Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Boating

FOR WIND AND WAVES WINDFINDER WHY: This app provides wind-speed readings from nearby stations, and shares the latest wind and waveheight information from nearby buoys. Its global wind map provides a macro view of the wind patterns all around the world. Locally, it’s a great way to see what the wind is doing and what the seas are like. It can provide vital information as to whether it’s a good day to head outside the inlet. WHY NOT: The nearest buoy could be miles from your location and not necessarily accurate for your hyper-local conditions. PRICE: Free ($7.99 for Pro version); windfinder.com FOR FORECAST STORMS AND RADAR DARK SKY WHY: I check this app to get a realistic extended forecast for my area, as well as a real-time weather update.…

I get dozens of emails from the US Coast Guard per week, perhaps the most common of which details the stopping of illegal charter boats. Whether it’s a 46-footer in Miami, a 25-footer out of Wisconsin, a 31-footer off Cape Cod, or a 20-footer in Seattle, these are boats being operated illegally by their owners. The reason? There’s money to be made. That has always been a lure for reprobate boaters. Add in today’s cheap and prevalent social media marketing, and it’s easy for untrained, unscrupulous owners to attract and risk the lives of unsuspecting customers. The US Coast Guard and other agencies such as marine police are cracking down on these criminals. I get dozens of emails from the US Coast Guard per week, perhaps the most common of…

Longtime Boating contributor and marine electronics expert Ken Englert told me that the most common question customers in his store ask is: “How can I get internet reception on my boat?” Expensive satellite dome receivers such as those from KVH and Intellian, along with hefty service fees, are the most common means of connecting to internet aboard boats over 40 feet in length overall. But large domes are not practical on many smaller boats, and that’s why Shakespeare introduced the Stream wireless booster. This compact, affordable system amplifies weak cellular signals along inshore, coastal and popular cruising waters, enabling boaters to use their existing data plans to host a reliable hotspot on their phone or other cellular device while underway, at anchor or at the dock. Ideal for unlimited data…

Asymmetry rarely exists in boat hulls, but there are exceptions, including the outrigger canoe and the Pacific proa. Both of these have two parallel hulls, but one hull is thinner than the other. These helped inspire a unique line of boats—Aspen Power Catamarans. Company founder and president Larry Graf has long stood as an advocate of catamarans, but Aspen takes this hydrodynamic concept to a new level with an asymmetric design. An Aspen’s starboard hull is wider than its port hull. The thinner hull generates less drag. At the same time, each hull offers a balance between displacement and load, and that keeps the boat stable. The asymmetry goes largely hidden, except for one obvious element. While early Aspen models featured a single diesel inboard within the larger of the…

With an arrowlike closed bow, low-profile smoked Lexan windscreen, go-fast painted graphics, and a Mercury Racing 300R outboard bolted to the transom, the Velocity 230 SC looks fast—even before it leaves the trailer, as the saying goes. The 230 SC hit a top speed of 77.8 mph during our testing, before the pucker factor prevented me from adding in more trim, lift and throttle. In different water conditions, and with an experienced person at the helm, particularly one with time aboard the 230, reliable sources peg that number as closer to 82 mph. I buy that completely. If you’ve got the goods, the 230 SC is one speedy, eye-catching ride. Like a number of Velocity models, the 230 SC is based off a hull design that has laid claim to…

Since its debut in 2016, Ilmor’s One-Drive has earned high marks for its electromagnetically actuated hydraulic clutch transmission, a choice that off ers smooth and silent engagement compared to the clunky feel and sound of the traditional cone clutch. That silky-smooth engagement is especially notable in twin-drive joystick applications, where drives continually shift in and out of forward, neutral and reverse in response to the operator’s input at the helm-mounted joystick. Recently, we had the chance to test the latest iteration of the One-Drive system—in particular the One-Touch joystick and optional One-Touch Pro Anchor Assist and Planing Assist features—on a 2021 Formula 310 bowrider, powered by a pair of 430 hp Ilmor 6.2L GDI-S engines Conditions were ideal to test the limits of both joystick control and the Anchor Assist…

