Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2020 i Boating

INTREPID 345 WALKAROUND A new boat inspired by customer requests for roomy overnight accommodations in a smaller model is Intrepid Powerboats’ 345 Walkaround. “Our goal was to take luxury features from our larger cabin models and create a mini yacht with the 345 Walkaround,” says Ken Clinton, president of Intrepid. With its galley, head with shower, and a large forward berth area, the 345 Walkaround offers comfortable overnight digs. Note that the forward berth converts to a U-shaped settee that includes a high-low table. An ideal dayboat as well, the 345 Walkaround features an aft-facing seat beside the helm console. A hullside swing-in dive door with folding ladder makes water access easy, and anglers will appreciate the abovedecks corner livewells and a folding rear seat that provides more cockpit space.…

I keep a plastic jug—one with a handle—aboard my boat and use it several times a year. It takes the place of items I might buy anyway, so it saves money. And it performs multiple functions, so it saves space. With plastic filling our oceans at an increasing rate, anything we can do to keep it out of the waste stream helps. If a lot of people do a little bit, it really does add up. SCOOP Whether it’s the cubes from the marina’s ice machine or the sand your grandchild is molding into a castle at your favorite cove, beach or sandbar, a scoop comes in handy aboard the boat. Keep the cap on in this application. HEAD The jug can prove convenient when nature calls. Use the jug…

Sailfish Boats sets a standard with its new 360 CC, a wide-beam 36-footer. It’s elegant and sophisticated, well-planned and well-executed. With the 360 CC, Sailfish blends a hardcore fishing machine with a comfortable family cruiser. You certainly get a sensation of mass when boarding. Unusually high gunwales offer security to passengers, and everywhere you look has someplace to sit—comfortably. An expansive forward area for bow fishing converts to lounges with an electric table on centerline. Removable backrests let you face forward—or sprawl on the huge centerline Sailfish also insulates it so it can double as a coffin box for all those fish it will raise. In fact, throughout the 360, a masterful use of space provides copious storage. A through-stem anchor roller and a windlass work in concert with another…

“Convertibility” is a word that pops up often when Nick Harvey, president of Jeanneau America, talks about the new Jeanneau Leader 7.5 CC center-console. Born and bred in France and now living in Maryland, Harvey might be melding French and English, but it perfectly describes this 25-footer, which can be what you want it to be and then convert back easily. Center-consoles tend toward fishing, so the 7.5 CC has all the usual amenities. These include a 52-inch fish box, rod racks in the coaming, and so forth. But Jeanneau positions the Leader 7.5 CC as a “cruising center-console” for family fun, and here’s where it shines the brightest. First of all, the entire center console is a private head (with either a built-in or portable toilet), since privacy and…

Low-cost, recreationally minded personal watercraft have proven to be a huge hit with new riders, but hardcore types also flock to them, due to agility and light weight. Yamaha gave these aggressive types the last piece of the puzzle: a better horsepower-to-weight ratio. The result is the EXR—what company reps enthusiastically dub a “crotch rocket.” Adding power and dropping weight proved simple. Swapping conventional hull construction for Yamaha’s high-tech Nano 2 system reduces the EXR’s weight to 540 pounds, a 60-pound drop from the otherwise comparable EX Deluxe. Added power comes from modifying the engine control unit (ECU), which ups the 1,049 cc three-cylinder TR-1 engine’s horsepower by roughly 10 percent. The now-110 hp engine also features an increased 8,000 rpm rev limit, a 700 rpm boost over the existing…

As an experienced boater, you probably know a thing or two about boat-insurance policies. For instance, when buying boat insurance, you’d likely ask whether the policy pays the agreed value or the actual cash value of the boat. Also, you may know about a trend similar to auto insurance in which boat insurers now offer 24/7 on-water and on-road towing services—but these may not be right for every boater. You probably know these things and more. But how can you know what you don’t know? We asked BoatU.S., one of the largest recreational marine insurers, for a list of uncommon boat-insurance policy waivers and riders not typically included in basic policies. These items may add cost to your insurance, but they might also save the day if you ever need…

