Tabla de contenidos para June/July 2023 en Boating

WATERSPORTS TACTACAM SOLO XTREME The Solo Xtreme has an optional ultrawide lens that screws onto the front of the camera. That’s ideal for most POV users, who do close work. We found that the Solo linked to the Tactacam Connect app quickly and with little effort. Once connected, we could choose the shoot modes, from slow motion to 30 or 60 frames per second. The app allowed us to adjust cam settings such as exposure and white balance, format the card, and transfer clips. With the standard lens, it will capture wakeboard action up close and personal. Its field of view won’t reach the outside of a cut, but it will capture wake tricks. For ultrawide action, buy the Xtreme wide-lens accessory ($24.99). PROS: Loop recording allows the user to…

Montara’s Surf Boss 2.0 produces wakes and waves that will impress even the most experienced riders. This should come as no surprise because the aluminum Surf Boss 2.0 is designed and built by professionals who have been working in the watersports boat field for many years. Of course, one look should tell you that the Montara Surf Boss 2.0 delivers some-thing no other wakeboat can rival. While it provides thrills behind the boat, its topside layout offers all the space and amenities of a luxury pontoon boat. It comes with a standard power tower, a raised helm featuring a 12-inch touch-screen, Polk audio, and a complete wake-shaping system. Montara offers two seating plans: Center Walk-Through and Center Walk-Through Dual Helm Chair. A massive walk-in stowage compartment in the bow, dubbed…

My ski pals and I decided to go water-skiing on a late but warm (72 degrees F) October day on Rose Lake in Minnesota. While waiting for them to arrive, I spent an hour wading in the water, removing docks. Upon arriving, my pals inquired about wetsuits. I said we would hop-start from shore and wouldn’t be skiing aggressively, so a dip in the water was not likely. The terrible tumble felt like being in a washing machine. I sheared the ball off the top of my femur! I made two crosses. Then I realized what was wrong: My feet were numb from spending time in the 50-degree water! I could not feel my feet, and I did not have my back foot properly seated in the pocket. I was…

Several years in, it’s safe to say that wakesurfing is one of the most engaging watersports that people enjoy on the water. The thing is, most people want to enjoy it as part of their boating experience, not as their only experience, so they’re not looking for a dedicated surfboat. Boat companies looking to accommodate that crowd have sought to build recreational boats propelled by jets or forward-facing drives to make them safe to surf behind. The catch-22, as we have learned, is that many “surfable” runabouts do not produce a wave strong enough for a weekend warrior to surf easily. Sea Ray’s new SLX 260 Surf, however, delivers on that promise. During testing‚ expert rider Cody Prizer discovered that the SLX 260 Surf produced astrong wave with a pocket…

The XStar represents one of the most storied boats in watersports and is the choice of six-time world champion and 10-time national champion Ashley Kidd. The XStar name is one of the most iconic in towed watersports. Since its inception in the late ’90s, when MasterCraft took the acclaimed ProStar 205 model and geared it toward wake-boarding, the XStar has gone on to earn countless awards, tow the most prestigious events, and help propel watersports to unbelievable heights. For 2023, MasterCraft is taking the XStar to a new level with a series of upgrades that ensure it’s still a trendsetter, including an optional engine that has to be driven to be believed. Starting with that all-new motor, MasterCraft and longtime marine engine partner Ilmor have worked to create the most…

Supra’s SE has always ranked as a standout, and for 2023, it sports many enhancements. Longer lines and higher freeboard give the SE a commanding look and complement the FxONE power tower. On board, the higher freeboard provides deeper seating and a more comfortable ride. In the bow, I discovered the coolest new feature: the Switchback Seat. The wind dam for the walk-through flips into a backrest, allowing for a third seat with the center cushion in place. Comfort continues with customizable seating, including a convertible rear bench that also sets up as a table. JL Audio speakers throughout (and on the tower) are tuned specifically to the SE’s layout. Rated for 18 and with abundant storage throughout and on the tower, the SE carries a big crew and all…

