Sommaire pour March 2023 de Boating

The Phenom 37 off shore center-console boat emanates from a new company, Phenom Yachts, based in South Carolina and headed by marine boatbuilding veteran Tommy Hancock. The 37 rides on Phenom’s NextStep hull boasting a race-inspired twin-step running surface. Advanced fishing systems include a patent-pending sea-chest pump system that automatically adjusts water flow to the two 30-gallon pressurized, aquarium-style livewells to optimize bait health. Luxury touches include three-across premium helm chairs that are air-conditioned for comfort on sultry days. Construction features include an infused full-grid fiberglass stringer system and a vacuum-infused fiberglass hull and interior. A Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer comes standard, as does a bow thruster and tuna/dive doors on both sides of the aft cockpit. The Phenom 37 is available with a pair of Mercury V-12 outboards or triple…

Squirting fresh grease into Zerk fittings on outboards, sterndrives, steering systems and elsewhere is an important boat-maintenance procedure. But grease couplers tend to detach from the Zerk under pressure, forcing you to keep it in place by hand. With a flexible hose, keeping the coupler in place manually proves nearly impossible while using two hands to pump a grease gun. The LockNLube coupler provides a solution. Press down on the spring-loaded thumb lever to extend the four steel jaws. Push the coupler’s rubber seal over the Zerk and then release the lever. The jaws lock solid on the fitting for a hands-free connection that prevents leaks as you pump in grease under pressure. Press down on the thumb lever to release the coupler. I like the XL coupler for reaching…

A battery monitor is like a gas gauge, showing you how much electrical power is left (known as state of charge) as well as other vital signs. Today adding a monitor to a boat battery is easier than ever, thanks to systems from brands such as Balmar, Blue Sea Systems, Mastervolt, Veratron, Victron and Xantrex. While most have helm gauges or displays, some feature the ability to use a mobile device instead. The Victron SmartShunt system, for example, uses Bluetooth to link wirelessly to your phone or tablet with the VictronConnect app. While the SmartShunt can also be hard-wired to a Victron GX touchscreen, the app option minimizes wire runs, connections and new holes in the dash. It also frees up space on small dashes. The SmartShunt can be installed…

Waves be damned, it was going where he pointed it, urged on by its 550 hp Cummins QSB 6.7L diesel. The experience made us think about how the boat’s structure withstood the combined pressures of the Seakeeper, the powertrain, and the Chesapeake Bay water through which we were traveling. There were multiple forces working on the four bolts holding the Seakeeper in its bed, as well as the hull structures of which the bed was part. So, how do a naval architect, an engineer and a boatbuilder spread out those forces so the Seakeeper doesn’t simply rip itself loose in the boat’s bilge? We asked our friend Lou Codega, a naval architect perhaps best known for designing Regulator Boats. “The gyro guys are very good at giving us the loads…

For those anglers who believe offshore fishing should be a Hemingway-esque struggle between man and the wind, waves and sun, Pursuit’s Offshore 445 is probably not your cup of Earl Grey. While this vessel takes its fishing duties seriously, what it does best is elevate each activity—including cruising and entertaining—to a new level of luxury and comfort. In fact, it’s hard not to view this 46-plus-foot flagship as anything but a yacht, as evidenced by its abundance of amenities. The OS 445’s bridge deck might give pause for some who prefer the open air, but this space is anything but claustrophobic. Instead, it’s an airy enclosure with a panoramic view, thanks to the 9-foot-wide-by-5-foot-high two-ply windshield—nearly an inch thick—and tall side windows that open. In addition, dual overhead sunroof vents…

Yamaha’s 222XD brings jet propulsion and a wakesurf system together while providing access to wake sports for a friendly price. Sought-after jet benefits, including the unencumbered entry from the transom, wide-open cockpit and prop-free shallow draft, add to the 222XD’s attraction. The 222XD is 12 inches longer than its predecessor. The extra length allowed Yamaha to redesign the cockpit, providing a layout with an impressive amount of room and comfort. Additionally, you can walk unobstructed from the bow all the way to the transom. And the low-profile engine design allows for a completely unencumbered transom walkthrough that sits lower than that of competitors, creating superlative water access. The signature rumble seats at the bow allow for a close connection to the water, especially perfect for younger passengers who like to…

