Tabla de contenidos para March 2025 en Boating

No matter how many lights you have hard-wired into your boat, every boater would be well-served to carry aboard some type of handheld illumination device. You never know when you’re going to need to navigate through a bunch of moored sailboats at the marina after dark, or find that loose wire connector in the bilge. Here are three types of handheld lights to consider. SPOTLIGHT WEST MARINE HEAVY WATERPROOF RECHARGEABLE LED SPOTLIGHT THE BRIGHT SIDE: A spotlight’s concentrated beam is great for picking out buoys at a distance. A handheld, such as this one from West Marine, does the trick. Its rugged aluminum case has an IP67 waterproof rating and floats. Its three settings harness 10,000 lumens. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide three hours of use at full power, six hours at…

It was a beautiful August afternoon in Maryland, and my fiancée, her granddaughter, and I decided to take my 28-foot cabin cruiser down the South River and out into the Chesapeake Bay to the picturesque Thomas Point lighthouse, 5 miles from the marina. Once there, we decided to visit Annapolis, about 7 miles farther across open water dotted with crab traps. We went down Ego Alley and meandered through nearby Back Creek before heading home. I had noticed the voltmeter reading low and slowly dropping, but I pushed on. Suddenly, the boat jerked and veered hard to starboard. I looked around and saw the anchor line leading behind our boat, pulling a crab-pot float. The seas had picked up to about 2 feet on our bow, making for a rough…

A new breed of internal-combustion marine generator, combined with the latest in marine-battery technology, promises to change the way in which many new outboard-powered boats provide electrical power for onboard accessories. These are direct-current marine generators, and they differ from traditional alternating-current generators in a number of ways. In the simplest of terms, an AC generator supplies power directly to a 120-volt circuit to run AC accessories throughout a boat, as well as charge the boat’s batteries (through an AC-to-DC charger). A DC generator, on the other hand, directly charges the boat’s batteries, which can, in turn, provide 120-volt power via an onboard DC-to-AC electrical inverter system. One important caveat: Inverters are generally more limited in the AC power that they can supply versus a more robust AC generator. Accordingly,…

If, like me, you dozed through Ancient Greek Mythology class, Panacea was the goddess of all cures and solutions. And that is the perfect name for the new Intrepid 41. This big center-console will satisfy every one of your boating wishes and desires. If speed is at the top of your boating checklist, get a tie-down for your hat. This new Intrepid easily nailed 61-plus mph, and that was in a not-so-friendly Gulf Stream. Our test boat boasted a trio of the standard Mercury V-10 400s clamped to the transom. You can check the option box for twin Mercury V-12s, punching out 600 hp each, but warn your guests to bring extra sunglasses to replace the ones that will blow off their faces. You can bring a whole bunch of…

#3429 SCAN ME To see a photo gallery of the Solara S-310 SC, scan this tag or visit boating mag.com/3429. Multipurpose crossover boats are enjoying their time in the sun, mixing sporty performance with the ability to do everything from fishing, diving, and towing watersports to cruising, entertaining, and even comfortably overnighting. Some boats drop a ball in this juggling act, but Solara’s 310 Sport Coupe pulls it off with aplomb. Credit in part goes to one of the longest lists of high-value standards that we’ve seen in this size range, but also to the fact that Solara designers and engineers appear to be true boating enthusiasts themselves. They’re designing a boat for how they, and their buyers, use one. That the builder does all of the above while keeping…

Room is always at a premium on angling boats. For 2025, the Alumacraft Competitor line of aluminum multispecies boats offers a clever idea that expands the aft casting deck without compromising cockpit space or making the boat longer. The X-Pods on either side of the outboard extend the aft deck by 16 inches. This gives the angler more foot room and makes it easier to fish around the motor. Each X-Pod also incorporates stowage space. The X-Pods are not an extension of the running surface but do act as fixed tabs to improve planing performance and handling in turns. The X-Pods are a feature of 12 new Competitor models, including the 22-foot-2-inch-long 205X Side Console we tested. To see our performance video review of the Alumacraft Competitor 205X SC, go…

