Tabla de contenidos para May 2023 en Boating

BASIC ORION RUNABOUT FIRST-AID KIT WHY IT ROCKS: Like the name implies, simple combos like Orion’s Run-about first-aid kit cover the first-aid basics for everyday recreational use on smaller boats. Contents include antiseptic wipes and plenty of Band-Aids for small cuts, gauze pads and adhesive tape, sting wipes, first-aid/burn cream and aspirin. A compact waterproof case keeps everything together and dry, and stows easily in the glove box. It covers the basics, providing items you might find in a typical medicine cabinet to keep on your boat. CALL THE DOCS: Supplies are minimal, covering just the basics for minor medical needs. Plus, restocking used items is vital, and there’s little room to add additional items. PRICE: $20; orionsignals.com OFFSHORE ORION OFFSHORE EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT WHY IT ROCKS: The farther you…

Four Winns’ first electric boat arrives in the form of the H2e, powered by Vision Marine’s 180e electric outboard. The H2e screams luxury yet has a rugged fiberglass stringer grid. It runs on the proven, patented Stable-Vee hull. Deluxe upholstery sports multiple colors and textures, the rub rail boasts a stainless-steel insert, and grab handles are vinyl-wrapped stainless steel. There’s a transom walk-through, a curved windshield, and an aft sun-deck, chaise-style lounge. The H2e comes with twin 10-inch helm multifunction displays and a JL Audio system, options also aboard the gas-powered H2. The Vision Marine 180e powers this boat to 40 mph and can run over an hour at 25 knots. Range increases exponentially at slower speeds, extending to five hours at 8 knots. Charging time from completely dead is…

As we set out from our camp dock in New York’s Adirondack Mountains for a short cruise in our 18-foot outboard-powered bowrider, I asked a crewmember to stow the stern dock line. We ran through the channel to a large lake where, as we approached our dock, I turned sharply, taking a 90-degree turn to avoid submerged dead tree trunks on both sides of our dock approach. Then I heard a disconcerting gear crunch, and the engine stalled. Apparently, the stern dock line had not been properly stowed and was trailing behind the boat. It was now wrapped around the propeller. Despite the troubling sound, a mechanic found no damages. The only damage was a shortened dock line. I turned around to see the transom almost submerged! It was being…

In 1979, it was selected as the new short-range recovery (SRR) air-sea rescue helicopter, replacing the Sikorsky HH-52A Sea Guard. Delivery began in 1984. The MH-65 normally carries a crew of four: pilot, co-pilot, flight mechanic and rescue swimmer. The Dolphin boasts a Fenestron antitorque tail rotor. It is certified for operation in all weather and nighttime operations, with the exception of icing conditions. The MH-65 is the primary Coast Guard aircraft used aboard certified cutters during deployments. In 2007, the MH-65 began replacing the old turboshafts with twin 853 hp Arriel 2C/2C2 engines. The MH-65 saves 40 percent in fuel while offering more power. It provides a cruise speed of 148 knots and a range of up to 350 nautical miles. Onboard armament includes a single 7.62 mm machine…

SCAN ME To see a photo gallery of the Sailfish 312 CC, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3340. Performance, comfort and hard-hitting fishability make this a powerful contender among angling families. In a sea full of center-console sport-fishers, Sailfish stands out by attending to all the details needed for an efficient big-game platform. The company adheres to standards of high quality that keeps it on the top shelf of production-boat brands. The new 312 CC has all of Sailfish’s attributes, including comfortable cruising, stability at trolling speeds, and fuel efficiency from a well-designed hull. Our tests prove Sailfish’s design team is comprised of fishermen and accomplished skippers who draw from their experience to develop features and building techniques that favor hardcore fishability, exemplary seakeeping abilities in the roughest waters, and…