Find the Sweet Spot Underfilled tubes won’t perform as intended, and gaps between the bladder and cover can entangle riders. Overfilled inflatables can pop seams when air expands in the hot sun. Most manufacturers recommend inflating to about 85 percent capacity to find a tube’s sweet spot, firm enough to perform as intended but with wiggle room for expansion. If there’s one towable that has stood the test of time, it’s the inflatable. Or, as those of us who grew up riding those literal truck-tire innards around the lake used to call them, tubes. There’s plenty of reasons for their long-term popularity. Unlike most tow sports, tubes have no real learning curve. The right inflatable can also satisfy a vast audience, young or old, large or small, timid or aggressive. And…

ON BOARD WITH… FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE NEWS ONLINE THIS MONTH CAPTAIN’S TEST FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD What is your connection to the ocean? Growing up, I was either sailing or working on my family’s oyster farm in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where I learned firsthand how the health of the ocean is connected to how we treat it. Oysters are amazing creatures—they are filter feeders, and that’s how I first learned about microplastics. What inspired you to turn microplastics into jewelry? I was the director of an environmental and marine-science kids camp. We would do beach cleanups, and I would teach campers about microplastics and the dangers they pose to marine life. We talked a lot about repurposing and reusing things. We would bring the plastics we collected to art class and…

We All Float On If you own a boat and there’s a decent sandbar nearby, odds are you’re going to drop anchor or raft-up and enjoy the company of other boaters. We know this because we hear all about several sandbar hotspots around the country that are legendary for their party scenes. Want to add to the fun? Bring aboard an inflatable Watercraft Sandbar Series Platform from Aqua Lily Pad. The platform stows in a 50-pound travel bag that measures 14-by-14-by-33 inches for transport. When you’re ready to deploy it, use the provided air pump to blow it up to its full 6-by-13-foot rectangular shape. The PVC and nylon raft sits 4 inches above the water can hold up to eight adults. When inflated, it can serve as a swim…

Swedish boatbuilder Candela is launching the latest version of its electric hydro-foil boats, the C-8 Center Console. The carbon-fiber hull employs a 69 kWh Polestar 2 battery system that powers the C-Pod electric motor, which gives the boat a range of 65 miles at a 25 mph cruise speed. With the twin foils deployed, the entire hull lifts out of the water as the C-8 flies over the surface while gliding on the hydrofoil system. Candela’s C-Controller computer system monitors and adjusts the foiling system in real time to optimize the boat’s ride in varying conditions. Based on Candela’s original closed-bow C-8, the new CC version features an open bow area and a center-console helm, providing open walkways from the bow to the cockpit that can be configured with a…

How to bail water from your boat as swiftly as possible in big seas. Almost without warning, an immense and unavoidable trough loomed ahead as we crested the back side of a big roller. The boat plunged down the face of the wave and into the hole, burying the bow into the back of the wave ahead, shipping aboard an alarming amount of green water. The precautions I had taken and my next moves would prove crucial in protecting the crew and saving the boat. Here are the lessons that can be learned from this experience. BATTEN THE HATCHES Most new boats today have hatches for the bilge and other deck compartments that can be sealed by dogging down a cam latch. Get in the habit of battening down a…

KONG CRUISER 50-QUART COOLER The plethora of cooler styles, sizes and features these days extends beyond overwhelming. As coolers have grown (and grown and grown) over the years, one need continues to arise: easier transportation. Multiple cooler manufacturers now offer wheeled versions of some of their popular high-performance models. I recently had the opportunity to test a unique one that left me impressed: the Kong Cruiser. Rated at 50 quarts, the Kong Cruiser offers ample space for plenty of beverages, food or both. What sets it apart are its wide wheels—great for rolling across the sand on boat and beach days—and the heavy-duty metal pull handle. Not only will it keep your items cold all day (or for multiple days if you minimize the number of times it’s opened), but…

