Nov/Dec 2017 – Boating World magazine

BOATING WORLD • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 9

BOATS TESTED

SEA RAY SLX-W 230

ALUMACRAFT 1860 COASTAL BAY TUNNEL

ROBALO R200ES

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

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

®

GIFT GUIDE GIVE (AND GET) EXACTLY WHAT THEY (AND YOU) WANT USING OUR 35-ITEM LIST.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 boatingworld.com

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CRUISE WITHOUT COMPROMISE R A N G E R

T U G S

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RANGERTUGS.COM TUGNUTS.COM

MADE IN USA

CRUISING • FISHING • WATER SPORTS

contents

N OV E M B E R/D ECEM B ER 2017

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXVIII NUMBER 9

departments Editor’s Letter Boaters come through in a storm p. 4 Currents Bits from the boating world p. 6

Trailering Winterize your rig p. 12

Watersports Towsports on a PWC p. 14

Fishing Meet fishing ambassador Luiza Barros p. 16

Engines Pre-winterization detail p. 18

DIY Tackle a new trim system p. 20

pg. 50

Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 22

Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make

features Select & Install a Battery Charger Battery performance and life will be improved by an onboard charger. p. 38

p. 37

Water Dogged What’s better

Holiday Gift Guide Our

Contest: Name the Boat

than one Salty Dog? How about a whole bunch of them. p. 44

35-item list will turn you into the captain of the gift express. p. 50

Win a $260+ Airhead G-Force 2 towable, a pump and a rope p. 64

boats tested

pg. 30

pg. 34

Sea Ray SLX-W 230 Sea Ray is going surfing with its new SLX-W 230. p. 26

Alumacraft 1860 Coastal Bay Tunnel It’s is designed to go where other boats can’t, without breaking the bank. p. 30

Robalo R200ES This family-friendly fishing boat knows how to have a good time. p. 34

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editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Boaters Step Up C

HANCES ARE GOOD YOU COULD sit by the side of the road in a disabled car for hours and watch thousands of cars drive by without anyone pulling over to ask if you need help. Now change that scenario to the water and it would be rare to have anyone pass you by if he recognized you were dead in the water. That’s just the way boaters roll, because we’ve all been there.

This propensity of boaters to help others in need was evident when Hurricane Harvey smashed into Houston.

Many hundreds of boaters responded to a plea for help by the Houston Police Department, including a group called the “Cajun Navy,” from Louisiana, who first sprang into action during Hurricane Katrina. Strangers just hooked up their boat trailers and headed to the disaster areas, caused by up to 40 inches of rain, to help rescue people stranded in their flooded homes.

The marine industry also stepped up to the plate.

Mercury Marine sent 30 6 hp outboards and 10 inflatable boats to the scene, while the parent company, Brunswick, sent boats from Lowe and other needed items, including life jackets. Bass Pro Shops sent 80 boats to help with the rescue. Yamaha responded with G3 and Skeeter boats and money for gas for responders.

Suzuki Marine sent Carolina Skiffs and motors.

Evinrude employees donated money, and American Honda gave generators. And virtually all the boat dealers in the area made their boat inventory available to aid in rescue efforts.

Hurricane Irma, another category 4 storm, followed quickly behind and slammed the entire state of Florida, destroying many thousands of homes and boats.

Especially hard hit were the Keys, where Irma made landfall five miles from where I used to live on Little Torch Key, with a terrifying storm surge that covered land that only averages a few feet above sea level. It’s estimated that one in four homes were destroyed. In Jacksonville, where I live now, a Nor’easter soaked the ground for several days before Irma hit, causing massive flooding in many areas.

I live just across the street from the St. Johns River, which reached its highest level in history, wiping out most of my neighbors’ docks. But again, the flotilla of boats in the area that survived the lashing was put to use rescuing people trapped in their homes.

If that weren’t enough, Hurricane Maria, yet another category 4 storm, savaged Puerto Rico, which will probably take years to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Virtually all the islands in the Caribbean were affected by these three hurricanes. We can best help the victims by donating money to charities that support relief efforts.

To prevent falling prey to a scam, go to CharityNavigator.org.

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: Santa Claus buys a boat but needs help naming it. What do you suggest?

Duncan McIntosh Jr. No Hat, No Boots, No Problem ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming Yo Ho Ho! EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones Hull Full of Belly MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling ’Sno Dinghy ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata But Wait, There’s Myrrh ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan Nautical and Nice PRODUCTION Mary Monge Kris’ Kraft CIRCULATION MGR. Rick Avila Yes, Deer CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Emily Wells Horneff The Cookie Monster PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150 Janette Hood Mostly Retired

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Tis the SEAson Felice Lineberry Aho-ho-hoy MARKETPLACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson Livin’ La Vido Frio AD COORDINATOR Jennifer Chen Coal or Bust TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen Property of Mrs. Claus DIGITAL DIRECTOR Bryan Sheehy 24/7 364 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)

Editor’s Note: In our last issue, we inadvertently referred to the SunCatcher Diamond Elite 324SS as a SunChaser, in the next-to-last paragraph.

VOLUME 38 • NO. 9 Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We assume no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials. Boating World retains reprint rights, via print and electronic media. Contributor retains all other rights for resale, publication, etc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Boating World, P. O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. CANADA POST: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Please send all subscription correspondence to Boating World, P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. Please allow at least six weeks for the change of address to become effective. Include both your old and your new address enclosing, if possible, an address label from a recent issue. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: U.S. and its possessions, $11.00 per year. Additional postage for Canada is $15.00 per year and other foreign countries $30.00 per year. Single copy price $5.00; back issues, $8.50 (in the U.S. only) includes postage and handling. Boating World is a registered trademark of Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: MMaterial AG A Z I Nin E this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

M AG A Z I N E

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sylvanmarine.com | 866-766-9698

Featuring:

currents

BY STEPH A N I E S H I BATA

Step On Up L E A D B OAT | C E N T U R I O N F I 2 3

With the Fi23, the Centurion family has an entry-level model with high-end features.

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Enter Your Dog Now

S A LT Y D O G

WIN THIS

This month’s winner: YOSHI



OWNERS:

Caitlin & Bryce Payne HOMETOWN:

Grovetown, Ga.

T

aking the step up to a top-of-the-line ski boat can be a stretch for a lot of would-be wake families, but the new Centurion Fi23 is available at a “premium entry-level price” — $99,264 base — which means more buyers can take the plunge without getting in over their head.

Normally, this means losing access to key features that make a premium boat brand special, but that’s not the case here. The Fi23 comes complete with features such as a stylish tower that includes an upscale DownFire speaker system, to make sure everyone’s rocking. The interior is luxurious and can accommodate up to 14 people with innovations that include the available Rear-Facing Slide Seat that gives observers a front-row seat.

One of the annoyances of wakesports boats is the long time it takes to fill their ballast tanks, especially if those tanks can tote up to 4,850 pounds — the Fi23’s can. But with available RAMFILL, operators can tanker up in as little as 45 seconds. To control ballast, there’s a new Split HD Touch Vision screen that also allows drivers to enable its QuickLaunch feature, which minimizes bowrise for better driver visibility. And the surf wake’s sides can be switched in only two seconds, thanks to QuickSurf.

Centurion, which is now part of the 92-year-old Correct Craft family, builds all its models using the vacuum bag resin-infusion technique normally only seen on high-end yachts, which ensures the best strength-to-weight ratio and delivers a more consistent hull. The bow is extra-wide to provide the maximum passenger space within its 23-foot length.

The Opti-V modified deep-V hull helps build a wave organically and offers a smooth ride in the chop, unlike flatter-bottomed boats. The standard 409 hp GM LT-6 V-8 has plenty of power to push this 5,150pound boat, and a 63-gallon fuel tank ensures fewer interruptions during a long watersports day.

— Alan Jones

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.

Foundation for Learning As the 2017-2018 school year makes its way to the halfway point, college students everywhere are studying and pondering their future. Thanks to the Coast Guard Foundation, 166 of those students have scholarship funds to help them cover the cost of college. That’s how many new scholarships the Coast Guard Foundation awarded for the year. Combined with 13 other recipients, 179 students are receiving nearly $500,000 in aid. Over the 27 years of the program, the foundation has given more than $4.7 million to students of Coast Guard families.

E=

m(sea)

2

Never Been Christened A LOT OF famous people never owned a boat, and many who own or owned one did a bad job naming it, so we’re here to help.

    

Michael Jackson: ABSea, 1-2-3 Lizzie Borden: Go Axe Your Father Gene Simmons: Kiss and Makeup Steve Jobs: Core Values Albert Einstein: E = m(sea)2

Centurion Boats, centurionboats.com

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currents

name the boat

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

contest winner



Earl Washam from Kearney, Mo., was the first to submit the winning name, Hair She Blows. For beating a couple of other people to the pun, Earl 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.

MORE OF JULY’S BEST ENTRIES:

SS Row Gain

Gone with the Wig

White Caps

William Bron, Zeeland, MI

Raven Harris, via BoatingWorld.com

Mark Rodrigues, Bristol, RI

Rich Osenlund, Holland, PA

Toupee or not Toupee

Mary Heran, Fremont, CA

Head Winds

Patricia Dougherty, Whitehouse Station, NJ

Whiging Out

Sticky Business

The Whole Wiggamarole

Hair Force One

Rick Martin illustration

Jo Ann Lonesky, Leesville, SC

Toupee Aweigh Karen Stepanenko, Pelican, AK

Ronald Watson, Naperville, IL

Bald Voyage

John Jones, Sarasota, FL Steve Treinish, Pleasantville, OH

> > J U LY/A U G U S T W I N N E R : H A I R S H E B L O W S

Deep Definitions THESE TERMS ARE often confused with one another, but there are subtle differences. Were you aware?

Flotsam: a sunken vessel’s goods that have floated to the surface, or any floating cargo that was cast overboard.

Jetsam: any cargo intentionally discarded from a ship or wreckage.

Lagan: goods that are cast overboard and are too heavy to float but are attached to some sort of float.

Derelict: ship goods that have sunk to the ocean floor.

NOD TO TRADITION

THANKSGIVING IS A day for family, football, overeating and tradition. In the interest of the latter, we went on the hunt for bodies of water with Thanksgiving-sounding names. Perhaps this could be a conversation starter during this year’s holiday meal.

Turkey Bay, Kentucky Lake, southwest Kentucky Gravy Lake, Manitoulin, Ontario Potato Lake, Rusk County, northwest Wisconsin Cranberry Harbor, between Great Cranberry Island and Little Cranberry Island, northcentral coast of Maine Pilgrim Cove, Payette Lake, west-central Idaho Black (Friday) Lake, northern New York

FA S T FA C T

According to a National Marine Manufacturers Association poll, an estimated 142 million Americans, about

36 PERCENT OF U.S. HOUSEHOLDS, went boating in 2016.

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It’s a Bird…

What did you do this summer? It’s a question people ask each other regularly. Many students are even forced to write essays about it.

While Ryan Dodd isn’t a student anymore, he has a great answer to that question: “I set a world record.”

He did. Dodd and his skis jumped 254 feet behind a Ski Nautique 200 in Palm Bay, Fla., on July 1. That surpassed the old record of 250 feet and got Dodd thinking he can go 260 feet soon.

BIG NUMBERS

Mayflower

100

QUIZ

Shredded or Shaken?

OK, WE HAVE a dastardly quiz for you this month. How well do

you know your watersports tricks? How well do you know your cocktails? We’ve mixed them up, intentionally, and now it’s up to you to figure out which is which. Is each of the following a watersports trick or a cocktail?

1. French 75 2. Surface 360 3. Sideslide 4. Brass Monkey 5. Flavor Flip 6. Caribou Lou 7. Blind Pete 8. Zombie

Approximate length, in feet, of Mayflower

1620 3 102

Year it arrived in the New World

Number of masts the ship had

Number of passengers the ship carried

ANSWER KEY: 1, Cocktail (gin, lemon juice, sugar, champagne); 2, Trick (360-degree turn that is done without leaving the water); 3, Trick (on a wakeboard, dig your back edge into the water and produce a spray of water); 4 , Drink (malt liquor and orange juice); 5, Trick (a toeside front roll with backside 540 on a wakeboard); 6, Drink (151 rum, pineapple juice and Malibu); 7, Trick (a toeside back roll with backside 360); 8 , Drink (various rums and tropical fruit juice)

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OVER 460 BOAT TEST VIDEOS...

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

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... AND COUNTING!

We answer the questions that really matter to you - before you buy a boat.

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

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trailering

W I NTER IZ ATI O N

• check

wa x the p aint

•

check the br a ke p ads

• check • check

the jack s tand and w inch c olumn

Take care of the trailer now and it will return the favor in the spring.

BY ALAN JONES

IKE RODNEY DANGERFIELD, BOAT TRAILERS get no respect. Most times during the season — if they are lucky — trailers get rinsed off, the bearing buddy gets a shot of grease now and then, and the tires are checked for air. This year, before putting your boat into hibernation, give the trailer some love. The best way to tackle this project is to drop the boat in the water and dock it. That way you can access areas of the trailer that are otherwise inaccessible with a boat sitting on it.

