. hull for safety. Most people who have shopped for traditional wakesurfing boats from Princecraft 64 WS. . . . . . . . . .

0-30 MPH Hudson DL tk sec. premium manufacturers know it’s easy to spend six figures on a boat. But the Heyday Ranger Angler 2080 MS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 3 FAVORITE STANDARDS: tk WT-1SC (page 67) from Bayliner can get buyers surfing for less than $45K. Pontoons are still king of the lake, and many manufacturers have ramped up the 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: tk WAKEBOATS  luxury and sportiness factor while keeping the cost down. Look at Starcraft’s EX 22 R tk Yamaha 242X E-Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 (page 59), which can have owners entertaining and wakeboarding for less than $40K. Heyday WT-1SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Of course, pontoon buyers looking for over-the-top performance will find satisfaction Malibu 23 LSV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 too. Check out the South Bay 525RS Arch on page 58. Equipped with a Suzuki 350A, MasterCraft XT23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 it reached about 55 mph. And a Manitou X-Plode XT we tested in Chicago with Bears linebacker Willie Young had twin Mercury Racing 400s. The video of that adventure went viral on the Boating World Facebook page with 2 million viewers watching the action. — Alan Jones

ROUNDIN’ ’EM UP

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B OW R I D E R

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

REGAL 29 OBX BOWRIDER

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 29 ft., 1 in.

BEAM 9 ft.

DEADRISE 19 degrees CAPACITY Yacht certified DRY WEIGHT 6,550 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 148 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 500 PRICE W/TWIN YAMAHA F250 OUTBOARDS $158,290

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.3 sec.

PEAK 58.4 mph/5900 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 39.8 mph/4000 rpm/89 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Trim tabs, Slide Away Seating, 6-speaker Fusion Bluetooth stereo 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Windlass, Seagrass flooring, refrigerator Regal Boats, regalboats.com

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hile Regal is primarily

known for sterndrive boats in its sub-42-foot lineup, the 29 OBX Bowrider proves its designers can pivot with the best of them. Because this outboard-powered jumbo bowrider is based on the 2800, buyers get a giant bonus storage area where the sterndrive engines would have been. Outboardpowered boats typically don’t have as much lounging-atthe-stern space as their sterndrive counterparts, but Regal engineers created an innovation called Slide Away Seating, which electronically pushes the rear seating group forward 10 inches to create more room out back. When moved rearward, it increases the already impressive cockpit space created by its extra-wide nine-foot beam.

Two large port and starboard benches provide plenty of seating. The bow section is really wide all the way forward and is extra deep, so if it turns into the kid zone, parents won’t have security worries. The head compartment is yacht-worthy and includes a standard chemical toilet, a glass vessel sink and cherry cabinetry.

An optional hardtop ($15,135) features a huge sunroof and a retractable SureShade. Alternatively, the boat can be equipped for watersports, like our test boat, with an optional sports tower. Both the port and starboard crew seats are doublewide and have flippable seatbacks.

At the helm, our boat had a hand-wrapped sportwheel,

a double-stitched dash and a glass cockpit look with an optional Garmin 7610 Chartplotter ($3,750). Our boat featured the Technology option ($5,755), which includes a power captain’s chair that is height-adjustable, an upgraded stereo, a battery charger and

The 29 OBX is a waterborne sports car. a lighting package that includes interior and underwater lighting. For easier docking, options include a bow thruster ($2,690) or joystick docking.

Thanks to the efficient FasTrac hull and twin Yamaha F250 four-strokes, the 29 OBX is a waterborne sports car. Its time to plane was a quick 3.8 seconds, and it ripped to 30 mph in 6.3 seconds. We tested this boat in really rough conditions in Biscayne Bay in Miami and were still able to achieve a top speed of 58.4 mph.

The hull’s 19 degrees of deadrise ate up the chop in style and even cornered well despite the whitecaps. ­— AJ

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The art of the pontoon For Tahoe Pontoons, high quality isn’t just a commitment to creating the best built pontoon boats on the market. It means an even bigger commitment to high quality family time.

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B OW R I D E R

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

RINKER 17QX OB

T

he newest and smallest member of the

Rinker QX family is a modernized throwback to times when ski boats were smaller, could be powered with less than 100 hp and were very affordable. With an LOA of 16 feet, 10 inches, powered by a Yamaha F90 and priced at less than $30K, the 17QX checks off all the boxes, including being a light enough rig — 1,753 pounds, boat and motor combined — to be towed by almost all light SUVs or compact pickups. And it will fit easily in most garages.

There’s more than enough seating in the cockpit, on twin captain’s chairs and a full-length stern bench, to accommodate its full capacity of six passengers, and that doesn’t even include the surprisingly roomy bowrider section.

Four bold colors are available, the helm and upholstery accents are color coordinated, and an upscale Kicker KMC1 Bluetooth stereo comes standard. This compact runabout makes a great little ski boat even with the Yamaha F90 that powered our test model. At around 30 mph it trails a flattish wake for slaloming. But at 20 mph, its healthy 20 degrees of deadrise, plus a little engine up-trim and a few people on the stern bench, can create a jumpable wake for junior wakeboarders.

The standard stern ski tow is too low, so installing something such as an aftermarket TurboSwing would be a good addition if

This compact runabout makes a great little ski boat.

watersports action is high on the list of activities. For ski storage, there’s a roomy in-floor locker.

Our test boat had optional SeaStar hydraulic steering ($1,229) for the Yamaha F90, which is highly recommended, especially for towing kids on tubes. The 17QX OB is rated for up to 140 hp, but the new F90 features a larger 1.8L block than last year, which gives it more torque for a better holeshot, as evidenced by its time to plane of 2.8 seconds. It has a very flat power curve, and the littlest Rinker reached 30 mph in 8.9 seconds and achieved a respectable top speed of 41 mph. Although we had calm conditions on Geneva Lake (in Lake Geneva, Wis.), busting through a few cruiser wakes revealed a surprisingly soft ride, thanks to its 20 degrees of deadrise. — AJ

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 16 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 7 ft., 4 in.

DEADRISE 20 degrees CAPACITY 6 people DRY WEIGHT 1,400 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 22 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 140 PRICE W/YAMAHA F90 $28,826

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.8 sec.

0-30 MPH 8.9 sec.

PEAK 41.0 mph/6000 rpm/ 92 dBA CRUISE 25.2 mph/4000 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Kicker Bluetooth stereo system, ski tow, centerline ski storage 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Chilewich bamboo flooring, Bimini top, SeaStar hydraulic steering Rinker Boats, rinkerboats.com

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

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B OW R I D E R

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

SEA RAY SLX 230 S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 23 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE 21 degrees CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 4,840 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350 PRICE W/MERCRUISER 4.5L 250 HP $76,832

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 4.5 sec.

0-30 MPH 9.8 sec.

PEAK 44.6 mph/4900 rpm/ 90 dBA CRUISE 30.0 mph/3500 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Rockford Fosgate Bluetooth stereo, SmartCraft gauges, power steering 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Dynamic Display, bow and cockpit tables, premium stereo with subwoofer Sea Ray, searay.com

S

ea Ray continues to explore new ways to

pack more luxury and usable space into its boats, and the SLX 230 Select is the poster boy for this mission. Outboard-powered boats are growing in popularity, but a glance at the stern of this boat illustrates why sterndrives are still the king of back porch lounging. The huge swim platform is free of any toe-stubbing obstructions and features optional SeaDek padding ($713) for extra comfort. An available flip-down Manual Submersible Swim Step ($2,077) allows people to reboard easily or sit semi-submerged on a hot day.

The sunpad has a reversible backrest for reclining and a flip-up backrest for sitting with one’s feet on the swim platform. The cockpit is ringed with seating to help expand its payload to a lucky 13 people.

Our test boat was rigged for watersports with the optional electric tower with an integrated Bimini top ($9,000). To maximize its skiing attitude, add the

premium stereo system with a subwoofer and a transom remote ($3,038), twin coffee can stereo speakers ($1,506) and board racks ($1,149) to the mix. During our sea trial, we dialed the optional Smart Tow digital speed control ($872) to stop at 21 mph and then gave the trim a bump up. Without ballast or a group of people on board to weigh it down, the SLX 230 plowed up a decent-size wake for wakeboarding. Spectator viewing of the skiers is excellent from a portside doublewide

The SLX 230 plowed up a decentsize wake for wakeboarding. companion seat that has a backrest that flips to face rearward; in the bowrider section, there’s room for three passengers to face aft.

To help get the starting price down to $76,832, Sea Ray’s standard engine for this 23-footer is a modest 4.5L V-6 that puts out 250 hp. Considering this is a 4,840-pound boat with a healthy 21 degrees of deadrise, I didn’t know if that would be enough power, but because it’s MerCruiser’s new-gen ECT MPI sterndrive, it had enough push to move it along really well. The standard twin-prop Bravo 3 helped launch this boat as it got on plane in 4.5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 9.8 seconds. Top speed was 44.6 mph and the addition of Active Trim ($768) automatically kept the SLX 230 at a proper running attitude from launch to WOT. — A J

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Destination Honda

For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at marine.honda.com.

Š 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.

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D E C K B O AT

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

FOUR WINNS HD 200 OB FREEDOM

T

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 20 ft., 1 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 4 in.

DEADRISE 19 degrees CAPACITY 11 people DRY WEIGHT 2,750 lbs.

he Four Winns HD 200 OB Freedom is the

newest and smallest member of the HD line.

Even so, it carries with it the pedigree of the brand — and with a starting price of $35,067, it’s an ambassador for a new generation of Four Winns owners. At just an inch more than 20 feet long, this deckboat maximizes interior room with an 8-foot, 3-inch beam.

Deckboats can sometimes look a little frumpy, but sleek lines and a tinted, raked windshield make this one a looker. The cockpit layout is simple: an L-lounge and matching helm seats that both have flip-up bolsters (part of its standard package). An in-floor ski locker is standard. Like its more expensive brethren, the HD 200 OB features Aquaflex upholstery, which is exclusive to Four Winns. The black accents are textured like cloth, which diffuses the sun’s rays and keeps it cooler than traditional vinyl. Its deckboat design keeps the beam wide up front for extra passenger room. The swim platform is roomy and clean, and the boarding ladder is neatly tucked underneath a cover.

On this entry-level Freedom model, Four Winns chose to limit the available options and keep it simple and affordable for the consumer. Of course, buyers will want the Kicker Bluetooth stereo option ($353), which places the controller in the roomy, lockable portside glove box.

Despite the low price, a single-axle Sure-Load trailer with brakes is part of the standard package. The HD 200 also comes in a sterndrive version and can be equipped with

a Volvo Penta Forward Drive system that tucks the props well under the hull, to allow activities such as wakesurfing.

It was a rough day on Lake Cadillac in Michigan when we tested the HD 200 OB, but the Stable-Vee hull handled the whitecaps nicely. The hull design gives the boat excellent cornering ability and keeps it flatter in turns than most other boats. Despite the relatively modest power of the Yamaha

The hull design gives the boat excellent cornering ability.

F115 four-stroke, there’s enough giddy-up to make the boat ski-worthy. Thanks to the hull’s stepped after-pod design, the boat got on plane in 3.1 seconds, reached 25 mph in eight seconds flat and attained a top speed of 37.1 mph. The only other engine option for the Freedom edition is a Mercury 115 FourStroke, whereas the standard HD 200 OB can be powered with up to 200 ponies. — A J

FUEL CAPACITY 40 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 115 PRICE W/YAMAHA F115 $35,067

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.1 sec.

0-25 MPH 8.0 sec.

PEAK 37.1 mph/6000 rpm/ 92 dBA CRUISE 22.5 mph/4500 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: In-floor ski locker, Sure-Load single-axle trailer, twin captain’s chairs w/flip-up bolsters 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Bimini top, Kicker Bluetooth stereo, bow and cockpit covers Four Winns, fourwinns.com

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Shed off the chill of winter with the hottest savings of the year!

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D E C K B O AT

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

GLASTRON GTD 205 becomes an incredibly roomy place to hang out. Both platforms can be clad in Marine Mat for better traction and comfort, for $700.

The GTD 205 comes standard with a ski tow, but buyers can add a wakeboard tower ($1,967) that folds down with the help of gas struts. Skis and boards can be stored in a pair of optional tower racks ($600) or in the roomy in-floor locker.