Rock Proof Boats, known for tough-skinned fishing and rescue boats, partnered with electric-outboard pioneer Elco to bring planing speeds to electric-powered skiffs. Their aim is to replicate boating experiences typical from fossil fuel while also incorporating electric propulsion’s benefits. To that end, the electric ePro 1760R gets two anglers atop fish quickly at 25.1 mph without compromising fishability. Propulsion batteries are hidden just aft of the 18-gallon livewell beneath the stern casting platform. The trolling motor’s batteries, and optional added-propulsion batteries, live in a cavernous space beneath the bow casting platform. Factory options include Power-Poles, a jack plate, locking or open rod and tackle storage, and a custom aluminum trailer—all the accoutrements of gas-powered bass boats. While electric outboards aren’t silent, the 81 decibels I recorded at full throttle is…

The old gear lever for the Hall-Craft V-drive, a 10-inch chromed tube with a steel cue ball welded on top, isn’t pretty. After a half-century, it’s corroded and worn, and its simple pivot—hidden beneath the boat’s distressed plywood floorboards—is equally sloppy. But then, the shifter needn’t do much—simply take the V-drive in and out of gear. Need reverse? Grab a paddle. I found it remarkable how much power this ancient shifter held over me. But why? For three years after acquiring the boat, I’d anticipated the day when I’d start the engine, survey the water, and push that lever. For 56 years I’d wanted a V-drive of my own, after first seeing a Howard Custom Boats ad in a 1960s magazine. Finally, it was happening. On a remote lake in…

Today, the series has reached its pinnacle in the form of the new HDS Pro displays. Available in 9- and all-new 10-, 12- and 16-inch high-resolution displays, HDS Pro MFDs now feature built-in ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar, ultra-high-definition Active Imaging HD sonar, and chart plotting. HDS Pro MFDs are also at the heart of the Lowrance Ultimate Fishing System, offering full networking that includes trolling motors, autopilots, engines, radar, communications and Power-Pole shallow-water anchors. The series also offers two new chart overlays for ActiveTarget Scout mode and Ghost 360. The ActiveTarget 2 feature provides fish movement and structure imagery in real time. HDS Pro allows for the use of two systems at the same time, giving even more views simultaneously with 180 View, Scout Wide View, and a Forward and…

Spin a good yarn at the Lake View Inn and Wally the bartender may reward you with a free drink. When I arrived on a recent evening, my good friend Chuck Larson was just wrapping up some tale of woe about a rainy day of angling. “Well, a bad day boating still beats a good day at work,” said Wally, employing a tired cliché to bring Chuck’s story time to a close. “Hmm. I beg to differ,” said a voice from the end of the bar. “How’s that, stranger?” Wally questioned, addressing a tall fellow in a Cubs cap, obviously a displaced person from south of the border—the Illinois border. “You’re wrong about the boat and work. Make me an old fashioned, barkeep, and I’ll tell you a true story.”…

How long have you been riding a stand-up PWC? My dad has always been a stand-up rider, and when I was about 11, he asked me if I wanted to try his 650 Jet Ski. I got the hang of it right away, I think in part because I’d been in gymnastics for a few years. I have pretty good body control, which really helps on the stand-up. How did you get interested in racing? Our family spends a lot of time at Lake Havasu with our 36 Skater powerboat, and one day we went over to the PWC training course at Body Beach to watch the racers. I met world champion Stevie Bascom, and she really encouraged me to try racing. Then, in 2016, we went to watch the…

