Tabla de contenidos para January/February 2025 en Boating

(Answers on page 31) 1. You ran your boat last week. This week, it started and ran for a few minutes, but it shut off quickly (like someone turned the key off), and now it won’t start. Where should you start? A. Check sparks at the spark plugs; use a spark checker while someone else turns the key to crank the engine. B. Check to see if the spark plugs are wet with fuel after cranking it a few seconds. C. Check to ensure that the kill-switch lanyard is installed properly. D. All of the above are good troubleshooting first steps. E. None of the above. 2. Your boat has been running worse and worse these past few weeks, and now it will idle but won’t accelerate past about 1,500…

Offering cruising amenities for six, a large cockpit, exciting performance and an innovative asymmetrical deck arrangement, the NC 895 Sport Series 2 is a true family adventure boat. We’ve long applauded the Jeanneau deck layout, with its offset cabin. This provides an extra-wide and deep walkway on the starboard side of the boat, which makes it safe and easy for the captain to exit at the special helm door or for anyone who needs to go forward. Of course, sufficient deck space is still provided on the port deck. The result is a wide and deep way forward without cutting into cabin space. And it shows. Inside the luxurious main salon, find a dinette that converts to a berth, along with a galley with sink, stove and refrigerator. Expansive windows…

A floating traffic jam quickly developed as we joined a line of other boats, notunlike a solemn funeral procession, through a narrow channel behind a half-submerged vessel under tow and en route to a nearby boatyard, escorted by an entourage of local harbor patrol and Coast Guard vessels. Some of us feathered our throttles to keep idle speeds in check and remain well astern of the stricken vessel, the 100-foot hawser serving as the tow line, and the heavily burdened Tow-Boat-US as its captain skillfully negotiated the circuitous channel. All of the boaters cooperated in offering the tow boat and its tethered load a wide berth—except, that is, for one impatient boater who ignored common sense and tried to pass on the north side of the channel between a shoal…

COSTA GRAND CATALINA Costa has long been a leader in sunglasses design and performance. One of its recent releases hearkens back to vintage designs, while adding a slew of new high-tech capabilities. The Grand Catalina frames bring back a classic Costa design from the ’80s, while incorporating the capabilities of polarized 580 G (glass) lenses—and a whole lot more. Aside from the retro aviator design, the calling card of the Grand Catalina frames has to be the removable side shields. The pieces are easy to pop in and out, and add a lot of protection from the periphery—a big plus for those spending long days on the water, in the sun, or both. The side shields integrate seamlessly with the arms, and the rounded form at the top offers protection…

Boating’s Tech Team of editors tested some 120 boats during 2024. Represented were boats of all types, powered by all kinds of engines and motors. From this pool of boats, and after careful deliberation, we selected the top boats that impressed us most to develop this list. It’s important that you know how we assess boats. First, the boat must be safe, as well as designed and built with industry best practices. We rely on the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council for this, as well as other published and respected sources. Second, we judge boats by their category peers. There’s little value in comparing a watersports boat to a fishing boat, for example. That said, congratulations to the following 2024 Boat of the Year Category Winners.…

Heading out from Rhode Island, where the NorthCoast 415HT is built, skippers might continue south past Block Island for 100 miles to fish the fabled Atlantic canyons, or perhaps turn east around Cape Cod and head north for 300 miles of harbor-hopping along Maine’s coast. This boat—with features well-suited to fishing, along with accoutrements for cruising—comes ready for either trip. It can handle more weather than you’d want to be out in. The 415HT’s broken sheerline and raised, flared hullsides forward—more the lines of a classic sport-fisherman than a was whipped into a stiff chop by 20-knot winds during our tests. The enclosed pilothouse is a classic Downeast feature that extends fishing and cruising through an assortment of conditions, from tropical heat to higher-latitude cold. Meanwhile, the Seakeeper 4 gyrostabilizer,…

Sailfish Boats was one of the first fishing-boat companies to embrace the mantra of fishing-focused, family-friendly boats in the early 2000s. According to internal research at Sailfish, those buying center-consoles 27 feet and shorter didn’t list fishing as its primary purpose, unlike owners of its 30-plus-footers, who overwhelmingly had fishing as their No. 1 activity. Accordingly, Sailfish designers applied that owner input when designing the new 232 Center Console. The fixed seating at the stern is the love-it-or-hate-it feature on the 232 Center Console that will polarize some buyers. While fold-down seats preserve fishing space, they often prove uncomfortable. The 232 CC fixes that issue with a gunwale-to-gunwale settee. This features two small, removable sectionals so that those boarding from the oversize swim platformettes on either side of the outboard…

¿Qué tú sabes? is a common greeting in Latin America (“What do you know?”). Despite the DJ’s music carrying across the sand, I was able to hear people around me greeting each other in that way. They acknowledged me like that too. After all, the third annual Grady-White Rendezvous engaged everyone enjoying Sun Bay. What started as a way for a group with a commonality to come together has turned into a day that residents prepare and take off for. Event organizer Victor Camillo describes the vibe of the rendezvous as such: “Being together with others with the same interests is amazing. We love being able to create memories. We’re like a family.” Camillo says that Puerto Rico’s Grady-White community has managed to create a positive atmosphere for boaters. The jovial…