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f or c or r o sion

Prep the Trailer for Winter

L

the w ir ing

First, check the bunks. If they have carpet over wood, make sure the boat hasn’t rubbed any bare spots, which can scratch a boat’s gelcoat. Replace any worn spots. If the trailer has rollers, inspect them and replace any that need it. Consider using non-marring vinyl rollers instead of rubber ones that can leave black marks on the hull.

Trailers are either aluminum, galvanized steel or painted steel, and all can experience problems due to the use of dissimilar metals, which causes galvanic corrosion, especially when aluminum and stainless steel are in close proximity. Often, a washer is the culprit where bolts are used. Go over the entire trailer and look for signs of corrosion. A wire brush and metal cleaner will remove any corrosion, but it will return unless something is done to actively inhibit

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• check

the le af spr ings

• check

the bunks

• r emove

the w heels and check the tir e s

galvanic corrosion. If the bolts, nuts and washers are badly corroded, replace them with like metals and then coat them with Ultra Tef-Gel ($24.99 for a two-pound tub), which is a product developed in the aerospace industry.

Aluminum frames don’t rust, but they can get badly oxidized. Many aluminum cleaners include acid, which requires user protection; a steel wool pad only costs a few dollars and does a really good job.

Make sure the trailer doesn’t have a clear coat, though, or steel wool will remove it.

For painted trailers, inspect every square inch for rust, especially underneath, where water tends to linger. Sand any rusted areas or use a wire brush, then paint with a rust-inhibiting paint such as Rust-Oleum.

Wax the paint with boat wax, to leave a protective barrier.

Now check the electrical wiring, especially where there are connections, which are prone to corroding. First, make sure the trailer is disconnected from its

tow vehicle, to avoid shocking surprises.

Crimped connections that exhibit any sign of corrosion should be sprayed with CRC Marine QD Electronic Cleaner ($10) and brushed if needed. Disconnect bayonet connections, apply dielectric grease and then reconnect. Replace any connection that’s badly corroded and replace wiring that’s nicked, or at the very least tape it, but know this creates a weak link in the electrical chain.

It’s a good idea to remove the wheels at least once a year to see what’s going on behind the rubber curtain. Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the trailer and remove the tires. Don’t use an air hose to quickly clean the area like they do at the brake repair shop. While asbestos hasn’t been used in brake pads for years, breathing in any sort of dusty particulate is bad. Instead, use a wet a rag to clean them, and inspect the area thoroughly. Some of the components — the exterior of a drum brake, and leaf and coil springs — might have surface rust, but that’s usually not really important. To get rid of it, spray on Rust-Oleum’s Rust

them protected from the elements. Now the big question: Do I jack up the trailer or not? Tire manufacturers Michelin and Goodyear agree that it’s better to jack trailers up during extended storage, to prevent flat-spotting and sidewall damage.

For a trailer with leaf-spring suspension, wrap a heavy-duty cargo strap with a tensioner around the axle and frame, to prevent the axle and wheels from sagging.

Then use a floor jack a few feet behind and then in front of the axle to raise the trailer before supporting the frame with blocks or a lift stand. Avoid propping it up at the extreme ends of the frame, to avoid bending it. You may have to use wood under the stand, too, if the trailer is on soft ground rather than pavement. Make sure to elevate the front slightly, so water drains.

Jacking up the trailer offers an extra level of security and makes thieves think twice, especially if the tires are removed and stored in the garage.

Lubricate every moving part. Parts that are left unprotected tend to want to stay how they are if they don’t move for several

This year, before putting your boat into hibernation, give the trailer some love.

Reformer ($5), which bonds with rust and converts it from red iron oxide (rust) to black iron oxide or magnetite, a flat-black paintable surface that won’t rust. For areas that are visible, rust removal is the way to go, and a product such as Loctite’s Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver works well. To go low tech, use vinegar and a wire brush. Be on the alert for things such as corroded hydraulic lines that could eventually fail.

Inspect the inside of the wheel itself, which, unlike the outside, seldom gets any love.

Now, load the boat back on the trailer.

Few trailer tires, other than those owned by tournament pros, wear out because of excessive mileage. Dry rot often kills them long before that. Products such as Armor All Tire Foam will keep

months. Be sure to grease the wheel bearings but don’t overdo it. Use CRC White Lithium Grease ($6) in a spray can, which does a good job lubricating parts such as jack handles, hitch coupler hinges and roller axles. Remove the car’s hitch ball for the winter, or cover it with something that will keep it from getting too rusty. Check the jack stand and column that supports the winch, and double check the winch cable or strap for signs of wear.

Last, make sure the rig is well secured.

Thieves target stored boats, because they know owners aren’t keeping watch as closely as when they are using it every week. In our last issue, we gave detailed instruction how to do this, but at least use a wheel lock (if you are not jacking it up), a coupler lock and an outboard lock. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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watersports

TOW I N G W ITH A PWC

Personal Watersports Craft A PWC can make a good skiing, boarding and tubing vessel.

Q&A WITH TIM MCKERCHER

H

ARDCORE WAKESURFERS OR WAKEBOARDERS ARE probably going to tend toward a purpose-built boat that’s going to throw a huge wake, but for the more casual shredder or folks on a tighter budget, a personal watercraft could be the ticket to ride. We asked Sea-Doo’s PR pro Tim McKercher for a little insight into the hows, whys and whats of PWC tow sports.

Q What are some technological advances that have made using a PWC to tow skiers, tubes and boarders more manageable?

Towing behind a PWC began in 1990 with the first three-seater, the Sea-Doo GT. In 1992, when wakeboarding was a brand new sport, Sea-Doo sponsored the Pro Wakeboard and Kneeboard tour, which was part of Budweiser’s hot summer nights and literally helped wakeboarding launch into a mainstream sport. In 2005 Sea-Doo launched the first tow-specific model with the Sea-Doo Wake model; what made it different was that it included a retractable tow pylon, which raised the tow point and pulled the rider up rather than down. Since then it has added removable board racks and Ski mode, which is a power control system that makes every driver an expert driver by being able to program the ramp acceleration and maintain a set speed via GPS. [Ed. note: Yamaha and Kawasaki have versions of cruise

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control, which can help maintain a consistent towing speed.]

Q What’s the minimum horsepower needed to tow a typical, buffet-loving American?

Ultimately the boarder has to be able to ride or it doesn’t matter what is pulling him. I’m not necessarily a buffet fan, but I am over 200 pounds and I can get up behind a 90 hp Spark, but I also know how to help a lower-horsepower unit get me up.

Q What’s different about towing skiers behind a PWC rather than a ski boat?

The difference between a PWC and a boat pull is simple physics related to mass. A boat is going to provide a more sturdy pull and usually track true, whereas a hard cut behind a PWC can pull the back end off line, and more speed adjustment may be needed. But a PWC is much quicker to turn around and get to a downed rider and is much less intimidating to

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My number-one piece of advice for people towing someone else is stay away from shore. new riders compared to a big boat. Of course, there is the added safety of no props.

Q Many PWCs these days have lots of horsepower and tremendous acceleration, so how can the driver keep from accelerating too fast?

It’s important for people to get the right watercraft for what they are really going to do. Someone who’s going to do a lot of family towing doesn’t need 300 hp. Modern technology also helps make towing easier. Sea-Doo models come standard with Touring mode, which has a very linear, smooth acceleration power delivery, and a more relaxed throttle response. This is the preferred power mode for towing.

And of course they can always add Ski mode to help provide a custom, consistent power delivery.

Holding a steady speed on a PWC without speed control technology ultimately comes down to feel and watching the speedometer. The driver needs to adjust to hard cuts and when turning around.

Learning to provide a good pull without speed assist is a skill.

Q Is it OK to forego having an observer if you have a mirror?

The laws regarding having a mandatory spotter and/or mirrors are different in each state. PWC owners need to check the laws in their state.

Q Should the observer and driver shift their weight in response to the rider?

Most modern, full-size watercraft are stable and solid enough to where driver and/or spotter weight adjustment isn’t that necessary. Also, with units that have trim systems, the trim will

help provide a quick, level acceleration to plane. I recommend simply sitting in a neutral position and letting the watercraft do what it does.

Q When towing young kids on tubes, what are some important things to keep in mind?

When towing young kids, keep in mind it doesn’t take a lot of speed or aggressive acceleration to get them on plane. Most kids are on plane under 15 mph, so keep the power light. And always be mindful of where the rope is while idling, because the kids may not be paying attention, and nothing stops the fun faster than when the tow rope is sucked into the watercraft’s impeller.

Q When a slalom skier really digs hard for a turn, is there anything the driver can do to mitigate the force?

Slalom skiers generate a lot of force when they cut, up to 1,000 pounds of force, and with a 1,000-pound watercraft the physics of the watercraft are certainly affected. For people looking to slalom ski, we recommend a PWC model with the deepest deadrise hull, because a deeper hull sits deeper in the water and will help hold its line better than a model with a shallower hull.

Q What unsafe things have you seen PWC driver do when towing skiers?

My number-one piece of advice for people towing someone else is stay away from shore. More accidents happen when a tube or kneeboard or whatever is slung into an object — a beach, rock, boat, dock. My golden rule is if you are 100 yards from everything, you won’t hit anything. BW B

Q How hard is it to hold a steady speed when driving if you don’t have cruise assist?

TO THE WEB > Kawasaki.com

> Sea-Doo.com > YamahaWaverunners.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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fishing

Q&A

Angling Ambassador Get to know successful female fisherperson Luiza Barros a little better.

INTERVIEW BY ALAN JONES

I

HAD THE PLEASURE OF FISHING with Luiza Barros and Capt. Jimmy Nelson, host of the television show “Livin’ The Dream,” at an event in Crystal River, Fla., called “Cast and Blast,” sponsored by Yo-Zuri, Navionics, Maui Jim, Raymarine, Savage Gear, Okuma, Cuda, Power Pole and Mustad. Barros has

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appeared on the cover of many fishing magazines, and her website, FishingWithLuiza.com, features a veritable school of glam photos of her holding a vast array of fish she has caught. She has a huge social media following on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. I was pleasantly surprised to find out Barros is more than just a cover girl; she can really fish!

Statistically speaking, when it comes to fishing, approximately three times more men than women do it, according to the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey.

We wanted to get a woman’s perspective about why this imbalance exists and what guys can do to help turn their soulmate into a fishing mate.

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Q How did you get into fishing?

Growing up in Brazil, I started fishing at a very young age, and the person who introduced me to fishing — believe it or not — was my grandma. She used to take my sister and me fishing every time we went over to visit.

Q Why do you think so many fewer women fish, compared to men?

I’m not exactly sure, but maybe it’s because they were never introduced to fishing before. I think if they were exposed to it, they would love it. Most women love boats, so I think guys might be surprised to find out they would enjoy fishing too.

Q What can guys do to encourage their significant other to go fishing with them?

Guys, make sure you take your significant other to a good fishing spot the first time you take them out! Be helpful and positive — and don’t criticize every little mistake they make. If it’s a stress-free experience, they will be more likely to want to go again.

Q You and Jimmy seem to have a great relationship and work really well together on a boat. Does that continue when you step onto land?

Yes. Jimmy and I have a very healthy relationship. He’s extremely supportive. It’s truly a blessing to be able to do this for a living with my best friend and life partner.

Q Do you think fishing helps couples bond?

Absolutely! Having a shared experience gives you something in common, and spending extra time together helps us to communicate. When we are catching large fish, we have to be on the same page — and it does translate when we get off the boat.

When it comes time to fight the fish and get it aboard, Barros has the chops, using the skills she started gathering as a young girl in Brazil when her grandmother introduced her to a lifelong passion.

Q I’ve talked to guides who say that when they take couples out for a day, the women out-fish the guys. Why do you think that is?

I haven’t heard that before, but on occasion I out-fish the guys. Maybe it’s because women tend to be more patient. And unlike guys, we don’t mind asking directions. I do believe there’s always an element of luck when it comes to fishing, though.

Q I know you’ve traveled the world and

grouper that I hand-lined out of Ana Maria Island. I actually have a video of it on my YouTube channel.

Q Jimmy is a licensed captain, but when the three of us were out fishing together, a spot you suggested proved to be one of our most successful places that day. Does he always listen to your advice?

Jimmy is a licensed captain but yes, he always listens to my advice. I’m a lucky girl.

have caught some huge fish and then held them up for long periods of time while Jimmy painstakingly shoots the photos.

Obviously, that requires a great deal of strength and stamina. What exercises do you do that help you do that?

I’m a very active person. If I’m not fishing I’m doing something else outdoors. I work out at least four times a week, mainly weight training.

Q What would you tell women they are

Q What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever

Q What’s on your fishing bucket list?

caught?

My biggest fish was a 300-pound Goliath

I would love to go fishing in Australia one day; that’s definitely on my bucket list. BW

missing by not fishing?

They’re missing a good time on the water interacting with nature and bonding with friends and family while enjoying a fun and exciting sport. Give it a try, ladies, and don’t worry about the fish slime. You can wash that off. You will be hooked forever once you start catching fish.

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engines

CLE A N I N G PRO CED U R E

Pre-Winter Engine Detail Give your boat’s engine one last thorough cleaning.