RECREATIONAL MUSTANG MIT 100 AUTOMATIC INFLATABLE PFD WHY GET: A minimalist suspender design and lightweight, pliable air bladder combine for one of the most comfortable, unobtrusive PFDs on the market. Adjust the waist buckle to accommodate additional layers (or that beer belly). Verify the CO2 cartridge is armed via a clear inspection window. Automatic inflation upon water immersion guarantees the jacket will activate, even if the wearer is freaked out or unconscious. Buoyancy is 28 pounds. ALL WET: Unlike foam-filled PFDs, the jacket must be rearmed with a fresh CO2 cylinder before next use once inflated. PRICE: $169.99; mustangsurvival.com PWC/WATERSPORTS MUSTANG LIVERY FOAM VEST WHY GET: With a flexible foam core and durable 300D polyester shell, the Livery provides flotation and impact protection for activities like PWC riding, wakeboarding and…

The NC 1295 Fly from Jeanneau is a multifaceted cruiser powered by three Yamaha F300 outboards. It hits speeds up to 40 mph. The flagship of the NC series, it offers a salon with a 360-degree view, yet keeps the crew, including the captain, dry and comfy thanks to the exquisite lower helm station. There’s also a dining table and seating nook, along with a galley adjacent to a bar that serves the cockpit area too. Three forward staterooms and two heads luxuriously accommodate overnighting. Sliding doors aft and by the helm offer quick exterior access. A foldout starboard-side terrace opens up the cockpit, while wraparound seating and a table let you take meals outdoors. A portside door eases boarding. Lounges on the bow convert to a giant sun pad.…

Navigation lights can save your bacon. Among other things, these let other boaters know where you are and in which direction you are headed. There are a variety of regulations and specifications that navigation lights must meet in order to provide the safety expected of them. These specs vary by boat type, and you can review the full complement of them at boatingmag.com/navlight/regs. One consistent characteristic describes the performance of your boat’s side lights. Often colloquially called bow lights, these red and green lights (often but not always combined into a single, bicolor light) let other boaters know what side of your boat they are looking at. Side lights must show through 112 degrees from dead ahead. That means they must be visible from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft…

Today a fair number of marine electronics still use the old National Marine Electronics Association 0183 networking protocol, which includes some AIS and autopilots. But the most notable are fixed-mount VHF radios. Many older (and some new) VHFs have only NMEA 0183 wires (usually four extra wires) to connect to a device with built-in GPS, such as a multifunction display. Today’s VHFs need a GPS signal for the Coast Guard-required digital selective calling (DSC) maritime distress and safety call system to function properly. Most MFDs rely on NMEA 2000 (N2K for short) to share digital data. So, how can you network a VHF with an MFD? Here are some solutions. AUXILIARY POWERPLUG WIRES Some MFDs, such as Lowrance HDS Pro multifunction displays, have a main power harness that includes auxiliary…

Seakeeper gyrostabilizers are straightforward to operate. Just press the power button and wait about 40 minutes. (Spool-up times vary.) After spool-up, it’s ready to stabilize. Beyond powering up and activating stabilization, there are a number of other monitoring, maintenance and operational features you can access via Seakeeper’s touchscreen helm display. Examples include finding the number of hours run, adjusting the rpm to save power, and locating the electrical power required to stabilize. Naturally, basics like the day/night toggle, display brightness and language are easily selected. We spent four days operating a Seakeeper 3 installed aboard a Formula 387 Center Console. It was watertight and easy to operate. We appreciated the large, intuitive icons that serve as buttons on the touchscreen. The screen proved easy to read in varied light conditions.…

Alchemy was the mythical medieval belief that you could turn a base metal, such as lead, into something rare, such as gold. And that’s exactly what Wellcraft has done with the introduction of its new 355. As a former Wellcraft Scarab owner, I can vouch that no Wellcraft was ever made of lead, but this boat has served notice that the new Wellcraft is pure gold. First, it is so striking in appearance that you don’t need thong-clad babes aboard to get attention at the local sandbar. You’ll draw eyes like iron filings to magnets, even with Aunt Edna in her flowered one-piece. Mosey up to the local waterfront pub, with three big Yammies or Mercs burbling on the transom, and you own the place. Part of this fascination is…