In the tower’s Bimini top is a drop-down changing room curtain. Thanks to the weight of the sterndrive engine and the SSV hull design, at around 20 mph the GTD 205 creates a surprisingly clean wake for launching. At 30-plus mph the wake flattens out for slalom skiing.

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 20 ft., 4 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE 17 degrees CAPACITY 11 people DRY WEIGHT 3,750 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 40 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 280 PRICE W/MERCRUISER 4.5L 250 HP $41,189

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.2 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.1 sec.

PEAK 44.5 mph/5900 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 28.0 mph/3500 rpm/ 85 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Flip-up bolster at helm, 4-speaker Kicker Bluetooth stereo, single-axle trailer

F

or buyers looking for a stern-

drive-powered deckboat in the 20-foot range that maximizes passenger space and comfort, the Glastron GTD 205 checks all the boxes — and does it in style. With an 8-foot, 6-inch beam that’s carried far forward, it is rated to carry 11 passengers, and there’s a seat for everyone. Glastron makes it easy for passengers to board via a stern walkthrough, but there’s also a flip-out gunwale section that lowers the gunwale’s height to allow boarders to easily step down on an intermediary step into the cockpit — something we’ve never seen on a boat this size. The step-down can be folded against the hull side and out of the way, so a rider can sit facing aft with her feet on the deck or put a cushion on it and recline.

Usually, when a boat this size has a sink with a spigot, it eats up valuable seating space, but on the 205 it’s tucked behind the full windshield. With the addition of an extended swim platform ($800), the stern section

Thanks to the SSV hull design, at around 20 mph the GTD 205 creates a clean wake for launching.

An available fishing package ($3,467) includes a front casting platform with a seat, a livewell and a fishfinder. Another $1,267 adds a trolling motor.

The SSV hull is known for its quick-​ planing and cornering ability, and with a new-gen MerCruiser 4.5L V-6, the GTD 205 got on plane in 3.2 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7.1 seconds. Top speed touched 44.5 mph. Glastron also offers Volvo Penta power, a 280 hp V-6 that is $1,782 more than MerCruiser’s 250. — A J

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Bow boarding ladder, windlass, stereo upgrade w/subwoofer Glastron, glastron.com

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Make the most of your waterfront investment.

Contact your local dealer. ez-dock.com or call 651-388-8997 Š 2017 EZ Dock, Inc. All rights reserved.

D E C K B O AT

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

HURRICANE SUNDECK 217 OB

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 21 ft., 5 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE 12.5 degrees CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,642 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 49 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 225 PRICE W/YAMAHA F150

$46,950

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.5 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.7 sec.

PEAK 42.5 mph/5900 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 26 mph/4000 rpm/ 77 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Bimini top, bow boarding ladder, Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Bow freshwater shower, Underwater lights, Polk stereo upgrade w/subwoofer Hurricane Boats, hurricaneboats.com

50

T

he number-one builder of deck-

boats didn’t get there by standing pat, and it offers as evidence the Hurricane SunDeck 217 OB, a 21-foot-plus boat that is rated to carry a dozen people and is all about maximizing passenger space. Taller gunwales that create more cockpit depth are the biggest visual change to this new-gen model, and the walkthrough is interesting.

Usually, the walkthrough to the swim platform is in the corner or the middle. Hurricane placed its narrow walkthrough on the starboard side but not in the corner, which allowed it to place a forward-facing recliner there. And instead of being right in the middle, which on outboard-powered models has passengers entering at the engine’s splashwell — typically the narrowest part of the platform — moving it off-center provides more space to come and go. What makes deckboats so popular is they carry the beam all the way forward, and the 217 OB uses its full 8-foot, 6-inch beam to great advantage, situating twin chaise lounges in the bow that allow passengers sitting inward to have plenty of legroom.

For families that love to fish, Hurricane’s 217 deckboat layout — roomy bow section and large foredeck — is ideal. A fishing package that includes a pedestal fishing seat, a livewell, rod storage clips and a

pre-rig for a trolling motor can be added for $531. For waterskiing, Hurricane offers a fixed ($339) or telescoping ($816) ski tow, but the best option might be the TurboSwing XXL ($1,170), which is a hoop that encircles the outboard and keeps the tow rope from chafing the cowling. And Hurricane’s relatively flat hull throws a flat wake that’s ideal for slalom skiing. A bow boarding ladder makes beach landings easy.

The hull has been tweaked this year, as designers moved the waterline entry back six inches for better performance. The SunDeck 217 OB is rated for up to 225 hp but performed well with a Yamaha F150, a choice that puts the starting price at $46,950. It launched quickly, getting on plane in 2.5 seconds and accelerating to 30 mph in 7.7 seconds. With a deckboat’s open bow design, one concern is stuffing it in large oncoming waves, so we liked the tendency of the SunDeck 217 OB to ride bow-high at cruise. The extra gunwale height also inspired a feeling of greater safety. — A J

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D E C K B O AT

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SPLENDOR SUNSTAR 240 S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 24 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 4 in.

DEADRISE N/A CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 3,800 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 47 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350

T

he basic hull design

for Splendor catamaran deckboats hasn’t changed much over the years, but for a pretty good reason: It works really well. I’ve tested Splendor models in a variety of conditions and have experienced a safe, controlled ride that’s remarkably stable. The Sunstar 240 we tested on choppy Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana confirmed that this trait hasn’t changed. Splendor boats turn exceptionally well and lean inward like monohull boats, unlike most other cats.

What’s changed this year are many features, including the dash. It’s made of a realistic, but faux, dark burlwood and can accept displays up to a nineinch Simrad GO9 XSE chartplotter/fishfinder ($1,200). The upholstery has a new look and feel, which is exhibited on the L-lounge in the stern, the twin Power Rise captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters and two extralong chaise lounges in the bow.

Splendor has cherry-picked the best vendors for its boats, and it loads them with standard features such as a Bimini top that uses Sunbrella fabric, and standard bow and cockpit covers. The stereo is a Polk Ultramarine system that can be upgraded to include a subwoofer and an amp ($1,400). The 240 Sunstar even

comes with a saltwater-friendly galvanized Trailmaster dual-axle trailer.

Splendor is one of the few boat builders that sells direct to the consumer, so it can offer this 24-foot deckboat, powered by a MerCruiser 4.5L 250 hp sterndrive, for less than $50K. Splendor adds standard features not seen elsewhere, including a “gullwing” waterlevel swim platform. It’s raised in the center, so the I/O can trim all the way up, but drops down on either side to allow swimmers and skiers to board easily.

Powering our test boat was the new-gen MerCruiser 4.5L 250 hp sterndrive motor — the smallest available on this boat, which can accept up to 350 hp. Despite having the smallest available sterndrive, our test boat ran well, getting on plane in four seconds and powering to 30 mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed was 42.7 mph. One of the reasons Splendor boats are especially popular in coastal areas is because the builder only installs MerCruiser engines that have the SeaCore system, which makes them highly resistant to the effects of salt water. Buyers who choose Volvo Penta power get engines equipped with the OceanX titanium-ceramic outdrive coating. — A J

PRICE W/MERCRUISER 4.5L 250 HP $49,400

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 4.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.8 sec.

PEAK 42.7 mph/5200 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 35.2 mph/4000 rpm/88 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Trailmaster dual-axle trailer, Polk Bluetooth stereo, ski tow 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Fishing package, pumpout marine head, Chilewich snap-in vinyl flooring Splendor Boats, splendorboats.com

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

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D E C K B O AT

TAHOE 2150

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 21 ft., 1 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

2 0 1 8 B O AT B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E

T

ahoe Boats is all about maximiz-

ing space aboard its deckboats and giving owners the most options for fun while maintaining a budget-friendly bottom line. The 2150 does nothing to change that philosophy. Tahoe designers know if people are on the water, someone is going to bring a fishing rod, so for 2018, the builder’s biggest outboard-powered deckboat receives even more fishing functionality with the addition of a standard five-gallon bow livewell, pre-rigging for a trolling motor and a three-rod, under-gunwale rack on the starboard side that protects fragile tips. Anglers can boost the 2150’s capability with a Fishing Package ($2,195) that includes a 24v MotorGuide trolling motor, a twin-bank battery charger, a Lowrance HOOK 5-x fishfinder, two rod holders, twin tackle boxes and a pair bicycle-style pedestal fishing seats.

The 2150 is ready to go skiing. Its standard ski pylon has a dedicated storage rack, and to prevent tangled tow ropes, there’s an organizer rack that facilitates drainage.

For ski storage, the deep, in-floor compartment is wide enough to handle kneeboards.

Slalom skiers will love the flat wake the 2150 throws at 30 mph, and wakeboarders will like the modest,

well-formed wakeboarding wake it creates at 20 mph, thanks to its healthy 20 degrees of stern deadrise, which also helps it slice through waves. Its skiing game can be elevated by adding an optional black powder-coated stainless steel sports tower that includes racks and a Bimini top, for $4,200.

The 2150 can handle up to 225 hp, but our test boat ran really well with a Mercury 200 Verado Pro (Mercury is the only available engine brand).

The upgrade from the standard 150 FourStroke costs $6,150, which pushes the Tracker Marine “No-Haggle No-Hassle” price to $39,475. I was a little surprised at the rather substantial bowrise, but the bow came down quickly in just 2.2 seconds, so forward vision is compromised only for an instant. Even that can be remedied by the trim tab option, which comes at a reasonable $540 charge and will help the operator keep it running level even if the passengers cluster to one side. Time to 30 mph was 6.0 seconds, and the top speed was a brisk 52.9 mph. — A J

DEADRISE 20 degrees CAPACITY 11 people DRY WEIGHT 2,600 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 44 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 225 PRICE W/MERCURY 200 VERADO PRO $39,475

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.2 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.0 sec.

PEAK 52.9 mph/5900 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 32.0 mph/4000 rpm/ 81 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Refreshment center with 5-gal. freshwater spigot, 4-step bow ladder, ski pylon 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Snap-in woven vinyl flooring, twin-axle trailer, bow filler cushion Tahoe Boats, tahoeboats.com

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C U D DY C A B I N

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STINGRAY 208CR

O

ne of the most fun things to do with a boat is find a

secluded cove, throw out the anchor and spend the night.

Even just one night on the hook feels like a mini-vacation, but most of us have neither the budget nor the room for a big cruiser. With its 208CR, however, Stingray found a way to deliver a 20-foot, 8-inch cruiser that’s compact, comfortable, sporty and affordable, starting at $38,782.

With standard fill-in cushions, the entire cabin area can be transformed into a sleeping surface that can accommodate two adults and a child. Even six-foot-plus occupants have the ability to stretch out for a good night’s sleep. A portable toilet with a level indicator helps make this boat self-sufficient.

One of the difficulties of the compact cabin cruiser design is that someone usually has to climb up the dash to go onto the foredeck to handle anchoring duties, but the 208CR has an oversized hatch that most people will fit through and be able access the anchor without going up on the deck. The cockpit has comfortable seating for six people on twin captain’s chairs and a full-beam stern bench with room for four. The chairs have flip-up bolsters, so riders can rise above the tall windshield and feel the breeze on hot days. Stingray increases the luxury factor with two-tone upholstery that uses Cool Touch on the dark sections to keep the surface temperature comfortable, even on blazing days.

A centerline walkover with filler cushions for the sun pad means

guests don’t have to trod on the upholstery. For entertainment, the standard Marine Audio Bluetooth system includes a pair of cabin speakers in addition to the ones in the cockpit, and buyers can upgrade to a Polk 200-watt system for $725. To further equip the 208CR for weekending, a transom shower is available for $442.

Powering the 208CR on our test boat was the new-gen Volvo Penta 4.3L V-6 200, which pushed this Z-Plane hull really well. On plane in just 2.4 seconds, it reached 30 mph in 7.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 48.5 mph. Its handling was very nimble, especially in hard turns, where it hooked up really well. And with 20 degrees of deadrise, it should take the chop well. — A J

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 20 ft., 8 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 3 in.

DEADRISE 20 degrees CAPACITY 9 people DRY WEIGHT 2,825 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 34 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 200 PRICE W/VOLVO PENTA 4.3L V-6 200 $38,782

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.4 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.1 sec.

PEAK 48.5 mph/6000 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 30.2 mph/4000 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Power steering, large and low swim platform, 25-quart Igloo cooler 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Bimini top, full cockpit enclosure, underwater lighting Stingray Boats, stingrayboats.com

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

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PONTOON

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BENNINGTON 25 GSB S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 27 ft., 9 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

PONTOON DIAMETER 25 in.

