Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Boating

It’s time to get the boat ready for launch. Did you get your trailer ready too? Let’s see how well you’ve paid attention to all of our tips and advice in past issues and on boatingmag.com, and whether you can make the grade. (Answers on page 32) 1. To ensure your trailer tires are road-ready, you should: A. Refill the tires with helium.B. Check tires for excessive tread wear.C. Buy whitewalls.D. Check tire sidewalls for weather checking and rot.E. B and DF. None of the above 2. You should check your trailer’s bunks or rollers as follows: A. Get brighter-colored outdoor carpet to cover the bunks.B. Put Rhino Liner on the bunk wood.C. Ensure the bunk wood is not rotten.D. Ensure the rollers rotate freely and are not excessively loose.E.…

V-LOCK SYSTEM The V-Lock system uses universal mounting brackets in both aluminum and King Starboard that let you instantly add or detach accessories equipped with the V-Lock tapered insert, also available in aluminum or Starboard. A spring-loaded pull pin on the bracket locks the insert in place. Boatoutfitters.com offers a wide assortment of useful V-Lock accessories. $38 for the bracket; boatoutfitters.com DOMETIC SEASTAR DIGITAL TRIM TABS The new SeaStar Digital Trim Tab System from Dometic uses stainless-steel plates and sealed actuators featuring high-speed motors. The actuator can withstand loads of over 1,000 pounds exerted either up or down. A compact controller dial lets you adjust the tabs by turning the outer ring, and LEDs show the tab angle. Pricing unavailable at press time; seastarsolutions.com DAVIS QUICK FIST SYSTEM Davis Instruments’ Quick…

While trying to put my cockpit cover on my Cobalt during the late fall, I noticed it was very tight. I ended up pulling some snaps. Can I fix this? Maria Goncalves Concord, New Hampshire A: Covers shrink with age and also with temperature. Sometimes, it’s easier to bring canvas into a heated building and then take it outside to put on the boat. I have even used (cautiously) a heat gun for this purpose of slight expansion. Also, so-called “snap extenders” are widely available and can add an inch or more to make an old cover fit again. To learn how to make your own snap extenders, see our Weekend Workbook (page 46). Repairing your pulled snaps is relatively straightforward when using a snap kit from retailers such as…

Fuel leaks in any boat can be disastrous, especially those hulls that have enclosed bilges, where fuel can pool unchecked and vapors explode ferociously if a spark is ignited. It’s more important than ever to keep a close watch on your boat’s fuel system. With the current use of ethanol-blend fuels that can cause damage and deterioration to fuel-system components, and continued pressure from the federal government to increase ethanol content from 10 percent to 15 percent, maintaining and inspecting your fuel lines is imperative. Here we review where fuel leaks commonly occur, and where to look for clues that a leak has developed or will develop. FUEL TANK Check your tank carefully for leaks, cracks and loose mounting. Vibration and wave pounding, combined with age and neglect, can do…

Case in point: the new Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon, a $265,000 wake-sports tractor designed from the keel up to produce the most surfable wake possible and coddle you in luxury between sessions. The luxury—which includes a power-adjustable helm seat, custom cooler, and faceted metallic inwale trim pattern—is wonderful but does not impact this boat’s surf mission. For that, Nautique has invested in design and technology to keep pace in this competitive market. HULL DESIGN According to Eric Miller, Nautique’s chief engineer, the 23-foot G23 Paragon bottom is similar to that of the award-winning Super Air Nautique G23. Where the new boat differs is in the shape of the hull sides, which comes into play at surf speeds of 10 to 13 mph. “We used to only think about the…

We think half the people who buy fishing boats just enjoy the macho look. Grady-White gets that. But don’t think boats such as the Canyon 326 are not tournament-ready fishing machines as well as luxurious. The helm is wide and protected by an even wider hardtop supported by a color-matched superstructure that hugs the helm, making fore and aft passage easy. Triple bucket seats with footrests, armrests and flip-up bolsters accommodate riders of any size, who are protected from the weather by an aircraft-quality acrylic windshield. Each of the three helm seats adjust fore and aft for comfort and optimum visibility. Forward seating options include a lounge on the front of the console, and a pair of forward lounges complete with foldaway seatbacks, enabling comfortable forward-facing reclining. The cushions can…

