Tabla de contenidos para May 2021 en Boating

Bayliner’s latest boat, the compact, lightweight and low-maintenance M15, seeks to make boating easy for couples and small families. Both first-time and experienced owners will likely appreciate its simplicity and style Its wide helm bench keeps the skipper in the conversation with crew seated in the nook-style lounge that runs up the port side and wraps around the bow. Underseat stowage keeps gear, lunch and beverages handy and secure. Aft, there is a swim platform and boarding ladder. A 40 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard with trim and tilt is standard, as is a trailer. Capacity is five people Individual upgrades on the M15 include a galvanized trailer, VesselView Mobile and a 50 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard. Order the EX package to get an automatic bilge pump (a manual pump is…

Boating was my daughter Hannah’s passion. She grew up on the water and obtained her boating license at age 14. Hannah was an excellent boater and an accomplished docker. Most of her experience was in fresh water in the Thousand Islands, New York, region. After moving to Kent Island, (Chesapeake Bay, Maryland), Hannah and her boyfriend purchased a bowrider of their own. We had many conversations about the differences between Chesapeake Bay’s currents and tidal changes versus freshwater excursions. We accompanied them on a few ventures to help them gain a better understanding of the tidal water. Hannah was so proud of their little boat. She and her boyfriend were returning in calm waters from a beach where boaters anchor; the boyfriend was at the helm and Hannah stood between…

The celebratory mood after a great day of fishing faded as I stared at a cooler stuffed with fish and contemplated the work ahead. Suddenly, my fishing buddies found a reason to skip out before I even set up the fillet table. No worries—Bubba to the rescue. I unzipped the EVA-molded carrying case of my Bubba cordless electric fillet knife, snapped in the appropriately sized serrated twin blades for the fish we caught, and went to work. The knife is powered by a rechargeable lithiumion battery, and it sports an ergonomic nonslip grip (with the iconic Bubba red texture) and a trigger switch with a guard and safety. The reciprocating action of the blades made short work of filleting 20 tasty Pacific rockfish. The kit includes four blade sets, each…

Do you know the differences between various types of emergency signals? HANDHELD FLARES Locator flares produce a bright-red flame, visible day and night, while smoke flares are visible only in daylight. Hold flares by the base, ideally with heat-resistant gloves and eye protection. Use the abrasive on the cap to strike the flare like a match, and keep it at arm’s length, pointed 45 to 60 degrees above the horizon and clear of overhead structures, with the wind at your back to carry away smoke. Hold it overboard so the slag (hot residue) doesn’t burn your skin or other surfaces. Do not wave flares. FLOATING SMOKE FLARES Contained in a metal canister and activated by pulling a string, floating smoke flares produce colored smoke for three to four minutes. Check…

Fiberglass, if you didn’t know, is flammable, and if the boat is full of fuel, a simple spark can lead to an explosive situation. Knowing this, what can you do to prevent boat fires in the first place? Last December, I attended a webinar hosted by the American Boat and Yacht Council, where Jason Green of the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control spoke about common causes of boat fires. While the content was aimed toward investigators and surveyors, I found it useful to recreational boaters. Between presentations like this and information from other experts, we have the knowledge to decrease the risk of fire. Here are common causes of boat fires, and ways to prevent them. ELECTRICAL By far, electrical issues cause the most fires on recreational…

Beneteau’s designers tuned in closely to the way we boaters in the US and Canada use our vessels. For serious passage-making, the company offers its highly successful scan this tag or visit Swift Trawlers, which Boating has covered. That said, more families prefer boats focused on day trips and weekend cruises. For them, Beneteau offers its Antares line, with boats from 24 feet, 6 inches (7 meters) to this new 36-foot-7-inch (11-meter) model. All Antares models feature outboard power, such as the pair of 300 hp Mercury V-8 Verados that powered our test boat. Antares models reflect European design themes: sweeping lines, plenty of glass for natural light in both the wheelhouse and hull topsides, and sun pads fore and aft. The Antares 11’s hull shows a two-stage flared bow…