(32 in. center)

CAPACITY 16 people DRY WEIGHT 3,298 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 37 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 400 PRICE W/YAMAHA F300

$74,259

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.4 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.5 sec.

PEAK 44.0 mph/6000 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 32.2 mph/4500 rpm/ 82 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Privacy enclosure, All-In-One Kicker Bluetooth stereo, 10-foot Bimini top 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: In-floor storage for ESP, power steering, Simrad G05 GPS/ chartplotter Bennington Marine, benningtonmarine.com

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R

ear-facing loungers are still hot

features in the pontoon world, and the Bennington 25 GSB takes the concept to the max with its Swingback Lounge (the SB in the boat name), which has approximately the same acreage as a queen-size mattress.

As the name implies, the Swingback is a backrest that can be secured in several positions; unlike most rear recliners, however, it isn’t behind the fencing. Instead, it’s behind stainless steel rails and a section of chain — it should be a velvet rope — so it is legal to occupy the lounge while the boat is underway.

Despite being an outboard-powered boat, it has a decent-sized rear platform, and reboarding is easy thanks to a curved ladder that’s more like stairs than a vertical ladder. Our test boat was equipped with a forward-swooping white watersports tower that will

give wakeboarders a high tow point … plus it looks cool.

Although Bennington’s G-Series is considered one of its mid-level lines, the 25 GSB is decidedly upscale, thanks in part to the Sport upholstery upgrade ($1,382) and the addition of Roswell speakers ($2,750) to the Kicker stereo system, both of which our test boat had. The standard Seagrass vinyl flooring was a bit unusual in that it appeared to have a carpet-like fabric woven in that gave my bare feet a little more grip.

The layout features identical twin reclining loungers that are comfortable for passengers reclining fore or aft. An L-lounge in the stern provides plenty of seating capacity, but the stern bench can’t be used if the Swingback backrest is tilted forward. An elongated Espresso Teak cockpit table has plenty of room for snacks.

At the helm, the skipper sits in an extra-wide bucket seat that has a flip-up bolster. Bennington will rig its boats with any major outboard brand, and our near-28-foot test boat was powered by a Yamaha F300 V-6 with Command Link Plus digital throttle control. This high-horsepower option is available on 25 GSBs with the optional Elliptical Sport Package (ESP) ($8,284) triple-tube setup, which includes a giant 32-inch-wide center tube that’s flatter on the bottom and provides a pivot point for pulling hard turns. On plane in 2.4 seconds, the rig’s hookup stayed true as it reached 30 mph in 6.5 seconds and hit 44 mph.

Not fast enough? The ESP package can handle up to 400 hp. — A J

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PONTOON

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CYPRESS CAY COZUMEL 240

C

ypress Cay’s Cozumel 240

proves that luxury and performance can be had for an affordable price. The 25-foot, 9-inch pontoon can be ordered with a variety of floor plans, such as the one on our test boat, which had twin captain’s chairs to port up front ($2,240) — a great option if anglers are aboard. The fishing experience was enhanced further by a livewell ($340) and a Simrad G05 chartplotter with sonar and DownScan ($660). Even with this configuration, three chaise lounges still occupied the other quadrants on our boat. For several years, we’ve seen a trend toward woven vinyl flooring instead of carpeting, and on this model Seagrass flooring is a standard feature; carpet isn’t even offered as an option.

An off-the-rack Cozumel 240 comes nicely equipped with features that include a four-speaker Kicker Bluetooth stereo, an oversized 10-foot Bimini and a GPS-based speedometer for an accurate reading. To personalize it, Cypress Cay offers a huge number of options. To bump the sound quality to the max, buyers can go with a premium JL audio system that features six JL speakers and a subwoofer with an amp ($3,220), or they can save a little money with a Kicker upgrade that has six lighted speakers and a subwoofer with an amp ($1,780). For watersports, a silver anodized wake tower is available ($3,315), which also serves as a connection point for a forward Bimini ($1,260) that creates an oasis of shade.

Many pontoon owners do their boating on large bodies of water, and the Cozumel 240 we tested was rigged to handle such conditions, thanks to the Big

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

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S Water 3 Sports Package option ($6,340), which includes three oversized 27-inch tubes with strakes, underskin, a ski tow bar and a huge in-floor storage locker. And it was powered by the max rig available for this boat: a Mercury Verado 300 Pro outboard. With just the Big Water 3 tubes, lifting strakes, and underskin ($4,900) and the Verado 300, the price is a reasonable $67,035 (before taxes and shipping). Also available is Honda power up to a BF250. Our Mercury used drive-by-wire controls that made shifting a one-finger operation. The big tubes, combined with the Verado’s supercharger, helped the Cypress Cay get on plane in three seconds. It reached 30 mph in just 6.4 seconds and hit a top speed a fraction less than 50 mph. — A J

Luxury can be had for an affordable price.

LOA 25 ft., 9 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 27 in. (w/BW3 option) CAPACITY 15 people DRY WEIGHT 3,158 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 59 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 300 PRICE W/MERCURY VERADO 300 PRO $67,035

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.4 sec.

PEAK 49.6 mph/6000 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 29.2 mph/4000 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: 10-foot Bimini top, 4-speaker Kicker Bluetooth stereo, woodgrain table 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Changing room w/curtain, grill and refrigerator, power Bimini Cypress Cay Pontoons, cypresscaypontoons.com

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PONTOON

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LOWE RETREAT 230 RFL

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

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 23 ft., 7 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

CAPACITY 11 people DRY WEIGHT 3,042 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 250 PRICE W/MERCURY 250 VERADO PRO $50,544

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.3 sec.

0-30 MPH 4.7 sec.

PEAK 48.8 mph/6400 rpm/ 92 dBA CRUISE 25.3 mph/4000 rpm/ 82 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo, 9-foot Bimini top, Plexiglas table 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Lighting package w/interior, Bimini and underwater lighting, Polk stereo upgrade, watersports tower Lowe Boats, loweboats.com

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T

he hot color combination for pontoons this

year could best be described as 500 shades of gray, and the new Lowe Retreat 230 RFL we tested near Branson, Mo., showed why the color scheme is so popular. It featured dove gray upholstery with black accents, including the outside fencing, highlighted by black rails, which is another strong trend.

The decks were covered by gray Seagrass ($1,584) instead of the standard carpeting. And while, on paper, this might sound boring, the overall effect was classy and understated on our test boat. The helm continued the theme and added automotive touches, such as a double-stitched eyebrow and a woodgrain wheel.

The captain’s and copilot’s seats had high backs, and the helm seat was raised, for better visibility. The high-backed furniture theme was carried throughout the pontoon. Up front was a bow gate filler cushion ($551) that tied the twin bow couches together to form an intimate social zone. In the back were twin chaise recliners with fixed armrests.

Our 23-foot, 7-inch test boat was set up for entertainment and watersports. Its upscale Polk Audio sound system ($1,601) included a subwoofer, and its twin Polk 6-by-9-inch speakers ($2,087) were mounted on the black wake tower ($7,099), which also hosted a collapsible Bimini top and a permanently deployed

shade, both of which continued the Darth Vader-black theme. The industrial-strength tower had zero wiggle. It didn’t have the optional board racks ($575), but our boat was equipped with the Roughwater Package ($3,881), which includes a centertube storage compartment that can hold an arsenal of watersports toys. An extrawide boarding ladder makes it easy for swimmers to extract themselves.

The tubes in the Roughwater Package are made from thicker aluminum (.100 inch) and have extra baffles, longer brackets and a heavier keel, so they can withstand the pounding of waves. Our boat was also equipped with lifting strakes, which helped it get on plane quickly.

Powering our test boat was a Mercury Verado 250 Pro, and it provided a swift kick, pushing the 230 RFL to plane in 2.3 seconds and to 30 mph in only 4.7 seconds. Top speed was 48.8 mph. Its handling was very nimble; when we cranked into a hard turn, it leaned inward and kept its hookup until we were spinning in a really tight radius. — A J

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PONTOON

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SANPAN 2500 ULH

T

he name Sanpan is synonymous with

high-end pontooning, and the 2018 version of the 2500 ULH is the builder’s most luxurious model ever.

Our test boat implemented the new cognac interior that features white and gray accents on its overstuffed furniture. To make up for lack of fixed seating, Godfrey engineers cleverly created a U-shaped stern seating configuration that adds seating where the starboard-side walkthrough is located. Instead of a filler sectional that someone has to pick up and move, the seat bottom hinges in such a way that it can be flipped and stowed in seconds under the stern bench. Then the backrest swings open and stays open while people are using the walkthough. The arrangement creates a large, unbroken seating group that’s perfect for social interaction around an extra-large woodgrain cockpit table that is solidly anchored by twin pedestals.

For 2018, Sanpan engineers made some changes at the helm that improve the driver’s experience. Twin displays are usually reserved for yachts or high-end fishing boats, but our test boat included two flush-mounted Garmin C-Zone 742xs displays ($5,385), which allow the driver to keep the GPS screen active and use the other screen for monitoring and controlling all the boat’s systems.

The 2500 ULH we tested had an impressive lighting system, and two switches make it easy for the driver. A nighttime switch

activates the underwater lights, the interior mood lighting and the speaker lights. A daytime switch activates the items normally used when the sun’s up. One Sanpan feature that should be on every boat is a master power switch that delivers the ability to disable everything that, if left on, might run down the batteries.

Our test boat featured the Yamaha VMAX SHO 225, probably the smallest engine a Sanpan equipped with the optional triple 27-inch tube package ($4,485) will come with, since it can handle up to 350 hp. This hot rod of an engine surprised us by delivering outstanding performance on this near-27-footer. The Yamaha pushed the boat on plane in 2.6 seconds, to 30 mph in 6.2 seconds and to a top speed of 44.1 mph. — A J

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 26 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 27 in.

(25 in. standard) CAPACITY 15 people DRY WEIGHT 2,667 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 45 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350 PRICE W/YAMAHA VF225

$85,095

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 6.2 sec.

PEAK 44.1 mph/6000 rpm/ 92 dBA CRUISE 27.1 mph/4000 rpm/ 81 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Simrad G07 XSE display, Polk 6-speaker Bluetooth stereo, ski tow bar 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Sport arch w/canopy, Full Spectrum lighting package, changing room w/portable toilet Godfrey Pontoon Boats, godfreypontoonboats.com

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PONTOON

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SOUTH BAY 525RS ARCH

H

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 25 ft., 7 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

aving seen Brad Rowland’s South Bay

929CR reach 114 mph at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in 2016, I wasn’t surprised to see a South Bay 525RS Arch equipped with the new Suzuki DF350A outboard and its twin counter-rotating props.

South Bay is a performance leader among pontoon builders, and the result is an incredibly sporty pontoon that wouldn’t be out of place at a poker run.

Unlike one-trick go-fast boats that give the engines more cockpit space than passengers get, however, the 525RS has room for a lucky 13 people, and it’s a multitasker. Our test boat featured identical Lexington quad loungers that were covered in pearlescent two-tone upholstery with a carbon fiber–like finish, a look that’s part of the Super Sport Trim Package ($4,693), which also includes white pearl-finish exterior panels and high-backed captain’s chairs with bolsters and powder-coated armrests, plus other items. For entertainment, the standard Kicker Bluetooth stereo with lighted speakers is great, but the upgraded JL Audio system with a subwoofer ($2,170) takes it over the top. The swim platform is extra roomy and comes with a swimming pool-style stainless steel boarding ladder.

Our test boat was equipped with the 3.0+ Performance Package ($10,961), which uses three pres-

surized, chambered 25-inch tubes to add the rigidity needed to handle rough water at high speed and provides the ability to carve really hard, controlled turns. This package also comes with a Sport Ski Tow along with many other items. It’s artfully curved and color-coordinated to the boat — robin’s egg blue to match the outer fencing accents on our boat. To add to its sportiness, our boat came with a forward-swept white sport arch that featured an integrated Bimini that shaded the rear lounges, an extrahigh tow point and board racks ($597).

The 3.0+ tube package adds lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes and PAD running surfaces that provide lots of lift. Combine those features with the Suzuki DF350A’s counter-rotating props, and operators get a fantastic holeshot with zero bowrise. The boat reached plane in 2.7 seconds, and the Suzuki pushed the 25-foot, 7-inch, 2,970-pound 525RS to 30 mph in 5.7 seconds and to a top speed of 54.7 mph at 6300 rpm. — A J

TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

CAPACITY 13 people DRY WEIGHT 2,970 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 52 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350 PRICE W/SUZUKI DF350A W/3.0+ TUBES $88,810

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.7 sec.