There’s little entry-level about the Pursuit S 248 Sport. Think of it as a more easily trailerable, single-engine version of the S 268. And it even one-ups its larger sibling with a few functional and innovative refinements. The S 248 gains 14 inches in length compared to the C 238 it replaces. This provides extra fishing space in the cockpit, plus more room to stand and sit at the helm and in the bow. It also weighs 1,470 pounds more than its predecessor. This extra heft subtracts a few miles per hour from its top speed, according to a previous Boating certified test (46 mph versus 48.4 mph), The trade-off, besides the extra room aboard, is a better ride when seas kick up thanks to the additional weight and slightly…

Not just a 25 LSV with an extra foot added, the new 26 LSV offers higher gunwales for deeper seating of up to 18 and a more comfortable ride. New hullside geometry offers buyers a plethora of custom gelcoat options. Like the hullsides, the high-end interior, including Soft Grip vinyl colors, offers nearly endless color customization. Wraparound seating provides several cool, unique 26 LSV features. First, a portside storage locker houses a custom cooler (and whatever other items you want to put in it) and acts as a rear-facing backrest. Slide the convertible aft bench forward, pop up the backrest, and crew have a continuous bench to watch all the fun behind the boat. The convertible bench itself is also new, dubbed the Max-Pivot Seat by Malibu. This quickly and…

Seakeeper, a company that made its name with marine gyrostabilizer systems, is now parlaying that reputation with the Ride system designed for automatic control of pitch and roll while underway. Engineered for boats up to 35 feet in length, Ride can eliminate up to 70 percent of pitch and roll, according to the company, though each boat will respond differently to the system. Ride differs from a gyrostabilizer that controls roll at rest and while underway. Ride works to control pitch as well as roll, but only at planing speeds. The Ride system uses a pair of interceptor-like controllers (one on each side of the bottom of the transom). The electrically powered rotary actuators can adjust the blades up and down with mind-boggling speed. “Seakeeper Ride’s proprietary, rapid-deployment rotary blades…

The Move lines include the PV series with a pivot mount and the ZR series with a scissor mount. Both are designed and built for saltwater or freshwater use and feature brushless electric propulsion motors custom-engineered to deliver power at significantly lower rpm than other motors. The result is 30 percent more thrust and 30 percent greater efficiency than industry-leading trolling motors, according to Power-Pole. A lightweight yet super-strong titanium shaft on Move trolling motors carries a lifetime guarantee. What’s more, these motors offer advanced electronic technology, including built-in GPS navigation with features such as Anchor mode, which automatically maintains boat position, and Active Vector Heading navigation, something akin to autopilot for your trolling motor. Move trolling motors incorporate a variety of user-friendly wireless controls for the steering motor, propulsion…

1. When starting a skier or rider, what are a few things to keep in mind to get them safely underway behind your boat? A. Make sure they have a cold beer before jumping in.B. They should be wearing an approved watersports life jacket.C. Waiting until dusk is the best time because they’ll be able to see better.D. They should be briefed on the traditional hand signals for stopping, slowing down, etc.E. B and DF. All of the above 2. When your rider is in the water, what should you as the driver pay particular attention to? A. Make sure you idle at the slowest speed possible as your rider gets ready to go.B. Watch all the hotties in that boat over to the port side.C. No sudden throttle bursts;…

HYPERLITE SHAUN MURRAY SHUTTLE FOIL BOARD The Shaun Murray Shuttle foil from Hyperlite integrates a user-friendly wakeboard with a Booster 1300 foil kit to make wake-foiling easy and enjoyable. The Shuttle wing assembly offers a stable platform from which to learn and advance, provides plenty of lift, and offers great maneuverability. The Shuttle is compression-molded for durability and features a concave top deck for quicker edge-to-edge transitions. Machined EVA delivers a solid grip. Adjustable foot straps for the 4.6-size board are available for security while learning. $1,599.99; hyperlite.com X2POWER LITHIUM BATTERIES WITH BLUETOOTH Six new and upgraded models of 12- and 36-volt lithium marine batteries from X2Power now feature Bluetooth integration. When paired via Bluetooth with the X2Power app, boaters have an accurate look at the state of charge and performance…