BY ALAN JONES

Your outboard deserves a careful cleansing before its off-season.

A

LL SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL, your engine worked hard to provide your family

with memories that will last a lifetime. Now it’s time to repay the favor and give it one last top-to-bottom cleaning. It’s even a good idea in southern states, because prolonged winter cold fronts can keep a boat out of the water for quite a while.

A heavy cleaning is especially critical if an engine is a few years old, because seals and gaskets start leaking and the resulting oil is a grime magnet, even if it’s behind an outboard’s sealed cowling. The biggest reason to clean an engine is to prevent corrosion, which gets its start in places that are neglected.

OUTSIDE

Unlike the business ladder, we’re going to start at the top and work toward the bottom. For outboards, this means the cowling — an engine’s protective armor and the part that is visible to everyone. It 18

can take a beating during the season and deserves special attention. The first area of concern is the rubber seal that prevents water from entering — especially critical for boats in salt water, which is a corrosion jump-starter. If the seal is damaged in any

way, replace it (now is a good time to do it, because there will be a backorder list when spring arrives). Use only factory replacements for this one and use contact cement to install it. If it looks good, clean it with mild soap and water and wipe it down with Aerospace 303 Protectant ($7.99), which also works on hoses, wires, vinyl seats and even Bimini tops.

For the cowling itself, use a waterand-soap mixture of Awlgrip Awlwash Concentrate 7324 ($27), which is an expensive but quality all-purpose boat wash that’s gentle, PH neutral and biodegradable. Star brite Boat Wash is only $8 and is in the same quality ballpark. Wet a new microfiber towel (a pack of 36 Zwipes is $17), which won’t scratch the clear coat, and gently wash the cowling. Rinse the rag, wipe the cowling again to remove the soap and dry it with a clean towel. For the last step, my favorite is Mercury Marine’s Cowl Finishing Compound. Not only does it make the cowl shine and protect it, but it can remove most scratches. Stay out of direct sunlight and apply it in small circles with a towel. Let the compound dry and use a clean towel to buff it. For areas that are still scratched, apply a heavier concentration and spend more time working it in. A badly scratched cowling may require a buffer, such as the Shurhold Random Orbital Dual-Action Buffer ($160). This protocol works for the exterior of the lower unit too.

INSIDE

I am not a big fan of hosing down the engine block with water — and especially not with a high-pressure spray — because there are too many electrical items that can be compromised. Let the dirtiness of the engine block determine the cleaning regimen. First, disconnect the battery and remove it, especially if you intend to spray it with a low-pressure hose, and

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Star brite Boat Wash

Shurhold Random Orbital Dual-Action Buffer

AwlGrip Awlwash Concentrate 7324

Aerospace 303 Protectant

clean its exterior. Then, with a wire battery brush, clean the poles and connectors with CRC Battery Cleaner ($4) or replace them if they are worn. Don’t forget the battery tray, which can collect crud and some of the caustic overflow.

Next, use an assortment of brushes — toothbrush, bottle brush, long-handled brush with soft bristles and scrub brush — to attack the motor, dry, before introducing water or degreaser. You’ll be surprised by how much dirt and grime this step will remove. To keep things clean during the procedure, use a shop vac to suck up loose debris and keep it from falling down and hiding elsewhere.

Then fill a bucket with soapy water, dip a microfiber towel in it and wipe down the exterior of the block. Wrap the towel around the “wrong” end of a toothbrush, to get into the crannies, which transfers the dirt to the towel and keeps the surrounding area clean. Then go over the area with a damp towel to remove the soap. If rinsing is a must, protect electrical connections by wrapping them in heavy-duty tin foil — and don’t forget to disconnect the battery.

If the engine is really grimy, use a degreaser, but first, lay down a giant diaper, aka an Oil-Dri Absorbent HW Pad ($7), which can be found at an auto parts store.

For sterndrives, use a bucket to collect the cruddy water from the bilge drain hole and dispose of it at a local recycling center. A tried-and-true product for this is Gunk Engine Brite Engine Degreaser Heavy Duty Gel ($6.49). Do not use the foamy version. Spray on enough for coverage, let it sit for a few Remove fishing line and anything else minutes, work it in with the that may be tangled around the prop brushes and gently rinse, using shaft. a hose’s rain setting. Then dry it with a towel. If any water has pooled into recesses, use an air hose to clear it. A can of compressed air for cleaning a computer keyboard works great.

To protect the engine, spray the entire block with Yamaha’s Yamashield Rust & Corrosion Protectant ($9.49), which lubricates and protects all surfaces — even hoses and belts.

BOTTOM

CRC Battery Cleaner

Gunk Engine Brite Engine Degreaser YamaLube

To the Web  Awlgrip.com  CRCIndustries.com  GoldEagle.com (Aerospace)  Gunk.com  MercuryMarine.com

 OilDri.com  Shurhold.com  Starbrite.com  YamahaOutboards.com  Zwipes.com

Next, pull the prop and use a towel to get rid of old gear oil that probably looks pretty grimy. Clean with degreaser if it’s really bad. Inspect the seals and remove any fishing line that may have gotten wrapped around the prop shaft (an inspection that should occur regularly during the season). Then re-grease the shaft and put the prop back on.

With that done, reinstall the battery, attach ear muffs and run the engine for a few minutes to heat-dry any water that may have escaped notice. Be sure to use ear muffs instead of the hose attachment found on many engines, because most engine manufacturers stipulate the hose outlet should only be used to flush with the engine off.

Now the engine is ready for the winterization process. And when the first boating day of next year arrives, you — and the engine — will be ready. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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diy

TR I M S YSTEM I NSTA LL

How to Tackle a Trim System

Enjoy increased control and diminished drag with a system that uses blades instead of full tabs.

BY PETER KILGORE

T

HE ZIPWAKE DYNAMIC TRIM SYSTEM operates like trim tabs but provides greater control with less drag than conventional systems. The interrupters are blades that extend a little more than an inch out of their housing when fully deployed, instead of the six inches trim tabs go down into the water.

They fully extend in one and a half seconds and can be controlled manually or set to automatically achieve the desired result. When turned to auto, they reduce both roll and pitch without driver input, even during turns.

The project includes three primary parts — interrupters, distribution unit and control panel — and involves drilling quite a few holes in the hull, so inexperienced do-it-yourselfers may want to take a pass. Anyone with doubts should leave this one to the pros or at least work with someone who has a strong background in working with hulls. That said, the installation is straightforward and can be done in a few hours.

Because of its modular design, the Zipwake system (zipwake.com) can fit on a wide range of boats, from 20-somethings all the way to yachts. Smaller boats need one pair of interrupters; larger boats can take up to three per side. Owners can control up to six (three pairs) with one distribution unit that ties into the boat’s NMEA 2000 backbone, which is what the other electronics tie into.

The first step might be the most important: placing the interrupters, which come in different sizes. For maximum effect, place them as far outward on the transom as possible. If the hull has spray rails or reverse chines, a limited amount of overlap over the gap is OK. To install more than one on each side, like on my boat, start with the outer ones first. If you have multiple outboards or sterndrives, space the interrupters closest to the outside of the transom like this: outside the propeller’s diameter plus an additional distance of the prop diameter divided by four. The interrupter toward the keel should be inboard of the prop’s diameter plus the diameter width halved.

Zipwake can be installed on boats with a negative-angle transom, which allows a sterndrive or outboard to be trimmed at a negative angle for quicker planing. My boat has inboard engines, so I didn’t have to jump through that hoop. Interrupters should be mounted on a flat area. Once I found the spot, I taped the supplied template in position (1).

I drilled 1/8-inch pilot holes (2), removed the template and drilled 3/16-inch mounting holes. Folks who want to run the power cable behind the interrupter, which is a tidier option, will have to drill a 3/4-inch hole below the waterline.

I elected to run the cable above the waterline, so I didn’t have to drill the hole, but if you’re going to mount the cable concealed behind the unit, now’s the time to drill a hole with a hole saw with a 3/4-inch bit.

Since I ran the power cable above the waterline, I didn’t have to remove the servo unit on the mounting plate, but folks using the concealed cable method should remove the servo and pop out the round disk to create a hole on the 20

back of the plate. The next step is incredibly important.

Apply the Sika Sikaflex-291 Fast Cure Adhesive/Sealant liberally to each hole in the hull and on the mounting plate. I held the mounting plate close to the transom, inserted the screws through the holes, lined them up with ones I’d drilled and used a T30 bit on a power drill to screw them into the holes. Then I mounted the cover onto the mounting plate (3).

To install the power cord, I measured to a place four inches above the waterline where I wanted to drill the hole. The distance above the waterline doesn’t matter, because there is a wire cover that can be cut with a hacksaw for a custom fit, but the covers on the left and right should match for aesthetic reasons. After drilling a 1/8-inch pilot hole, I used a 3/4-inch hole saw to cut the hole before cleaning the hole and slathering Sika sealant around it and onto the screw part of the through-hull fitting near where it presses against the inside of the hull. It’s above the waterline, but I sealed it well, because water can still enter the transom and ruin it. I fed the fitting through the hole and attached the nut on the other side. If the boat will be kept in the water, paint the area with antifouling paint.

I installed the distribution unit inside on the hull — high enough to always be above any bilge water — ran a cable to the dash and ran the power cable from the unit to the battery (4). Be sure to place a 15-amp fuse in between and plug the interrupter cables into the unit.

Using the supplied template, I installed the controller at the helm. (Find a good location on the dash that’s at least 20 inches away from a compass, to avoid interference.) I taped the template in place and drilled 1/8-inch pilot holes. I drilled the three-inch center hole (5), attached the cable from the distribution unit and screwed down the controller (6) — after applying more Sika sealant. Once everything was hooked up, I tried it on land to make sure everything was working properly.

Zipwake is incredibly easy to use. When in manual mode, slightly twist the ring around controller wheel to make the boat lean in the desired direction and use the mouse wheel to raise and lower the bow. In auto, just press the button and it does everything for you.

It’s incredibly responsive and the panel always lets you know what’s being deployed. BW

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2

While the process involves drilling several holes in the hull, competent DIYers can arrive at the completed project (7) on their own in just a few hours.

1

3

4

5

6

7

TOOLS NEEDED Drill bits: 5/64, 1/8, 9/64, 3/16 Hole saw bit: 3/4 Screw bits: T10, T20, T25, T30 Wrenches: 33/64, 11/16 Power drill, Sika Sikaflex-291

Fast Cure Adhesive/Sealant, flat screwdriver, screwdriver bits, utility knife, hacksaw and antifouling paint

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ask the experts

Q

+A

Weight of the truck weight of the boat and trailer 3. How much weight the tow vehicle can safely handle Boat and trailer weight is the total weight of the boat, trailer and everything on board, including fishing gear, fuel, coolers and more. In this case, since you don’t have a boat yet, you can calculate everything individually and add them up for a rough estimate. If you already owned the boat, the simplest way to do this would be to load up the boat as you normally would and tow it to a commercial scale to get the total weight of the towing package: boat, trailer and gear.

Next up is nailing down your prospective tow vehicle information, which can be found at the manufacturer’s website or automotive websites such as edmunds.com.

First you need the tow vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR), a weight determined by the vehicle manufacturer to be the maximum weight of a loaded tow vehicle and its attached loaded trailer.

GCWR is calculated by adding curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment) and payload capacity (how much stuff the truck can carry without being overloaded). Curb Weight + Payload = GCWR. The estimated weight of your prospective boat/trailer and tongue weight (the downward weight on the hitch) is added to the curb weight. The grand total of this updated curb weight plus the vehicle payload capacity must not exceed the GCWR. 1.

2. Combined

TOW VEHICLES

Formula for Success

Q What is the rule of thumb for determining what I need for engine size in my vehicle that is adequate for the size/weight of the boat I want? Right now I have neither and need to know how to get started. I know you have to factor in trailer weight, fuel, gear, etc., right?

Gary Burnett, via BoatingWorld.com

The three key pieces of information you’ll need to match a towing vessel with whatever boat you decide to purchase are:  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.

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ECSTAR SUZUKI GENUINE OIL AND CHEMICALS: NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR SUZUKI MARINE DEALER

THE NUMBER ONE ENGINE OIL FOR SUZUKI OWNERS OR ANY BOAT OWNER THAT CARES ABOUT PERFORMANCE AND PROTECTION

ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil is scientifically formulated by Suzuki to provide the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard with the protection it needs to run long and strong in the harsh marine environment.

• Special Additives Help Protect Engines in Both Salt and Fresh Water Environments • Advanced Detergents Keep Engine Parts Clean • Viscosity Index Improvers Help Engines Start Easily in Cold Conditions ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Marine Engine Oil exceeds NMMA FC-W requirements.

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

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ask the experts R E A D E R S AYS W H AT ?

The Flip Side

You have a story called “Learn to Launch” (June, p. 14). The diagram shows backing up on the passenger side of the vehicle. If you flip the diagram and show the procedure on the driver’s side, this will indicate the preferred method. When backing on the driver’s side (mirror image to your display), the driver has a better view of the trailer and or boat, as they are not required to look through and or past the boat and or trailer. As a trained professional, I highly recommend the above method.