0-30 MPH 5.7 sec.

PEAK 54.7 mph/6300 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 38.0 mph/4500 rpm/ 93 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Murphy color touchscreen display, 10-foot Bimini top, extended swim platform w/vinyl flooring 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: In-floor storage, sport tower, JL Audio Bluetooth stereo w/ subwoofer South Bay Pontoon, southbaypontoon.com

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PONTOON

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STARCRAFT EX 22 R

I

n the 115 years Starcraft has

been building boats, its designers have learned that value, luxury and sportiness don’t have to be mutually exclusive terms. The builder’s EX 22 R, when powered by Evinrude’s E-TEC G2 150 hp, delivers all three in a near 24-foot package for as low as $37,307. Our test boat featured one of the hottest pontoon styling trends going: a silver-and-black color scheme on the fencing. But buyers can put their personal stamp on it by choosing one of seven other colors.

The GLS package gave our boat two-tone gray interior upholstery on the chaise lounges in all four corners — it’s a recliner’s paradise. Starcraft made sure the lounges are comfortable for passengers facing fore or aft, and gave them a high-backed design for extra support and security. Add twin captain’s chairs that feature flip-down armrests, and there’s plenty of seating for up to 12 passengers.

Rotocast furniture bases have integrated drains that make sure water is channeled off, and there’s a flip-up changing room set into the back of the portside bow lounger.

The off-the-rack EX 22 R comes well equipped with standard features such as a Bluetooth stereo, courtesy lighting and a Bimini top with a color-coordinated boot, but Starcraft offers plenty of customization options, including Sea Weave vinyl flooring ($1,035) and a moveable cooler ottoman ($825). For bumping up the jams, buyers can add a Polk stereo with a subwoofer and some rear-firing speakers with a remote control. An extended rear deck gives skiers a great place to boot up, and a ski tow ($816) facilitates the action.

YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF THESE TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS Our test boat was rigged for going fast thanks to the PTS Performance Package, which delivers a PTX center tube and Performance Shield aluminum underskin, for $3,255, and cranks the maximum power up to a 250

Our test boat was rigged for going fast thanks to the PTS Performance Package. hp outboard. But we found it ran well with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 hp, which employs the latest direct-injected two-stroke technology. Owners can change out the outboard’s top and side panels and create an all-new look whenever they want. It had some guts out of the hole, pushing the 2,100-pound EX 22 R to plane in 2.3 seconds and to 30 mph in 10.5 seconds. Speed peaked at 36.2 mph. — A J

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 23 ft., 10 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,100 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 37 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 250 PRICE W/EVINRUDE E-TEC G2 150 HP $37,307

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.3 sec.

0-30 MPH 10.5 sec.

PEAK 36.2 mph/5600 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 22.2 mph/4000 rpm/ 81 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Bimini top, interior mood lighting, changing room 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Polk Bluetooth stereo with subwoofer, portable toilet, in-floor center tube storage Starcraft Marine, starcraftmarine.com

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PONTOON

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SUNCATCHER X322 RC S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 22 ft., 6 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 23 in. x 25 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,680 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 38 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 225 PRICE W/YAMAHA F200 $46,187

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.5 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.4 sec.

PEAK 42.4 mph/6000 rpm/ 91 dBA CRUISE 29.6 mph/4500 rpm/ 85 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Privacy enclosure, Jensen Bluetooth stereo, SeaStar hydraulic steering 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Dual axle-trailer, radar arch w/ integrated Bimini top, gate filler cushion SunCatcher Pontoons by G3, suncatcherpontoons.com

B

uying a new pontoon boat can be

a daunting task. Options lists that seem endless can paralyze even the most decisive buyer. SunCatcher’s X322 RC is part of its affordable, mid-level X-Series, and the model we tested had only two options — full vinyl flooring and a Yamaha F200 outboard — but it was loaded with an impressive list of standard features.

SunCatcher puts buyers on the path to performance with a three-tube setup, complete with lifting strakes and an aluminum underskin. The quad recliners are comfortable, and the two-tone pillowtop-style upholstery looks stylish and is extra soft. Rotomolded frames are virtually indestructible and drain channels prevent water from entering. To access the storage within the loungers, piano-hinged seat-bottom lids make the lids easy to open and hold them open during loading. The

Bimini top is standard and comes with six color options.

The X322 RC comes ready for watersports, with a standard ski tow pylon and a cavernous center-tube ski storage compartment. The extra-wide portside entryway is wheelchair compatible. At the helm is a standard Simrad GO5XSE GPS display and a tilt steering wheel that’s part of the included SeaStar hydraulic steering system, which is a huge assist for drivers towing kids on tubes or whipping the boat around to pick up downed skiers. The U-shaped tubes have a rather unusual lifting strake configuration; the outer tubes have them on both sides and the center one doesn’t have any. This setup creates a very level attitude, even during hard-over turns.

The lifting strakes and Yamaha F200 made our test boat quick out of the hole, planing in 2.5 seconds and reaching 30

The X322 RC comes ready for watersports. mph in 7.4 seconds. The F200 comes at a reasonable $2,901 upcharge over the F150, and the increase in performance clinches its designation as the outboard that hits the bullseye in the performance sweet spot target. We also tested this model — rated for up to 225 hp — with the F150 and reached a top speed of 33.8 mph. With the F200, top speed was 42.4 mph, which is a huge difference. Since SunCatcher is owned by Yamaha, those are the only options for power. — A J

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PONTOON

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TAHOE 2485 LTZ QL

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 23 ft., 5 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

TUBE DIAMETER 25 in.

CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 2,800 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 38 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 300 PRICE W/SUZUKI DF140

$42,295

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.6 sec.

0-20 MPH 7.6 sec.

PEAK 27.0 mph/5600 rpm/ 89 dBA CRUISE 19.6 mph/4500 rpm/ 83 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Greywood cockpit table, tilt steering, suspension seating 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: ATD vinyl floor upgrade, ski tow bar, polished deck corners Tahoe Pontoons, tahoepontoons.com

L

ooking good on a pontoon can be a

costly proposition, but that’s not the case with Tahoe Pontoons’ 2485 LTZ QL. Its Deco 4 exterior panels channel the Art Deco style that has made its sister brand, Avalon Pontoons, so readily noticeable. It has chrome Tahoe nameplates and accents on the outside that match well with its optional stainless steel ski tow ($718) and four-step boarding ladder on the roomy swim platform. The tubes feature a carbon fiber–looking wrap by Vantage and a black Pontoon Guard rubrail for protection. The starting price for the 2485 LTZ QL, without an engine, is $21,523 (two-tubes), so there’s plenty of budget space for customization. And Tahoe offers many options, including a LilliPad diving board ($1,656), which is one of the hottest current accessories.

The QL in the name stands for Quad Lounges.

All four corners host one, and they have the perfect amount of seatback recline and don’t include any kind of weird badging or a “headrest” that jabs passengers in the back. The furniture features aluminum frames with suspension seating, and the upholstery is Matrix 50 Soft Touch vinyl that’s extra thick and durable. The

storage compartments underneath feature a flow-through design that will keep water from creating biology experiments within.

The Cadet Helm on our test boat had a sporty, muscle-car look, and I operated the boat from an upgraded Commander bucket seat ($219) that matched the copilot seat. Our boat featured optional full vinyl flooring ($695) and the standard Infinity Bluetooth stereo, but buyers can really bump up the jam with the several premium stereo packages.

Triple Sport Performance tubes ($3,281) supported our test boat, and a modest Suzuki DF140 powered it. The DF140 has a whopping 2.59:1 gear ratio that helps it swing a larger diameter prop, although the performance results indicate it may not have had the right one. On plane in 3.6 seconds, it reached 20 mph in 7.6 seconds.

Top speed was a slower-than-expected 27 mph.

It was rigged with the optional SeaStar hydraulic tilt steering system ($1,757), so it was easy to turn, which will come in handy for wakeboarding and tubing. For more performance, some of the three-tube packages, such as the AXT Turning package ($10,820), allow owners to bump the power up to 300 hp. — A J

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FISHING

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ALUMACRAFT 2072 COASTAL BAY TUNNEL

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 20 ft.

BEAM 7 ft., 10 in.

DEADRISE N/A CAPACITY 6 people DRY WEIGHT 1,175 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 30 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 150 PRICE W/YAMAHA VMAX SHO

$28,117

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.7 sec.

PEAK 40.6 mph/6000 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 24.8 mph/4000 rpm/ 85 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: LIT cooler, flipdown leaning post, sprayed-in deck surface

F

or anglers whose idea of getting

skinny doesn’t involve diets or bathroom scales but rather going where other anglers can’t, the Alumacraft 2072 Coastal Bay Tunnel is worth a look. It can cruise in water less than one foot deep, and this year it can do it in greater style with two new available colors: Sea Foam Green and Carolina Blue. The Coastal Package ($2,000) includes such upgrades as two-tone paint, hydraulic steering and a backrest for the jumpseat in front of the center console. The seat bottom for the jumpseat is one of the new breed of super-coolers from LIT that has a few twists. It lights up when it’s opened and has four removable freezer packs that go into the corners and reduce its need for ice.

The 2072 is a multispecies fishing boat that takes care of its anglers with six vertical aluminum rod holders and more storage in the port rod locker. To maximize the stern casting deck space, the leaning post flips down

and out of the way. The center console is large and has plenty of room for electronics, from the Humminbird Helix 7 ($454) up to a 12-inch display. Our test boat also had a Minn Kota Riptide with the i-Pilot option ($1,092), which eliminates the need for a foot pedal and includes features such as a virtual anchor that holds the boat over a favorite fishing spot. The sprayed-in deck liner is tough and easy to clean.

A lot of boats can easily get back into shallow bays when on plane, but the hard part comes when it’s time to leave.

Fortunately, the tunnel configuration on this hull allows the motor to be mounted higher, to minimize draft. Moving the livewell forward, placing the trolling motor batteries in the center console and adding twin stern sponsons ($969) help keep the bow down during takeoff, as evidenced by our test boat’s time to plane of 2.6 seconds. Although Alumacraft offers the 2072 with as much as 150 hp or as little as a 90, the smallest outboard

The 2072 is a multispecies fishing boat that takes care of its anglers. we’d recommend is the one on our test boat: the Yamaha VMAX SHO 115. It comes at a reasonable $1,399 upcharge over the F90. Time to 30 mph was 7.7 seconds, and its top speed was 40.6 mph.

— AJ

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Sponsons, Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor, Lowrance 12-inch fishfinder/GPS Alumacraft, alumacraft.com

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FISHING

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BULLET 21 SST

I

n aviation, SST stands for

Super Sonic Transport, and it’s a pretty good tag for Bullet’s newest model, the 21 SST. Last year Bullet’s 21 SDC was the fastest boat we tested, at 82.1 mph. This latest Bullet in the magazine was the fastest boat this year — by a lot — hitting a top speed of 86 mph. Bullet is a smaller company, more like a custom builder, that hand lays every hull with sheets of fiberglass (no chopped fiberglass) and Kevlar, giving every boat strength to survive the rigors of high-speed travel.

Despite being fairly narrow, the bow is surprisingly stable and will make a good office for a tournament angler or a weekend warrior. Options, which our test boat had, include a gimbal-mounted nine-inch Humminbird Helix 9 ($2,200) and a trolling motor pedal with a recessed pedal. The portside box is the primary rod box and has tubes to protect

Despite being fairly narrow, the bow is surprisingly stable and will make a good office for a tournament pro. rod tips, but the other two can also haul rods as well as boxes or gear. A handy pullout ruler is built into the deck, for quick measuring.

The helm and companion seats feature

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S YOU CAN WATCH ALL OF THESE TESTS AT BOATINGWORLD.COM/VIDEOS

LOA 21 ft.

BEAM 7 ft., 7 in.

DEADRISE 22 degrees

SAS Quad-Spring seats for extra comfort in the chop.

And instead of a really tall console that can accommodate flush-mounted electronics, the one on the 21 SST is pretty low and uses a Boatlogics bracket mounting system ($100) for the Helix 9 display, which kept it front and center on our test boat. The sport wheel looks like a predatory spider and offers good grip, and a Hot Foot accelerator comes standard, so the driver can keep both hands on the wheel — especially at 86 mph. The rear deck has plenty of room for the co-angler and holds a livewell that has a double aerator system with a FlowRite air injector with two lids and a divider.