Sea Born boats are birthed in Blackshear, Georgia, to parent company Composite Research, also maker of Sundance skiffs and Spyder flats boats. Out of decades of boatbuilding experience from that foundation comes the new Sea Born LX26 XLT Its double-stepped hull delivers a superb ride, sporty performance and good fuel economy. The LX26 XLT runs flatter than a V-bottom center-console thanks to the steps, so V-bottom skippers may find themselves over-trimming at first. At 9 feet, 6 inches, it’s one of the beamiest center-consoles we’ve seen, which adds both space and at-rest stability. The helm’s optional glass cockpit is based on dual 12-inch Simrad Evo3 displays (standard with the XLT package), a full spectrum of sonar, plus digital gauges from the Suzuki engines. Optimus 360 electric power steering with autopilot…

Mercury Marine’s 600 hp V-12 Verado represents a new paradigm in marine propulsion. It’s a collection of integrated systems: swiveling propulsor, two-speed transmission, contra-rotating propsets, electrohydraulic steering, 7.6-liter naturally aspirated internal combustion engine, and management and control functions. And it is integral to propelling the large, fast boats designed to use it. This horse definitely pulls the cart. SEA TRIALS To test the V-12 Verado, I ran Formula’s 21-ton 500 SSC, powered by four V-12 Verados, from Marathon, Florida, to Miami with race champ Vic Spellberg and his wife, Arlene, a trip of about 120 miles. I also spent a day aboard a fleet of V-12-powered test boats with Mercury Marine engineers at the fabled Lake X test facility in central Florida. What I have to share about Mercury’s behemoth…

Combining two of the most innovative brands in boating and watersports creates a joint force that knows no boundaries. There is a passion for fun on the water shared between Axopar and JOBE and a collective mission to create the best watersports experience for the consumer and something truly unique. The Axopar x JOBE, based on the 22 Spyder, is a special edition tailored to its matching watersports products, bringing the best of both worlds together. With every boat follows a collection of JOBE watersports gear including a stand-up paddleboard with paddle, matching life vests, a specially developed towable water toy that doubles as a cushion in the bow and a unique foredeck hammock. All Jobe boats features unique color schemes and graphics kits finished with a super grippy EVA…

Jeff Brown Yachts jeff@jeffbrownyachts.com jeffbrownyachts.com San Diego - Main Office 2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 105 San Diego, CA 92106 Tel: (619) 222-9899 (619) 709-0697 Newport Beach Office 3101 West Coast Highway, Suite 130 Newport Beach, CA 92663 Tel: (949) 524-3143 San Francisco Office 298 Harbor Drive Sausalito, CA. 94965 Tel: (415) 887-9347 Seattle Office 901 Fairview Avenue N, Suite A170 Seattle, WA 98109 Tel: (206) 949-2270 JBY Mid-Atlantic Office 6 Marina Street, Suite 1 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Tel: (910) 660-1107 Nautical Ventures Group, Inc. sales@nauticalventures.com www.nauticalventures.com Fort Lauderdale - Main Office 1400 S. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3316 Tel: +1 954-926-5250 Palm Beach Office 139 Shore Court, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Tel: +1 561-612-7076 Fort Lauderdale Marina 4470 Anglers Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel: +1…

Ever since Asian carp escaped from aquaculture farms and got into the Mississippi River system, they’ve been steadily migrating north, despite all eff orts to stop them. Scientists worry that if they reach the Great Lakes, they will wreak havoc on that vital ecosystem. States that already have the prolific breeders in their waterways have struggled to keep their carp populations in check. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has a new strategy to cull the four invasive species of Asian carp: by promoting them as table fare. Fillet of carp, anyone? If the idea of eating Asian carp doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not alone. But the fish are actually rich in Omega-3 and, according to those who’ve tried it, quite flaky and tasty. With that, the Illinois DNR…

CLARION CMSP SPEAKERS Clarion Marine’s premium CMSP line includes 6.5- and 7.7-inch coaxial speakers, as well as a 10-inch subwoofer. A bridge-mounted, edge-driven silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling enhance the coaxials’ high-frequency detail. The subwoofer is optimized for infinite-baffle applications, which eliminates the need for a dedicated enclosure. Gunmetal and white grilles are included with the coaxials. Subwoofer grilles are sold separately. LED RGB lighting is available. Starting at $149.99 per pair for the coaxials, $179.99 for the subwoofer; clarionmarine.com PRO MARINER PROSPORTHD 8 The ProSportHD 8 is one of five new smart battery chargers in the ProSportHD series from Pro Mariner. Each features a lightweight, tri-surface heat-sink design for optimal cooling and faster charging. The new chargers off er fully automatic multistage charging that…