Ted Lewis, via BoatingWorld.com

To give you some wiggle room with regard to the load you can carry in the vehicle itself, the weight of your boat/trailer combo should not exceed 85 percent of the tow vehicle’s payload capacity. In fact, keep in mind that the GCWR is a maximum.

If your calculations are anywhere near it, consider a smaller boat or a bigger towing vehicle. — FL ENGINES

Under Cover

Q I have a 2002 Johnson 150 hp outboard.

When I come back from fishing, I have a lot of gas and oil residue inside the motor cover. When I run the motor at home with the cover off, I can’t see a leak. Can you offer any help?

Walt Compton, via BoatingWorld.com

Owning a 1998 150 60-degree, which is identical to yours except for the cover, I’ve often regarded it as designed by a mechanic for a mechanic. I find it a delightful engine in all aspects. But, the accountants got involved and little things you wouldn’t notice got nibbled on, like the puddling hose at the base of the front of the engine. Remove the air box covering the carburetors and there will be a hose at the bottom of the front of the engine that goes to a nipple on the top front of the engine, taking fuel that puddles as you idle and recirculating it through the top of the crankcase. See if maybe that hose came disconnected because it was a mite too short, or has a tear in it from when carbs were removed/reinstalled. Thinking further, if you see this oil only after fishing, perhaps you should put your catch in a cooler rather than under the engine cover. — GM 24

ENGINES

Repair or Replace?

Q I have a reasonably aged (1999) two-stroke 150 hp Evinrude that, according to my mechanic, “stuck a piston” because a thermostat stayed open and the piston expanded before the cylinder did. I take good care of my equipment — 300,000plus miles on my truck that looks new, shiny bass boat attached to the Evinrude — and product age doesn’t bother me. I’m leaning toward rebuilding the Evinrude, but the new four-strokes … wow! Is there any thinking one way or another now that the four-strokes have been out so long?

T. Shellman, via BoatingWorld.com

It used to be that if it cost less than half the replacement cost to rebuild or repair, forget replacement. For example, your Evinrude (whether you got a remanufactured powerhead or had the block done locally from scratch with all new parts) would cost in the neighborhood of $5,000 to rebuild. If you could replace it with a new 150 listing for $10,000 or less, rule of thumb says replace it. But a 150 is now $16,100 as an Evinrude two-stroke, or $17,300 as a Suzuki four-stroke. I’d have a hard time justifying triple the expense of a repair to my live-in accountant/chef/ assistant/nurse/great-grandmother. — GM SAFETY

Railing Rundown

Q I am planning to install railings around the top deck of my 1975 Sumerset 48 houseboat. I want them high enough for safety so I can entertain on the top deck.

I’m new at boat improvements. Do you have any suggestions for how best to proceed?

Adele DeWitt, via BoatingWorld.com

A good reference for information regarding industry accepted standards and recommendations on this subject can be found in 46 CFR 177.900 — Deck rails.

This section of the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) provides guidance for deck rail installations aboard various types of vessels, but some general design requirements include the following: 1. Designed and constructed to withstand a point load of 200 pounds applied at any point in any direction, and a uniform load of 50 pounds per foot applied to the top rail in any direction (the point and uniform loads do not need to be applied simultaneously).

2. Must be at least 39.5 inches high.

3. Rail courses or the equivalent must be installed between the top rail and the deck so that no open space exists that is more than 12 inches high.

The specifications provided in the CFR are federal requirements for the types of commercial vessels listed (passenger ferries, etc.). They of course would not be required by law in your case; however, the construction standards mentioned are a good place to start. — FL ENGINES

Defective Check Valve

Q My 2004 Mercury two-stroke carbureted outboard has two-stroke oil backing up into the gas lines before the ball and in the water separator. I noticed the two-stroke tank was not full. In the past I took the cap off the tank on the engine and ran it till it was full. Why is this two-stroke oil getting into the gas supply lines?

Stan Silverman, via BoatingWorld.com

The more things change, the more they remain the same. The old 1950s OMCs had a dual-hose setup that pumped crankcase pressure into the gas tank and pumped gas to the carb. That’s essentially the same way your Merc operates. On the starboard side, lower cowl, there’s an inline check valve that has become defective and is allowing the oil from the reservoir to feed back into the fuel system. — GM BW

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

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tested

S E A R AY S L X-W 2 30

Surfing’s Next Big Thing Sea Ray is going surfing with its new SLX-W 230.

BY ALAN JONES

A

NYONE WHO’S BEEN TO A lake in the last five years knows wakesurfing is the

current king of the hill, and it seems like every boat manufacturer wants in on the action. Many companies that have traditionally built sterndrive-powered boats found a solution in Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive system, which turns the twin-propped outdrive 180-degrees and safely tucks it beneath the hull. Sea Ray wanted to join the surfing party, but it’s part of the Brunswick family, which owns MerCruiser, so going Scandinavian wasn’t an option.

The elegantly simple solution was a V-drive. Most tournament-style boats, such as MasterCraft and Malibu, have them, and MerCruiser has plenty of experience with them on its 30-something-and-up models and with TowSport Inboard engines it uses on other ski boats, so its designers didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. But rather than be just another one of the old-school inboard gang, Sea Ray developed a new wrinkle that drivers will appreciate: Joystick Piloting for Inboards.

UNIQUE FACTOR

To create waves, Sea Ray employs a system it calls WakeTech, and at the heart of this technology are two surf tabs unlike any I’ve seen. Not only are there two wide plates, but each contains two vertical fins, and they work in concert with Sea Ray’s patented Dynamic Running Surface (DRS) system. Picture two really long, triangular trim tabs (Sea Ray won’t like that characterization) that conform to the shape of the hull and tuck into pockets when they are not deployed. Most tabs are, in effect, appendages attached to the back of the hull, but with DRS the operator can change

the shape of the hull itself, allowing him to get the boat on plane quickly with reduced bowrise and to fine-tune the wake, whether in wakeboard or surf mode. DRS also helps the SLX-W 230 stay on plane at a slower speed while giving the driver control of its running attitude, which can be controlled automatically.

A unique component of Sea Ray’s Next Wave system is its Quiet Ride Technology, which is a multipronged attack on noise and vibration. In addition to the usual sound-mitigating tricks such as heavy engine-box insulation and industrialstrength hatch seals to reduce rattling, the boat’s hull laminate includes a paper-like material that converts vibration and noise energy into heat that’s harmlessly absorbed into the water. It works. At wide-open throttle, noise measured just 90 decibels, which is about five fewer than typical V-drive boats.

PERFORMANCE

While this was Sea Ray’s first attempt to build a wakesports boat with a V-drive, MerCruiser already had the drivetrain to power it: the 6.2L ECT TowSport V-8,

(Clockwise from top right) A low swim platform with a “waterfall” slope makes it easy to enter the water. Board racks are a bit pricey but useful. Some bowrider space is sacrificed for more cockpit acreage. The tower is standard but not the speakers. SeaDek-covered steps make for easy boarding.

Joystick Docking For Inboards is a huge help. The sport wheel helps drivers get a grip. Quad coffee can speakers rock the house.

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owner feedback

Purchased by Michael Westmoreland, Austin, Texas Purchased at Sail & Ski Center, Austin, Texas

W H AT I L I K E D

Joystick Docking For Inboards system/Roomy interior/Great surf wake/Sea Ray styling and quality/Performance/Medallion display W H AT I W O U L D C H A N G E

I wish I could get the wake flatter for slalom skiing.

WHY I BOUGHT IT

I owned a Wellcraft for many years, but it was time to upgrade. I have slalom skied most of my life, but I also wanted to wakesurf, which was impossible with my sterndrive-powered boat. I had driven my friend’s V-drive boat and found it very difficult to dock, so I wasn’t sure what I wanted. Roger at Sail & Ski Center asked lots of questions and then said, “I have the perfect boat for you.” After he took me for a test drive I knew he was right. The Sea Ray SLX-W 230 not only has a huge wake for wakeboarding and surfing, but with the joystick control it is incredibly easy to drive and dock. What I really like is that you can switch the wake from one side to the other side in seconds rather than dump ballast and fill. It’s roomy too; I’ve had up to eight friends on the boat and there was room for more. I do most of my boating on Lake Austin, and when we aren’t skiing and surfing we head to the Ski Shores Café or the Hula Hut. Sometimes I tow it to nearby Lake Martin, which is a large lake that can get rough, but the Sea Ray handles it well.

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which produces 370 hp. It features a scroll intake manifold, which improves its performance in the low and mid-range rpm, where wakesports engines spend most of their time. Despite the fact this stout boat weighs 5,525 pounds before adding up to 1,920 pounds of ballast, it got on plane in four seconds. One of the best attributes of the 6.2L TowSport engine is its very linear power curve, which facilitates smooth skier extractions, and it pushed the SLX-W 230 to 25 mph in 7.2 seconds.

The V-drive configuration allowed designers to move the 862-pound 6.2L ECT engine far aft instead of placing it amidships in the “doghouse enclosure” where regular direct-drive inboards are usually placed on slalom boats. While the engine setup is ideal for wakesports, since it keeps the prop tucked under the hull for safety, it’s not particularly efficient.

Part of the problem is the drag caused by the running gear under the hull. The

other issue is the downward prop shaft angle, which vectors away power, unlike sterndrives and outboards that have their thrust more or less parallel with the hull bottom. And while the surf tabs allow the driver to control the running attitude of the boat, he can’t trim up to reduce wetted surface. The bottom line is that with its top speed of 41 mph, it’s at least 10 mph slower than its sterndrive counterpart that has less horsepower.

HANDLING

Because inboard boats employ a rudder, which depends on water flowing over it to work, they are more difficult to dock than boats with other types of propulsion.

Maneuvers such as docking on the port side or backing in a straight line are difficult.

The biggest wow factor moment for the SLX-W 230 is the availability of Joystick Piloting for Inboards. It allows the driver to maneuver the boat in any direction

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$109,850, JPI adds less than 10 percent to the cost.

Like many other V-drive ski boats, the Sea Ray has a pair of tracking fins that allowed it to carve turns with alacrity and zero sliding during our test. There was a fairly pronounced amount of lean-in during cornering, because of its 21 degrees of deadrise at the stern, but that angle helped it slice through choppy water easily, which came in handy during our sea trial in the open waters of Lake Michigan in the shadows of Chicago’s skyline.

BEST USES

— even sideways — by tilting or twisting the fat controller knob that has a lighted ring around it to let one know when it’s in gear. Joystick docking has previously been reserved for twin-engine applications, but this system — also great for maneuvering

The stern is perfectly designed for watersports. around downed skiers — employs a bow and stern thruster that are controlled by a computer to do the driver’s bidding. At $10,000 it’s not a cheap option, but for owners who aren’t inboard driving experts, it’s crucial. Given the boat’s starting price of

This boat is designed for buyers who want a purpose-built wakesurf/wakeboard machine but who want to stay in the Sea Ray family. Sea Ray could have taken the easy way for ballast and provided abovedecks bags without changing the SLX 230 model much, but that would have raised its center of gravity, made it less seaworthy and eaten up valuable storage space. Instead, it has three ballast tanks capable of holding 1,920 pounds of wave-shaping liquid set within the liner and belowdecks. The result is a chunky wave with lots of push and a nicely symmetrical wakeboard wake.

Most of the boat’s systems and MerCruiser’s SmartTow are controlled via a 12.3-inch diagonal touchscreen Dynamic Display. Not only can the driver control the speed but also the rate of acceleration, which helps deliver the perfect tow. Just set the desired terminal speed and the amount of ramp, then jam the throttle all the way to its stops. Thanks to the responsive surf

tabs, experienced surfers can change sides in three seconds.

The stern is perfectly designed for watersports. A locker under the sunpad can accommodate a couple of boards or other gear, and the swim platform is padded with quilted-pattern SeaDek and slopes down like a waterfall at the back, to allow wakeboarders to slide right into the water.

PREFERRED SETUP

I find it strange that some wakeboard/ wakesurf boat builders offer towers as an option, but not Sea Ray. The clamping board racks are a pricey $4,000 option, as are the tower-mounted coffee-can speakers, which cost $1,462 for a pair or $2,538 for quads. The Premium stereo upgrade is a Rockford Fosgate Bluetooth system and subwoofer that costs $2,538 and is well worth it.

The 23-foot, 10-inch SLX-W 230 is rated for 13 people — human ballast to help build the wave. The layout has a cockpit-forward design that creates an incredible amount of seating behind the crew chairs. To port, a doublewide bucket seat has a flip-flop seatback that allows its occupants to go from observers to cruisers in one second. The additional square footage in back limits the bow section space a bit, but a six-footer can still stretch out, and there’s room for at least two people to face aft. For $423, the filler option can turn the bow into a playpen. And for entertaining, two large tables, fore and aft, cost $423 and $538, respectively. For flooring, Infinity woven vinyl is a $692 upgrade. BW

Specs Length 23 ft., 10 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Deadrise 21 degrees Capacity 13 people Dry Weight (hull) 5,525 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 53 gals. Max HP 370 PERFORMANCE Peak 41.0 mph/5400 rpm/90 dBA Cruise 23.5 mph/3500 rpm/82 dBA Time to Plane 4.0 sec.