The 21 SST’s narrow 91-inch beam is a key to the great ride we experienced in the chop, as is the unusually deep 22 degrees of deadrise. Powering our test boat was the Mercury Racing 250 ProXS Sport with a high-performance Sport Master gearcase. Like a lot of bass boats, it was a little leisurely out of the hole, getting on plane in 4.8 seconds, but it picked up steam quickly and reached 30 mph in 7.7 seconds. Top speed was an eye-watering 86 mph, and while that’s a scary speed for us non-pro mortals, the ride is really stable. — A J

CAPACITY Not rated DRY WEIGHT 1,300 lbs. (hull

only)

FUEL CAPACITY 35 gal.

MAXIMUM HP Not rated PRICE W/MERCURY RACING 250 PROXS SPORT $69,000

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 4.8 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.7 sec.

PEAK 86 mph/6000 rpm/ 96 dBA CRUISE 57.4 mph/4500 rpm/ 88 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Painted trailer, Hot Foot accelerator pedal, 12-inch jack plate 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Oxygenator for the livewell, 36v MotorGuide trolling motor, auxiliary fuel tanks Bullet Boats, bulletboats.com

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FISHING

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PRINCECRAFT HUDSON DL WS

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 19 ft.

BEAM 7 ft., 7 in.

DEADRISE 13 degrees CAPACITY 6 people DRY WEIGHT 1,225 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 25 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 150 PRICE W/MERCURY 90 FOURSTROKE $23,895

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.3 sec.

0-30 MPH 7.9 sec.

PEAK 38.3 mph/5400 rpm/ 88 dBA CRUISE 24.6 mph/3500 rpm/ 79 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARDS: Galvanized trailer, 20-gal. livewell, 7-rod storage locker 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: MotorGuide trolling motor, bow cushions, Removable Seat Platform Princecraft, princecraft.com

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M

ost anglers are opportunists;

they just want action and need a boat that can handle any style of fishing.

Princecraft’s Hudson DL WS not only can accommodate the hunt for just about anything but can also shift into family-time recreation without missing a beat. This year, the Hudson’s versatility is enhanced with a new innovation called the Removable Seat Platform (RSP).

When flipped down, this option creates a larger rear casting deck; when flipped up, it reveals twin jump seats, flanked by grab handles and cupholders. Or to expand the cockpit on this 19-footer to the max, remove the entire assembly and leave it on shore. There are four in-deck pedestal seat receivers and ones in the bow and stern casting decks for fishing.

Even though the Hudson DL WS is priced as low as $23,895, it’s loaded with standard features, including a galvanized trailer. The seven-rod centerline locker has tubes to protect fragile rod tips, and there’s additional rod storage to port. Also standard is a 20-gallon aerated livewell and a season-extending full windshield — an example of the Canadian DNA Princecraft injects into each of its boats. Our test boat had a number of budget-minded options that improved its fishability, including the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 fishfinder ($215) and a PrinceTrak

mounting system for adding accessories such as rod holders, cupholders and baitboxes onto the gunwale. Add optional bow cushions ($545) and a 160-watt Jensen stereo ($477) to boost its entertainment quotient. For watersports, include a ski pylon ($550) and boarding ladder ($111). It looks good, too, with a urethane paint job that is high gloss and tough.

Even though the Hudson DL WS is rated for up to 150 hp, our test boat performed well with the standard Mercury 90 FourStroke. On plane with little bowrise in 3.3 seconds, it reached 30 mph in 7.9 seconds and peaked at 38.3 mph. For a performance bump, the Mercury 115 Pro-XS delivers 25 more horsepower for just $1,339.

Most of the time, for boats with 90 hp or higher, we prefer hydraulic steering, but the No-Feedback cable steering system on this one worked well. It was easy to turn and tracked straight with no evidence of prop torque. With 13 degrees of deadrise, it retains good side-to-side stability at rest while having enough “V” to slice through the waves. — A J

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FISHING

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RANGER ANGLER 2080 MS S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 20 ft., 7 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 4 in.

DEADRISE 18 degrees CAPACITY 7 people DRY WEIGHT 2,400 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 42 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 250

M

ost anglers — espe-

cially those with kids — are looking for any kind of fishing action, and often the targeted species is flexible. So for Ranger’s 50th anniversary, its engineers went back to the drawing board and redesigned the builder’s popular Angler 2080 Multi-Species. They gave it more room, more family friendliness and more capability to take on just about any fish on any size water.

The big change is the beam.

It’s four inches wider (100 inches) and creates more interior space, especially on the bow casting deck, which is huge, even for its longer 20-foot, 7-inch length. Ranger’s tournament DNA is evident in a recessed footwell for the standard Minn Kota 70 Power Drive trolling motor and a bow panel large enough to flush-mount fishfinders up to 12 inches. Up front is an insulated cooler, a nine-gallon baitwell and a huge centerline rod locker that has 10 rod tip tubes that can accommodate rods to eight feet long.

Four pedestal seats occupy the cockpit and two jump seats are at the stern, and they are all color-matched to the hull. The helm has room to flush-mount a 10-inch fishfinder to the right

PRICE W/MERCURY VERADO

of the wheel, and an Infinity Bluetooth stereo ($530) is an option.

The ski tow option ($537) means dad can be a hero and take the kids tubing or skiing when the fish aren’t biting. To customize, buyers can add a pair of 60-inch Bert’s Tracks ($207), and two rails on the gunwales make it easy to clamp on accessories such as rod holders, downriggers or even a grill. The cockpit deck features snap-in carpeting and at the stern is a 24-gallon tournament-style livewell.

Ranger offers 225 and 250 hp engine options from Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury. Our test boat had a Mercury Verado 250 Pro, which carries a $3,900 upcharge over the standard Mercury OptiMax 250 direct-injected two-stroke, which is part of a package that comes with a custom Ranger Trail trailer, for $57,595. It also had Digital Throttle and Shift, for smoother control. The performance was outstanding; the 2080 MS planed in three seconds flat and hit 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

The tall windshield came in handy on a cool Missouri morning as the Ranger reached a 56.6 mph top speed. — A J

250 PRO $61,495

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 3.0 sec.

0-30 MPH 5.5 sec.

PEAK 56.6 mph/6000 rpm/ 93 dBA CRUISE 31.0 mph/4000 rpm/ 81 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Ranger Trail dualaxle trailer, Minn Kota 70 Power Drive trolling motor, Lowrance Hook 5 fishfinder 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Cockpit curtain enclosure, Lowrance Carbon HDS 12-inch fishfinder, ski tow Ranger Boats, rangerboats.com

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

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WA K E

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YAMAHA 242X E-SERIES

F

or 2018, Yamaha’s designers took the builder’s 242X

surfing machine and upgraded it across the board to make it more comfortable, more entertaining and easier to control. Perhaps most importantly, they improved its surfing wave with SurfPointe, a new technology installed on all of Yamaha’s Wake series boats. It redirects the jet nozzles to create a wave with a cleaner face and more push, and best of all, it’s always deployed, so the driver doesn’t have to do anything.

Further driver ease is provided by the 12-inch-wide Connext touchscreen display, which includes Drive Control, a system that allows the driver to program the desired speed and rate of acceleration; plus, he can control three ballast tanks that hold 1,400 pounds of water. Cranking up the new Wet Sounds/Fusion Bluetooth stereo — twin amps, a subwoofer, a sound bar, twin tower speakers and a transom remote — is simple too. Also available through the Connext display is a GPS chart for navigation and access to the boat’s systems, via the soft-button panel just to the right of the wheel or with the joystick wheel.

One of the great innovations for 2018 is the redesign of the aluminum color-matched sport tower, which now includes a Bimini top with a sunroof, an integrated solar panel that trickle­ charges the boat’s batteries and a pair of board racks that swivel.

The top is tiltable so as not to interfere with the tow rope.

The 242X E-Series comes standard with every feature mentioned here, plus a host of other features, including a dualaxle trailer, so buyers get a comprehensive boat for the $73,999 price tag.

There are nuances to handling a jet boat, but once an owner learns them he can control the boat with absolute precision. To make it easier for owners transitioning from “regular” boats, Yamaha created the Articulating Keel, which gives drivers greater control, especially at docking speeds, so maneuvers such as backing up in a straight line are easier. There’s also a three-speed No-Wake mode, so handling long stretches of regulated waterways is easy.

Powering the 242X are twin Yamaha 1.8L High Output engines that produce an estimated 180 hp each and deliver a quick but smooth acceleration curve. On plane in 2.6 seconds, the 242X streaked to 30 mph in 5.6 seconds and reached a top speed of 50.7 mph. — A J

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 24 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE 20 degrees CAPACITY 12 people DRY WEIGHT 4,023 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 50 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 360 PRICE W/TWIN YAMAHA 1.8L HO

$73,999

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.6 sec.

0-30 MPH 5.6 sec.

PEAK 50.7 mph/7600 rpm/ 96 dBA CRUISE 32.2 mph/5500 rpm/ 89 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Sport tower, premium Fusion/Wet Sounds Bluetooth stereo, dual-axle trailer 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Gas grill, cockpit cover, 10-gallon freshwater shower Yamaha Boats, yamahaboats.com

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WA K E

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HEYDAY WT-1SC S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 19 ft., 6 in.

BEAM 8 ft.

DEADRISE 7 degrees CAPACITY 9 people DRY WEIGHT 3,150 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 35 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 350

S

ticker shock is a

common affliction for folks shopping for watersports boats. Some boats effectively price many people out of hot new sports such as wakesurfing. Heyday changes that paradigm with the WT-1SC, which starts at $44,995, including a trailer, a tower and an upscale Wet Sounds sound bar. For ballast, it has twin 600-pound tanks that are controlled by two billet toggle switches, which boils its watersports setup down to the simplest possible terms: to surf on the left side, fill the left tank, or vice versa; to go wakeboarding, fill both. To go slaloming, buy another boat, because even with no ballast the boat produces a wake, thanks to its 117-degree angled transom and soft-radiused stern corners that organically shape the water.

For further wave refinement, there is an optional Elevator Plate, for $399. A standard speed control switch makes things one-flick simple once the desired speed is reached, but a better option is the GPS-based Zero Off cruise control ($1,143), which allows surfers and boarders to dial in a target speed before takeoff.

The WT-SC1 changes Heyday’s original center console scheme to the more

PRICE W/PCM 5.7L 350 HP

familiar starboard-side console design. The driver sits far forward on this 19-foot, 6-inch boat, and the console continues all the way to the bow and contains a large storage compartment. The remainder of the bow section has a doublewide rear-facing seat that’s part of a long, portside bench whose forward-facing backrest can be removed to allow the amidships club seat occupant to stretch. In the stern are twin fore and aft hot-tub recliners. Between them is a large sunpad on the engine doghouse — a good spot for tanning when the key is off.

Powering our test boat was a PCM 5.7L 350 hp direct-drive powerplant. That caught me by surprise, because Heyday is owned

by Bayliner, which is part of Brunswick Corp., and Brunswick produces the MerCruiser Tow Sports V-8. The PCM had plenty of power to do the job of carrying nine passengers; I was surprised by the rapid response the first time I jammed the throttle. On plane in just 1.8 seconds, it settled into a bow-high attitude that kept the blunt bow, supported by front sponsons, well above the water. Its time to 25 mph was a blistering 3.7 seconds, and it reached a top speed of 38.6 mph. — A J

$44,995

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 1.8 sec.

0-25 MPH 3.7 sec.

PEAK 38.6 mph/5400 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 21.6 mph/3000 rpm/ 82 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Sports tower, Wet Sounds sound bar, single axle-trailer 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Dual axle trailer, Zero Off cruise control, board racks Heyday, heydaywakeboats.com

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

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MALIBU 23 LSV hull if surfing and wakeboarding are the primary activities. The Diamond Multisport Hull adds slalom skiing to the mix. This year the stern has L-shaped ballast tanks that can hold more water; in addition, they can connect and interface with plug-andplay sacks, so the driver can monitor their state of fill from the helm. Surf Gate is one of the key elements of the ISP system, using vertical tabs to control the water flow and deliver a clean wave for surfing. The rider can switch sides

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S LOA 23 ft.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE N/A CAPACITY 15 people DRY WEIGHT 4,500 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 67 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 450 PRICE W/MONSOON 6.2L 410HP

$150,316

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.8 sec.