T-H Marine and a number of engine brands off er outboard rigging flanges designed with a separate fuel-line port for access to a primer bulb. The fuel line rejoins the rigging hose after the bulb via a hose union about a foot later. It’s a system that works well on vertical and slightly angled surfaces. To minimize the chances for water intrusion from backwash and spray, the flange mounting instructions call for positioning the fuel port at the top. While the installation in this photo is clean and neat, the fuel-line port is not at 12 o’clock, but more like the 2 o’clock position. It’s not as bad as being at the bottom, but it does not comply with the mounting instructions. If you are contemplating the installation of a…

Q:Dear Doc, I’d like to replace the bulbs inside my existing navigation lights (all-white, in the bow) with LED bulbs. Is there any problem with doing this? John MillerNew York City A:The problem is that navigation lights must meet certain performance standards and receive US Coast Guard approval. (The approval number is on the fixtures, if you look closely.) The approval is granted when specific lamps—aka bulbs—are installed. Installing a different bulb than those specified can affect the performance and thus nullify the light’s approval. LED lights are a good thing, and there are USCG-approved LED navigation lights readily available, but I cannot recommend installing unspecified lamps in existing fixtures.…

Be on the lookout for these events before they happen. Other deaths numbered 174 and included collisions, being struck by a vessel, and carbon-monoxide poisoning. This list is not the top five primary contributing factors that cause boating fatalities. (Those are alcohol, operator inexperience, operator inattention, improper lookout and excessive speed.) For any accident, there can be several causes. For instance, a drunk boater might collide with another boat that’s going too fast, with no one focused on the waters ahead and behind. Investigators might cite alcohol as the primary cause, but collision, improper lookout and excessive speed played parts. These graphics show the leading types of accidents involving fatalities, along with the suggested preventative action boaters can take so that you and your crew, hopefully, never add to these…

Fountain’s 34TE springs from one of the oldest and most prestigious names in powerboats: Reggie Fountain. Fountain dominated kingfish tournaments, which require speed, agility and stable fishability to win. The 34TE (Tournament Edition) is an outstanding blend of all those attributes and adds family comfort as the cherry on top. Let’s start with speed. The double-stepped hull is efficient, gaining as much as 10 percent more speed and fuel efficiency over standard V-hulls with similar horsepower. A pad keel adds more lift where it matters, increasing speed as the boat steps on the gas. A notched transom makes sure the water hitting the outboards is solid for maximum torque and minimum slip. While some early stepped-hull designs had a mischievous habit of spinning out in turns, the Fountain sticks while…

If you boat in a cooler climate, the dual consoles and full windshield of this new Starcraft deck boat can greatly enhance passenger comfort and extend the season. Both consoles are part of a one-piece fiberglass liner that also forms bench seat bases and is designed to maximize interior room. Inwales are thin and smooth, with no stowage, but there is stowage space in the port and helm consoles, plus a ski locker in the cockpit sole and in the ample underseat stowage compartments. Seating aboard this new Starcraft consists of loungers in the bow, with backrests at the consoles that provide great comfort and visibility for reclining occupants. A pair of bucket seats with flip-up bottom bolsters at the helm and a portside companion seat allow sitting low, more…

When Geoff Varell left the inlet near Cape Canaveral, Florida, and pointed his 20-foot center-console off shore, he had only visions of catching mahimahi running through his head. With his two young sons and close friend aboard, he made his way off shore to a fishing spot known as “the Cones.” The weather report had been favorable, and the bite had reportedly been on. But as the seas started to pick up and the group stopped to set up to troll, Varell noticed the boat sitting lower in the water than usual. Then he opened up the battery hatch in the cockpit sole, and instantly he knew something had gone very wrong. In the history of boating, there are countless stories like Varell’s that start with beautiful weather and great…