Time to 25 mph 7.2 sec.

POWER Test MerCruiser 370 hp TowSport Inboard Cylinders V-8 Displacement 6.2L Weight w/outdrive 862 lbs.

WOT Range 5000-5400 rpm Base Price w/test power $109,850 Value-Added Standard Features: Watersports tower, 12.3-inch Dynamic Display, SeaDek padded swim platform, Bluetooth stereo, 3-tank 1,920-pound ballast, WakeTech wave-shaping tabs, Digital Throttle and Shift Must-Have Options: Dual-axle trailer, closed cooling system, Joystick Piloting for Inboards, bow ladder, rearview mirror, bow and cockpit tables, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer stereo, board racks, swimstep Builder: Sea Ray, searay.com Financing: $788/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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tested

A LU M ACR A F T 1860 COA STA L BAY TU N N EL

Tunnel Vision Alumacraft’s new 1860 Coastal Bay Tunnel is designed to go where other boats can’t, without breaking the bank.

BY ALAN JONES

F

ISH LOVE SKINNY WATER, MAYBE because they know many anglers’ boats can’t go there. Well, they are absolutely going to hate the Alumacraft 1860 Coastal Bay Tunnel, a boat that can run on a damp sponge.

UNIQUE FACTOR

Many aluminum boats in the fishing skiff family are really utilitarian, which is boat-speak for the opposite of stylish and attractive. Alumacraft’s Coastal Bay series boats break out of that characterization, however, by adding a splash of color throughout and some stainless steel flash.

The Coastal Package offers buyers four color themes: Copper, Galaxy Blue, Sonic Red and Mica Black, which was our test boat’s scheme. But even the standard Bay boats offer four choices: Gun Metal Gray, Khaki, Sand and Camo.

on a 100-degree day. I’ve seen the Copper version with its corresponding console, and I feel like that, along with the red option, might be a better choice for use in steamy southern states.

The console itself is larger than ones usually seen on 18-foot boats and provides enough space to install flush-mounted electronics up to the optional 10.4-inch Humminbird Onix SI ($4,061). Our test model featured the Helix 5SI, which is a $650 option that handles the fish-finding job for a lot less. The stainless steel tilt wheel and SeaStar hydraulic steering come

The console itself is larger than ones usually seen on 18-footers The Mica Black color package starts with a slash of black on the upper hull, over the white Sand bottom. On the deck and gunwales of the boat is a tough-as-nails sprayed-on liner with splatters of colorcoordinated black and some red, which will come in handy to disguise fish blood.

The fiberglass center console — a rarity in aluminum skiffs — is also completely black to match the theme. Not only that, but its designers threw in a bit of sparkle, for some flash. On our test day on Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta, the sun was bright but the temperature was fall-crisp, so even with the solar stimulation, the console itself wasn’t as hot as I expected. For me, though, the jury’s still out on having a black, or dark blue, console until I see how it fares 30

with the Coastal option, which adds $1,963 to the bottom line but also includes niceties such as the color-coordinated fishing seats and seatback and bottom for the jumpseat in front of the console, which is surprisingly comfortable and has two grab handles for rider security.

PERFORMANCE

I had been on this same model a couple of months earlier at a Honda press event, also held on Lake Lanier, to unveil its new BF100, which is the engine our test boat

had on its transom. This technological marvel has many of the features found on Honda’s flagship BF250, including Lean Burn, which reduces the air/fuel mixture during times the internal computer senses it’s under reduced load, to give it greater fuel efficiency. For better performance, Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) has a two-way camshaft that can switch to a high-performance mode in the upper end, to give it an extra kick when there’s a need for speed.

Hammering the throttle quickly on test day triggered BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque), which advanced the timing and helped the 1860 BayT get on plane quickly, in 2.8 seconds. A pair of sponsons ($957) at the stern provide more flotation and act like fixed trim tabs that also virtually eliminate bowrise — a real plus for getting on plane in shallow water. The sponsons also act as boarding steps. With two people on board, the boat reached 25 mph in 8.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 40.7 mph.

As well as this boat performed with the BF100, it’s rated for up to a 115, and that would be my call. Because Alumacraft is an independent boat company, buyers can rig it with any engine brand.

HANDLING

The 1860 has a choice of two hull types: Standard and Tunnel. Our boat had the latter. The 6-inch-wide tunnel tapers into nothingness 60 inches forward and is there for the prop, so the driver can run it higher in the water and reduce draft when running. This means at speed, the 1860 BayT is drawing about six inches of water; it can cross flats other boats can’t. Although Alumacraft doesn’t offer it as an option, buyers who want to maximize its skinnywater capability should get a hydraulic jackplate, so the lower unit can be tweaked to its optimum height. Of course, having a tunnel has its minor drawbacks. It will probably cost the boat one or two mph of

(Clockwise from top right) A large stainless steel tilt wheel gives the driver control. Twin flip-up jumpseats occupy the stern. A handy livewell is in front of the bow. A Minn Kota trolling motor is a musthave option. A tall windshield offers driver protection. SeaStar hydraulic steering is a worthy option.

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owner feedback top speed and the prop won’t be as efficient in reverse, but the lightweight 875-pound hull rides on top of the water, so fuel economy should be outstanding.

Surprisingly, the tunnel boat at rest actually draws an inch or two more than the standard hull. The flattish hull bottom and tunnel conspire to keep the driver from being able to crank a really hard turn, but

Purchased by Jon and Krystle Greider, plus Avery, 5, Edisto Beach, S.C. Purchased at Wilson Marine, Newberry, S.C. W H AT W E L I K E D

Rear flip-up jumpseats/Camouflage paint option/Tunnel hull/Quiet and powerful Yamaha F90 outboard/Center console design W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E

We are getting a gunwale track system installed for accessories.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

My family and I love coastal South Carolina, where I work as the park manager of the Edisto Beach State Park, and we wanted a roomy, affordable boat. It had to be able to get on plane quickly in the shallow waters in and around the Edisto River, so the Alumacraft 1860 Coastal Bay Tunnel was perfect for us. My wife loves the jump seats that flip up and give her and our daughter a comfortable, safe seat in the stern. The center console allows me to stand and drive, which gives me better visibility to spot shoals, which are common here. We love to fish for trout, flounder, redfish and shark, and the 1860 has a large casting platform up front and one in back when you flip the seats down. In season we hunt for duck, and the fact the boat had a camouflage paint choice was a plus. When we aren’t fishing or hunting, we like to beach the boat and explore places like Otter Island and Pine Island and look for shells and sand dollars. The owner of Wilson Marine has a house in Edisto Beach, where I live, and will bring me anything I need, and they also have a great service department.

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rear casting deck. When flipped down, they provide a solid platform to stand on, but they are the most comfortable seats in the house for underway seating. There’s a large livewell under the seat bottom of the jumpseat in front of the console, but I don’t like how the lid opens 180 degrees to the front, which would make it vulnerable to breaking off if an angler getting bait lost

It’s a remarkably stable platform, even with two big guys it’s a very controlled event that will allow one to cruise down twisting rivers without a problem other than oncoming boats.

And the SeaStar hydraulic system makes it really easy to drive. Some buyers go with cable or BayStar steering, which I find to be inadequate for any motor 100 hp and up.

BEST USES

The 1860 Coastal BayT’s main mission is fishing and is rigged with twin pedestal fishing chairs, one fore and aft. Because of its flattish hull, it’s a remarkably stable platform, even with two big guys fishing on the foredeck. It lacks the rod boxes of its larger sibling, the 2072, so rod storage is limited to the twin three-rod vertical holders on either side of the console. The big advantage of its center-console design is that two or three people can stand at the helm while underway thanks to the compact leaning post and the sturdy stainless steel grabrail that encircles the console.

A pair of flip-up seatbacks are set into the

his balance and leaned on it. Our test boat was equipped with a Minn Kota Riptide 70 trolling motor ($1,110) powered by twin 12v batteries that reside in the center console, for better boat balance.

PREFERRED SETUP

Choosing the hull type is an easy call.

For really shallow water, get the Tunnel.

Otherwise, the Standard hull should get the nod. The Coastal Package addition is a no-brainer and only bumps the boat’s cost up to $13,540, with a choice of trailers but without an engine. Going with the max 115 hp is a good call, and a Honda BF115 is an additional $11,487. Yamaha fans can equip it with the hot-rod-like VMAX SHO VF115, for $12,018. Even loaded up with a Honda BF115, a Minn Kota Riptide 70 trolling motor, Helix 5SI electronics, the Coastal Package and sponsons, the boat’s MSRP is only $27,764, which leaves room in the budget for a lot of gas and fishing equipment. BW

Specs Length 18 ft. Beam 7 ft., 6 in. Deadrise N/A Capacity 5 people Dry Weight (hull) 875 lbs. Fuel Capacity 20 gal.

Max HP 115 PERFORMANCE Peak 40.7 mph/6200 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 26 mph/4000 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane 2.8 sec.

Time to 25 mph 8.3 sec.

POWER Test Yamaha F115 four-stroke Cylinders In-line 4 Displacement 1.5L Weight w/outdrive 359 lbs.

WOT Range 5500-6300 rpm Base Price w/Honda BF115 $24,967 Value-Added Standard Features: Single-axle custom trailer, two pedestal fishing seats, two 3-rod racks, choice of hull colors, flip-up stern jumpseats, stainless steel wheel Must-Have Options: Sponsons, fishing electronics, trolling motor, SeaStar hydraulic steering Builder: Alumacraft Boat Co., alumacraft.com Financing: $236 /month w/15% down and 6% interest for 10 years

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tested

RO BA LO R 200 E S

Napoleon Complex Robalo’s new R200ES is a family-friendly fishing boat that knows how to have a good time.

BY ALAN JONES

T

HE LEGEND OF ROBALO BEGAN in 1969 when it produced its first model, a 19-foot

center console that had a reputation for being a tank, in the best sense of the word.

Unsinkable and indestructible were its two most common descriptors. People today look back to the early models with great nostalgia, and those boats are still highly sought after. Robalo’s newest classic is the R200ES, which might be small in length but is big everywhere else.

UNIQUE FACTOR

Like the R180, its smaller sibling, the R200ES feels like a bigger boat than its 20-foot, 7-inch length suggests, thanks, in part, to its ultra-high gunwales. On most fishing boats of this size, anglers fighting a fish find themselves leaning against a kneehigh gunwale, which is neither comfortable nor secure. But on the R200ES, all but the tallest will be able to lock in and brace their thighs against the really wide coaming pads. Toe rails also help anglers stay on board during a fish fight. Toward the bow, the shearline rises, giving it an extra bit of freeboard that drivers will appreciate when they see a large wave coming. The gunwale width is generous, especially at the bow where it morphs into a wide, flat area that’s perfect for throwing a cast net or sight-casting. Diamond non-skid is barefoot friendly and provides good slip grip.

One of the wow factors on the R180 we tested a couple of years ago was the massive head compartment that was accessed by swinging open the entire front end on the console like a big refrigerator door. The R200ES has one too. The portable toilet–ready head compartment also serves as an easily accessible storage compartment. The huge center console, whose dash can accommodate large-screen electronics, makes the head compartment possible. Curiously, though, Robalo only 34

offers the 7.4-inch Garmin 721 and 741XS GPSMap fishfinder ($1,435) as electronics options despite having enough real estate for a 10-incher if the gauges were repositioned.

just doesn’t crank out enough ponies to get the job done — borne out by a Yamaha performance test during which an F115equipped R200 reached a top speed of 36.8 mph. Pricewise, choosing the F115 over the F150 would be the worst $3,060 anyone ever “saved.” Our test boat had the F150, the smallest motor buyers should consider, and it gave the R200ES a huge boost in performance, getting it on plane in 3.3 seconds, pushing it to 30 mph in 8.5 seconds and coaxing it to a top speed of 44.8 mph.

Another factor when choosing an engine is fuel economy, and most people probably assume the smaller outboard at least has that going for it. Not the case with the R200. Surprisingly, the best planing-speed fuel economy, during Yamaha Performance tests, was turned in by the boat with the F200. At 27 mph and turning 3500 rpm, it got 4.9 mpg. To hit 26.3 mph, the F115equipped Robalo had to spin at 4500 rpm, which netted it only 4.4 mpg. The upcharge from an F150 to an F200 is $3,620, but

My overall impression was that I was driving an offshore boat.

Our test boat had the optional anodized aluminum soft T-top ($3,060), which was really well braced in eight spots for zero wigglage. It’s no surprise the T-top is so well executed, since Robalo was the first to employ this now-ubiquitous feature. It offers plenty of canvas shade, and buyers can order the support tubes clad in black or white powder coating for an extra $980.

Four rocket launcher rod holders keep things organized.

PERFORMANCE

Robalo makes sure buyers aren’t paralyzed by endless engine choices, offering just three Yamahas: F115, F150 and F200.

Make that two choices, because the F115

that includes a stainless steel prop. Top speed with an F200 was 48.5 mph. Robalo will also rig Mercury engines in the same 115, 150 and 200 hp intervals.