Every boat needs to shine a little light sometimes, whether you’re doing repairs in the bilge or searching for that non-illuminated channel marker in low-light conditions. So it’s a good idea to carry a rugged handheld flashlight on board, especially one with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that you can easily repower. Check out the new Streamlight PROTAC HL 6, a handheld flashlight made from anodized aircraft-grade machined aluminum. It uses LEDs that can shed light over long distances in three different settings. In its highest setting, it can produce 5,300 lumens and 80,000 candela over 566 meters. In its medium setting, it produces 1,500 lumens and 23,000 candela over 303 meters. And its lowest setting produces 450 lumens and 6,700 candela over 164 meters. The charge will last for up to…

PELAGIC HURRICANE JACKET The Hurricane Jacket from Pelagic is engineered from recycled nylon fabric and features a robust 20K/20K three-layer shell that excels in waterproofing and breathability, handling everything from light showers to heavy rain while keeping you dry. Inside, a cozy fleece lining traps body heat, ensuring that you stay warm even on the chilliest days on the water. The versatile packable hood provides essential coverage during downpours. The jacket is stain-repellent to stay clean. An adjustable waist cinch system and cuffs ensure a customizable fit, while zippered hand pockets offer secure storage. $150; tackledirect.com LICELL SB FIRE BLANKET The LiCell SB Series fire blanket from Sea-Fire Marine is specifically engineered to withstand extremely high temperatures to help contain lithium-ion battery fires and other electronic fires. Independently tested and…

In watersports, change through progression is a constant. Ever-improving technology, mind-blowing athletic advancements, and the search for the newest iteration of water gliding go on. Foiling is the newest big thing, providing a vehicle for progression without the impact. If you’re interested in foiling behind a boat, then read this article. In it, wakeboarding legend and early foil adopter Jeff McKee and three-time Wakeskate World Champion—and the poster child for a Red Bull athlete—Brian Grubb offer five key areas you should focus on when getting started. PREREQUISITES: EXPERIENCE AND BOARD CONTROL McKee shares: “I recommend that you have at least beginner experience in wakeboarding or wakesurfing. However, the preference would be intermediate experience so that you’re comfortable riding a board sideways behind the boat.” The key here is balance. Because…

These days, you can order just about anything—from tacos to socks to barbecue grills—with the click of a button and have it delivered to your doorstep. It might be tempting, then, to take advantage of technology in making your next boat purchase. And you should—but there are still advantages to going brickand-mortar, either by walking the aisles of your local boat show or paying a visit to a reputable boat dealership. Here’s a quick rundown on how to navigate buying your next boat in the digital age. RESEARCH RULES A good way to start your research is by asking general questions in search engines (or even an AI app) to find out which type of boat best serves your needs. Once you get the style down, pick a few…

The big-dual-console category is hotly contested. We’re talking about 30-something-size DCs with twin- and even triple-outboard power, boats developed for the mission of taking out a group of family and/or friends, with hulls that can safely challenge big water. Yet, versatility is the secret sauce behind the popularity of DC models, and big dual-consoles such as the new 330 Vantage from Boston Whaler offer versatility in spades. This is a boat from which you can stage a gathering, enjoy watersports, swim and snorkel, fish offshore, cruise long distances, and even spend the night in a pinch. Then, of course, there is Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull construction to help ensure the safety of everyone on board. On top of all this, the 330 offers superb performance, with a top speed exceeding…

Compact, portable and affordable satellite-messaging devices have revolutionized on-water communications by effectively transforming mobile devices into satellite phones. Most, however, are limited to texting, as well as SOS alerts. But the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus adds new capabilities. The inReach Messenger Plus is Garmin’s first satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging, in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities, expanding a boater’s ability to stay in touch when beyond cell service. With a battery life that can last for weeks, the inReach Messenger Plus provides global coverage via the Iridium satellite network. Like the original inReach Messenger, it can be used as a stand-alone device or paired to a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Messenger mobile app. “Whether you’re fishing offshore or conquering the Great Loop,…

It’s a red-letter day at the Lake View Inn when somebody shows up with a new boat. Beers go flat and pizza goes cold at the bar while everyone adjourns to the parking lot to see the new, shiny thing, to either congratulate the owner or to scratch one’s head—what were they thinking investing in any boat not equipped with rod holders? There was both envy and head-scratching evident in the small crowd gathered around the rig hitched to the truck that my good friend Chuck Larson wheeled onto the Lake View lot this past summer. “I went to this estate sale up near Suamico, and I got there early,” Chuck said. “You have to get to these sales early, and this time it paid off. Look at this beauty!”…

Whether you’re an angler hoping to avoid line snags or a regular boater looking to avoid stubbing your toes, cleats that can retract or fold flush with the deck could be on your radar. Here are three types of nontripping, nonsnagging cleats to consider. PULL-UP CLEATS WHITECAP 8" STAINLESS-STEEL PULL-UP CLEAT THE HOLD: Pull-up cleats sit flush to the deck when not in use in order to prevent line snags and toe stubs. When you’re ready to tie off, reach down and pull up the cleats by their horns, and a locking mechanism secures them into place, where they works like a standard boat cleats. Push down on them to retract after using, and they return flush to the deck in their mounts. THE SLIP: Caked salt can inhibit opening. Rinse…

