Table of contents for May 2019 in Boating

As gentle as Hydrocoat is to the environment, that’s how aggressive it is against the most vicious fouling and slime. Hydrocoat offers the most advanced multi-season, ablative antifouling formulas. They are equal to, or more effective than premium, solvent-based bottom paints. Choose one of three brilliant antifouling formulas. Each will deliver increasingly higher levels of antifouling protection and send you into a Hydrocoat-clean world. HYDROCOAT The World’s Best Selling Multi-Season, Water-Based Ablative HYDROCOAT ECO The World’s Best Selling Dual-Biocide, Copper-Free, Multi-Season, Water-Based Ablative HYDROCOAT SR The World’s Best Selling Dual-Biocide, Multi-Season, Water-Based Ablative PETTITPAINT.COM…

1. What’s the best way to check a fiberglass hull for water inside (saturation of the hull and structure)? A. Tap on it with a plastic mallet, listening for dull or hollow sounds. B. Look for dripping water from hull blisters. C. Use a moisture meter to determine the watercontent percentage. D. Have a qualified, trained fiberglass expert fully check the hull and transom using correct tools and professional methods, including potentially drilling core samples. 2. Is there any proper way to repair a transom without gutting it and replacing the wood? A. No. If the transom is rotten, the only sure way to make it whole again is to remove all rotten wood and install a new transom. B. Yes. The transom can be cured by drying it out,…

The 23-foot-10-inch-length-overall 230 Grand Costa CLS stands out for its distinct styling, with two-color fencing and rails accented by molded-fiberglass panels at the bow that give the boat a seriously sporty look. On the inside, the available amenities list is extensive. It features plush couches to port and starboard, both in the back and the bow of the boat. The two bow couches feature forward-facing backrests with fold-down armrests should any passengers want to kick back and lounge. The portside sofa in the main cockpit features a rear-facing backrest. The midship seats are high-backed buckets. Silver Wave offers three different triple-tube packages, which offer variations of 4- to 6-inch lifting strakes and power-steering upgrades, plus an increased fuel capacity of either 47 or 75 gallons. The biggest upgrade — the…

It was another beautiful fishing day in early November 2018 at our favorite location in Port O’Connor, Texas. My wife and our two best friends were enjoying the day when we decided to take my Cobia 226 outside the jetty mouth and head to our favorite hangout spot, Sunday Beach, via the Gulf. The cruise out of the jetty was magnificent. We met the tame Gulf waves with happiness and wonder. When we reached the outer side of Sunday Beach, we noticed that the newly developed inlet, caused by the pounding of Hurricane Harvey, appeared shallower than we expected. Fearlessly, however, we pushed ahead and tried to make it across. We didn’t make it. The waves and the surf pushed us into the shallow waters quickly, and before long we…

An in-hull (aka shootthrough) transducer mounts to the inside of the hull and transmits and receives sonar signals through fiberglass, eliminating the need for drilling holes in the hull. This also eliminates the need to remove the boat from the water for installation, and there will be no protrusions under the boat. But there are downsides. For one, the transducer must be mounted on solid fiberglass; in-hull transducers will not function in cored fiberglass hulls without special modifications. Also, in-hull models exclude a sea-temp or speed sensor, so those will have to be added externally on the transom, if desired. That said, a properly positioned in-hull transducer offers outstanding performance when looking for fish and bottom features, with only minimal loss in range at the deepest capabilities of the transducer.…

By now you’ve probably seen one at a boat show or in a YouTube video, or even in the pages of this magazine. The narrow, angular hull knifing through the water looks almost Space Age, evoking thoughts of a military-style RIB without the foam or airfilled collar. Turns out, this is exactly the goal that Jan-Erik Viitala, Axopar’s owner and designer, had in mind. “We are the closest to being a RIB without actually being one,” says Viitala of his creation. “It is a very seaworthy vessel with a dry ride and good fuel economy.” Built in Finland, all Axopars — from the 24- to the 37-footer — share the same design characteristics: a plumb bow with a sharp forefoot, a low center of gravity with low freeboard, outboard power,…

Granted, the larger a boat gets, the more it can blunt the old saw about every boat being a compromise. However, when said vessel boasts a versatile layout that’s innovation-laden and combines comfort and performance in uncommon measure, it tends to cut through the clutter of the marketplace and stand out as a result of those attributes. Boston Whaler’s 380 Realm is one such boat. How did Boston Whaler pull it off? Hit the throttle! With quadruple 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards, I piloted our test boat to 54 mph in choppy New York Harbor with full fuel, full water, and a crew of eight aboard. Acceleration proved seat-squishing quick, whether from a stop or while coming off and on the throttle at speed. Dialing in the trim, it ran…

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 is a boat that’s more about the journey than the destination. Whatever course you set aboard this cat, don’t be in hurry. Powered by twin 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 diesel inboards, in our tests it maxed out at 20.2 mph. The 37 is a great boat for enjoying the trip, whether underway or anchored in a crystal-clear lagoon. The salon off ers an excellent view thanks to a wraparound windshield that extends nearly the full length of the cabin on both sides. An ultrawide aft entry off ers easy access in and out. A galley with a double sink, cooktop, oven and cabinets lines the port side, while a convertible dinette/settee and refrigerator reside to starboard. The 16-foot-8-inch beam grants plenty of stability. Air…