HANDLING

The R200ES features a relatively wide 8-foot, 4-inch beam for its 20-foot, 7-inch length. It weighs a stout 3,000 pounds, which is 224 pounds more than a similarly styled Scout 215XSF, which is wider and nearly a foot longer. The Hydrolift Hull features Kevlar in its layup and aggressive reverse chines that give it lift and direct water down and to the side, for a drier ride. Extra-wide chines also add lift, which accounts for its slow planing speed of

(Clockwise from top right) The extra-large center console yields a large dash for electronics. Stern “platformettes” make it easy to maneuver out back. Wide gunwales have cupholders. Well-braced T-top offers a swath of shade. Removable bow backrests turn the R200ES into a bowrider. Fishboxes or storage compartments lurk underneath the bow seats.

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owner feedback

Purchased by Steve and Beth Black, plus Parker, 8, and Kayleigh, 23, Apopka, Fla. Purchased at Dealer’s Choice Marine, Orlando W H AT W E L I K E D

Good fit and finish/Large head compartment/ Well-designed leaning post/Quiet and powerful Yamaha F150/Comfortable passenger seating/Large casting decks W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E

I had my dealer install a Power-Pole. It could probably use more rod holders in the stern.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I’ve had many different kinds of boats but have never been too impressed with their quality. I am a meticulous person, and when I started looking at boats the Robalo stood out in its class for fit and finish. It also had features not found on other boats, such as a large head compartment, which is important when you have a family. My wife isn’t the most avid boater, so it had to be comfortable, and with the cushions in place, it’s a great family boat. With the cushions stored, it’s a good fishing boat. We have a condo on the Intercoastal in Flagler Beach, and it’s perfect for that area. We like to cruise around and stop in the shallows to swim, and all I have to do is press the button for the Power-Pole. I press the button again and we’re off.

My daughter, her boyfriend and I love to fish for trout and redfish, and the R200ES has lots of great fishing amenities. Dealer’s Choice has been a pleasure to do business with and they’re very hands-on. On our shakedown cruise, the owner of the dealership went along to make sure I knew how everything works.

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around 16 mph and its quick time to plane.

My overall impression was that I was driving a miniature offshore boat. The thick stainless steel wheel with a spinner knob ($80) and a thickly padded, sturdy leaning post didn’t hurt that sensation.

And kudos to Robalo for including two deep storage wells at the top of the center console that will be handy repositories for cellphones, suntan lotion and fishing gear.

The R200ES took off with little bowrise and assumed a slight bow-up running attitude without having to trim the outboard up much. Our test boat had optional Lenco trim tabs ($700) that kept it running level, and should even when passengers congregate on one side. With the spinner knob on the wheel, I could whip it quickly into hard turns and it hooked up well.

BEST USES

Robalo has two versions of this model, the more fishing-centric R200 and the R200ES we tested, which has additional family-friendly features but still takes care of the anglers. The biggest difference is the fixed bench seat at the stern. Under the starboard-side cushion is a 15-gallon livewell and next to that is dedicated storage for a five-gallon bucket, something every fishing boat has on it. The bench does eat up fishing space, but with its cushions stowed in the center console, it serves as a good fishing platform. The standard R200 has a pair of flip-up jumpseats in the stern that flank the 15-gallon livewell.

Both models have twin 23-gallon fishboxes up front that drain overboard. Under the

leaning post is a 70-quart cooler. Another addition to the ES model is the bowrider seatbacks that turn the forward cushions into chaise lounges. Instead of using a modified rod holder as a seatback receiver, it’s a flat blade that slides into a slot that prevents any side-to-side wobble. The seatbacks include some angle for comfort, a nicety that many builders neglect. The upholstery is more upscale on this model — special Nano-Block Technology vinyl has a brown accent stripe, which is repeated on all the vinyl, including the coaming pads and on the jumpseat in front of the console.

A four-speaker Bluetooth stereo keeps the crew entertained when the fish are playing hard to get.

PREFERRED SETUP

The R200ES starts at a budget-friendly price of $38,260 with the Yamaha F150, which leaves cash for some options.

Robalo takes care of the must-have features, including a standard dual-axle aluminum trailer. Buyers who forego the T-top to save a few bucks can still get some shade with a Bimini top ($845).

Customization is possible with a choice of 22 hull colors, stripes and fish hook logos.

The most expensive is the choice of six solid colors, which costs $1,045. About the only necessary options other than the ones mentioned thus far are the dual battery switch ($250) and, for folks into stealthing around, the factory pre-rig wiring for a trolling motor ($660). Pull-up cleats go for $225. For skiing families, the anodized aluminum ski tow costs $485. BW

Specs Length 20 ft., 7 in. Beam 8 ft., 4 in. Deadrise 18 degrees Capacity 8 people Dry Weight (hull) 3,000 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 70 gal. Max HP 200 PERFORMANCE Peak 44.8 mph/6000 rpm/94 dBA Cruise 30.2 mph/4000 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane 3.3 sec.

Time to 30 mph 8.5 sec.

POWER Test Yamaha F150 four-stroke Cylinders In-line 4 Displacement 2.7L Weight w/outdrive 491 lbs.

WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $38,260 Value-Added Standard Features: Dual-axle aluminum trailer, compass, raw-water washdown, 4-speaker Bluetooth stereo, leaning post w/70-quart marine cooler, bowrider backrests, boot stripe Must-Have Options: Garmin 741XS or 721 GPSMap fishfinder; T-top; vertical, horizontal and in-gunwale rod holders; portable toilet; trim tabs; ski tow; bow railing; SeaStar hydraulic steering Builder: Marine Products Corp., robalo.com Financing: $274/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

Double Whammy BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Introducing dirty gas THE BONEHEAD: A city-bred retiree BONEHEAD RATING: Five plus WHAT HAPPENED: Last fall we had a boat owner launch his boat one fine fall weekend. I had just spit-shined the carburetors on his V-6 Yamaha and he was ready for rock fishing. Just about dark I received a call from him saying my work was faulty, that the engine wouldn’t start. With apologies, I made the trek to his house the next morning to correct my transgressions.

I didn’t remember little dots of white being on the midsection, nor an interesting green on the 18-footer’s deck. When I turned the ignition to start, there was no response from the engine. The battery switch was under the aft seat, so I raised the seat to see if it was on. It was. However, nothing was attached to it. Or the two earlier-submerged batteries, one of which had had the lead attached to the automatic bilge pump.

“Did you ever get the engine started?”

“No, your work didn’t work.”

“Before we get into that, how far did your boat sink?”

“It didn’t! The engine wouldn’t start!”

I pointed to the carnage in the bilge.

“Well, maybe it got a little wet.”

“Forgot to put the drain plug in, did we?”

“Yeah, but I got the boat right out!”

“Did the engine go under?”

“Only the hood latch in front.”

The foam in the cover was so-so dry, so I hooked my tank of premix to the filter and ran the engine for a short time.

That conversation changed our relationship, at least from my perspective. This summer, when he launched his boat July 4, when the house was full of relatives, it was no surprise to receive a call that the engine wouldn’t take throttle. The trusty Dodge and I made the trip to the ramp, where I told him he could easily make it home at idle, and I’d check it out when he got there, away from the madding launch crowd. I got to his house and it was hard to tell if I’d be safer at the ramp or the house. I took the carbs off, removed the

bowls, re-cleaned the main jets, and then reassembled, reinstalled and balanced everything. I installed a genius-of-an-idea clear water separator canister with a floating ring, so he could note if any water was still in the tank. That night, a serious bill was typed and mailed.

This weekend: “I’m seeing the orange ring float. What should I do?”

“Drain it. There’s water in it.”

“Where’s the water coming from?”

“Unless you sank it again, it’s probably coming from above the tank.”

“Oh. Well, it has lots of rust in it.”

“Rust? You have a ‘plastic’ tank.”

“I know that.”

“Then how do you account for the rust, which is generally attributed to metal?”

“Do you think I got some bad gas?”

Ignoring that lead, I asked, “What did it come from?”

“Some five-gallon cans in the barn.”

“Metal?”

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

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

“Mmm … I think so.”

“OK, I’m going back to eating dinner while you think about how rust might have gotten into the tank and the filter.”

He’s either still thinking, and all his family is enjoying the boat, or he’s figured it out and decided it wasn’t worth calling back.

LESSON LEARNED: It’s stated beautifully on a T-shirt a son-in-law got me: “I Might Be A Mechanic, But I Can’t Fix Stupid.” 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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SELECT & INSTALL A BATTERY PERFORMANCE AND LIFE WILL BE IMPROVED

BY AN ONBOARD CHARGER.

BY CAPT. FRANK LANIER

M

aintaining a boat’s batteries is crucial, both for performance and increased service life. Keeping them properly charged can be an issue, however, particularly for vessels that see limited or sporadic use. A great way to monitor and promote good battery health is to install a modern “smart” battery charger. But how does one select and install the right charger?

Read on to find out.

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CHARGER

Marine-grade batteries aren’t cheap and can easily be destroyed by improper charging, so the last place you want to skimp is during charger selection. Always go with a quality marinegrade unit, one built to ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) and UL standards. Look for smart chargers that provide numerous charging options and features, such as the ability to select between the different types of battery technology: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), gel, etc.

Unlike old resonance chargers from the past — the ones that hum like something out of a mad scientist’s laboratory — many modern chargers are “fully potted,” a term that means their electronics are completely encapsulated in resin, which makes the unit waterproof and significantly reduces the chance of corrosion.

Waterproof chargers can be used on any craft but are particularly useful for installations aboard boats that are often wet by nature, such as personal watercraft and small fishing boats.

As uncontrolled combustion is not our friend, battery chargers installed on gasoline-powered vessels must be labeled as being ignition protected and conform to appropriate UL specifications, which include testing in an explosive environment.

Regardless of which battery charger you choose, stay away from el cheapo automotive chargers found

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XANTREX TRUE CHARGER

PROMARINER P R O N AU T I C R E M OT E

B LU E S E A P 1 2 B AT T E RY C H A R G E R

PROMARINER PROSPORT 8

at the local Big Mart. They’re not designed for marine use and can cause a multitude of problems, from stray current corrosion to shock hazards.

As to size and output, always consult the manufacturer’s instructions when selecting a charger, but a general rule of thumb is to choose one with an output that’s at least 10 percent of your boat’s battery (or battery bank) capacity. For example, a 300Ah (amp hour) battery or bank needs a 30-amp charger. If you can’t find an exact match based on the 10 percent formula, a charger with a little more output is a better than one that’s too wimpy.

Chargers from a number of different manufacturers are a good fit for most trailerable boats and their battery needs.

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L O C AT I O N Figuring out where to mount a charger will be an exercise in compromise, so be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when selecting a mounting location. The best option is a cool, dry area with adequate ventilation. A higher location is generally better than a lower one, since a higher spot typically provides better ventilation and protection from the corrosive humidity of the bilge.

Avoid high-temperature locations such as the engine compartment, if possible, though doing so can be difficult on smaller boats with limited options.

If you are considering installing the charger in a deck or cockpit locker, locate it as high as possible in a dry corner of the locker away from the hatch, to reduce its exposure to water drips and spray.

Many of the storage areas where battery chargers are installed have marginal ventilation at best. If that’s the case with your installation, help the charger breathe easier by not cocooning it with life jackets, boat covers and other air-blocking items. Adding

N O R CO G E N I U S G E N 2

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M A R I N CO B AT T E RY CHARGER INLET

M A S T E RVO LT CHARGEMASTER

additional locker vents that will increase air flow may be a good option.

Chargers should be installed as close to the battery or bank as is practical. Shorter leads mean less installation cost, less voltage drop — discussed in a moment — and increased charger performance over the life of the unit.

That being said, the charger should not be mounted directly over the battery or bank. Batteries, particularly liquid electrolyte or wet-cell types, can produce corrosive gases such as sulfur dioxide while they charge. Such gases can quickly damage a charger if it is located directly above them. A charging lead acid battery produces hydrogen, which is not toxic, but at high concentrations it is highly explosive (think Hindenburg) — yet another reason the charger should be ignition protected and installed in a well-ventilated area.

R E M O T E D I S P L AY ?

As should be clear, the battery charger will likely wind up in an out-of-the-way location where it can’t easily be monitored. To address this out-of-sight, BOATINGWORLD.COM

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REMOTE D I S P L AY

AC POWER

B AT T E R Y CHARGER INLET

B AT T E R Y CHARGER

At its most basic, a battery charger draws its power from an AC source and distributes that power to the batteries, which then provide starting power for the engine and juice for many onboard items.

out-of-mind dilemma, many new chargers offer a remote display option, which is a great feature to look for during charger selection. Remote displays can provide a wealth of information; however, even the most basic units will provide all you really need: AC input voltage, DC output voltage, battery temperatures (if a sensor is installed), total charge time, current charge cycle info and more.

Installation of a remote display is pretty much a plugand-play affair — typically four mounting screws for the display and a length of cable with phone jack–style connections at each end.