In a crowded field of 40-something center-console fishing boats, the Jupiter 40 stands out as one of the most impressive. It is also the first boat I’ve run with the new Yamaha 450 XTO V-8 outboards (see Motorhead on page 68). Jupiter’s 40 features a conventional V-hull (meaning no steps) with a 39-foot-11-inch length overall, nearly 12-foot beam, 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom, and a Posi-Stern hull-pad design. Dry weight with engines is 16,000 pounds, yet we achieved a top speed of 57.3 mph while smoothly traversing tightly spaced 2-to 3-foot seas. MORE ONLINE To see an online photo gallery of the Jupiter 40, visit boatingmag.com/3343. Jupiter builds in durability with composite PVC coring (meaning no wood to rot), a fiberglass and foamfilled uni-grid stringer system, and vacuum-infused…

Yamaha Marine undertook a major update to its popular XTO Offshore V-8 outboard, boosting the power from 425 to 450 hp, and enhancing this propulsion package with new technology, greater conveniences, and milder manners when it comes to shifting and operating sound levels. “The XTO 450 allows boaters to enjoy the convenience and ease of operation associated with the XTO line, in addition to more torque and power,” says Ben Speciale, president of the Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. The 450 will gradually replace the 425 version in Yamaha’s stable of outboards but features the same 5.6-liter big-block powerhead and mounting-bolt pattern as the original XTO V-8, so it is a relatively easy retrofit. The 450 is designed to move big, heavy saltwater fishing boats like the Jupiter 40 center-console…

ON BOARD WITH… FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE NEWS ONLINE THIS MONTH CAPTAIN’S TEST FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD BOATINGMAG.COM MAY 2023 Jeff Foulk has had a crazy few months. Developer of the navigation app Argo, Foulk saw his creation go from modest success to viral sensation after his daughter Megan posted a video of her dad trying to pitch the app to Chicago Boat Show attendees. That video now has an astonishing 28 million views—and Foulk’s Argo briefly ranked above heavy-weights Google Maps and Waze on both app stores. But let’s let him tell it. Can you give us the CliffsNotes version of how your app became a viral sensation? My daughter Megan, on break from college, decided to tag along with me to the Chicago Boat Show in January. Bored, she…

If you’re someone who lives in a cooler climate—or maybe you just like to get on the water year-round—it’s definitely in your best interest to add the dryrobe to your boat-gear collection. There are a lot of accessories out there, but we can’t imagine a better cold-weather option for the year-round rider. The dryrobe comes in various sizes and sleeve lengths for your perfect fit, but what doesn’t change is the quality and durability. The exterior is waterproof, making it wind-resistant and keeping your interior toasty. The interior fleece is extra-thick, soft and high-quality. This coat will not only keep you warm even after you’ve been in the water, but it also presents an easy way to bring everything you might need for a cold day on the boat without…

The long-awaited SeaVee 420z features an innovative cross-ventilated step-hull design to enhance effciency and handling. Built using high-tech cored unibody construction and vacuum-assisted resin transfer infusion, the 420z is available with a captain’s edition hardtop, aluminum pipework and a clear polycarbonate enclosure. You can also choose a hardtop with a built-in kite box and molded fiberglass windshield frame with laminated safety glass. A sliding aft door leads to the console interior with a berth, mini galley and enclosed head. The spacious aft cockpit sports a pair of 40-gallon pressurized livewells—one in each corner of the transom, and twin 100-gallon insulated in-sole fish boxes. In the bow is a 161-gallon fish box, a 71-gallon dry storage compartment, and port and starboard rod lockers. A starboard hullside door makes it easy to…

Keeping your crew in the know is one key to safety. For example, take the transit of a patch of water rougher than the rest. This can be a coastal inlet or the confluence of two currents, or maybe a harbor area so crisscrossed with wakes from commercial traffic that there is no discernible size or pattern to the sea that’s running. A competent and considerate skipper lets the others aboard know this is coming and they might endure a big drop into a hole or get slammed broadside by a 3-foot wave. Of course, you might not have trouble. You’ll likely run at a prudent speed and course, and with attentive hands on the controls. But still, stuff happens, as we all know. So, you ask for everybody to…

FIND MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM. THIS IS NOT A TEST We’ve run all these machines at various times and places, and learned much about their interfaces and features. But the biggest chess game in selecting a sonar brand is knowing what’s behind the screen. This BoatingLAB will do that: Give you a clear look at the innards of the purchase. We analyzed only 7-inch devices, but each of the manufacturers of these MFDs offers multiple screen sizes for an added cost. However, these 7-inchers are bound to give you outstanding navigational capabilities in a device compact enough for most dashboards. Got more space and scratch? Step up to a 9-, 10-, 12-, 15-inch or higher—larger screens sometimes sport additional features. One more note: All devices use NMEA 2000 (N2K)…