0-25 MPH 8.2 sec.

PEAK 36.4mph/5500 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 21.9 mph/4000 rpm/ 91 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Stern jump seats, Chill Axe bench backrests, Soft Grip matting

S

The rider can switch sides in seconds using the Malibu Surf Band. o all Malibu has done for 2018 is

take the all-time best-selling tow boat and make it better. The 23 LSV’s makeover starts with three more inches of freeboard, which enhances passenger safety and adds storage capacity. A new runway over the stern sunpad should keep passengers from stepping on the upholstery when they board from the swim platform, and a flip-down pad serves the same purpose during side boarding. The stern jump seats have been made larger, and extensive use of Soft Grip matting has softened many previously hard edges, such as the kick plates. For watching the ski show, the port and starboard benches have Chill Axe flip-up seatbacks, and there’s an option for a WakeView bench seat, which transforms the stern bench into a rear-facing seat for two.

The 23 LSV employs Malibu’s Integrated Surf Platform (ISP), which starts with the hull choice. Our test boat featured the Wake Plus Hull, the preferred

in seconds using the Malibu Surf Band, which now controls the stereo’s volume too. The Power Wedge II simulates up to 1,500 pounds of ballast and allows the driver to tweak the size and shape of the wave.

At the helm, the 12-inch MaliView screen, optional Sport Dash Rotary Dial and Malibu Command Wheel give the driver total control of the boat’s systems and ballast. The max power for the 23 LSV is 450 hp and would be a good choice for hauling the maximum 15-passenger load, but our test boat proved the standard Indmar 6.2L 410 hp engine gets the job done. On plane in 2.8 seconds, it reached 25 mph in 8.2 seconds and achieved a top speed of 36.4 mph. — A J

3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: Upgraded Wet Sounds stereo with Rev 10 tower speakers, Surf Gate II, Command Wheel Malibu Boats, malibuboats.com

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MASTERCRAFT XT23

I

n 2017, MasterCraft came out

with the XT23, a midsized, mid-priced (for MasterCraft) crossover do-it-all watersports boat.

One year later its designers have already improved it, giving it features such as new interior color schemes and some killer options. An available Klipsch sound system includes eight-and-a-half-inch cockpit speakers and a pair of 11-inch subs. Also new is a Dual Screen dash setup that includes a 12.1-inch center screen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

Purchased together, the upgraded stereo and twin-screen setup costs $10,080 and also includes a GoPro dash interface and a rear-facing tower-cam. Our test boat was equipped with the optional ZFT4 Tower ($4,360) and Sunpad Flip Seats ($1,540) that are a great place to relax at the stern between runs.

The XT23 has a capacity of 16 people, features the traditional pointy bow and offers owners the versatility of a relatively flat slalom wake, a tremendous surf wake and wakeboard launch ramps. The surf wake is built with 2,600 pounds of ballast in three fill-and-forget hard tanks.

Add the Gen 2 Surf System ($6,820), and the wave is taken to the next level. Two outer plates called shaping devices are designed specifically for the XT23 hull and tweak the water flow from the hull to create a wide variety of surf wave shapes and sizes. A center plate deploys in Auto Launch mode, and it reduces bowrise and helps the XT23 get out of the hole quickly.

One of the issues with standard directdrive ski boats is their rudder placement and prop torque make backing up in a straight line impossible. To counter this,

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

S P ECI FI C AT I O N S MasterCraft created DockStar ($3,160), a system that uses two rudders in front of the prop to aid during docking in tight quarters.

Our test boat was equipped with an Ilmor 6.2L V-8

Two shaping devices create a wide variety of surf wave shapes and sizes. that produces 433 hp and 479 foot-pounds of torque.

With Auto Launch engaged, the XT23 got on plane in 2.9 seconds and powered to 25 mph in 5.8 seconds. At 5600 rpm, it reached a top speed of 42 mph. Three optional tracking fins ($580) helped it tear into a tight corner with zero slippage. Its 23-foot, 4-inch LOA and hefty 5,000 pounds of hull weight gave it surprisingly smooth ride on Lake Lanier in north Georgia. — A J

LOA 23 ft., 4 in.

BEAM 8 ft., 6 in.

DEADRISE N/A CAPACITY 16 people DRY WEIGHT 5,000 lbs.

FUEL CAPACITY 55 gal.

MAXIMUM HP 522 PRICE W/ILMOR 6000GDI

$121,960

PERFORMANCE TIME TO PLANE 2.9 sec.

0-25 MPH 5.8 sec.

PEAK 42.0 mph/5600 rpm/ 94 dBA CRUISE 20.9 mph/3000 rpm/84 dBA 3 FAVORITE STANDARD FEATURES: Triple hard ballast tanks, rubber nonskid, billet aluminum interior hardware 3 FAVORITE OPTIONS: DockStar, Gen 2 Surf System, ZFT4 or ZFT7 tower MasterCraft, mastercraft.com

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Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider Formula’s 330 Crossover Bowrider Outboard combines day boating and overnighting, expanding the fun into the bow and aft cockpit with cabin functionality and convenience. The helm features dual position command and companion seating with options to sit, stand or lean. Backrests easily adjust fore and aft, with a portside lounge and U-shaped lounge aft. An expansive, lighted in-floor lazerette offers incredible space. The molded cockpit wetbar features an integrated sink and bin plus a cooler or optional stainless pull-out fridge. The bow section transitions from the cockpit with a flush floor all the way forward. Seating is convertible to a sun lounge with dual-height tables and wrap-around seating with filler cushions. The aft sun lounge overlooks the swim platform. The 21° deep-V hull and triple Mercury Verado 250 or 300s deliver swift, smooth performance. The cabin enters through a helm centerline door to woodgrain-finish flooring and 6' of headroom.

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 33' • Beam: 10' 3" • Weight: 12,500 lbs • Fuel: 151 gal • Water: 25 gal Formula Boats 2200 W Monroe Street, Decatur, IN 46733 Tel 260-724-9111 www.formulaboats.com

Scarab 255 Open The Open Series DNA surges through every feature on the 255 Open— it's easy to use, easy to clean, and easily tailored to the identity of its owner—making it easy to love. You'll open the possibilities to fun through the versatile tailgate, sleek tower with towpoint and quality, Rotax jet power. Onboard is where 255 Open owners can truly live the emotion.

The bow is loaded for cruising comfort and all types of storage needs while the large, forward console is an excellent asset for additional seating, and massive storage when opened. The 255 Open is available in the well-equipped G series and the "have it your way" Identity series.

Whether you're a wake sports fanatic, fisherman guru, family-focused parent, or all three this is the boat for you; and with a standard trailer mixed in, a boat like this shouldn't be possible but Scarab® loves shattering industry convention.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 25' • Beam: 8' 4" • Approx. Dry Weight: 3,800 lbs • Fuel: 56 gal • Capacity: 13 people Scarab Jet Boats 925 Frisbie Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1351 Contact email: boating@scarabboats.com scarabjetboats.com

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Glastron GTD 205 The GTD 205 is exactly what Glastron® boaters have been waiting for!

This great model offers superior, running capability through a reliable, performance enhanced hull and its interior provides an outstanding look with volumes of seating and storage for the whole family. The GTD 205 comes in three distinct deck configurations—single console, dual console with windscreens, and dual console with full windshield—and leaves space for up to 11 passengers to lounge comfortably. You'll admire the widened floor plans that significantly improve cockpit maneuverability, the removable backrests for additional seating, and the available tower for added versatility. A multi-purpose side entry is to portside of the cockpit, while Glastron's signature gauge tubes, switches, and Carbon Fiber paneling radiate superiority at the helm. Make it a Glastron summer in the GTD 205 and its standard trailer; or, fall in love with its sister—the GTD 200 with outboard power!

Specifications • Length: 20' 4" • Beam: 8' 6" • Approx. Weight: 3,800 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

Godfrey Sanpan 2500 DFL Godfrey builds boats for every family, every lifestyle and every body of water. With over 140 different layouts the possibilities are endless. They don’t just set the standard, they raise the bar, with 4 series, Sanpan, Aqua Patio, Sweetwater Premium and Sweetwater there’s a boat for everyone.

Godfrey’s brand new, one- of-a-kind DFL models (available in Sanpan and Aqua Patio) offers luxurious adjustable seating configuration that allow you to face forward or backward on top of our pristine vinyl and Everlast stitching. When you’re in a Godfrey you’re part of a proud and enduring legacy of craft, quality, and discovery.

Specifications • Length: 26' 9" • Dry Weight: 2,667 • Person Capacity: 15 • Max HP: 150 (350 with TT) • Fuel Capacity: 23 gal

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Godfrey Pontoon Boats info@godfreypontoonboats.com www.godfreypontoonboats.com

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

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 24' • Beam: 8' 4" • Weight: 3,700 lbs (w. motor) • Capacity: 12 people / 2,400 lbs • Base Price: $55,440.00 Splendor Boats, LLC 9526 S State Road 15 · Silver Lake, In 46982 800-359-7915 www.splendorboats.com

Stingray 236CC Deck Boat Stingray introduces the 236CC, big brother to the 186CC and 206CC. At 23' 8", it offers both more room and extra amenities.

A leaning post, with custom molded flip-up bolster seats and a 74-quart Engel cooler beneath, and an optional T-top sets the 236CC apart from its brothers. Add a few options and it’s ready for coastal fishing. A multipurpose boat, the 236CC can be used for pulling tubes, cruising to dinner, or just a leisurely ride.

The 236CC offers lots of open space, plus seating for up to twelve. To ensure an uncluttered deck, designers effectively made use of all the space on board for storage. Two rear flip-down seats make it easy for passengers to enter and exit. The large bow can be fully outfitted with cushions. Beneath the helm is a large area that can be used as a changing compartment and also upgraded to a head compartment.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • LOA: 23' 8" • Beam: 101" • Avg Dry Weight: 3,648 lbs • Fuel Capacity: 68 gal • Max Capacity: 12 people / 3,250 lbs Stingray Boats 625 Railroad Ave., P.O. Box 669, Hartsville, SC 29551 (843) 383-4507 boatsales@stingrayboats.com www.stingrayboats.com

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The HD 220 comes complete with everything that's loved from its wellappointed HD series. This 22-foot deck boat includes a luxurious interior complete with hand-stitched upholstery, abundant storage compartments, and deluxe seating. Simply choose between sterndrive, outboard, or forward drive power and let the HD 220 deliver an unforgettable, enjoyable boating experience. From hinged, bow seating; Comfort Ride, bucket seats with flip-up bolsters; and cockpit, Reed flooring, to the swim platform lounge, fully-enclosed changing room, and optional tower with canvas everyone will feel at ease moving and relaxing onboard. A sporty RS package is available and the perfect choice for anyone looking for an energetic appearance in their boat, while the all-new Surf package is ready for when the day calls for a wake with superior push! With the HD 220 and its standard trailer, you’ll find that it certainly deserves its place on the water.

Specifications • Length: 22' 1" • Beam: 8' 5" • Approx. boat & engine weight: 4,170 lbs • Fuel: 44 gal • Capacity: 10 people Four Winns Boats 925 Frisbie Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1351 Contact email: boating@fourwinns.com fourwinns.com

Stingray 206CC Stingray’s 206CC is for fishing, family fun, and cruising. Its versatility makes it perfect for families with varied on-the-water interests. There’s lots of space for maneuvering about, plus seating for up to nine passengers. Two rear flip-down seats make it easy for passengers to enter and exit from either port or starboard.

For anglers, a low profile design makes it easy to navigate in low clearance areas, a helm seat for two has an adjustable seat / leaning post for fishing, a clean dash design leaves room for a 10-inch fish finder / plotter, the main helm 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. The walk-around access and large foredeck make it easy for anglers to quickly move about. The rear folding seats double as casting platforms. Rod storage is abundant. Who’s ready to fish?