Heyday’s H20 proves that you need neither a giant boat nor a fat wallet to have watersports fun. Start with the H20’s unique transom seats, rated for use while underway. Located on both sides of the engine, these two seats add a new level of fun, allowing you to sit close and cheer on friends and family. Additional rear-facing seating is available with the convertible, sliding bench in the cockpit. This converts into a tabletop, complete with cup holders. With room for 14, the H20 is a spacious 20-footer. Storage is on both the port and starboard sides, with one large area behind the observer seat, which is uniquely equipped with a push-button, gas-assisted hinge. Boards stow on swiveling racks on the tower. The tower itself is gas-assisted, which makes…

It’s a celebrated item on restaurant menus around the globe. There are so many ways to prepare it—boiled, baked, stuffed, curried, thermidor, in a roll—and it’s always delicious, though ordering it usually requires paying a rather outsize bill. But the great thing about lobster is that, in the right places, you can catch it and cook it yourself. First of all, there’s not just one type of lobster. Sure, the most well-known is the two-clawed American (or Maine) lobster found along the coast of New England and Canada. But there’s also the California spiny lobster found on the West Coast, and the Caribbean spiny lobster found in Florida and the Caribbean islands. Fortunately, we have expert advice on how to catch all three from your boat. Start melting some butter.…

I felt a tinge of skepticism while preparing to test the Sionyx Nightwave D1 ultralow-light marine camera on a 30-mile run to the offshore fishing grounds in the dark. I was confident the camera would produce quality color video based on my experience with the Sionyx Sport handheld scope. But I feared that a fixed-mount camera (which connects to the analog input port of my MFD with a simple RCA connector jack to view the image) would result in a shaky, bouncy, barely discernible picture in choppy seas. I was wrong. The image from the Nightwave, mounted with a Ram mount on a T-top upright, was remarkably stable as we cruised at 15 knots in lumpy waters for two hours. The image moved, but with a smooth, fluid motion that…

Engineering students at the University of Pittsburgh are on a mission to build the fastest electric boat. It started two years ago, when then-junior Nick Genco saw an opportunity for a club dedicated to racing electric boats in the Promoting Electric Propulsion for Small Craft competition held by the American Society of Naval Engineers. Pittsburgh Electric Propulsion (pittelectricpropulsion.com) is the university-sponsored student design team, which now includes over 40 undergraduates studying 10 different disciplines of engineering as well as finance, economics, marketing, computer science and business information systems. The Pitt students found funding from companies such as Zodiac Milpro International and United States Marine Inc., as well as high-voltage switching manufacturer Rincon Power and the American Society of Naval Engineers. They first built an electric motor into a 1968 Mercury…

There are certain tools that adventurous boaters must have aboard at all times. That includes a powerful flashlight like the Infinity X1 5,000-lumen model. This big torch reminds me of the ol’ Maglites, but it’s even better thanks to LED technology with three levels of brightness, extreme optical clarity, and a beam that adjusts infinitely from spotlight to floodlight with a turn of the lens housing. The spotlight carries for more than 200 yards. Hybrid power technology enables using a nine AA-battery cartridge or a rechargeable cell with a built-in USB cord so you can charge it on the boat. Both provide five hours of use. Four blue LED indicator lights keep you posted on remaining battery capacity. An aircraft-grade, waterproof aluminum housing features a nonslip knurled grip. I use…

A long-held adage maintains that a marine fixed-mount VHF radio is only as good as the antenna with which you match it. Translation: Don’t spare the dollars. Major brands such as Air-Wave, Digital, Glomex and Shakespeare offer VHF antenna models in a range of prices to suit different budgets, but you want the highest-end model you can afford. The benefits of high-end models are more durable components, improved signal-to-strength ratio for more efficient broadcasting, and thicker fiberglass outer sheaths for a longer service life. Within each price-point category, there are also various types of VHF antennas to accommodate different boat styles and communication needs. Let’s look at some of the factors to consider when buying a VHF antenna. HEIGHT The higher or taller the antenna, the greater your range. That’s…