MOUNTING With a suitable spot chosen, it’s time to mount the charger. For smaller chargers being mounted to a thick bulkhead or structure, screws are an acceptable option. If the charger weighs more than a couple of pounds, it should be through-bolted with suitably sized bolts, nuts and washers. Regardless of the mounting option, always use marine-grade stainless steel for all mounting hardware.

GETTING WIRED Connecting the charger involves the installation of both AC (to power the charger) and DC wiring (between the charger and battery). DC wiring should be sized according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which will be based on the distance between the charger and the battery.

This measurement is round-trip length (i.e., the full length of the negative and positive wires added together).

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TO ENGINE

Never make connections using residential wire nuts or electrical tape.

The longer the wire run, the larger the wire diameter needed to offset loss due to voltage drop — a loss of power resulting from the use of wire that’s too small for the run. Using smaller diameter wire than called for can decrease charge voltage at the battery and slow the charge rate way before the battery is fully charged, increasing charge time or actually preventing the battery from becoming fully charged.

Wire runs should be routed as directly as possible and given support and chafe protection as needed. DC wiring connections should be made using marine-grade waterproof ring terminals or butt connections. These are the ones that have a short length of heat-shrink tubing to protect the termination once the connector is crimped and the heat shrink is activated.

If a wire-to-wire connection is required, always use a butt splice or connector. Never make connections using residential wire nuts or electrical tape, because both will eventually fall off due to vibration or age and leave exposed, energized wires.

When making the connection from a charge cable to a battery post, use closed barrel terminals where possible, sealing each with a small length of heat shrink to protect them against corrosion. Place the charge cable terminals on top of the primary battery cable terminals, rather than beneath. Doing so keeps the terminal where it can easily be monitored for corrosion and raises it slightly above the top of the battery, which should prevent spilled electrolyte from wicking up the wire and causing problems.

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Whether the install is for a big charger or a small one, the connections should be tight and the wiring should be properly supported.

at the battery the final step. This is a safety strategy that minimizes exposure to energized circuits — DC power from the battery, for example — assuming, of course, power to the AC system is turned off as discussed previously.

If the charger’s DC wire terminates in spring clamps or alligator clips (to make the battery connection), cut them off and replace them with proper marine-grade ring terminals. Finally, spray or coat all connections with a corrosion inhibitor, such as Boeshield T-9, for added protection.

On smaller craft without a permanently installed AC system, hooking up the AC side can be as simple as plugging the battery charger into a suitable extension cord.

For a more permanent install where the charger is the only AC-powered item on board, a grounded AC power inlet that accepts a standard extension cord plug, such as the Marinco 15A Battery Charger Inlet, is an option.

If the boat already has an AC system installed, plugging the charger into a convenient outlet may be an option, if one is nearby. If not, you’ll want to power it from the main AC distribution panel using marine-grade, multistranded three-conductor AC wiring (no residential-type solidstrand wire, please). Pick an unused circuit breaker of the amperage called for by the charger manufacturer — typically 15 to 20 amps — and connect per To the Web the instructions.

BlueSea.com Practice safe wiring by making sure the AC Marinco.com shore-power cord is unplugged at the dock, the Mastervolt.com main AC circuit breaker is off and that all AC No.co (Noco Co.) power sources, including inverters and generators, PowermaniaUSA.com are off and disconnected before starting any work.

To wire safely, start from the AC side of things and ProMariner.com work toward the battery, making the connections

FIRING IT UP When all the connections have been made, and with the AC power off, make the final charger connections to the battery and verify that the installation is complete. Review the entire installation.

Check that all the connections are tight, all wiring is properly supported (with appropriate chafe protection) and that everything is installed per the charger manufacturer’s instructions.

But wait! Don’t turn anything on just yet. First, check that the battery charger is set for the boat’s battery type.

Next, measure the voltage of your battery with a multi­ meter prior to the charge cycle, which provides a good starting reference point and will be handy later if battery issues develop.

Now’s the time to plug in the shore-power cord, energize the main breaker and trip the appropriate branch circuit breaker to power up the battery charger. Once the battery charger is powered up, check the battery voltage level. It should be greater than the reference voltage from earlier; in fact, it should begin to rise as soon as you power up the charger.

F I N A L LY… Don’t simply power up the charger, call it good because nothing caught fire and then head home for your favorite Barcalounger and a cold beverage. Once the battery charger is powered up and running, stay on board to observe at least the first few hours of operation. You should ideally hang around long enough to verify that when the batteries are fully charged, the charger transitions from the initial charging mode to a maintenance level float charge. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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water dogged

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1. BD, Rick Milczanowski, Barkhamsted, Conn.

2. Benji, Paulina Mogila, Airmont, N.Y.

What’s better than one salty dog?

How about a whole bunch of them.

h, boat dogs. So many boat owners have them. They’re the captains, admirals, first mates and lifeguards that make a day on the water better for those around them. To ensure they don’t go unsung, we feature one per issue as our Salty Dog of the Month and give that lucky pooch a canine life jacket from the folks at CWB (ridecwb.com), but we have so many others who don’t get featured.

To pay homage to the salty dogs who didn’t win during 2017, we decided to publish 16 of their photos in this, our last issue of the year. They won’t get a life jacket for it, but they will get their 15 minutes of fame.

(What is that in dog minutes?) They’re large and small, white and black and brown and golden, and they’re adorable and adorabler (not a word).

To help owners make their dog’s time on the water better — remember, while most dogs are instinctual swimmers, not all dogs are comfortable on or in the water — we’ve included some helpful information. We used to run a column called Ask Bobby (Bobby being our former office dog), and one of those Q&As from years past is included. Also included are lists of pet boating tips from sites such as VetStreet.com and DiscoverBoating.com.

Enjoy, and safe boating with your furry companions.

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salty dog feature

1. Penny, Janice Baxter, La Verne, Calif.

2. Bella & Cruiser, Cynthia Doudela, Everett, Wash. 3. Maggie, Elaine Stern, Portola Valley, Calif. 4. Gracie, Gary & Mauri Collins, Scottsdale, Ariz. 5. Scout, Harvey & Nancy Breuer, Bend, Ore.

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Ask Bobby

Q

On a recent fishing trip to Mexico, my black French bulldog, Snuffles, gave me a scare. He started to act funny. He was panting a lot and wasn’t doing his usual clowny tricks. He just sat there and his eyes looked glassy. We moved him into the shade and gave him some cool water, but it took him awhile before he was back to his old self. I thought dogs liked the sun.

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A.

Dogs don’t deal with heat the way humans do. They don’t have sweat glands, so they pant to cool off.

Overheating and heatstroke are really serious problems for dogs, especially overweight, sick, very young or older dogs. Dogs with short muzzles or smushy faces have a more difficult time breathing.

• Heat stroke can kill a dog. Symptoms to look for are loud, intense panting; lots of thick, sticky saliva; brick-red gums; and disorientation. Other signs are vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing, the inability to walk and eventually pale gums, tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma and death.

• When it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. If you don’t have an air-conditioned retreat, minimize your dog’s heat exposure. Give him lots of fresh, cool water. Ideally, put him in a spot with a breeze and shade. When your dog gets hot, douse him in cool — not cold — water, or rub him down with a cool, moist towel and drape it over his body. Fans, misters, spray bottles and hoses are helpful.

• For more serious cases of heatstroke, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

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Tips for a Shipshape Boat Dog

1. Coco, Kimberly Lutomski, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. 2. Reggie, Anthony Del Conte, Garwood, N.J. 3. Bailey, Noah & Kjersten Frerichs, Anacortes, Wash. 4. Mitzi, Steve Lichtcsien, Ohio 5. Rusty, Steve & Trudy McPhail, Fishers, Ind.

We found a helpful list at VetStreet.com. Before you get on the boat, do the following: 1. Develop a plan in case your

dog goes overboard.

2. Invest in a life jacket. It’s a good idea to get a dog used to swimming with the life jacket on before it ever goes on the boat.

3. Bring a first-aid kit.

4. Visit the boat with your pet prior to your trip. Let your dog get acquainted with your boat before taking him out on the water.

5. Check local laws about dogs and boats. While there are no national legal restrictions or requirements pertaining to having animals on your boat, double-check local laws, since regulations can vary by state.

While you and the dog are on the boat, keep the following tips in mind: 6. Keep your dog’s first outing

short. If seasickness becomes severe, ask your veterinarian about possible medication for future outings.

7. Keep your dog hydrated.

8. Don’t skip sun protection.

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Tips for Taking Your Dog Boating

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The folks at Discover Boating (discoverboating.com) put together some valuable information about safely boating with dogs.

1. Before sailing with your dog, get him a canine life jacket.

2. Encourage your dog not to drink water from the lake or sea. Even freshwater lakes are often contaminated from factories and boats and contain harmful organisms. Take fresh drinking water with you.

3. Short haired breeds of dogs can get easily sunburned and you should use a light SPF sunscreen such as SPF-15 on your dog.

4. Take plenty of doggie waste bags and paper towels with you, as well as an odor neutralizer to clean up after your dog.

1. Wally, Sam & Erin Kirk, Mineola, Texas 2. Pebbles, Kent Martin, Hanover, Pa. 3. Chester, Jarrod Mills, Los Angeles 4. Dugans, Barbara Wolff, East Moriches, N.Y.

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GIFT GUIDE

Our 35-item list will turn you into the captain of the gift express.

BY BOATING WORLD STAFF

Believe it or not, the holiday season is rapidly approaching, and that means expectations are on the rise.

IF YOU HAVE A BOATER, angler or watersports enthusiast on the list, then we’re here to make your life easier. We compiled a list of about three dozen suggestions that will lead to countless other gift ideas, because that’s just the kind of helpful people we are.

If the item we suggest isn’t exactly right for the special person on your list, chances are the manu-

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facturer has something similar that fits. And if an item makes you exclaim, That’s perfect!, you can thank us now or later. Anyway, on to the good stuff.

The first and most important item, of course, is a subscription to Boating World. At only $10 for a two-year, 18-issue subscription (boatingworld.com/ subscription-services), it’s the kind of gift that could make several people happy.

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FOR THE B OAT E R

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1 Sportfisher II Classic Watch Anglers and other active watch wearers will like the fact the crown is on the left side of the face. Waterproof to 200 meters, the Sportfisher II Classic from Hook & Gaff (what a name, right?) comes in several band and face options, for personalization.

HookAndGaff.com, $550+

2 Navy SEAL Trident Watch With seven colorways to choose from, the Navy SEAL 3500 series has something for the watch hounds. The case is carbon compound, the strap is polyurethane, the face is 45mm across, tritium tubes illuminate the hands and the hour markers, and it’s waterproof to more than 200 meters.

Luminox.com, $375

3 Anaa Sunglasses Named after an unspoiled beach and made of bio-based resin instead of plastic, Anaa sunglasses from Costa will look fashionable on and protect the eyes of

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F O R T H E B OAT E R (C O N ’ T ) the woman on your list. Plus, a portion of each purchase goes to OCEARCH, whose stated mission is to protect the oceans’ sharks.

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CostaDelMar.com, $169

4 WX Boss Sunglasses 4

Venice Gold polarized mirror lenses and a frame clad in Kryptek Highlander camouflage define these Boss sunglasses from Wiley X. Anglers will like the distortion-free clarity and the sun protection. They can accommodate prescription lenses too.

WileyX.com, $160

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5 Delmara & Ostria Jackets Know a couple who like to hit the water early and late in the season? Give them the gift of warmth with a Delmara women’s and/or Ostria men’s jacket (pictured). Both are lightweight but durable and waterproof and windproof.

6 SLXtreme iPhone 7 Case If you know someone who has lost a phone to the drink, the SnowLizard SLXtreme iPhone 7 case could save the day. Once the phone is inside the waterproof case, it’s safe. All functionality is retained, and the case includes a solar charger that charges the phone.

SnowLizardProducts.com, $149.99

7 Little Dipper Life Jacket Make sure the littlest crewmembers on your boat or someone else’s have life jackets they’ll actually enjoy wearing.

Little Dipper life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard approved, are for children from 30 to 50 pounds and come in Cheerleader, Sports Hero, Ballerina and Pirate styles.

FullThrottleWatersports.com, $24.99

WestMarine.com, $159

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Meet or exceed your loved ones’ expectations with the perfect boaty gift.

8 Elements Notebooks Whether someone you know likes to take notes of fish caught or tricks conquered, an Elements notebook from Rite in the Rain will stand up to marine conditions. Thoughts written in it won’t run or wash away, and the paper can be written on while wet, with a pencil or all-weather pen.

RiteInTheRain.com, $3.95+

9 Unsinkable: The History of Boston Whaler For the person on your list who like Boston Whaler, or enjoys reading about boat building in general, “Unsinkable: The History of Boston Whaler” will help

him pass the time. Coinciding with Whaler’s 60th anniversary, the book is filled with historical photos, hand-drawn plans and technical drawings. TheWhalerBook.com, $35

10 Reliefband If mal de mer keeps anyone in your life off the boat, Reliefband is an FDA-cleared wearable solution that uses pulses transmitted from a pressure point in the wrist to the nausea-control center of the brain to eliminate seasickness.