Grady’s most recent Coastal Explorer model will be right at home whether seeking back-bay tarpon or offshore tuna. SCAN ME Watch a video highlighting key features of this boat by scanning this tag or visiting boatingmag.com/3341. Fishing boats have to be more than casting platforms, livewells and fish boxes. Today’s boating family doesn’t confine itself to inshore or offshore fishing. In fact, they might decide they don’t want to fish at all on any given boating Saturday. That’s what Grady-White had in mind when it designed its first Coastal Explorer, the 251 CE, nearly 10 years ago. It’s been so successful, we wondered why Grady-White waited so long to bring out the larger 281. The 281 CE is 27 feet, 7 inches in length with a 9-foot-4-inch beam and designed…

The X Shore Eelex 8000 proves there’s another application for the old saying about children—you know, where it’s better to be seen and not heard. That’s because the Eelex 8000 center-console looks striking as it approaches the dock at idle speed, with its cork gunwales and cream-colored hull made from recycled fiber-glass and carbon fiber. Plus, there’s the snubbed bow and broken sheerline. And as it glides to the dock, you can’t hear a thing except the ripples of displaced water. MORE ONLINE To see a photo gallery of the X Shore Eelex 8000, visit boatingmag.com/3344. Built in Stockholm, Sweden, and imported to the US, the Eelex 8000 is at the forefront of a new generation of electric-powered boats. Instead of opting for hybrid power or a full displacement hull…

Quick—when you think of boating safety, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Odds are it’s a flare gun or a fire extinguisher or a life jacket or even a VHF radio. Sun protection is probably not at the top of the list, but it should be. We usually think of boating safety in terms of immediate danger—waves, storms, man overboard. But in the long term, those bluebird days can hurt you if you’re not careful. The American Academy of Dermatology states that 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500 people in America get diagnosed every day. The good thing is it’s easy to protect yourself, and most of us do it already as part of our boating routine. If you don’t,…

We are well into spring, and everyone at the Lake View Inn has survived March Madness—and I don’t mean the college basketball tournament. Our local challenge is slogging through the month of March here in the North Woods, a time when we are all finished with winter, but winter is not finished with us. Day after day, we wake to an overcast sky slung low over the landscape like a sodden gray blanket. Dirty snow cakes gutters and ditches. By St. Patrick’s Day, the snowmobile trails are closed and the ice shacks are off the lakes. So, now what do we do? Retire to the Lake View to wait for opening day of fishing season, which is many weeks away. This year we had a winter that was especially hard…

XTRATUF KIATA WATERPROOF SNEAKERS The new Kiata sneaker from Xtratuf features an innovative waterproof 3D knit upper crafted from a single yarn to provide a seamless design that flows over foot curves with ease. This combines with a high-rebound cushioned midsole and perforated comfort insole to provide breathability, support and stability. The Tufgrip outsole offers next-level traction on flat, hard surfaces, such as boat decks, and uneven terrain, such as the banks and beds of rivers and streams. Available in men’s half-sizes 5 to 14 in black, gray and green, and in women’s half-sizes 5 to 11 in black, green and white. Starting at $135; xtratuf.com KICKER KMXL HORN-LOADED COAXIAL SPEAKERS Kicker Marine Audio’s new KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers incorporate several unique features, including a proprietary high-frequency horn design that…

How to safely and effectively drive for watersports. That is why experienced, rated drivers are used in waterski, wakeboard, wakesurf and barefoot competitions. But good driving is important for everyone who enjoys having fun behind the boat, even novices and tube riders. Here are a few tips toward becoming a good tow-sports driver. GET FOCUSED The tow-sports driver is more than someone who steers the wheel and moves the throttle. The driver sets the tone for the session on the water. He or she should focus strictly on providing a fun, safe and successful experience for the person behind the boat. Once you have developed this focused mindset, you are on the path toward becoming a good tow-sports driver. 360-DEGREE AWARENESS Effective driving requires 360-degree awareness of your surroundings. A ski…

