Inhoudsopgave van June/July 2025 - Boating

Almost every boater, whether they’re watersports fanatics or enjoy it casually, has the idea to take someone tubing, skiing or boarding behind their boat. But not all tow points are created equal, and the right type of tow point depends on the sport you’re pursuing. Tubing, skiing and wakeboarding all have different requirements. Here are three common types of watersports tow points for your boat. TOW TOWER MONSTER TOWER MTK WAKEBOARD TOWER THE PULL: Towers are the best choice for wakeboarding, with the goal of elevating the tow point at least 6 feet above the water line. While pylons and towing eyes typically pull a boarder down after an aerial move, a line attached to a higher point allows the rider to elevate upward, catching more air. The elevated tow…

When the shrimp would run on the full moon in wintertime down in South Florida, we’d head to the inlet in my friend’s old Boston Whaler Montauk, armed with headlamps and long-handled dip nets hoping to cash in. I don’t recall the exact age we started doing this, but I do remember the feeling of being on the water for the first time at night. Objects on the shore looked like shadows, and unlit docks suddenly appeared as we slowly made our way down the canal to the inlet. The big thing though was that other boats, which would be fully visible from miles away in broad daylight, appeared to be nothing more than moving dots of light. So, from an early age, I understood the importance of being seen…

You can see that the glare in this windshield (pictured below) obscures the view. Depending on the height of the sun and the direction of travel, windshield glare can span from annoying to dangerous, if the view is completely blocked. Most of what we call glare is light reflected off the helm area underneath the windshield. In a car, most glare comes from outside light reflecting off buildings and such. There’s nothing around the outside of a boat on the water. Ever notice that most car dashboards are dark? A light or white-colored helm reflects the most light, and thus creates the most glare. This is why we generally prefer a dark-colored helm area: The dark surface absorbs more light, reflects less, and thus minimizes glare. Many boaters will simply…

DIY + Weekend Workbook SKILL LEVEL 1 OF 5 FINISH TIME Approx. 1 hour TOOLS AND SUPPLIES • PTM Edge VX-140 center-console mirror ($431.99; anchorexpress.com) • VX-140 2-inch spacer, if needed, to lower mirror ($120.86; ptmwatersports.com) • Marking pen • Power drill and bits • Allen wrench set • Box/open-end wrench set Today’s new center-consoles have evolved into much more than just fishing boats. These popular models increasingly come with all kinds of family-oriented amenities, including optional or standard ski pylons, tow bars, and other secure tow-rope attachment points for watersports such as water-skiing, tubing, wakesurfing, and more. A prime example is the Sea Pro 225FLX Sandbar Boat that we featured in the April 2025 issue. On the other hand, watersports rearview mirrors seem as rare as hen’s teeth on most…

A new robotic dry stack marina could be in your future. At Gulf Star Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, it’s here now. The five-story concrete building accommodates up to 115 vessels in concrete cubicles of varying beam and height, 80 feet deep, which can nest vessels of dimensions to 40 feet in length overall. The building is rated for winds to 200 mph to keep your boat safe in dangerous weather, and the concretecubicle design protects your boat from dirt, grime and grease falling from boats stored overhead. The twist that makes it even better is that the crane is fully automated. Its electric motors are unobtrusively quiet and prevent one of the biggest vessel foulers in dry-stack operations: the particulate matter of a forklift’s diesel exhaust. The relative…

Since its introduction in the late ’90s, the MasterCraft XStar has left an immeasurable mark on wakeboarding, propelling the sport and its riders to unbelievable levels. For 2025, MasterCraft completely redesigned the XStar from the bottom up, but it’s now offered as a 23-footer, which we tested, and as a 25-footer. Performance, luxury, technology, fun and functionality have all been enhanced in major ways, taking the XStar to new heights. Take a look. This XStar not only looks different from any previous iterations, but from the rest of the MasterCraft lineup as well. Gone is the signature sheerline that dipped at the hip, just aft of the tower, and in its place is a look that is both sleeker and bolder. The tower too is all-new. Dubbed the Z100, it…

The Supra SA is the official tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour, the model of choice for Supra’s pro team riders, and an all-around performer known worldwide. For the 2025 model year, Supra added more comfort, more technology and more features, plus updated styling. Does all that mean it’s the boat for you? At 22 feet, 5 inches, the SA is shorter than Supra’s SL and SE models, but it sits right in the sweet spot for combining high-level performance, comfort, and efficiency in the world of wakeboats. A smaller boat is easier to displace with ballast weight, and also easier for an engine to push it through the water. With smaller size comes better efficiency for towing and maneuvering in tight spots. Rated for 16 passengers, it possesses…