I think the 24 R will change the market. First of all, its recessed fiberglass stepdown U-Lounge is killer. Go aboard. It feels deeper, larger and more secure than other pontoons. The captain and mate can easily see over the heads of the forward passengers, a clear advantage for confident command. In addition, the foredeck perimeter fences feature lowered top rails with see-through upper sections. These allow seeing through what is normally blocked, making it easier to dock and interact with those on the beach. The Integrated V-Hull Performance Package features a center pod; this V-toon adds lift, turning ability and stability, and the room to drop the foredeck. Forward of the bow section, there’s plenty of deck space to help with launching or docking. The bow lounges feature Integrated…

Gasoline blended with ethanol and sold as E10 and E15—10 and 15 percent ethanol, respectively—has become the bane of recreational boaters. E15 will devastate a marine engine in short order (see boatingmag.com/e15-gas-isbad-for-boat-engines). Also, a fuel malady called phase separation occurs if too much water gets into the fuel. E10, for example, will absorb water up to 0.5 percent of its total volume, but once that’s exceeded, the water-fouled ethanol falls out of solution—or phase-separates—and ends up in a goopy mess at the bottom of the fuel tank. Then it gets sucked into the rest of the fuel system, where it can delaminate hoses, eat away plastic parts, corrode metal components and wreck engines. The best way to avoid such issues to use ethanol-free gasoline in your boat. Let’s look at…

• If the fuel lines are older than three years, they should be replaced with new EPA-compliant, Coast Guard-approved hose and new clamps. The innards of older fuel hoses are highly susceptible to alcohol deterioration; if left unchecked, this can cause clogging, poor running and even engine failure. • Check the primer bulb, if your rig has one; these can be damaged by ethanol blends too.• The fuel filter should be replaced as well. If your rig doesn’t have a water-separating fuel filter, now is a good time to add one.• Finally, check the tank carefully for leaks, cracks and loose mounts. CHARGE IT: BATTERIES AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS The batteries should be charged and checked to ensure they’ll hold a charge. + The terminals and cable ends should be cleaned…

Furuno has introduced the third generation of NavNet MFDs—the TZtouch3 series, available in a 12-inch hybrid with IPS multitouchscreen, and Furuno’s RotoKey and dedicated buttons (TZT12F), and 16-and 19-inch glass IPS touch displays (TZT16F and TZT19F, respectively). Each model features a quadcore processor with Furuno’s edge-swipe feature and a built-in dual-channel 1 kW TruEcho Chirp fish finder, as well as a 50/200 kHz fish finder. To boost fish-finder output, the new MFDs can network with Furuno’s new Deep Impact DI-FFAMP amplifier, an addon option that increases power to 2 or even 3 kW. Furuno has debuted a significant first with the TZtouch3 series. Theft of marine electronics—particularly high-priced MFDs—has become an increasingly prevalent issue, especially in Florida and other coastal areas along the I-95 corridor. To help stem the problem,…

On the heels of the 26XO, which graced our cover in January, comes the Regulator Marine 24XO. This crossover boat’s layout, construction and design enable and enhance fishing in shallow waters, deliver a safe, sure ride on open water, and provide amenities that increase comfort during family boating outings. The standard T-top with wraparound windshield provides shade and protection. Inside the console, a stand-up head compartment ensures crew comfort and privacy. Wired into the electrical system with breakers is a Garmin 12 XO Fish Package, complete with a 12-inch GPSMap xsv Touch chart plotter/sonar display, a VHF radio and digital antenna, and an Airmar B150 CHIRP transducer, which all come standard. Available options include hull colors, a forward sunshade, transom shower, trolling motor, Power-Pole shallow-water anchor and more. Power options…

In our March issue on page 78, we published the wrong photograph to accompany the boat test of the Cobia 350 CC. We regret this error. The correct photo is shown here, and it can also be viewed as part of a gallery of photos of Cobia’s 350 CC at boatingmag.com/3178. CAPTAIN’S TEST (Answers from page 26) 1. E. 2. E. 3. E. 4. D. 5. D. 6. B. The trailer brakes are the most likely culprit. CAPTAIN’S TESTS ONLINE Test your knowledge of boating with more Captain’s Tests at boatingmag.com/captains-test. 421 Number of lives saved by NOAA’s SARSAT system in 2019. This includes 306 sea rescues. SARSAT stands for Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking, which uses satellite technology to help locate those in distress by way of EPIRBs,…