Maybe you are a California boater who likes to cruise into Mexican waters. Or perhaps you are from Florida and like to visit the Bahamas. Your boat insurance probably does not cover you in these areas unless you procure cruising-extension coverage. Typically, you purchase this coverage by calling your insurer prior to each trip. However, some companies offer upfront approval for certain cruising destinations, which can eliminate the need to call and order the coverage every time you cruise. Also note that coverage might not be available for cruising to some countries, such as Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela.…

Building a model within a model is a frequent theme at the Viking Yacht Company, utilizing a hull to build a variation of distinct choices that cater to the specific needs of its customers. The new inboard diesel-powered Viking 38 Billfish and the 38 Open Billfish are prime examples and provided a good opportunity to compare the two popular boat types. With speed and range, the 38 Billfish is a midsize convertible sport-fisherman that doubles nicely as a bluewater tournament contender, with ample overnight accommodations for the cruising family. The result is a nice compromise that covers all the bases when flexibility is required to meet a variety of on-the-water missions and experiences. Despite the flying-bridge boat’s amenities and features, Viking provides alternate opportunities in the same length overall with…

Performance. With unmistakable, head-turning looks, an Axopar’s narrow entry bow will cut through rough seas. The low planing threshold soon has you powering out of the hole giving rapid acceleration and superior cruising and fuel economy when paired with Mercury Marine’s latest lightweight 3.4-litre V6 or 4.6-litre V8 four-stroke engines and digital boat handling aids. Adventure. From first-time boaters all the way up to the most skilled skippers, Axopar customers are increasingly using their boats as a springboard to enjoy other land or on-water activities. Be it scuba diving, stand-up paddling, wake boarding or mountain biking, Axopar’s unique design allows owners to take all of their sports and adventure equipment with them. The Axopar range enables the spirit of adventure like no other. Handling. Axopar owners and passengers can look…

The saying goes that if it ain’t broken don’t fix it so in developing the all-new 37 the Axopar design team was wary not to meddle unnecessarily with such a successful formula. This doesn’t mean there isn’t room for enhancement though, and the new model is the result of a painstaking and rigorous R&D effort that demanded countless engineering hours to make the new 37 even better. This is a boat for the entire world, available in three distinct styles: the 37 S, 37 ST and 37 XC. The open Spyder offers an unparalleled connection to the environment while the Sun-Top model, with its extended hardtop and sunroof, offers the perfect balance of exposure and protection. The fully enclosed XC (Cross Cabin) is the all-weather performer, offering a protected wheelhouse…

What is most important in designing fishing boats? I want to make them controllable, predictable, safe and efficient, especially in rough seas. Safety is particularly important when families are involved. What is different about Regulator’s new 26XO? The 26XO is a versatile design, at home in the shallows but still capable in reasonable offshore waters. The transom deadrise is shallower than in Regulator’s offshore hulls (17 degrees vs. 24 degrees), but the bow deadrise is nearly as sharp, so there is more twist in the hull bottom. The transition is key—how much and where to change the shape. Getting it right is a blend of engineering science and experience. And yes, there’s art too, but it’s not like I guess. Are you bored yet, drawing fishing boats? I learn constantly,…

Like everyone in the boating community, the people who work for Mercury Marine were saddened to see the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas last September. So, Mercury started selling a T-shirt on its website, mercurydockstore.com, promising to donate the profits to the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts of the American Red Cross. Customer demand for the T-shirt grew so fast that Mercury had to print more and extend the sales time into November. “The generosity of everyone who purchased the shirt, many of whom were inspired by some outstanding social media engagement by Mercury’s partners, made this fundraising effort a big success,” says Michelle Dauchy, Mercury Marine’s chief marketing officer. Boatbuilders who use Mercury engines, such as Nor-Tech, MTI, Fountain and Outer Limits, posted photos of their employees…