Furuno’s third-generation NavNet TZtouch3 series of three multifunction displays debuted in early 2020 with 12-, 16- and 19-inch models, and they quickly became the most sought-after displays among boaters for their power, networking capabilities and ease of use. Now Furuno adds a compact new MFD to the family. Furuno’s new 9-inch NavNet model—the TZT9F—is similar to its TZtouch 12-inch model, but better suited for helms and flybridges where mounting space is limited. The TZT9F’s Hybrid Control system includes a bright, high-definition IPS multitouch display with an integrated control panel that features Furuno’s RotoKey and dedicated physical buttons. The TZT9F features a powerful quad-core processor, fourway split-screen capability, and lightning-fast response time. There’s also a built-in 1 kW single-channel TruEcho CHIRP fish finder. A 50/200 kHz fish finder is also included.…

Lorria Whitfield started her career at the acclaimed Romora Bay Resort & Marina on Harbour Island over a decade ago as an administrative assistant, and today she is one of the few female marina managers in all of the Bahamas. ON BOARD WITH… CAPTAIN’S TEST FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE ONLINE THIS MONTH FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD What’s a typical day like for you? A typical day is from early in the morning until sunset, and I encounter many different guests with many different personalities, but the goal is always to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy. What’s the hardest part of your job? The hardest part is telling somebody no. For example, if somebody is trying to make a reservation and the marina is full, and I know I can’t squeeze…

AXOPAR 22 X JOBE The Axopar 22 X Jobe is said to rate top marks for handling, performance, seaworthiness, safety and comfort. A series of boats built by Finnish boatbuilder Axopar, in collaboration with world-renowned sports company Jobe of the Netherlands, the X Jobe boats are based upon Axopar’s 22 Spyder ($31,400). As pioneered aboard Axopar’s larger boats, the X Jobe Revolve and Revolve XXII combine myriad functionalities, options, equipment and alternative layouts, all intended to suit specific needs and wants for a wide range of boat buyers. Rated for outboards up to 115 hp, the 22 X Jobe is claimed to hit 51 mph. Boaters can also choose between various hull-graphics packages, and different gelcoat or hull-paint schemes. For example, the Jobe Experience Package includes hull-matched life jackets, and…

Boat Doc, this summer I bought a 2015 22-foot pontoon with a 115 Yamaha. It is super hard to steer. It’s a single-cable-type steering. What can be done that will make this boat more enjoyable to drive? Thanks Ron Rollins Golden, Missouri A: Simple things first. Are you trimming the engine up as you accelerate? An engine at speed with no trim will be harder to steer. Next, your engine has a trim tab (fin) located above the propeller. This is designed to be slightly off set to one side in order to counter that natural tendency of a propeller to exert a steering force (prop torque). If the trim tab is not adjusted correctly, steering will be harder than it needs to be. Assuming your outboard is a right-hand…

Whether you water-ski, wakeboard, fish or just rock the sandbar with a mega-amp stereo, chances are your boat has more than one battery on board. If it does, you need an installed onboard charger capable of charging, maintaining and conditioning your batteries between outings. We’ve opted to cover maximum three- and four-bank chargers, but each of these (our favorites) comes in one- and two-bank versions as well—and the fewer banks, the lower the price. So, if you’re a skipper with a runabout, an amped-up stereo and a house battery, there is one for you—and you need it. PRO CHARGING SYSTEMS DUAL PRO PROFESSIONAL SERIES PRO VOLT MODEL NO. PS 4 $716; dualpro.com The Dual Pro line has one of the longest track records in onboard battery maintenance, with probably millions…