But until recently, I never cared about more than the frames and whether they were polarized. Then, in a classic case of middle-age creep, I started bringing a pair of drugstore cheaters on board so I could see the tag end of monofilament to tie a knot or read the data on an electronics display without squinting. It all came to a head this fall while looking for a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses online, when I clicked on the box that read “add Rx lenses.” And I have to say, getting shades with prescription lenses has been a game-changer. “We all have that same dynamic as we get older,” says John Sanchez, VP of Global Product Strategy for sunglasses-maker Costa Del Mar. “Pretty soon, you’re sitting on…

Sea-Doo is no stranger to recognizing a popular trend, not just in the personal watercraft category, but also in the boating market as a whole. The Wake series has long catered to the watersports enthusiast at a fraction of the price of a dedicated tow-sports boat. More recently, a trio of Fish Pro models did likewise, targeting the recreational fish crowd and offering amenities that could even satisfy some hardcore anglers. What’s next? Citing the increased popularity of camping and “adventure-based” activities, along with the fact that consumers rank the ability to explore and access new areas as one of the main reasons they buy a PWC, the company debuted an Adventure category for 2023. Its current lone occupant is the Explorer Pro 170, a craft that can go farther,…

The Element M19’s ride is stable, its handling and layout are passenger-friendly, the boat is easy to tow and stow, and it proves inexpensive to purchase and is miserly on fuel. This new flagship of the Element series doesn’t deviate significantly from the path of encouraging new boaters. It does expand the M line, replacing the long-running E18 while introducing updated looks and seating. The M hull pairs the benefits of a center V with twin sponsons port and starboard. The result is minimal bow rise and a relatively flat cornering style that won’t unnerve newcomers. A minimal 1-foot-5-inch draft also proves practical and easy. Carrying its beam well forward, the topside amenities include a spacious bow cockpit, allowing two to stretch out or a crew of five to gather…

With a few exceptions, the modern stainless-steel propeller is created using the investment casting process, a metallurgical art that dates back more than 4,000 years. Also known as the lost wax process, ancient cultures used investment casting to create artwork and jewelry, usually carving a pattern from beeswax and investing, or covering, the wax pattern with a shell of clay. Molten copper, bronze or gold was then poured through a wax channel into the shell, displacing the wax. Once cooled, they knocked the shell away to reveal a replica of the original wax pattern. This same process, though influenced by modern technology, is used to create marine stainless-steel propellers. We recently toured the Yamaha Precision Propeller Industries facility in Greenfield, Indiana, one of the newest investment-casting foundries in North America.…

Brownie’s Third Lung gives three divers the freedom to reach out and down to 30 feet without heavy tanks. The kit includes a powerful battery-operated compressor, a charger, a float tube, and three regulators attached to harnesses and hoses. There’s a handy carry duffel. We never came close to depleting the battery, but are told it will recharge overnight. The maximum continuous runtime is three hours, but we used less than 25 percent of the battery capacity in a four-hour excursion. Deeper dives with less surface activity will use more power. The system sells for less than three complete dive outfits. All that divers need for additional equipment are mask and fins. $5,995; browniedive.com…

Garmin’s GPSMap displays now feature built-in Garmin Navionics+ all-in-one cartography with US coastal and inland charts, and a new color palette for more intuitive navigation. The charts combine millions of contributions from crowdsourced data. New Auto Guidance+ offers improved routing detail. The cartography will be pre-loaded in the GPSMap 7x3/9x3/12x3 series, 1042xsv/1242xsv, and 8600 series. Boaters can easily upgrade to the Garmin Navionics+ and premium Navionics Vision+ with relief shading and sonar imagery. To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine.…