A fuel-system problem might leave you stranded on the water, or cause a fire or explosion. Problems caused by poor fuel quality and ethanol-extended (E10 and now E15) fuels increase maintenance and service costs, and even cause engine failure for boaters. Utilize these six tenets to help prevent inconvenience and tragedy. FUEL LINE Replace fuel lines older than three years with EPA-compliant hose. Install new clamps. The innards of older fuel hoses are susceptible to alcohol deterioration. They can collapse or fall apart, clogging the fuel system and starving the engine of fuel. Newer fuel lines use a tough inner liner, visible by looking into the end of the hose. It makes the hose stiffer and harder to work with, and it’s more expensive. When routing the hose, make bends…

Your boat might not be suitable or have enough mounting space for a permanently installed marine satellite TV dome. What’s more, with marine satellite TV systems from companies such as Intellian starting at around $2,200, you might not want to spend the money either. But there’s another option. Thanks to a new portable satellite system, you can enjoy sports, movies and other programming in high definition as you relax or overnight aboard your boat, whether in a marina or pulled up on a beach, while paying far less for the satellite equipment. Dish Network has designed an affordable system utilizing a 7½-pound satellite dome antenna it calls Playmaker. Measuring roughly 16 inches in diameter and 13 inches tall, the Playmaker is based on the Carry-Out antenna from Winegard, which has…

Hull blueprinting, the process of meticulously finishing a hull’s bottom so that mold variances are eliminated and dimensions remain as true to the original design specifications as possible, is often thought of as a process reserved for race boats. Nor-Tech deems blueprinting worthy of every boat. The builder also goes so far as to fill and core all the hull strakes for added hull rigidity, strategically add high-density foam, Kevlar and carbon fiber to key areas, and completely encapsulate its composite stringer grid in fiberglass. It’s an almost obsessive attention to even the smallest detail that could instantly be felt on the and then anxiously firewalled the throttles. The boat hurtled forward with nary a twitch, the numbers on my GPS advancing in rapid succession until I was flirting with…

Starcraft’s SVX 211 OB won’t break the bank, but it will entertain a crowd, perform admirably, and tow your favorite watersports. The price is kept down by offering fewer standards and allowing buyers to option to suit their lifestyle. Still, we didn’t notice much scrimping. The fiberglass helm sports a faux-leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth-ready Jensen stereo (coupled to four speakers), and bucket helm seat with flip-up bolster. Telescoping ladders bow and stern ease water access whether nosed into the beach or anchored out. Stainless-steel grab rails, a Bimini top, and comfy Marine Mat flooring on both the bow and stern platforms were likewise included. Options? A fishing package adds a livewell and two pedestal seats. Get fishier with a trolling motor. Watersports junkies will appreciate a ski-tow pole. Additional options…

Our now-retired colleague Bob Stearns once remarked that he thought a two-stroke outboard “sounds like it’s going to throw a rod right through the block.” This was 30 years ago, and to be fair, Stearns spoke with a bit of a cackle himself. But the point is, a marine engine’s sound makes an impression. Managing that sound is a science that’s important to both regulators and marketers; it’s so important that Mercury Marine recently invested $10 million in a new 20,000-square-foot NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) Technical Center at its Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, campus. Merc says it’s the largest and most expensive facility of its kind in the marine industry. “Delivering superior NVH characteristics provides an enhanced user experience for our customers and ultimately gives us a competitive advantage…

Tragedies such as a sinking often happen due to some small part failing. We all know the stories—some may have experienced it firsthand—of torn sterndrive bellows or broken through-hull fittings causing boats to sink. Some policies, while they cover the sinking, will exclude coverage if it happens as a result of consequential damage such as a failed bellows or seacock. Coverage for consequential damage that results in a sinking or other big tragedy is something you want to ask about. Note that some insurance companies’ consequential-damage coverage only applies to total losses, so ask about that. Other examples of consequential-damage situations include dismasting, collision, stranding, fire and explosion.…