FOR THE DRIVER The Axopar deep-vee twin-stepped hulls are among the best in the world. Soft riding, stable and comfortable performing at speeds in excess of 50 knots, Axopars inspire confidence whether you’re new to boating or an experienced driver. FLEXIBLE AND VERSATILE Axopar’s deck layouts are extremely versatile. The options of an open aft deck, wet bar, cabin with sun pad or a multi-storage unit means you can specify the deck layout to suit your hobbies and style of boating. OUTBOARDS TAKE YOU ANYWHERE Outboard engines aren’t just efficient, highly reliable, easy to maintain and excellent value to horsepower. Partnered with Axopar’s unique, balanced, shallow-draft hull, they allow the boats to venture to places that other craft simply can’t get to. Every boat in the is range specially developed…

The 28 is the model that set Axopar on a path to success. Launched in 2014, it changed the perception of sportboats in this size range thanks to its outstanding versatility, handling and value for money. Seven years on Axopar has sought to update this award-winning model, using the feedback from customers to fine-tune the design and update the options list to draw the 28 closer to the flagship 37 in look and feel. Among the most significant changes on board is the allnew helm console, featuring a full suite of Simrad glass bridge multi-function displays with integrated Mercury engine information. Th is new design presents vital information clearly with a cleaner, more cohesive aesthetic. Exterior updates include a new cabin roof design and the option of a roof rack…

1. You have some work to do on your engine’s power trim-and-tilt system. It needs some scraping and repainting, and fluid topped off. What might you do to ensure a safer working environment? A. Tilt the engine all the way up, and secure it with the safety tilt-lock mechanism so it can’t accidentally tilt down while you’re underneath.B. Put a drop cloth below so paint scrapings and trim fluid don’t clutter up the area.C. Buy aftermarket paint and trim fluid to save money.D. None of the above 2. Your propeller is beat up from hitting some rocks and stumps. It’s definitely time to fix it. You’re pretty good with tools, but have never fixed a propeller before. What’s the best way to proceed? A. Leave it on the prop shaft…

Scout Boats’ new 350 LXZ is a high-end day cruiser ideal for refined entertainment. Its overnight accommodations allow you to extend your adventure. The 350 LXZ is designated as S-Class. According to Scout, “This signifies the upper echelon of our lineup—the highest level of luxury—similar to what you experience with high-end luxury automobiles.” It’s built using epoxy infusion techniques and runs on a fast and efficient dual Scout Stepped Hull. Choose twin or triple Mercury outboards. The boat boasts a large cockpit with a dive door and convertible stern seat. There’s full weather protection under an expansive top. Note that Scout produces some of the finest tops we’ve seen. Also enjoy the bar with slide-out stools. A portside walkway provides access to the bow lounge. The expansive cabin provides a…

Q: Doc, I purchased an aftermarket boat cover for my 21 Four Winns. It fits pretty well but puddles some water in one spot. How can I remedy this? Dawn McReedyOak Park, Illinois A:Telescopic support poles fitted with crutch tips at both ends can be purchased from West Marine (by TaylorMade, $40) and others. Webbed strapping can be used to provide support, either in conjunction with a pole or used without one. I have also had success boring a hole in a length of four-by-four lumber that matches the diameter of my adjustable boat-brush handle. Stick the handle in the hole, and the brush presses up against the cover. Other folks use pool floats or tow tubes to provide a peak in boat covers. You can spend money or you…

SHALLOW-WATER ANCHORS Installed on the transom, a shallow-water anchor jabs a flexible pole into bottom mud, marl or sand at the push of a button. Power Pole developed the first of these, which uses a 12-volt DC electrohydraulic system to rapidly deploy and retract its scissor-like apparatus. More recently, Minn Kota introduced two all-electric 12-volt DC systems: the Talon and the Raptor. Both have a following among bass and bay boaters, who pursue fish in relatively shallow water. The original shallow-water anchors worked in about 6 to 8 feet of water, but newer models allow anchoring in depths down to 15 feet. Many include features like wireless remotes, integrate with multifunction displays, and have sensors that automatically adjust for rough water or bottom composition. Adapter plates let you use existing…