Following the success of its flagship M240, Malibu sought to deliver the same performance and amenities in a smaller form. The M220 fits the bill, and unlike its bigger sibling, it can be customized with a variety of factory options, giving buyers more choices—and price points—from which to choose. Most importantly, the M220 is built on the acclaimed M hull, which delivers some of Malibu’s best wakes and waves for riding. With its higher freeboard and squared-offbow, the M220 features a look that is distinct from any other series in the Malibu line. That higher freeboard, coupled with deeper seating, provides for a comfortable ride; and with the deeper riding characteristics of Malibu’s M hull, the M220 is smooth, even in choppier waters. Inside, the M220 features a plush interior…

Boat shopping? Forget about the lengthy, mind-boggling options list that accompanies many boat purchases. Manitou seeks to make pontoon buying easier with its new Aurora LE line, which offers a long list of standard features and groups the most popular options into a single Limited package. Choose a tube configuration, a color and your desired horsepower outboard, and you’ll be done. The Aurora LE is offered only with the RF interior with fore and aft L-lounges. All of the furniture features higher-quality, cool-touch vinyl upholstery and upgraded foam padding for 2021, with more color contrast. There’s stowage below each seat and within the molded fiberglass helm console. The aft deck is 34 inches deep, and a stainless-steel boarding ladder with grab-handle side rails is standard, as is a sturdily mounted…

One summer long ago, crisp mountain air mixed with clear alpine waters, the baritone growl of a wooden boat, and the soft hiss of its wake forever spiked a 10-year-old’s imagination—about the boat. Nature was fine, but in reality, only a boat could glide across deep waters, discover secret shores, stipple the face with wind and spray, and plane boldly into the unknown. While this kid—yours truly—happily rock-hopped, he unexpectedly spotted a rumpled blue Century pennant and staff; after falling off a boat, they’d been carried by afternoon fetch and tossed ashore overnight. It seemed a sign that a wooden boat would be my destiny. Maybe later, life said. I didn’t get the chance until late last year, when friend Scott Young listened politely to my flag story and said,…

The new ActiveTarget Live high-resolution sonar system from Lowrance provides detailed views of fish moving in and around structure in real time. Unlike a conventional sonar, in which you can view only a history of what has occurred, you can actually watch fish, bait, lures and other objects move around on the screen as the action happens. Compatible with the Lowrance HDS Live, HDS Carbon and Elite FS displays, the system offers three viewing options: Forward, Down and Scout. The first two allow anglers to track fish in front of and below the boat, respectively. Scout mode provides an ultra-wide overhead view of structure and fish activity in front of the boat, which can prove effective for finding schools of bait or target fish. All three of the ActiveTarget Live…

GRUND…NS DEVIATION ANKLE BOOTS The Deviation Ankle Boots from Grundéns provide boaters with a comfortable, performance-driven footwear option that will hold up on and off the water. The 6-inch-high boots include nonmarking lugged rubber outsoles for warmth and water proofing, with razor-cut siping on the soles to clear mud and other debris while maintaining much-needed traction on a wet deck. The thick insole off ers shock resistance, and the antimicrobial cooling liner will ensure the typical footwear stench gets left behind. Available in men’s sizes 8 to 14 in Anchor Black and Refraction Camo. $129.99; grundens.com BLISSLETS ACUPUNCTURE BRACELETS Acupressure wristbands have long been popular and effective options for relieving the symptoms of seasickness without drugs. Now there’s a stylish new twist in acupuncture wristbands thanks to Blisslets. Available in…

Q: I am a new boater and understand that plant growth and barnacles on my boat’s bottom will detract from the boat’s performance. However, I would like to use the most environmentally friendly bottom paint possible. What is your recommendation? Sharon Vignascenti Brooklyn, New York A: There are no completely environmentally friendly anti-fouling paints. But some are cleaner than others. Most of the major paint companies make paints that are solvent-free (Pettit Hydrocoat, for example) or that use no heavy-metal anti-fouling agents (Interlux Micron CF, for example). You can limit your initial selection to these, filtering down to your final choice by researching which one best suits your boat-use profile and location. There are also alternatives to bottom paint. You can keep your boat at a high-and-dry marina, use a…