COLEMAN LOUNGER KOOZIE THE CHILL: Made of stainless steel, and also double-walled and vacuum-sealed, the Coleman touts a sweat-resistant exterior body and a grippy bottom, so it doesn’t slide around on deck. Flexible interior gripper fins hold cans and bottles in place while you’re keeping your beverage cool on board. THE SPILL: It doesn’t fit in all cup holders. PRICE: $12.99; coleman.com TOADFISH NON-TIPPING CAN COOLER THE CHILL: Who needs cup holders? The Toadfish features a suction cup underneath that keeps it in place and upright while cruising. It’s also double-walled and vacuum-sealed, and has a rubber locking gasket to keep cans and bottles in place. THE SPILL: The slim-can adapter is an option. PRICE: $24; toadfishoutfitters.com YETI RAMBLER COLSTER THE CHILL: Designed to hold standard 12-ounce cans, this stainless-steel…

If there’s an activity that involves riding a board on the water, I’m all in. But most board sports are dependent on waves generated by the ocean or boats, and sometimes it’s hard to find access to either. So, when I recently got to test-ride the Fliteboard, an electric-powered hydrofoil, I loved that I had all the power I needed to ride under my feet. The Fliteboard is powered by a marine battery embedded in the board’s body, inside a patent-pending waterproof compartment. The rider holds a magnetic remote-control leash that activates the Newton-Rader propeller mounted on the foil. You can use your thumb to increase or decrease the thrust to control the board’s speed. Choose between a “cruiser wing” foil for more stable riding and a “flyer wing” foil…

I was excited to launch my brand-new 15-foot MFG Skiff at our local lake back in 1984. I thought I had taken every precaution to ensure a safe maiden launch that sunny July morning. My wife had packed a picnic lunch, and both my daughter Deb, age 9, and son Rich, age 5, were thrilled at the thought of catching a few sand bass. I brought life jackets for everyone, fishing licenses for the wife and me, fishing rods, minnows for bait, plenty of fuel for the Mercury 25XD outboard, a weather radio, and an ice chest for the catch. In my rush to get us out on the lake, I had neglected to put the transom drain plug in. I thought it would be best to load the wife,…

This test started with a minor accident. My son had placed his old sunglasses on his cap as we cruised under cloudy skies, but a gust of wind sent his cap into the drink. The hat floated; the shades sank. The wisdom of cap stowage not with standing, Rheos sunglasses will not suffer the same fate. Because, as we confirmed, they float. The new Rheos Coopers style—reminiscent of old-school Wayfarers—that we tested offer ultralight, TPX composite frame construction and inset pads for the bridge of your nose. The polarized UV400 lenses are shatterproof and grant excellent protection from direct and reflected sunlight. They cut through glare to let you spot fish under the surface. A slight wraparound offers side protection from the sun and wind. The scratch-resistant, anti-fog coating causes…

“Before spending money on new propellers, do some homework,” says Randy Hale, co-inventor of the Hale MRI propeller-measuring instrument (halepropeller.com). Take time for proper sea trials, identify shortcomings in boat performance and handling, and set realistic expectations, he says. “More often than not, we’ll look at modifying existing propellers before suggesting new ones.” Here’s a look at how propeller design parameters affect performance on both inboard and outboard boats. INCREASE DIAMETER All things equal, larger-diameter propellers deliver better efficiency. Inboard-powered boatbuilders balance this against boat draft and aperture clearance; outboard- and stern-drive-powered boats are limited by gear-case dimensions. Improper replacement props, years of grinding during repairs, or even wear from sand, silt and water may leave props undersize. Bigger props decrease the blade-tip-to-hull clearance, though, which may increase propeller noise.…

WATERPROOF MEMBRANES Gore-Tex is the most notable waterproof membrane thanks to its lifetime warranty, which is based on rigid management of how clothing-makers use its membrane in a garment. Gore-Tex strictly monitors assembly methods for sealed seams, fabric flexibility and durability, and the shell’s water repellency. There might be a dozen or more membrane fabrics with less expensive testing, but if properly used, Gore-Tex will return good value for the dollars spent. DURABLE WATER RESISTANCE Durable water-resistant coatings, known as DWR, are applied to the surface fabric of all garments to cause the shell to shed water, preventing the clammy feeling of a wet membrane. MULTIPLE LAMINATE FABRICS Most membranes are bonded to a polyester shell, though L.L.Bean uses a recycled nylon shell for environmental benefits. Some have a third…