The young man attending the gas dock in Frankfort, Michigan, seemed befuddled. “So you just crossed Lake Michigan on a pontoon boat,” he said. “Why would you do that?” I thought about this for a moment and just shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess because it’s a nice day.” The kid slipped the nozzle into our fuel fill and switched on the pump. He stood back and looked us over some more: three guys on the far side of middle age and a 22-foot pontoon. “So now what are you going to do?” he asked. “I don’t know,” I replied. “I guess gas up and go back to Wisconsin. It’s still a nice day.” This little adventure was a goofy idea. Quite literally. The instigator was our friend Malcolm “Goofy”…

Our neighborhood made the boating news twice in 2024, stories that have fueled the offseason hot-stove league here at the Lake View Inn, where everyone is welcome to their opinion. I’m almost certain you heard about Ryan Borgwardt, the fellow who tried to stage his drowning in Big Green Lake this past August. I got calls and texts from all over the country on this one. Borgwardt flips his kayak into the lake, leaving behind ID and a tackle box, and then paddles a little tube to shore, where he has stashed an e-bike, which he rides 60 miles to Madison, where he catches a bus to Michigan, crosses into Canada, then catches a flight to meet a woman in Georgia. The Republic of, not the state. But for a…

SAXDOR 340 GTWA Saxdor Yachts (again) proves itself influential, this time with the 340 GTWA, which debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival this past September. The 340 GTWA combines a cabin boat with an open boat to serve both day-boating and cruising owners. Topside, you’ll find a walk-around pilothouse that not only provides easy access bow to stern for shipboard chores such as anchoring and docking, but it also gives those aboard more room to mix, mingle and, if they choose, find a spot away from the crowd and still be outside. The twin terraces that fold out port and starboard exponentially increase the deck space, and thus the sociability that the 340 GTWA provides. The pilothouse opens wide to the outdoors, further advancing this boat’s dayboat mission. For cruising,…

PROPER PROP INSTALL Q: Is it OK to just put the engine in gear to prevent the prop from turning when I want to install my propeller, or should I use a block of wood to prevent the prop from spinning when tightening the nut? Alex Burroughs Manchester, New Hampshire A: Use a block of wood WHICH BRUSH? Q: Boat Doctor, should I be using a stiff, medium or soft brush to dean my boat? Steven Milton Via email A: It depends. A stiff brush is great for nonskid surfices but might not prove effective on smooth gelcoat, and it might scratch clear canvas curtains or plastic windshields and doors. A stiff brush also works well for dealing light fouling from the waterline or from the gear case of a…

If you want to boat more safely at night, night-vision technology can help minimize your odds of getting off course or missing a hidden aid-to-navigation post or piece of flotsam. There are two basic technologies to open night eyes. Let’s see what those are. AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE Light is electromagnetic energy measured in nanometers. The human eye can see wavelengths between 380 nm, beginning at violet and bordering on ultraviolet, and 700 nm, which is red and bordering on invisible infrared. The shorter wavelengths of violet and blue range from 380 nm to about 500 nm. They are weaker and are the first to fade from human visibility in low light. From 500 nm to 600 nm—the end of blue to the beginning of red—the waves…

“We have the power to change the world for the better,” says BRP Chief Design Officer Denys LaPointe. HISTORY In 1937, 15-year-old Joseph Armand Bombardier invented the Ski Doo to traverse the snowy streets of Quebec. His company grew into railway and aerospace, and was sold in 2003 to an investor group for billions. Sea-Doo personal water-craft, Can-Amall-terrain vehicles and BRP-leading boat lines followed, and now include Manitou Pontoons, Alumacraft fishing boats, and the Sea-Doo Switch pontoons (a Boating Boat of the Year awardee) with PWC maneuverability powered by BRP’s Rotax engines. Rotax is a 100-year-old Austrian propulsion company, purchased by Bombardier in 1970 to power its vehicles and vessels. BRP recently added a Rotax outboard as a power option for its Manitou pontoons and Alumacraft fishing boats (conventional outboards…