Highfield’s Velox 420 is a welcome addition to the entry-level-boat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains. The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-coated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive—the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain featured in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet pump intake and the aft center of…

EVERGLADES 367 CX The first in the new “7” line of crossover boats from Everglades, the versatile 367 CX entertains, overnights and fishes with equal ease. It boasts top construction, plus unique and innovative features. A dual-console boat, the 367 CX’s large aft cockpit is a fishing arena fitted with livewells, fish boxes, rod holders and other accoutrements. But, with concealed transom seating, a side boarding door that facilitates entertaining as well as allowing the landing of a trophy catch, and a retractable sunshade, this cockpit shines at the dockside party, the sandbar and the raft-up, and on the fishing grounds. In fact, there are multiple social zones aboard, wherein the party can move to the bow lounge or under the hardtop. There is a grill, sink, refrigerator and storage,…

Whether you’re towing a skilled athlete or someone simply having fun on a tube, your most important responsibility remains the same: keeping the person—or people—in tow safe. That should always be your primary mission. Keeping the person in tow safe isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset that develops as you gain experience driving for water-skiers, wakeboarders, surfers or tubers. So how do you develop this mindset as the person at the wheel and throttle? The first and most crucial step is recognizing that you’re not just towing someone, but you’re also responsible for their safety. At the wheel, eliminate distractions so that you can concentrate on keeping those in tow safe. Develop the discipline to recognize that smartphones, music and conversations can wait until the tow-sports session is over. Focus…

When it comes to premium watersports-specific boats—think top luxury, killer tech and jaw-dropping performance—there are plenty of choices. One not to be ignored is the Ultré 23ZX from Texas-based Tigé. Whether you’re running it, riding in it, shredding behind it, or looking at it from across the lake, this 23-footer hits with a slick combination of beauty and beast. Pronounced “ultra,” the Ultré ZX is just that in every facet. Its simplified badging, clean lines and custom details scream “means business.” Once on board, the luxury and innovative features are instantly noticeable. The premium vinyl and signature stitching, along with the complementary patterns of the soft-touch flooring, help set the Ultré ZX apart. Padding is supple and bolsters reside in all the right spots—your crew will appreciate the curved backs…

Robalo’s R300 is the latest introduction into its center-console lineup, and it’s impressively equipped with standard features for beachcombing, touring and, in keeping with Robalo’s heritage, serious fishing. Robalo reinvented its popular 30 with a Michael Peters running surface and a Robalo-engineered fishing-and-fun machine on top. The new hull offered impressively crisp handling during sharp turns and while crossing aggressive chop. Top speed tapped nearly 60 mph. At rest, the 10-foot-6-inch beam held steady footing for efficient fishing or comfortable sunbathing. Twin Yamaha 350s with the Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system, joystick, and integrated autopilot system provides exciting handling and confidence-enhancing easy docking. It also supplies station-keeping capabilities that can hold the vessel on a GPS point in an orientation that the skipper selects—a feature essential for awaiting a…

What caught on as a rough-water activity for water-skiers and wakeboarders, wakesurfing has undeniably driven new participants and wakeboat buyers to experience riding the energy of a wave. The deep history of passionate ocean surfers speaks to just how drawn we humans are to the push that wave energy can create. It would be a tough stance to argue that anything which involves gliding across the surface of the water is not one of the branches of the surfing family tree. From traditional slalom skiing to flat-water skimboarding to modern-day foiling, nobody forgets their first time using one of Mother Nature’s most valuable resources as the medium that surely brought a smile to their face. So how exactly does the tree trunk of these various disciplines relate to the heaviest…

These are different from the heavy, electrically powered gyroscopic binoculars that use a mechanical gyrostabilizer to create a stable field of vision and carry retail prices as high as $5,500. Electronic stabilization allows for lighter, more-compact and much-less-expensive binocs. One of the most popular examples is Fujinon’s Techno-Stabi TS-X 1440 binoculars ($1,099.95), which feature an electronic gyro-sensor that detects and corrects for any movement. Fujinon claims the world’s highest vibration-correction performance in electronically stabilized binocs. Fujinon’s steady field of vision facilitates magnification that’s twice as strong as most traditional marine binoculars, which can multiply magnification 7x; anything greater in conventional optics becomes too jittery to be useful in rough seas. But the stability of the TS-X 1440s allows for 14x with a 70-degree field of vision. Powered by four AA…