Crossover boats are all the rage. Regulator Marine’s answer is in its new 26XO. Are there trade-offs with such a boat? Understand that the 26XO’s territory consists of estuaries and near-coastal waters. It’s not the boat for 70-mile canyon runs, but its Lou Codega-designed modified-V hull (17-degree transom deadrise) is more than capable of running gnarly inlets and venturing a few miles offshore. The design’s combination of sharp bow entry, flare, subtle curves, reverse chines, lifting strakes, carefully shaped running surface, and weight results in predictable performance and inspires confidence We shook out the test rig in sharp, choppy bay waters, and it ran dry without pounding at speeds from the mid-20s to low 30s with six people aboard. The strength that Codega engineered into the design and Regulator’s rock-solid…

Can one boat do it all? Malibu’s Wakesetter 20 VTX excels for skiing, wake-boarding and wakesurfing. Our test boat was powered by a 360 hp Malibu Monsoon M5Di engine. Developing 400 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm, this engine delivered awesome throttle control whether ballasted down or running light and fast. I’ve visited the facility where Malibu builds these engines and came away impressed with the attention to detail in build that enables them to earn the highest efficiency rating there is, the CARB five-star rating. Key service points are easy to access and, as our chart shows, the M5Di proved quiet underway. The feature that best bestows three-sport cred upon the 20 VTX is the Diamond Hull. Specially shaped, it helps generate respectable wakeboard and wakesurf waves, yet still…

Medical payments coverage provides for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the injured person’s health insurance—things such as copayments and deductibles. It provides a per-person limit of coverage for any injury that occurs aboard the insured boat, regardless of liability. Many insurers cap the payout of this coverage at $1,000, but some offer higher limits for a higher premium. Medical payments coverage might best warrant the attention of boaters active in watersports, such as water-skiing or wakeboarding, offshore fishing, or other boating activities wherein injuries might more likely occur.…

The new Halo20+ and Halo20 marine radar systems from sister brands Lowrance and Simrad feature compact radomes for boats under 30 feet in length. Boasting pulse-compression radar technology, the 20-inch-diameter domes offer pinpoint close-range target definition for navigating harbors, rivers and high-traffic waterways in limited-visibility conditions, such as in fog, at night or both. The Halo20+ features a 60 rpm scanner rotation speed, VelocityTrack Doppler technology for easily tracking targets moving toward your position, bird mode, 36-nautical-mile range, and dual-range operation, which gives you the ability to view targets at a distance and returns at tighter ranges simultaneously. The 24-nautical-mile-range Halo20 serves as a more cost-effective radar solution. Designed to easily network with current Lowrance and Simrad MFDs, models also feature MARPA target tracking, InstantOn, and harbor, offshore and weather…

Locate your nearest Axopar/BRABUS Marine US dealer Nautical Ventures Group, Inc. sales@nauticalventures.com www.nauticalventures.com Dania Beach - Main Office 50 South Bryan Rd, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Tel: (954) 926-5250 Palm Beach Office 139 Shore Court, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Tel: (561) 612-7076 Fort Lauderdale Office 4470 Anglers Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel: (954) 926-5250 Sarasota Office 8050 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 Tel: (941) 355-5500 Tampa Bay Office 1925 U.S. Highway 19, Holiday, FL 34691 Tel: (727) 939-8900 Jeff Brown Yachts jeff@jeffbrownyachts.com jeffbrownyachts.com San Diego - Main Office 2614 Shelter Island Drive, Suite A, San Diego CA, U.S. 92106 Tel: (619) 222-9899 (619) 709-0697 Los Angeles Office Los Angeles, 4514 Spencer St., Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: (310)717-0775 San Francisco Office 298 Harbor Drive Sausalito, CA. 94965 Tel:…