Boats sporting convertible cockpit arrangements have become all the rage. But the flip-down hull sides and swiveling, sliding seat modules aboard Tiara Sport’s 43 LE do more than just expand social and recreational opportunities. They combine with its racy, offshore hull form, gobs of outboard power, and a cabin chock full of amenities to make this boat as much a sport yacht as it is a dayboat. Dayboat functionality begins with the ability to deliver the advantages of speed and performance to your crew. Powered by triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards, the 43 LE blasts you and a dozen or more close friends to 60 mph, ensuring not only thrills, but also hat you get to where you want to go—and back—in a manageable time. I found it fun to…

We ran Galeon’s first-ever outboard-powered boat, the 325 GTO, from the Marine-Max dealership in Sarasota, Florida. The new GTO (Grand Touring Outboard) will be the smallest of a series that goes up to about 50 feet. With MarineMax as its national dealer, Galeon has become a player in the 40-to 68-foot motoryacht categories. But the Polish builder had already won multiple awards for models such as its 500 Fly created by superyacht designer Tony Castro. The 325 GTO off ers a few yachtlike wows courtesy of Castro, like the foldout side panel that opens up the cockpit and off ers instant water access. The prototype also came with the Comfort Pack and Luxury Pack options, including interior and exterior LED lighting, a stylish helm console with twin Raymarine Axiom 16-inch…

The term “joystick” was coined by pioneer aviators, and the invention must have added to the exhilaration and joy of flight. Joy was not the emotion we experienced when we grasped the joystick of a Bennington R24 pontoon equipped with the new Yamaha Helm Master EX control system, but we will admit to excited anticipation. It was our first opportunity to experience joystick control for a single engine, a feature of Yamaha’s Helm Master EX that is exclusive to the industry, from both OEM and aftermarket sources. The Helm Master EX system [Motorhead, September 2020] consists of all-new software and hardware that can be rigged with up to four Yamaha digital electronic control (DEC) outboards from 150 to 425 hp. Installed in layers, the system starts with a new DEC…

Remember when we used a telephone just to call someone? In those days, if we wanted to listen to music, take photos, plan a road trip, crunch some numbers, look at local restaurant options and do our own fact-checking, our available toolbox included a radio, camera, map, calculator, the Yellow Pages and a set of encyclopedias. To have access to all of those things through one device, right at our fingertips? Unthinkable. Might as well turn on Star Trek reruns. Now, of course, we can do all that and so much more. The smartphones we hold in our hands are more powerful than the Apollo 11 guidance computers, the mid-1980s Cray-2 Supercomputer, and even our fancy 21st-century laptops. They also are powerful extensions of ourselves, and we seek to have…

Axopar 22 Spyder at a glance LOA 23ft 20in (7.2m) Beam 7ft 4in (2.23m) Draft 2ft 8in (0.8m) Fuel capacity 74 gal Water capacity 11 gal RCD Category C for 7 people Engines Single 115hp-200hp outboard Top speed 45 knots + This premium 22-footer distills the key Axopar attributes of high quality, performance, handling and excellent value for money into the most compact package yet. Despite its taut dimensions the boat is every inch an Axopar and a true driver’s boat with a twin-stepped deep-vee hull for a smooth ride and outstanding handling. This is pure Axopar, condensed. A starter boat with the edge The hull is designed to be safe, stable and assured to suit those new to boating but with engine options up to 200hp the 22 is…

The Shadow 900 range is the ultimate expression of BRABUS Marine values. Available as Spyder, Sun-Top or Cross Cabin, the flagship of the range combines searing performance and astonishing handling for the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled driving experience with exquisite quality and detailing. With a pair of 4.6-litre 450hp Mercury V8s performance is blistering. The immense power reserves mean a cruising speed of anywhere between 30 and 50 knots. On board, the BRABUS eye for detail comes to the fore, full of exquisite componentry in carbon fibre, especially inside the cabin, which is filled to the brim in BRABUS fine leather. Striking upholstery, a full glass bridge helm design and BRABUS multi-function steering wheel are just a few of the highlights on deck. The exclusive “One of Thirty Seven” limited edition models…