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • LOA: 20' 1" • Beam: 100" • Avg Dry Weight: 2,700 lbs • Fuel Capacity: 46 gal • Max Capacity: 9 people / 2,400 lbs Stingray Boats 625 Railroad Ave., P.O. Box 669, Hartsville, SC 29551 (843) 383-4507 boatsales@stingrayboats.com www.stingrayboats.com

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Four Winns HD 220

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Princecraft Ventura 190 The Ventura 190 is part of the Ventura deck boat Series composed of 6 boats. Designed mostly for pleasure boating and water sports, this deck boat has it all: rear boarding access with gates and ladder, full-width rear padded sundeck, built-in floor cooler, a 200-watt Kicker KMC 10 stereo system, 2 chaise lounges, snack table, and more. A high performance deep-Vee reverse chine hull design, coupled with a No-FeedBackTM dual cable steering system give this boat an incredible performance. Choose a few options from the list, such as anti-skid vinyl floor covering, anodized wakeboard tower, head with holding tank and pump out, and a pop-up privacy enclosure, for example, and you’ll be more than ready for a whole day of fun on the water. The Princecraft Ventura aluminum deck boats need less maintenance than fiberglass boats, perform better with lower fuel consumption, are tougher and more durable, are easier to tow, and have a higher resale value.

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 19' 2" • Beam: 97" (2.5 M) • Max Horsepower: 150 hp • Approximate Boat Weight: 1,868 lbs • Fuel Capacity: 174 L / 46 U.S. gal • Persons and Total Persons Weight: 10 and 1,323 lbs • Max Weight Capacity: 2,085 lbs Princecraft Boats 800.395.8858 princecraft.com

Hurricane 192 RL OB Hurricane Boats not only invented the deck boat but they continue to innovate and lead the industry! They offer the largest selection of models in the industry and for 2018 they’ve expanded even more. The all new SunDeck Sport 192 RL is an athletic boat with elevated fun and is equipped with a unique style you can’t find anywhere else. With huge bow space with an incredibly safe deep seating design, this boat is capable of high octane fun and relaxation. Along with the popular SunDeck Sport 192 RL this model is also available as the SunDeck 191 OB with a full windshield and a SunDeck Sport 192 OB both which offers a co-captain’s console and chair. This SUV of H20 delivers fun whether your fishing, cruising or playing and does it all with distinct style.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 18' 10" • Person Capacity: 10 • Dry Weight: 2,450 • Max HP: 200 • Fuel Capacity: 36 gal Hurricane Boats info@hurricaneboats.com www.hurricaneboats.com

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For more than a century, Starcraft has championed quality, innovation, and comfort in every model it puts on the water. With 59 models for 2018 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. The HMX PR25 performance package allows the tubes to dig and pivot with ease creating the performance you crave. Highlighted in the 2018 model line-up is the new MX 25 ERG, which features a rear lounge that easily converts into 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. Or check out the new EX series with updated furniture, exterior design, full height panel and high end floor covering options.

Every Starcraft is backed by our unbeatable Lifetime +6 Warranty, giving you peace of mind. Contact your closest dealer today to find the boat you have been dreaming about.

Specifications • Length: 26' 10" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2,542 lbs • Capacity: 14 Starcraft Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-772-4538 www.starcraftmarine.com

Sylvan M5 LZ Sylvan has been making waves in the pontoon industry for multiple decades. With patented Revolutionary Planing Technology (RPT) tubes, Sylvan has changed everything about 2-tube pontoon performance. The exclusive V-shaped tube design slices through the water with sports car handling and runabout exhilaration, along with providing increased to speed per horsepower and dramatically improved fuel efficiency.

Designed with exclusive high end amenities and performance the M-Series is primed for luxury. With exclusive innovative standards such as the new convertible lounge arm galley, raised front bow for better performance, new SPX third tube with performance strakes, ultra-soft touch vinyl, and the most dynamic helm station in the market! In total, 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.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 26' 10" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 4,150 lbs • Capacity: 14 people Sylvan Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-766-9698 www.sylvanmarine.com

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Starcraft MX 25 ERG

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Angler Qwest 824 Pro Troll • Exclusive Rear Binary wall system with heavy duty design for holding rods, downriggers and enclosed storage with access hatches.

• State of the art fiberglass center console for easy walk around fishability • Heavy duty aluminum radar arch with integrated adjustable rod holders and rocket launcher style rod holders • Taller railings for comfort and security • Rear fishing workstation with quick measuring board and high-pressure washdown • Deluxe Captains seat with integrated livewell • Double bimini top system for protection from the elements • Shown with Optional GEN II Triple Tube Package

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Overall Length: 25' 8" • Maximum Horsepower: 250 • Maximum Person Capacity: 13 • Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,960 lbs • Approximate Dry Weight: 2,825 lbs Apex Marine, Inc. 300 Woodside Drive, St. Louis, Michigan 48880 Tel: 989-681-4300 Fax: 989-681-4333 www.anglerqwestpontoons.com

Starcraft SCX 211 Surf If you’re 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 14 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 2018, Starcraft is excited to announce an enhance line-up of the industry’s first surfable deckboats with the addition of the SCX 211 Surf and the Starstep Surf Series. The SCX 211 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 over 1300 lbs. of ballast combine to provide and endless wave of fun.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 300" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2,532 lbs • Capacity: 12 Starcraft Marine P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 866-772-4538 www.starcraftmarine.com

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Loaded with great features, reliable construction, and our Lifetime +6 warranty, SunChaser gives you the peace of mind that you deserve when looking for a family value pontoon. With 43 models ranging from performance, cruising, and fishing, SunChaser has something for everyone.

The new 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 significance features for the Eclipse include plush soft touch furniture and an executive helm station on a raised platform. Or check out the new Geneva Series that allows the customer to customize by choosing from 3 interior colors, 8 panel colors, and 5 accent colors. Plus, 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.

Specifications • Length: 24' 9" • Beam: 102" • Weight: 2,425 lbs • Capacity: 13 SunChaser P.O. Box 65, New Paris, IN 46553 Tel 888-797-9023 www.sunchaserboats.com

Avalon Catalina Avalon Catalina provides the luxury and beauty of Avalon’s deco design with the custom features you desire. This popular Signature series model offers Avalon’s Sleek, clearly distinct, Deco 3 wall design with stainless accent and retro logo oval. The fiberglass sculpted helmstand features storage trays, greywood dash, full gauge cluster, and a powerful infinity Bluetooth stereo & speakers. The driver will enjoy the soft Pillow top reclining Commander chair that slides and swivels for maximum comfort. The plush interior is made with the industry’s thickest Matrix 50 soft touch vinyl and features designer suspension seating that never bottoms out and remains comfortable all day. All furnishings are mounted on lifetime warranted aluminum seat frames with no wood or plastic components.

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Length: 23' 3" • Width: 8.5' • Dry Weight: 2,150 lbs • Max Weight Capacity: 2,150 lbs • Max Engine HP: 125 Avalon Pontoons 903 Michigan Ave., Alma, MI 48801 (800) 334-2913 www.avalonpontoons.com

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SunChaser Eclipse 8525 Entertainer

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Tahoe LTZ The beautiful LTZ Pontoon has the luxurious design and rigid structure you expect from an Avalon deco inspired model.

Avalon’s clearly distinct, Deco 4 wall design and unique accents give this boat high end looks at an affordable price .The Retro looks of the Cadet drivers stand, with torpedo shaped gauge bezels and chrome brows, harkens back to the muscle car days and provides a fun driving experience.

Complete your experience with the powerful Millenia Bluetooth stereo, & speakers, tilt steering and 12 volt receptacle.

All furnishings are mounted on Lifetime warranted aluminum lifetime seat frames with no wood or plastic components.

LTZ is also built with the industry’s finest construction. The chassis boasts extended rear deck platforms with vinyl decking and Stainless steel ladder for easy access to the water.

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length: 24' • Width: 8.5' • Dry Weight: 2,050 lbs • Max Weight: 2,260 lbs • Max Engine HP: 125 Tahoe Pontoons 903 Michigan Ave., Alma, MI 48801 (800) 334-2913 www.tahoepontoons.com

Qwest Avanti 821 Lanai • Luxury comes standard in the Avanti Series from its exquisite hand-crafted upholstery to its high-end audio • Rear facing Lanai bench with full width storage on the back deck offers a perfect design for water sports and catching some rays • With every detail Qwest Pontoons are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver both on and off the water • Extensive list of standard features • Elegant Two-Tone wall panels with integrated “horizontal Truss” center rail and chrome bumper guards • Shown with Optional GEN II Triple tube package

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Specifications • Overall Length: 21' 8" • Maximum Horsepower: 175 • Maximum Person Capacity: 11 • Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,625 lbs • Approximate Dry Weight: 1,805 lbs Apex Marine, Inc. 300 Woodside Drive, St. Louis, Michigan 48880 Tel: 989-681-4300 Fax: 989-681-4333 www.qwestpontoons.com

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With over 150 years of RV/marine experience and a hand-picked production team known for quality craftsmanship, we are committed to building pontoon boats that will make a difference in the industry, and ultimately, your family’s experience. Built with the best materials, offering the best value, and represented by the best dealers in the country, you can rest assured that your Barletta Pontoon Boat will give you, and your family, years of hassle-free enjoyment. Every piece of your Barletta Pontoon Boat has been a conscious decision with your experience in mind...and before delivery, it was subject to the most robust and comprehensive pre-delivery inspection in the industry.

In everything we do, we ask ourselves, “How can I make your experience better?” You will appreciate our commitment to honesty, integrity, and you, our customer.

Shipping to a boat show near you in December 2017, our L-Class floorplans in the 23’ and 25’ segments will offer quad-lounge, ultralounge, and fish and cruise configurations.

Barletta Boats www.barlettapontoonboats.com

Manitou Encore Manitou changed the pontoon world in 2017 by offering dual engine platforms with 8’6” beams that really perform. For 2018 we flipped the script again by offering the dual option on our Encore platform, bringing the price down significantly compared to other options on the market. Adding a second engine does not simply make the boat faster; it also provides a far superior ride and handling experience. If you seek a smoother ride, more stability on rough water and easier maneuvering at slow speeds the Encore dual engine platform is for you. For more information on everything Manitou has to offer visit our website at www.manitoupontoonboats.com Manitou Boats www.manitoupontoonboats.com 800-999-9788 manitou@manitouboats.com

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2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

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Ranger Tugs R-27 Outboard Cruising without compromise is the name of the game for the all-new R-27 from Ranger Tugs. This stylish new boat is not only versatile and practical but a whole lot of fun! The new R-27 is outfitted to cruise, fish, and play in comfort and style. Powered by the efficient and popular Yamaha F300 outboard motor, the new R-27 doesn’t waste time delivering you and your family to your next adventure. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that the included Garmin 7612 Chartplotter will guide you safely on your passage and that when you arrive, the bow thruster will make docking a non-event. The curved front windshield and overhead glass atrium provide beautiful 360 degree views and generous light throughout the salon. Open the aft glass bulkhead in tandem with any of the hatches, windows, or port lights to deliver a fresh breeze throughout the cabin. Chefs will be delighted to cook in the full galley or prepare their meals outdoors using the transom sink, prep station, and removable grill. The new R-27 from Ranger Tugs delivers on its promise to offer more fun and better value than anything else on the water.

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Specifications • Length (LOH): 27' - 0" (8.2 m) • Length rigged (LOA): 31' 4" (9.6 m) • Beam: 8' 6" (2.6 m) • Weight, dry w/motor: 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) • Fuel capacity: 150 U.S. Gal (568 L) • Water capacity: 40 U.S. Gal (151 L) Ranger Tugs www.rangertugs.com (253) 839-5213

Yamaha 210 FSH Based on Yamaha’s widely popular 210 sport boat models, the 210 FSH is well-suited for rougher waters and delivers the added peace of mind that comes with dual engines. And because the dual engines and driveline are housed in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, the boat provides a true, open 360-degree experience that is perfect for fishing.

The boat includes all the features that fishing enthusiasts require, along with family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include watersports, swimming and lounging – all in the same boat, and at a competitive price starting under $40,000.00. The 210 FSH is available in three variations that include the base model 210 FSH, an upgraded 210 FSH Deluxe, and the flagship 210 FSH Sport that offers the features of the Deluxe with the addition of a custom T-top. All three models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 (TM symbol) High Output marine engines.

Specifications

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

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Length: 21' 3" Beam: 8' 6" Dry Weight: 2,833 lbs Fuel Capacity: 50 gal Seating Capacity: 10 people/2,250 lbs

Yamaha WaterCraft 1270 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.yamahaboats.com

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Ranger’s new 2050MS Reata delivers unmatched versatility and fun in a safe, family-friendly layout that’s equally at home cruising, relaxing, or fishing. When it’s time to play, the 2050MS has an in-deck ski locker that doubles as fishing rod storage, dedicated ski rope box, ski pole, stainless steel re-boarding ladder, two USB charging ports, a folding front deck extension and an Infinity® Bluetooth® stereo. When it’s time to buckle down and get after the fish, the 2050MS shines with fore and aft livewells, flip-down rear jump seats for added casting deck space, copious tackle storage, a Minn Kota trolling motor and optional kicker motor. Regardless of what your day on the water brings, the all-new Ranger 2050MS is designed to deliver comfort, performance and fun.