The photograph shows a Bimini top stowed by folding it forward onto raised supports located in the bow. It is a second, optional Bimini top intended to shade bow seating when erect. It impedes visibility from the helm when stowed as shown. A better solution, in our view, would have been to stow this Bimini in an upright position, supported by struts. We acknowledge this may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but safety trumps appearance in our book. The American Boat and Yacht Council addresses visibility from the helm in its standards (ABYC H-1, Visibility from the Helm Position), and we at Boating utilize this standard during boat tests. Standard H-1 states, in part, that movable items, such as gear and tops, are not obstructions because they can be moved…

CHAIN A few lengths of chain can come in handy for use in hauling, in combination with a farm jack (read on) or to provide to a good Samaritan who is willing to tow you but lacks a strap. Chain can also be wrapped around an axle that’s hanging because U-bolts or leaf-spring hangers broke, you blew a hub, or you got flats on two tires of a dual-axle trailer and only had one spare tire. Wrapped around the axle and frame, chain can help you limp to a service station. Don’t forget a few shackles and hooks. IMPACT DRIVER Unlike a drill, an impact driver vibrates as well as spins. This makes tough jobs such as drilling through concrete easier. Of course, that same vibratory rotation makes getting lug…

The Leader 12.5 WA is part center-console, part express cruiser, part fishing boat and part touring platform. But when we firewalled the throttles on triple Yamaha 300 outboards, we knew it was all about performance. Acceleration is snappy, planing in 5 seconds, making 30 mph in 10 seconds and topping out at 50 mph—all impressive numbers for a vessel pushing 18,000 pounds of displacement, and packed with sumptuous living quarters and topside accoutrements that cover fishing, diving, swimming, exploring and outdoor dining. After testing several Jeanneaus, we’ve come to expect this MVP quality in its powerboats. Michael Peters designed the running surface and made the Leader 12.5 WA fast. He’s been designing Jeanneau hulls since 2002, and while we expected to see steps below the waterline, we did not. This…

As boat prices climb, one brand is bending the curve downward. Reflex America imports components from Reflex, New Zealand, and then assembles its boats in Southern California. The 24-foot-10-inch Reflex Reefrunner starts at $84,900. This model features a quasi pilothouse with a full-height tempered-glass windshield and sliding side windows, plus a cuddy cabin with a pair of 7-foot-long berths, portlight hatch and portable marine toilet. The hardtop features a manually operated shade extension for the cockpit, an overhead hatch, and a row of six rod holders. The Reefrunner performed well with a single 200 hp Mercury V-6 Four-Stroke outboard. Top speed was 41.5 mph, and it posted outstanding fuel economy—3.73 mpg at 4,000 rpm and 27.6 mph. Hydraulic steering made handling easy as we carved turns at speed. The deep-V…

Starcraft’s SVX 191 OB takes aim at budget-minded boaters without forcing buyers to peruse the options list just to get the necessities and niceties. Its impressive standards list includes a fiberglass helm with full gauge array, a swiveling bucket helm seat with flip-up bolster, a steering wheel with a plush leathery-feel wrap, and a Jensen Bluetooth stereo with four speakers. EVA foam traction mats and telescoping boarding ladders come standard on both bow and stern platforms, and a Bimini provides shade. Starcraft even included a standard portside galley with sink (water tank and faucet are optional). Still, do read the options list. Watersports fans will benefit from adding the raised ski pole; in addition to lifting the towrope up and over the outboard, it provides a more solid pull than…

This guy I know had a unique boating problem. A successful businessman, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a house on a lake and living the boating life. The house sat atop a bluffand offered an incredible view of the water. But he soon realized he had an issue. His waterfront access came in the form of a switchbacking staircase that led to a small beach, on which he was incapable of building a dock or putting in a boat lift. The nearest marina was a 30-minute drive away. How was he going to wake up, step out his back door and go boating? The solution: a RIB with wheels. He bought a Sealegs, which featured twin retractable wheels on the transom and one on the bow. With his…