As much as I like to be in the water when I’m out on the water, a good boat bag is essential gear for me. So, when I had the opportunity to test out the Kokatat Dirt Bag, I loaded it up and headed for the docks. The Dirt Bag is designed for stand-up paddlers and kayakers, but it works well as a boat bag too. For one, it has separate storage segments for your shoes and small items, to keep everything dry and organized. So, I could keep my flip-flops and boat shoes separate from the change of clothes I brought to throw on later, as well as the foul-weather gear I always bring just in case. Plus, it has a breathable mesh zip top to keep your gear…

So, you’re looking to protect your boat’s bottom from biological growth, known as fouling. (We’d have to assume so; otherwise, why are you reading an article about paint?) Basically, in selecting bottom paint for your boat, you have to ask yourself the following questions, at a minimum: In what part of the country are you doing your boating? Do you haul your boat for the winter or leave it in year-round? Does your boat already have an old coat of bottom paint, or are you starting from scratch? Depending on how you answer each of these questions, there’s an anti-fouling bottom paint that’s right for you. THE HOW Bottom paint works by releasing a small amount of biocide over time that kills any algae, animals or plants that try to…

POLISH AND POLISHERS A trip to Walmart and West Marine gave us our array of test polishes. Our test boat, a 2020 Ranger 2510 Bay, exhibited no oxidation and didn’t require cleaner waxes or cutting compounds. We pitted two cordless electric polishers against one 120-volt corded polisher. We wanted to know how much we could accomplish on a single-battery charge, and if a cordless charger was less fatiguing to operate than a corded one. HOW WE TESTED POLISH We buffed four different sections of the hull, each with a different polish, using the Harbor Freight Tools Earthquake XT polisher. We allowed the polishes to dry, then buffed them off with the DeWalt 20-volt XR Brushless buffer. Sighting down the sides, we looked for changes in gloss. Next, we measured each…

With more than a half-century of building prowess, the Viking Yacht Company is known for showcasing new models. At the 2019 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it added to this repertoire with the introduction of Valhalla Boatworks, featuring a trio of custom high-performance outboard-powered center-console boats: the V-33, V-37 and V-41 models. We tested the V-33. It should be no surprise that when a yacht manufacturer that has built nearly 5,000 yachts up to 93 feet since it began in 1964 takes on a new venture, it will be with grit and commitment, starting with a stand-alone factory on the Mullica River near the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey. The V-33 boasts plenty of bluewater genes and is poised for action, whether its mission is a stellar family cruiser…

Robalo’s 246 Cayman SD packs a lot of deck space, fishing amenities and relaxation features into this broad-shouldered bay boat, making full use of its 9-foot beam. It’s transom deadrise is 16 degrees, giving it a softer ride than most other bay boats sporting a 12-to 14-degree deadrise. The boat rides tall in the water, giving riders a feeling of security and an extremely dry ride. That’s what we experienced in our test drive near Daytona, Florida, when we borrowed the 246 Cayman SD from Tom Barrett at Dealer’s Choice Marine and took it out on the windy Intracoastal Waterway. Also evident is the firm tracking in turns, the stable deck underfoot, and the lack of drumming as the hull crushed the chop. At rest, the 9-foot beam provides an…

“Welcome to the Belmond Charleston Place,” said the young valet cheerily as he opened my passenger door. “Are y’all staying with us tonight?” We stepped into an unseasonably warm January day. The tang of sea air was unmistakable; it was almost a shame to go inside, leaving the bustle of downtown Charleston behind. Almost. The hotel lobby shone, from its sweeping grand staircase to the golden, glittering lights. Jazz music and a low murmur of conversation flowed from the direction of the Thoroughbred Room, and shiny brand names beckoned from what was clearly a high-end shopping area. We approached the registration counter. “I’m Heather Steinberger,” I began, “and we have a reservation…” “Oh yes, Mr. and Mrs. Steinberger, with Scout Boats,” the young man responded with a warm smile. “We’ve…