Can’t get up? All watersports share certain starting skills that you can learn. THE POWER COMES FROM YOUR LEGS These tow sports are lower-body sports, which means your leg strength is what gets you on top of the water. Start by drawing your knees to your chest and flexing your ankles inward to bring the ski or board close to your chest. Your skis should be vertical, with the ski tip well above the water. The board on a wake-board or wakesurfer is typically sideways or parallel to the transom prior to starting in the water. As the boat accelerates, keep your knees and ankles tucked into your chest. The pressure of the water will lift you up. As your ski or board rises to the surface, raise your seat up…

IRON AND FALLOUT REMOVER This spray-on compound turned purple on the hull surface as it worked to dissolve metal residue, grease, and organics from the water. In about five minutes, when the intensity of the purple reaction stabilized, its job was done and we rinsed it off. It did not require a second treatment. When applying it, pay special attention to the transom area, where engine exhaust is apt to “station wagon” and foul the transom. On the hullsides, we found the most reaction along the aft half of the hull. UV WASH The Gtechniq UV Wash is a high-sudsing detergent with an ultraviolet protectant formulated to assist the ceramic bond on the boat’s finish. We mixed a few ounces in a couple of gallons of water, washed it on…

NOMADIX TOWELS Towels are essential on boats of any kind, but often they’re bulky and take up too much storage—and once those bulky ones are wet, good luck using them a second time. Nomadix towels are absorbent, quick-drying, odor-resistant, ultralight and easy to pack. A variety of sizes makes it easy to use some for drying off, others for cleanup, and hooded, poncho versions for changing clothes in privacy. $25 to $70; nomadix.co ACR BIVY STICK Extra safety is never a bad thing, especially when boating offshore and out of cellphone range. Combined with the Bivy app on your cellphone, the Bivy Stick allows connecting with a global satellite network so you communicate via two-way text messaging, SOS, location sharing, one-touch check-in, and detailed weather reports. $299.95 (not including data…

Manitou has literally changed the shape of pontoons. The sleek new 24-foot-4-inch Cruise 22 MAX Switchback model features curvaceous bodywork, and stealthy and uniquely engineered Rotax outboard power tucked below the expansive MAX Deck aft that unlocks 38 square feet of extra “back porch” space. The MAX Deck is a standard feature on three entry-priced Manitou Cruise and three midrange Explore models equipped with the Rotax S outboard. Exclusive to Manitou in the pontoon market, the Rotax S is available in 115 automatic trim. At both power ratings, the Rotax S utilizes a proven 1.9-liter three-cylinder, two-stroke powerhead—formerly an Evinrude product—oriented horizontally and enclosed in a watertight case so it fits below deck level. The point is to offer outboard power without having to see or play around the outboard.…

For 2023, Centurion’s high-performing Fi23 boasts a complete redesign, including a new look, updated running surface, fresh interior styling and more. The 6,900-pound Fi23 can load up with 5,250 pounds of ballast, displacing serious amounts of water. Its patented Ramfill system adds that weight in less than two minutes. Turn that displaced water into clean, rideable wakes and waves using Centurion’s QuickSurf Pro system (two stern-mounted plates that work with the running surface). The waves offer tons of push and a large sweet spot, and each QuickSurf Pro plate can be micro-adjusted, allowing riders to customize wave characteristics. Combined with the center-mounted Silent Stinger Wake Plate, which makes the wave longer and mellower or steeper and shorter, QuickSurf allows the Fi23 to cater to beginner riders and top-level pros. Control…

For most of us, spending time enjoying watersports on your family boat is a rite of passage. Most boaters at some point enjoy skiing, wakeboarding, tubing or even surfing behind the transom. Thankfully, you can enjoy these sports behind boats that aren’t specific to the task. In the last few decades, multipurpose family boats have come a long way in the towing game with multiple features that enhance watersports, such as solid tow pylons, wakeboard towers, GPS speedometers, speed control, ballast for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, specialized sterndrives, and wake-shaping devices for wakesurfing. The sterns are designed with swim platforms for ease of putting on skis or a board and making it convenient to get in and out of the water. These features are in boats with various propulsion types, including…