DIY + Weekend Workbook SKILL LEVEL FINISH TIME Approx. 2-3 hours TOOLS AND SUPPLIES • Garelick model 19536 transom platform with boarding ladder ($297.88; fisheriessupply.com) • ¼-inch aluminum plate or ¾-inch King Starboard to create a backing plate • Stainless-steel hardware for through-bolting the platform to the transom • Power drill and drill-bit set • Screwdriver and wrench set • Assembly lube • Marking pencil or masking tape • Marine sealant SAFETY FIRST Whenever someone uses the transom platform and boarding ladder, be sure to shut off the engine and detach the emergency shut-off switch clip to prevent the engine from inadvertently starting up. Always face the ladder when climbing down to enter the water or climbing up to enter the boat. Today, new boats are required to meet American…

The Veer X13 debuted in Las Vegas earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) alongside the Mercury Avator 7.5e electric outboard motor (see page 68). Veer and Avator have been teased for some time and aimed at “younger and more diverse consumers.” The Veer X13 will initially be sold with a rope-start Mercury FourStroke 9.9 hp internal-combustion outboard ($11,995 including a galvanized trailer). The electric Avator will not be ready for sale until later in 2023. The X13 is the first of several Veer models expected to debut in the next year or two, each designed to make boat ownership as accessible as possible. Like other outdoor gear, buyers can configure and order the Veer online (veerboats.com), make a down payment, then take delivery and pay the balance…

The MJM 4 checks a lot of boxes, combining performance with solid construction, multiple gathering areas and a sleeping cabin. Twin Mercury Verado 600 hp V-12s add excitement. SCAN ME To see an online photo gallery of the MJM 4, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/3339. From above, the MJM 4 looks like an oversize bowrider with a contoured hardtop powered by up to 1,200 hp of twin or triple outboards. Convenient cockpit access is through a starboard-side gunwale door or the swim platform. The main deck layout is ideal for temperate climates because the open cockpit lounge connects to the hardtop-covered salon, then back outside to the bow lounge. The bow lounge offers an open sunning area and a great place to ride with the wind in your hair.…

Wanting to create a new flagship for its fleet, someone at Tiara obviously said, “Go big or go home.” And thus was born the largest and most luxurious Tiara ever built: an inboard IPS-powered yacht that, at 60 feet, 3 inches, is the queen of the fleet by a full 10 feet. Tiara also created a new EX line, which I can only assume stands for excellent or exceptional. MORE ONLINE To see our online photo gallery of the Tiara EX 60, go to boatingmag.com/3342. The EX 60 is simply brilliant in many ways, allowing owners to tailor the layout to fit their needs. To create this newest crown jewel required combining the superb quality in construction and finish that Tiara is known for with a satisfying level of performance—in…

Mercury Marine has been teasing its Avator electric outboard for more than a year, and the Avator 7.5e model made its public debut in January at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). However, it will not be available for sale until later this year, likely packaged with the new Veer X13 compact fishing boat (see page 42). The first in a series of Avator electric motors Mercury will introduce in 2023, the Avator 7.5e is distinguished by its removable battery pack. Mercury says the Avator 7.5e generates 750 watts of power and offers performance equivalent to a Mercury 3.5 hp gas outboard. The 48-volt, 1 kWh lithium battery, designed with Brunswick partner Master-volt, uses transverse flux technology. Mercury says the hydrodynamics and propeller design foster effciency, and the outboard generates…

The seas seemed calm and the forecast looked fine as Capt. Kelly Gordon prepared to take her customer’s private yacht from the Bahamas back to their home in Florida. She had looked at the forecast and made the decision to cross, which is pretty routine in fair conditions. But as she exited the Northwest Providence Channel and started to traverse the notoriously shallow Great Bahama Bank, a serious storm appeared out of nowhere, kicking up confused seas and buffeting the boat with heavy wind and rain. Suddenly, Gordon was faced with a serious situation: running through the narrow channels with little margin for error. She had a decision to make fast, and how she handled it would determine the safety of her passengers and crew. If caught in the same…