#3427 SCAN ME To see a photo gallery of the Pursuit OS 325, scan this tag or go to boating mag.com/3427. Full disclosure: Boats and adult beverages are two of my favorite things, and I’ve realized that there are many similarities (besides being addictive). Some boats are beer (a good one like Heineken or Corona), while others are more like a fine Burgundy (a nice Montrachet will do). But some, like the new Pursuit OS 325, are unquestionably Champagne: bubbly, light, and full of smiles (my first choice would be Dom Perignon, thank you). This is a boat that checks all the boxes for an all-purpose fun boat as much a battlewagon with a bunch of anglers aboard as it is an afternoon cruiser with family and friends. It’s the…

From the land of Ferrari, it’s no surprise that the new Sessa C44 pops onto plane in just 8 seconds flat and, pushed by a pair of Volvo Penta D6 diesel IPS 600s, this stylish cruiser tops out at over 35 mph. Not bad for moving 14 tons of Italian luxury. The Sessa C44 is a lean express cruiser, accented by a slash of windows in the topsides, but one of its surprises is that we found as much as 6 feet, 9 inches of headroom inside its cabin. To see a photo gallery of the Sessa C44, visit boatingmag.com/3430. MORE ONLINE If you are a buyer appreciative of this boat’s style and performance, you will want to consider your boating usage because Sessa offers the C44 in your choice…

SCAN ME To learn more about the Monterey Elite 30 and past Boats of the Year, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/boat-of-the-year. Boating’s Boat of the Year (BOTY) stands as the most prestigious award in recreational boating. Why? There are many reasons, including the decadeslong history of editorial objectivity used to select the BOTY. Boatbuilders do not pay to be considered for the award, nor do advertising dollars sway our Tech Team’s decision. The record stands for itself: Non-advertisers, and those who advertise very little, have both earned the honor of Boat of the Year. What, then, is the BOTY criteria? First, it must be a boat we have tested in the preceding year. It must also meet or exceed all ABYC, NMMA, and other industry standards and regulations. The…

The new Mercury Marine joystick control for a single outboard puts throttle, shifting and steering control in the palm of your hand. Many captains will find that the joystick makes it easier to handle a single-engine boat in tight quarters. Full-lock steering response is realized with a quick turn of the joystick rather than with multiple turns of the wheel, and shifting from forward to reverse is just as quick. The joystick simplifies boathandling, matching the functionality of the Yamaha Helm Master EX single-engine system introduced in 2021. We tested the single-engine joystick aboard a Highfield Sport 700 RIB powered by a Mercury Verado 250 outboard. A lightweight RIB is easily pushed around by wind and current, and thus is a perfect application for the joystick. The same could be…

1. What is the best type of steering system for a typical single-outboard-powered hull capable of speeds in the 60-plus mph range? A. Single push-pull mechanical cable system B. Dual-cable mechanical system C. Dual-cable “no feedback” mechanical system D. High-performance hydraulic system E. Any of the above will work fine. 2. What should you do to a hydraulic steering system every time you take a ride in your boat? A. Nothing; it will work fine without maintenance or checking. B. Drain all hydraulic fluid and refill with fresh. C. Steer the system lock-to-lock to check for loose steering or binding, and to ensure that the engine/drive moves properly when you move the steering wheel. D. Check the system and its parts for corrosion and fluid leaks. E. C and D…