Specifications • Length: 20' 7" • Beam: 100" • Max Horsepower: 250 hp • Approximate Boat Weight: 2,375 lbs • Fuel Capacity: 42 gal Ranger Boats P.O. Box 179, Highway 178 North, Flippin, AR 72634 (800) 373-BOAT (2628) www.rangerboats.com

Honda Marine BF75, BF90 & BF100 Outboard Motors New from Honda Marine are three, mid-sized outboard motors that deliver boaters a fresh, sleek style, new rigging components and easier maintenance for more time on the water and an improved user experience. The refreshed Honda BF75, BF90 and BF100 outboards offer new and upgraded rigging components including a multi-function digital display and an optional multi-function tiller handle that includes a larger shift lever, a power trim and tilt switch, a reversible shift lever, handle height adjustment and a variable trolling control switch. From low speed maneuvers to full-throttle boating, the Honda BF75, BF90 and BF100 deliver exceptional performance and excellent fuel efficiency. The outboards offer an industry-best True 5-year, non-declining factory warranty.

BOATINGWORLD.COM JANUARY 2018

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2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

Follow Honda Marine and Honda Power Equipment news and video on: • marine.honda.com • honda.com • powerequipment.honda.com • engines.honda.com • hondanews.com • www.facebook.com/hondamarine • www.twitter.com/hondamarine • www.youtube.com/honda

introduction 2018 boat Buyer’s Guide BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS DECKBOATS PONTOONS FISHING GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Ranger® 2050MS Reata®

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GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES FISHING PONTOONS DECKBOATS BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

Suzuki DF350A A Revolution In Innovation Suzuki Marine, a leader in 4-stroke outboard technology and performance, is proud to introduce its newest model, the DF350A. At 350 horsepower, this V6 4-stroke is the largest, most powerful outboard Suzuki has built to date. The DF350A was the winner of the 2017 IBEX Innovation Award, and is Suzuki’s ninth Innovation Award winning outboard.

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

“We took the time and effort to build an award-winning new outboard that really matches the trend towards bigger boats,” said Gus Blakely, Vice President of Marine Sales for Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. “Suzuki can now deliver the power, performance and ease of use today’s boat buyers are asking for.”

For detailed information and complete technical specifications, please visit www.suzukimarine.com.

Simrad® G012 XSE

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

The Simrad® G012 XSE is the newest addition to the topselling GO standalone chartplotter series. Loaded with today's latest boating technologies, the G012 XSE multitouch chartplotters are the perfect fit for power boaters looking for high-quality, all-in-one navigation products for cruising, fishing and watersports, that are easy to use and offer more features at an affordable price. Featuring super-bright 12-inch displays, the new units offer intuitive multi-touch controls that smartphone and tablet users will instantly find familiar. Boaters are able to tap the screen to create or select waypoints, pinch-to-zoom, or tap-and-drag to pan smoothly across charts, while simple home screen and menu layouts allow quick access to all functions. Adjustable split-screen views and customizable panel layouts with large, clearly captioned Icons that are easy to recognize, make the GO Series simple-to-use, full-featured chartplotters that are intuitive- even for those with little or no experience.

Simrad (800) 628-4487 www.simrad-yachting.com

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“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 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 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

EZ Dock Enjoy the best waterfront investment you’ll ever make.

Spend more time enjoying life on the water with our extensive selection of EZ Dock polyethylene floating dock systems, boat ports, PWC lifts, kayak launches and walkways.

Contact your local dealer at 1-800-654-6158 or visit ez-dock.com EZ Dock, Inc. 878 Hwy 60, Monett, MO 65708 800-654-8168 www.ez-dock.com

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2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

EZ Dock offers innovative features and benefits that no other dock can match. Its flexible flotation technology combines strength, stability, durability, light weight and low maintenance in a versatile modular system that’s easy to configure.

Choose from our extensive range of custom sizes, sections and accessories, including modular dock sections, the selfadjusting EZ Port MAX 2i PWC lift, the drive-on/drive-off EZ BoatPort and the flexible, easy-to-use EZ Kayak Launch, all designed to grow and change as your needs do. Our awardwinning, patented designs are proudly manufactured in the USA and have applications in both the commercial marine and residential markets.

introduction 2018 boat Buyer’s Guide BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS DECKBOATS PONTOONS FISHING GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

Fortress Marine Anchors

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GEAR, ACCESSORIES & SERVICES FISHING PONTOONS DECKBOATS BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS

introduction

Got An Old Boat?

Donate It Today!

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

2018 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

2018 boat Buyer’s Guide

Six10 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive The WEST SYSTEM Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit has everything to you need to repair cracks and scrapes, gelcoat blisters, loose hardware, delaminated decks and panels, damaged keels and holes up to 1” diameter in solid laminates up to 1/4” thick, and smaller holes in thicker laminates. Each Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit contains eight packets of WEST SYSTEM 105 Resin and 205 Fast Hardener, fiberglass fabric, adhesive filler, fairing filler, glue brushes, mixing pots, a reusable mixing stick, an application syringe, three pairs of protective gloves and illustrated instructions for completing a variety of common fiberglass repairs. All components are contained in a sturdy, resealable package that can be easily stowed aboard your boat.

Six10® Thickened Epoxy Adhesive combines the strength and reliability and excellent physical properties of a two-part WEST SYSTEM Epoxy with point-and-shoot convenience. The self-metering coaxial cartridge dispenses a gap-filling structural epoxy that bonds tenaciously to wood, metals, fiberglass and concrete. The tube comes with a static mixer that lets you lay down a bead of thickened epoxy with any standard caulking gun. Six10’s shear thinning properties make it “thinner” as it’s worked. It can be easily tooled into a non-sagging fillet or used to wet out light to moderate reinforcing fabrics like fiberglass. The hardener provides a long open time but has fast thru-cure. Six10 stays workable in the static mixer for 42 minutes, making it practical for long or complicated assemblies.

Each tube of Six10 comes equipped with a static mixing wand. Additional static mixing wands are available in sets of two or twelve.

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

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

Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit

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Super Slick Sealant Smoother™ • Aids in the finger tooling of caulks and sealants!

• Easy to use!

Now Low Voc, No Residue, Fast Drying

• Allows excess sealant to be easily removed from fingers!

Enter BW18 for 15% off your entire online order! Valid until 3/31/18

Enter BW18 for 15% off your entire online order! Valid until 3/31/18

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

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

ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil

ESCSTAR www.suzukimarine.com

Emergency Life Raft 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

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Suzuki Marine is continually developing state of the art technology to produce the Ultimate 4-Stroke outboards. The benefits of this innovation now extend beyond the engine to the development of a new high-performance engine oil: ECSTAR V7000 Semi-Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. ECSTAR Marine Engine Oil uses a high-quality, low sulfur content base oil that reduces ash buildup for increased durability. The high viscosity index in this base oil is also a major contributor to maximizing fuel efficiency.

When combined with select high-quality additives that inhibit engine corrosion, the product is the best performing marine oil Suzuki has ever offered.

introduction 2018 boat Buyer’s Guide BOWRIDER/SPORTBOATS DECKBOATS PONTOONS FISHING GEAR, ACCESSORIES AND SERVICES

2nd Generation Release® Adhesive & Sealant Remover

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Dependable, knowledgeable, entertaining, witty and adventurous Topics for conversation: • Tips and techniques to help you rule the launch ramp • How to interpret what's on the fishfinder's screen • Get the insurance coverage you need — and that will be there when you need it • 9 tips to beat the midseason watersports slump • Take care of your pontoon's tubes so they take care of you

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

Splendor FP.qxp_Layout 1 12/4/17 10:49 AM Page 1

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

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

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11/21/17 9:05 AM

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

Call Us At 800-227-2643 www.boatangel.com STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

BOATS Apex Marine (989) 681-4300. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV4 Avalon Pontoons (800) 334-2913. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Barletta Boat Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Cutwater Boats (800) 349-7198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Formula Boats (800) 736-7685. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Manitou Pontoon Boats (517) 322-3822. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Princecraft Boats, Inc. (800) 395-8858. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ranger Boats (800) 373-2628. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Rec Boat Holdings/Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab (231) 775-1351. . . . . 9, 11, 13 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV2, 5, 86 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Stingray (843) 383-4507. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV3 Tahoe Pontoons (800) 334-2913. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Yamaha Watercraft (800) 888-2624. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 DOCKS & MOORINGS EZ Dock (800) 654-8168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 ELECTRONICS Simrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 ENGINES Honda Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 GEAR & ACCESSORIES Bolster Buddy (507) 213-6004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Ecstar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fortress Marine Anchors (954) 978-9988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Parkit360 (888) 926-5517. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Survival Products (954) 966-7329 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

SERVICES Boat Angel (800) 227-2643. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BUYER’S GUIDE Apex Marine (989) 681-4300. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 78 Avalon Pontoons (800) 334-2913. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Barletta Boat Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 BoatLIFE/Life Industries (800) 382-9706 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Cutwater Boats (800) 349-7198. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Ecstar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 EZ Dock Inc. (800) 654-8168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Formula Boats (260) 724-9111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Fortress Marine Anchors (954) 978-9988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Honda Motor Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Manitou Pontoon Boats (800) 999-9788. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Simrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Princecraft Boats Inc. (800) 395-8858. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Ranger Boats (800) 373-2628. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Rec Boat Holdings/Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab (231) 775-1351. . . . 70-71, 73 Smoker Craft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75-77 Splendor Boats (800) 359-7915. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Stingray Boats (843) 383-4507. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73 Survival Products, Inc. (954) 966-7329 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Tahoe Pontoons (800) 334-2913. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Yamaha Sportboats (800) 962-7926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

BOATINGWORLD.COM JANUARY 2018

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marketplace

• 1. Publication Title “Boating World” • 2. Publication Number “1059-5155” • 3. Filing Date “10/1/17” • 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 “R. AVILA” ° Telephone “949-660-6150-254” • 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) • 3526-R, July 2014 • 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) “49,138” “49,091” • 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.)

“23,372” “23,910” ° (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 “276” “286” ° (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) “25,149” “25,081” • 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) “23,372” “21,419” ° (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) “22,329” “21,419” • f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e) “47,478” “46,500” • g. Copies Not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)) “1,660” “2,591” • h. Total (sum of 15f and g) “49,138” “49,091” • i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by f times 100) “52.97%” “53.94%” • 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership °  Publication required. Will be printed in the January, 2018 issue of this publication.  Publication not required • 17. Signature and Title of Editor, ° Date 10/01/17 • I certify that all information furnished Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner ° 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).

advertiser index

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12/6/17 9:17 AM

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

If this catches on, we might have to change the name of the activity from “fishing” to “casting.” Send us your name for our therapy boat. If it wins, we will give you a Boating Starter Kit — four life vests, two dock ties and a safety flag — valued at $240, from our sponsor, Connelly, and your name will appear in the March 2018 issue of Boating World. > SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CONTEST ON PAGE 8.

YOURS FREE

WIN THIS 92

The first person to turn in the best boat name will receive a Boating Starter Kit from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $240.

The Boating Starter Kit includes an Adjustable Neo Vest 4-Pack with two S/M and two L/XL vests, two six-foot Deluxe Nylon Web Dock Ties and a Safety Flag.

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the March 2018 issue. Submissions are due

by January 15.

Email editor@boatingworld.com with “Name the Boat” in the subject line, or send snail mail to Boating World Magazine/Name the Boat, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include your full name, address and phone number, along with your entry. Duncan McIntosh Co. and Connelly employees and their families are prohibited from entering. Prizewinners are responsible for any applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and the editor are final.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JANUARY 2018 BOATINGWORLD.COM 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

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12/6/17 8:45 AM

Fish & Cruise The 206CC is part of the STINGRAY deck boat line, but the versatility of this center console model has many labeling it as the ultimate fish and cruise package.

With seating for up to nine passengers, storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 206CC is ready for a full day of fun with family and friends!

206CC Deck Boat 20’ 1” | 100” beam | 2700 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 46 gal fuel capacity | 9 ppl, 2400 lbs