Grady-White’s Freedom 415 ranks as the largest dual-console boat built. It offers boat buyers a top-notch sport-fishing experience while also providing luxury, style and comfort. As a Grady-White, it’s built for offshore waters and, in fact, is in many ways modeled after the vaunted Canyon 456—a truly awesome bluewater competitor. Providing cruising comforts, the Freedom 415 comes with helm air conditioning, as well as electronically operated tables that raise and lower as needed. An entertainment tour-de-force, the wet bar boasts an electrically retracting storage door and indirect lighting. Topped with stylish Dekton sintered stone, this wet bar doubles as a bait-prep station when needed. Belowdecks, find cabins with stylish details: portside with berths, table, microwave and TV; to starboard, a head, sink and shower—all of which make this boat a…

After months of extensive preparations, my friend Coy and I headed for the Bahamas from Brunswick, Georgia, on Makana, his 32-footer. Prior to leaving for the Bahamas, we learned that the autopilot on Makana was not functioning, so Coy had a marine-electronics technician come to repair it and conduct a test trip. It was now running great. Having cruised extensively, we knew the value of an autopilot for fuel and time savings and for reducing stress on the skipper. After a search in the aft cabin, I located the fluxgate compass situated at the bottom of the aft hanging locker, next to a No. 10 tin can (110 ounces) of peanuts. We set off, heading under the Sidney Lanier Bridge before allowing the autopilot to take control. Within seconds, Makana…

NOT IDEAL Adapters such as this (left) allow using an automotive battery in a marine application. Threaded terminal studs and locknuts are better. BATTERY CHARGING Q: Dear Doctor, how can I tell if my engine is charging my batteries? I don’t think that it is, because I have had battery issues all season. David Isaacs West Palm Beach, Florida A: A voltmeter will tell the tale. With the engine running, look at the voltmeter gauge on your dash or the one displayed on your MFD. You can also read the volts off a multimeter connected to the battery. It should read 13.5 or more volts if the charging system is working. Make sure your battery cables and connections are clean and tight. Also check the filaments inside the battery cable…

Boat batteries are the heart of it all. Whether used to power accessories or simply to start an engine, not too much happens aboard most powerboats without a battery. In today’s marketplace, boat owners are faced with an array of battery types to choose from. Traditional wet-cell and sealed lead-acid batteries compete with absorbed glass mat batteries and those using one of a few lithium chemistries to store and provide electricity. This article compares AGM batteries to lithium batteries to help you know what to look for when buying batteries for your boat. AGM DEFINED Absorbed glass mat batteries are the most advanced type of lead-acid battery. AGM batteries hold a charge longer, can charge faster, and require less maintenance than traditional flooded-cell lead-acid batteries. LITHIUM DEFINED We are focused on batteries…

RADIAL FLUX MOTOR To visualize a radial flux motor, think of two iron cylinders. One is fitted with magnets set around its outside and an axle running through its center (the rotor). Surrounding this cylinder is a larger one (the stator). Inside the stator cylinder is a series of ridges wound with copper wire. The wires are connected to a switch—the commutator—that alternately changes the current direction. The alternating current created by the commutator induces magnetic fields around the stator’s windings. These alternating pulses oscillate between south and north at 60 cycles per second (aka hertz). This force—the flux—acts at right angles to the rotor’s permanent magnets, forcing it to turn. Because the pulses come so quickly, the rotor turns at full power immediately, providing the instant torque and acceleration for…

Mathematicians and philosophers have long debated whether there can be more than 100 percent of anything. I remember this from the mists of math class, while I dreamt of boats. But until I saw the new Cobia 265 CC Open, I hadn’t formulated Caswell’s Theorem. Here’s a simple explanation: At first glance, the Cobia 265 CC looks to be an angler’s dream—decks dotted with rod holders, two rows of rocket launchers on the hardtop, rod racks along the cockpit sides, plus a livewell and fish boxes. So, let’s call it But then, it also has a family-friendly head inside the console that surprises everyone who unlatches the forward opening door, with easy entry steps, 6 feet of headroom, a sink and mirror, a shower, and a toilet. Add in the…

Only in Wisconsin might freestyle water-skiing and free sweet corn be highlights of the same event. This past August, I found myself sitting on a bench overlooking Lake Mary, watching a national champion on a single ski launch a massive back mobius flip off a jump while I munched on my third ear of sweet corn. Or maybe my fourth. On a hot summer afternoon, nothing tastes better than free Wisconsin corn. And the kid stuck the landing. The location is the village of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, population 6,363. The venue is Lance Park, home of Aquanut Water Shows, the local waterski show team. The event is TL Summer Nights, a competitive showcase featuring freestyle water-ski jumping, trick skiing, kneeboarding, and shoe skiing with, as a grand finale, the combined evening…