The new NSO evo3S Glass Bridge displays from Simrad are available in 16-, 19-and 24-inch ultra-bright, high-resolution touchscreens. Each features a powerful six-core processor for faster page-loading times, smoother transitions and seamless screen movements. The NSO evo3S displays also offer greater multitasking capabilities, with the ability to split the screen as many as six ways. Designed to be flush-mounted on a helm panel, the new NSO evo3S Glass Bridge displays can be purchased as system packs or stand-alone displays. System packs include a display, GPS, keypad and accessories. The displays also feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities to connect with smartphones, tablets and internet hotspots. Prices start at $6,099 for a display only. Visit simrad-yachting.com to learn more.…

We live in an age of specialization, and the realm of boat cleaners is no different. Some cleaners work better for one specific type of job than they do for general cleanup assignments. Here are three different types of cleaners from one company—Star brite—and the best applications for them. STAR BRITE NONSKID DECK CLEANER BEST FOR: Well, it’s right in the name. Most boat soaps do a good job getting the general dirt and grime off your decks, but sometimes dirt gets ground in between the grooves of your nonslip surface. This cleaner uses surfactant agents to help lift the dirt out from the grooves so you can brush or rinse it away. Also, it does not leave a slippery residue on your nonskid. NOT GREAT FOR: Cleaning up the…

Scarab promises triple pleasure from its newest jet-powered boat. Twin 300 hp Rotax water jets propel the Scarab 285 to 55 mph. The touchscreen helm interface delivers easy monitoring and control of engines and systems. Aesthetically, the 285’s angular windshield, rich multi-shade upholstery, billeted aluminum details, and multicolor hull graphics rival that of top-end watersports boats. No surprise there, because with the optional Surf Package, riders can enjoy a full range of watersports thrills. Luxuries include a portside lounge that converts to a variety of seating configurations. To starboard, there’s a seat that houses a sink and electric-drawer refrigerator underneath. Aft, more convertibility comes into play, as crew can sit and face aft or stretch out in tanning mode. The swim platform looks massive in size. A unique feature incorporated…

Having anchored for the day at the Haulover Inlet sand-bar in North Miami, Florida, aboard our 26 Sea Ray, it was time to go. The crew included my wife and small child, and my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their small child. My brother-in-law went to the bow to operate the windlass and point at the anchor so I could steer the boat and avoid stressing the windlass too much. Without warning, the anchor came up. In the strong current, my boat immediately started drifting starboard, straight at a boat anchored 15 feet away. I instinctively put the engine in reverse but got no power. The drive was still trimmed up all the way due to the shallow water. Then it happened: I panicked, shifted the engine into forward gear, and slammed…

The picture shows the cockpit stairs leading to the flying bridge aboard a large yacht. There is a handrail on the inboard side, per American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. According to ABYC H-41, such handholds are required on “weather decks” (areas exposed to weather where crew walk or stand); to assist crew using companionways, ladders and stairways; and in exterior seating areas used when the vessel is underway. In addition, any grab rail must meet a minimum height requirement of 24 inches above the deck. On a boat with only handholds, “the maximum spacing between handholds must not exceed 4 feet.” A handhold should also be within reach of any boarding ladders. The rail on the outboard side of the steps measured just less than 4 feet from…

Marine canvas, be it a boat cover or enclosure, possesses an annoying trait. It tends to shrink with age and exposure to the elements. A piece of canvas that fit perfectly when it was new years ago is now a struggle to snap into place. Sometimes, no matter how much you tug and pull to stretch the fabric, the aging canvas just won’t reach far enough to connect with one or more snaps. If you leave that portion of the canvas unsnapped, it will flap in the wind. You don’t really want to fork out money for a new cover or enclosure, but what’s the alternative? One solution lies in snap extenders to bridge the gaps. These consist of a piece of leather fitted with a snap button (female portion…

Sometimes Mark Hammons just has to grin and bear it. “I’ve had many, many hours of not getting paid—of redoing a repair over and over until you get it to where you want it,” says Hammons, owner and operator of Florida-based East Coast Fiberglass Repair. His standard is nothing less than factory original. His work results in the same shine, the same structural integrity and the same color, or he’s not satisfied. What can the average DIY boater learn from one as highly skilled with fiberglass repair as Hammons? Read on. GELCOAT GEL-WELL Spray at least two coats. One coat will be sanded through to remove the orange-peel texture, making two or three coats crucial for a smooth patch. Also, keep stepping your overspray area out to avoid a noticeable…