Most boaters are not fortunate enough to live on the water. If you can’t find or afford dock space at the local marina, you’re like most Americans in that you trailer your boat as well as store it on its trailer. It’s a big responsibility, therefore, to ensure that your towing and trailer setup is safe for travel, and won’t hurt your boat when it’s on the trailer. So, what do you know about trailer safety and maintenance? (Answers on page 22) 1. You’re inspecting your trailer for the upcoming season, and looking at the leaf spring suspension, you notice that the top leaf in your multileaf setup is cracked and broken. What’s your move? A. Measure the spring from end to end, go to a trailer shop to buy…

SHOWER TIME Q: Dear Boat Doctor, we’d like to try overnight camping aboard our bowrider. We were wondering if installing a freshwater shower is within the realm of handy DIY boaters? We have done many home projects, but boating is new to us. Pat and Jean McKinnon Sandusky, Ohio A: You can probably install a freshwater shower aboard your boat, given your home-project experience. You’ll need to install a tank, pump, and hose bib, and run the plumbing and electrical. If your address is an indication, you boat in fresh water, so you actually might want only raw-water washdown, in which case, you don’t need a tank, but you do need to install a through-hull fitting as a lake-water intake. Read this relevant article at boatingmag.com/how-to/installing-cockpit-shower. I will just add…

When it comes to staying safe on the water, we have so many tools at our disposal—from flares and spotlights to AIS, radar and satellite messaging devices—that it’s easy to overlook one vital tool: sound. When it’s foggy or you’re boating at night, signaling by sound is a key way to alert other boats in the area to your presence, both for collision avoidance and to signal for help if needed. Here’s a quick rundown of some sound-signaling devices you can use on board. AIR HORN The US Coast Guard requires that every boat carry a sound-signaling device capable of being heard for 1 nautical mile. This is often a portable air horn. If you find yourself in need of assistance, blow three short (1 second) blasts followed by three long…

Punch the throttles at the helm of the Mystic M5200XL, and the acceleration feels so smooth and effortless that you don’t realize how quickly you’re gaining speed or even how fast you’re actually going. That is, until you glance to one side and notice the houses and channel markers along the waterway start to blur. Then you feel like a pilot flying a private jet on a bluebird day, experiencing nothing but pure speed in a luxury setting. Founded in 1996 by John Cosker, Mystic has had a hand in both the offshore-racing and recreational-boating sectors since that time. On the rec side, Mystic has gained a reputation for building opulent speedsters, which is fully evident when you step aboard the M5200XL. The boat is highly customizable, so no two…

In 2024, Centurion introduced its Fe model as a way to get new customers into the Centurion lineup for a lower price, as well as to cater to legacy Centurion customers looking for a new model without fully upgrading. For 2025, Centurion has taken that approach a step further. The popular Fe line is now available in three sizes with a plethora of options. Introduced for 2025 is the Nv line, featuring the Nv213 and Nv233. The all-new Nv models have a bold new look, killer performance and a more palatable price for many. I was able to test the Nv233, which measures 23 feet, 3 inches and holds up to 14 people. At first glance, the Nv233 looks unique because it is so different from anything else in the…

The 210 Vantage is the newest and smallest of Boston Whaler’s dual-console fleet. It shows its versatility immediately upon entrance to the cockpit, where its comfy, flip-up jumpseat backrests fold down flat to the deck when not in use to create a roomy, raised casting platform for anglers. Up front, the recliner couches and backrests feature the perfect amount of recline. High gunwales and low-profile grab rails offer excellent security without impeding fishability. An optional side-mounted table ($2,006) supports a filler cushion and transforms the bow into a playpen. Or stow the cushions to create a raised casting platform. I was surprised that our test Whaler came with a 3.4L V-6 Mercury FourStroke 200—the smallest engine available. But many dual-console buyers aren’t go-fast boaters, and with a light load of…

Schoolchildren and boating enthusiasts have one thing in common. And that is, both groups know that summer is the best time of year. The sun’s out, the days are long, and the water beckons. Scratch that—schoolkids and boaters actually have two things in common: Both groups love summer, and both groups love their water toys. In the early days, a boater’s favorite water toys were simple. Throw a snorkel and fins aboard, maybe find a truck inner tube to pull behind the boat or buy a pair of Cypress Gardens combo skis, and nearly everyone aboard was happy. Today, the spirit of those tow toys lives on, but the toys themselves, well, they’ve gotten a little more complex. Snorkeling fins have evolved into personal jet-powered propulsion. Tire tubes have morphed…