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Reliefband.com, $114.99

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F O R T H E B OAT 11 Docktail Semi Custom Bar If room for an onboard bar is limited, the Docktail Semi Custom Bar can provide temporary relief. Designed to mount in a rod holder or on a square pontoon rail, the bar can hold a combination of bottles and cups. Inserts provide added versatility.

13 Häns Swipe Using one’s shirt sleeve isn’t the best way to clean an MFD screen. Keeping a Häns Swipe near the boat’s dash is a better option. With a moist cleaning pad on one end and a microfiber polishing cloth on the other, it’s a handheld cleaning solution on board.

Hans-Swipe.com, $14.95

DocktailBar.com, $199.99

12 Anti-Spill Wine Glasses For the boater who appreciates a sunset glass of wine at the dock, Anti-Spill Wine Glasses from Royal Stabilis are crystal with a magnetic bottom that stays attached to the Magnetic Stainless Steel Board (sold separately).

A non-slip bottom keeps the board from moving.

RoyalStabilis.com, $99.99 (four glasses), $59.99 (board)

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14 Portable Digital Charger The Minn Kota 10 Amp MK-110PD portable singlebank digital battery charger has automatic temperature compensation, an LED display, multistage charging and auto shut-off. Boat owners can expect maximum cranking power and extended battery life.

MinnKotaMotors.com, $84.99

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15 Mini LED Spotlight A durable, waterproof, handheld LED spotlight comes in handy in a variety of situations aboard a boat, and West Marine’s 250-lumen spotlight, with a rubberized lens protector and two power settings, is ready for the marine environment. Get one for yourself too.

WestMarine.com, $29.99

16 Jump Starter 22 The new Weego Jump Starter 22 has just one mission: to jump start a boat when the batteries fail. While this unit doesn’t have the charging ports or flashlight other Weego models have, it

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can jump start gas engines up to 5.0L and diesel motors up to 2.5L. MyWeego.com, $70

17 Sound Speaker The WOW-Sound Speaker is an outdoor waterproof, shockproof, dustproof speaker whose bottom can fit it into most cupholders.

The round design delivers 360-degree sound that is high volume and in stereo, and the speaker comes with a float, so it can join the action off the boat.

WOWWatersports.com, $229.99

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FOR THE WAT E R S P O R T S ENTHUSIAST

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18 Kusha SUP

20 Hammocraft

Kusha from Connelly is an inflatable standup paddleboard that is also a yoga mat.

A center fin provides stability, an EVA deck pad provides comfort and the fact it’s inflatable means it doesn’t have to take up too much space on the boat.

For someone who already owns kayaks or standup paddleboards, Hammocraft provides versatility. The aluminum frame with steel corner connectors can rest atop kayaks or SUPs, and it holds up to five hammocks, for a leisurely float. It will definitely be a surprise.

ConnellySkis.com, $499.99

Hammocraft.com, $1,145 (frame

19 Mirage Compass Kayak Get the kayaker on your list the latest from Hobie. The Mirage Compass kayak includes the MirageDrive pedal system, a mesh seat, molded-in rod holders, accessory mounts and a transducer cavity for a fishfinder. Pedal or paddle.

It’s up to the user.

and four hammocks)

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Hobie.com, $1,949

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017 21 Spectra Thermal Wakeboard Rope Is someone in your house ready to take a leap forward in her riding? Give her a rope that will help. Spectra Thermal rope from Airhead has zero stretch, so its response is instantaneous, and it won’t kink or twist. It comes with a 15-inch EVA grip.

FOR THE ANGLER 24 PedestalPod RAM Mounts Know a bass fisherman who wishes he had an MFD in the bow?

PedstalPod RAM mounts are watertight housings for various manufacturers’ 7-, 9- and 12-inch displays, and they get the MFD 20 inches off the deck, making it easier to reach and see.

Airhead.com, $104.99

NavPod.com, $649-$749

22 Towable Tube

25 Helix 10 Chirp MEGA DI GPS G2N

When it’s time for a new look behind the boat, a new towable tube can brighten things up. The choices are endless from manufacturers such as Sportsstuff.com, RaveSports.com, ConnellySkis.com, FullThrottleWatersports.com, Obrien.com, NashMfg.com, WOWWatersports.com and HOSports.com.

MEGA Imaging from Humminbird delivers sharp, detailed screen images from Side and Down imaging sonar, and the Helix 10 is capable of displaying the images in LCD clarity, even in sunlight. It can also connect to a Minn Kota i-Pilot Link trolling motor, a smartphone and other Helix units. Humminbird.com, $1,699.99

Toys start around $50 and go up to several hundred.

23 Electric Collective Wakeskate Anyone looking for a new behind-the-boat fix might enjoy receiving a wakeskate to change things up. The Electric Collective from Ronix Board Co. has two fins, a concave kicktail and an EVA top deck to ensure a smooth, controlled ride with some pop.

26 HD10i Pro Underwater Viewing System Giving someone the ability to spy on fish in HD and even record the catch might make you Santa of the year. Aqua-Vu’s HD10i Pro is a user-friendly live video system that includes the camera and an LCD monitor for the boat. AquaVu.com, $999.99

27 Boardshort Bottle Opener Apparel that multitasks can be invaluable. Give someone boardshorts with a Boardshort Bottle Opener secured inside the Velcro pocket, and your gift will be as useful after a day on the water as during. The Reel

RonixWake.com, $199.99

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FOR THE ANGLE R (CON ’T) (pictured) and Mano styles have a pliers pocket, too, for anglers.

BBOShorts.com, $48

28 CoolSwitch Thermocline Quarter Zip Shirt

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If a woman on your list loves being out on the water catching fish but would like less sun on her skin, the CoolSwitch Thermocline long-sleeve shirt from Under Armour might make her happy.

Its material keeps heat away from one’s skin to maintain the body’s cool.

UnderArmour.com, $54.99

29 Torrent Defense Rain Jacket

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Give the angler in your life a few more days on the water next year with a Torrent Defense Rain Jacket. Made with breathable, waterproof HydroProof Elite technology, the jacket has six pockets, D-ring gear attachments, an adjustable hood and more.

FieldAndStreamShop.com, $159.99

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properties, a Sunthing from Seirus will protect an angler’s neck and face from the sun’s harmful rays but won’t be stifling. Seirus.com, $19.99

31 UV Multifunctional Headwear Decorative neck gaiters are an effective and fun way to save one’s neck and face from sun damage, and Buff offers many styles, including models from Guy Harvey (pictured) and Derek DeYoung. Moisture wicking and odor resistant, a Buff gaiter will be a welcome gift. BuffUSA.com, $25

32 Happy Troller For a boat owner who likes to troll but doesn’t have a kicker motor, Happy Troller can help. The device diverts the prop’s thrust and slows the boat to trolling speeds. And it adds stability at cruising speed. One model is for outboards from 20 to 50 hp, another is for 50 hp and more.

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DavisNet.com, $145.99, $149.99

With UPF 25 protection, breathable polyester construction and wicking

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Powerful. Agile. Responsive.

Move almost any trailer with our powerful, compact dolly.

With Stablelock technology, our dolly won’t tip, tilt or pivot and is easily controlled with a simple thumb control switch. Our units have the ability to freewheel and smart trailer brakes are an available option for added control.

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

SUPER COUPON

800+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

SUPER COUPON

30", 5 DRAWER TOOL CART • 8100 cu. in. of storage • 704 lb. capacity • Weighs 120 lbs.

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

$

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Lightweight 34 lbs.

1,150

17999

$

LOWE'S

6

$ 98

• Thumb lock • Rubber wrapped case

9999

MODEL: T815016L

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI Customer Rating • Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI

$42999 $

999

49999

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ITEM 62523

MODEL: EU2000i

$

COMPARE TO

$

59

SAVE 61%

75

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ITEM 69474/62861 92623/60626 shown

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

$16

Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

COMPARE TO

$

19

99

BLACK & DECKER

ITEM 69651/62868 62873/68239 shown

$

59

99

ITEM 63255/63254 shown COMPARE TO

BRIGGS & STRATTON

$

17933 $

MODEL: 20600

$

3999

Customer Rating

99

99

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

4

$

4499

COMPARE TO

$89

2599

99

24999 99

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$

119

$

ITEM 62835

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

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3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE 29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET SAVE 83% AIR HOSE REEL Customer Rating Customer Rating

SAVE $39

LOWE'S

$999

COMPARE TO

8

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$ 58

$

ITEM 69265/62344/93897 shown

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

20599

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$

12999

$

7999

ITEM 62281/61637 shown

SAVE 67%

$9999

ITEM 63054/62858 shown LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

$

COMPARE TO

BLACK & DECKER

Customer Rating ITEM 62340/62546/63104/96289 shown LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

$

60

MODEL: DW1369

$

1799

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

SUPER COUPON 1500 WATT DUAL 17 FT. TYPE IA TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN MULTI-TASK LADDER (572°/1112°) • Versatile - 23 configurations

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COMPARE TO

HOME DEPOT

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SHELTER LOGIC

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MODEL: 74410

MODEL: BG8X10-Y

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/20/18.

hft_boatingworld_1117_M-REG120177.indd 1

ITEM 69780/41005 shown

$

1499

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

$ 99

Customer Rating

SAVE $99

$

$5 999

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

$1 199 ITEM 61960/61777 shown

LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

ITEM 69249/69115/69137/69129/69121/877 shown

• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle

$79

7717

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LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

99

$

MODEL: GSP1711

$1 7

MODEL: PKC0TV-R

Includes AC/DC adapter and 12 volt DC cigarette lighter plug

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Customer Rating

2999

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60%

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1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER

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Customer Rating

99

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$29

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PEAK

$

ITEM 60581/60653 shown

MODEL: SE-1250

99

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$

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$29

COMPARE TO

ITEM 37510/60533/69898 shown

$

COMPARE TO

• Height range: 12-1/2" to 24"

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 12

99

16999

SUPER COUPON 7" VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER/SANDER 1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK SAVE

600 LB. HEAVY DUTY Customer Rating TRAILER DOLLY

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LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

219

MODEL: C201H

60%

SAVE 57%

99

ITEM 69091/61454/62803/63635/67847 shown

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

SAVE 46%

$149

SUPER COUPON 3 WATT LED RECHARGEABLE CORDLESS SAVE SPOTLIGHT

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569

HONDA

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

$

LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 2/20/18.

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase.

Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567.

Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 2/20/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

SUPER COUPON 2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR SAVE Customer Rating

$

ANY SINGLE ITEM

ITEM 69030/69031 shown

ITEM 61427/63308/69397/95272 shown ITEM 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

COMPARE TO

PURCHASE

MODEL: L4825HV

DURALAST

$

ANY

COMPARE TO

COMPARE TO

7999

WITH

1" x 25 FT. TAPE MEASURE

Customer Rating

99

20% OFF

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SAVE $40

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SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

$8 $

2806

MODEL: HG1300

99

13

99

SUPER COUPON

• Safe + Secure + Stable • Super strong - Holds 300 lbs.

• Weighs 35 lbs. Customer Rating

$10999 $

13999

COMPARE TO

LITTLE GIANT $ 99

298

MODEL: XE M17

ITEM 63418/63419/63417/62656/67646/62514 shown

SAVE $189

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/20/18*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at” price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

9/27/17 4:54 PM

Think of us as a significant other Dependable, knowledgeable, entertaining, witty and adventurous

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

2 years 18 issues

marketplace

$10

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 62

Subscribe Now

Visit boatingworld.com/subscribe1

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

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Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

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advertiser index

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C A LL 949/660 - 6150

4-6 Man 4” x 12” x14” 12 lbs $1510

ENGINES SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127................................................................. 60 Suzuki Marine (714) 996-7040.............................................................................. CV3

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BOATINGWORLD.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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10/5/17 6:45 AM

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

Little do they know their best bet for blending in is probably to head over to the Capitol building to mingle with the crowd there. Send us your name for our boat. If it wins, we will give you an Airhead G-Force 2 towable, an AIR PIG 12v pump and a 60-foot tow rope, from Airhead, valued at $262.97, and your name will appear in the February 2018 issue of Boating World.

YOURS FREE

WIN THIS 64



> SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE JULY/AUGUST CONTEST ON PAGE 8.

The first person to turn in the best boat name will receive 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.

Airhead (airhead.com) G-Force 2 is a two-person towable that features topside stabilizer fins, neoprene knuckle guards, Kwik-Connect and Patented Speed Safety Valve. Included are an AIR PIG 12v High-Pressure Pump with alligator clips and a Deluxe 60’ 2-Rider Tube Tow Rope.

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the February 2018 issue. Submissions are due by December 10.

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 Airhead/Kwik Tek 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 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

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10/4/17 3:07 PM

SUZUKI MAKES IT

EASY AS

1-2-3

The leaves might be falling, but the deals are just starting to spring up at your Suzuki Marine dealer.

Make your best Fall Boat Show deal on a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 350 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but all three special Suzuki offers.

See your Suzuki Marine dealer today and get on the water with a powerful, reliable new Suzuki.

REPOWER FINANCE

1.

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

2.

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

3.

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

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 10/01/17 and 12/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

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

If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 10/01/17 and 12/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Cash rebate will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 10/01/17 and 12/31/17. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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9/29/17 9:14 AM