The passion of a lifetime is what might explain our attraction to the Donzi 38 ZRC. Beautiful and powerful, but easy to handle, this fabulous 38-foot speedboat vanished from our lives more than a decade ago. So, finding one bobbing at a boat show this spring is like spying that old flame at the end of the bar. The desire is undeniable. And for good reason. The 38 ZRC proved fast, fun and attractive, a combination that made it a big hit—and a champion stock-class race boat—during its initial production run, from 2002 until the turmoil of the Great Recession. Yet a great hull remains a great hull, and its performance is even more potent thanks to new powertrain options and technology. So, the return of the Donzi 38 ZRC…

In nautical terms, it’s called a plumb bow, but after one look at the Axopar 28 Cabin’s sharp stem, you’d be more inclined to call it a carving knife. Axopar builds some of the most unique-looking boats in the world, but all of its European form is designed to maximize its function, and all of those style points led to great performance during our test. The Finnish builder designed the Axopar line to closely mimic the ride of a RIB, without adding on the inflatable collar. The 28 Cabin has a low center of gravity, with low freeboard and a hull form that both enhance its seakeeping and overall efficiency. That eye-catching plumb bow sharpens to a 60-degree angle, hence its knifelike ability to slice through waves and chop. Moving…

The Supra SA has earned a solid reputation in the watersports world as the official tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour and Pro Wakesurf Tour for the past five years. With updates both below the water and above in 2020, the 22-foot SA 550 stands out as one of the best all-around wake-boats in its class. Two big advances take a prominent spot at the helm: Large touchscreen displays provide the captain with menus that are both easy to navigate and see, and a third screen sits next to the glove box, allowing passengers to control the SA 550’s audio and lighting functions. Setting the SA up for rider benefit proves easy thanks to Supra’s patented Auto-wake system and preprogrammed rider profiles. Use the steering-wheel controls for on-the-fly adjustment.…

Getting your boat ready for another season of use is one of the joys of ownership. Seriously, it is—as long as you think of it positively. It’s not the end of another season; it’s the beginning of a new one. The possibilities for new boating adventures seem endless, and making sure your boat is ready for all the fun is a great responsibility. Even if you’re religious about winterizing, there’s still lots to be done to ensure trouble-free outings—not to mention taking advantage of potential upgrades. On the other side, if your winterizing regimen leaves a lot to be desired, now’s the time to correct all of last fall’s mistakes. It’s easier to tackle the project if you divvy it up by systems—steering, fuel, engine, drive, cooling, etc. It’ll go…

›› Check all systems, including plumbing, coolers, bait and fish wells, the shower and head, and galley components. Check carefully for loose or cracked hoses and fittings, especially throughhull fittings and drains.›› Check all accessories and toys, such as skis, tubes, vests, towropes, etc.›› Check all safety items—life jackets, lines, anchors, flags, emergency systems, first-aid kits, flares, etc. Now is also a good time to request a vessel safety check from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons.›› Certainly not least: Check to make sure you have the current license, registration, permits and insurance, not to mention towing insurance from a service such as TowBoatUS or Sea Tow. TRAILER TROUBLES If you’re a trailer boater, you must do a complete trailer check. You’ve seen one of those stranded boaters along the roadside, waiting…

I love the smell of two-stroke in the morning. It smells like… adventure. It was modest adventure my good friend Chuck Larson and I were after when we cast off from the Eureka Locks ramp for a little exploring up the Fox River in Chuck’s recently commissioned 14-foot Sea Nymph, which is now powered by a 1957 Evinrude Fleetwin 7.5 outboard that we decided to call “Ike” because it was new during the Eisenhower administration, and it’s a beauty. There’s not a scratch on it. Even the pretty cloisonné badges on the sides of the toaster-shaped, cast-aluminum cowl are intact. The cowl is hinged at the top, and the port side unlatches and opens to reveal the two-cylinder powerhead and its carburetor with a little glass bowl. Very cool, and…