ROBALO R300 Robalo’s R300 promises fishability, cruising comforts, and great performance. Drawn by noted designer Michael Peters, the R300’s deep-V hull features two running strakes per side, an aggressively raked stem, and other characteristics known for delivering confidence on open water. Inside, we find a triple helm stand, with each of the three seats boasting a flip bolster, armrests and multicolor upholstery. Abaft, this is a triple-wide bench, affording aft-facing seating while also concealing a huge cooler underneath. An oversize hardtop is above and inside the center console; you’ll find a spacious head compartment with plenty of headroom. There’s a transom bench that folds away to clear the cockpit, with even more seating in the bow, where a stowable table and stowable backrests provide versatility and comfort. The side cockpit…

TIP Depending on the radius of the curve you need to create, you can use a two-by-four (for a smaller radius than in this project) or a two-byten (for a larger radius) to build the jig. TIP Before attaching the replacement trim, fill in and seal the old screw holes from the original trim. In this case, I filled in the old holes with Marine Tex. TIP A pair of heat-resistant gloves allows you to shape the curve of the heated plastic without suffering any burns to your hands. TACO TRIM An alternate PVC angle stock is available from Taco Marine. Taco’s No. V25-0240 angle stock is about ⅞ inch on each side, so it is slightly smaller than the industrial construction material used in this project. However, Taco’s uses…

#3428 Boating with small children can be a fraught experience. I have a pair of toddler grandchildren, and they sure move fast. There’s a low-level hum of anxiety when they are aboard, even though they are buttoned up in their life jackets. For family boating, security is paramount, which is why we think this new Hurricane SunDeck 3200 OB deserves consideration if some of your crew are about knee-high. Which is not to imply that swingin’ singles or empty nesters won’t also enjoy the SunDeck 3200. It’s packed with a lot of great design features. Hurricane takes a step away from its 50-year-old deck-boat roots with the launch of this wide-beam 32-foot model envisioned as the ultimate dayboat. Squeezing every desirable feature into any boat will always require some give-and-take,…

Robalo Boats are tough and stylish, offering optimal deck space for crew as well as topshelf production quality at a modest price. The R257 dual-console punches above its class in performance, fishability and comfort. The R257 proves a seriously fishable saltwater SUV that’s ready for diving, snorkeling, cruising and beachcombing—and, yes, it offers some luxury too. To watch our video review of the Robalo R257, visit boatingmag.com/3431. MORE ONLINE The R257’s ride is smooth thanks to its deep, wave-cleaving deadrise. Well-positioned chines aid in crisp turns, and available Helm Master joystick steering makes mooring easy. The full-maneuverability joystick system holds the boat when waiting for your turn at the fuel dock too. A wraparound windshield and a walk-through wind dam protect the cockpit from the elements. Wraparound bow seating is…

It sounds idyllic, right? You’re going to go overnight on a mini yacht (my words, not theirs) and gallivant around Florida’s Sarasota Bay on a beautiful summer day. That’s how I sold it to my wife, at least. See, if you’re not familiar with a pocket cruiser, it generally means a cabin boat under 30 feet length overall designed for boating in favorable, nearshore conditions. Many pocket cruisers prove small enough to trailer as well, which is a huge benefit for those of us who like to consistently see new ports of call. Now, for all you seasoned cruisers out there, you can probably already see where this story gets interesting. At 26 feet, 5 inches with just over a 9-foot beam, the Beneteau Antares 8 is on the small…

Mega Live 2 features enhanced clarity and a more stable view versus the previous Humminbird forward-facing-sonar system. It offers improved real-time lure tracking, enhanced target separation, and optimized color choices. You can call up any one of 15 vibrant color palettes, each designed to improve visibility in varying water and light conditions. “With Mega Live 2, Humminbird’s live-imaging technology now exceeds angler expectations, delivering the clarity, detail, bait tracking, and target separation needed to make the most of every cast,” says Braeden Harris, Humminbird brand manager. Mega Live 2 offers three viewing modes—Down, Forward, and Landscape—to allow anglers to scan different areas around the boat. The Target-Boost function in Mega Live 2 boosts brightness and contrast, making suspended fish and bait stand out more clearly in open water. Mega Live…