These questions are from the “Getting Started” section of the U.S. Power Squadrons boating course. See if you get them all right. 1. What do the letters PASS mean when used to describe the operation of a fire extinguisher? A. Pull the pin, aim at the top of the fire, squeeze the handle, and spray with short bursts so as to conserve the extinguishing agent B. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle for short bursts, and spray at the top of the fire C. Pull the safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep the extinguisher side to side while aiming at the base of the fire D. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the…

WEST MARINE TRADITIONAL FLUKE ANCHOR GRIP: Fluke, or Danforth, anchors are the most common type of anchor on smaller boats because they offer exceptional holding power for their weight in two of the most common bottom types: sand and mud. They also fold flat, making them easy to stow in a dedicated locker or compartment. SLIP: Flukes typically don’t bite well into rocky or grassy bottom surfaces. Flukes and stock can also foul on rocks, as can the anchor rode itself. PRICE: $130 (26 lb. galvanized); westmarine.com LEWMAR DELTA ANCHOR GRIP: The nonhinged, plow-style Delta features a ballasted tip to fall unaided off bow rollers and typically sets quickly upon reaching the bottom. Like its farming namesake, a Delta’s large, singular blade can dig into the bottom for exceptional hold…

SHIMANO STELLA SW SPINNING REELS Shimano has redesigned four models in its popular Stella SW spinning-reel series — the 8000PG, 8000HG, 10000PG and 14000XG. These big reels feature cold-forged Hagane gears for durability and smoothness, as well as the new Infinity Drive technology and HeatSink drag system for fighting big fish such as grouper, sailfish and tuna. Starting at $999.99; tackledirect.com ACCON FOLDING CHOCKS Accon’s 502 series surface-mount folding chocks provide line-control convenience in a compact design that folds flat to help reduce snags and tripping hazards. Made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, these chocks pull up when needed and push flat when not. There are two sizes: 4.5 inches long by 2.4 inches wide, and 6 inches long by 3.2 inches wide. $140.54 and $215.52 per pair, respectively; acconmarine.com…

I expected to see razor wire and armed guards at the entrance to MarineMax Pompano, considering the CIAgrade security that had preceded our testing of the new Aviara AV32 from MasterCraft. A collaboration between MarineMax, the 900-pound gorilla of boat dealerships, and MasterCraft, builder of luxury high-performance boats for the wake-sports market, the AV32 is a big surprise: a 32-footer aimed directly at family fun on the water. This is one very cool boat that will never be mistaken for another, from the purposeful bow to the rakish T-top (standard) to the wide, wide swim platform. Represented exclusively by MarineMax dealers and with larger boats on the way, Aviara started with a blank sheet of paper and asked: How do people really use their boats? The answer is a bowrider…

Pairing a family bowrider with outboard power makes sense because it frees up interior space for the crew and can be trimmed up for beaching. The Rinker Q3 fits that mission and displays instant curb appeal at the dock thanks to its sporty lines and pretty gelcoat, along with the optional forward-raked ski and wakeboard tower. But that form is also built with serious function. You’ll note that the Q3 has some of the deepest, most secure freeboard in the cockpit and bow lounge that you’ll find on a comparable runabout. Rinker calls the bow area “hot-tub-style,” with plenty of seating, forwardfacing backrests against the consoles, and strategically placed stainless-steel grab handles. The main cockpit has wraparound-style seating with cutaways in the backrests that reveal inset cup holders and storage.…

SeaStar Solutions has introduced the Optimus electric steering actuator for outboards. About the same size as a hydraulic cylinder, it attaches to the outboard and connects with the existing Optimus electronic helm, as well as the Optimus 360 joystick. With a powerful motor, integrated proprietary position sensors, and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for hoses, fluid, and purging the system, simplifying installation and providing true fly-by-wire steering. Pricing has not yet been released; seastarsolutions.com…

NOTHING WILL BRING BACK THE 17 PEOPLE WHO DIED LAST JULY WHILE TOURING TABLE ROCK LAKE NEAR BRANSON, MISSOURI, ABOARD A MODIFIED AMPHIBIOUS DUKW BOAT FROM WORLD WAR II. THE TRAGEDY CREATED A FALLOUT THAT WILL FOREVER AFFECT THE LIVES OF THE FAMILIES INVOLVED AND WILL FILL THE COURTS FOR YEARS. JUST AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO MOURN THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE INCIDENT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO LEARN FROM IT IN TERMS OF BOATING SAFETY. The facts as released by the National Transportation Safety Board are straightforward: The duck (see “History of the DUKW” on page 97) splashed into the water at 6:55 p.m. Central Daylight Time with 31 souls (including two crew) aboard in conditions described as sunny with light winds. Less than five minutes later,…

A key is having an HDMI input port on your MFD — the same port found on the back of today’s televisions and monitors. You’ll find such ports on advanced displays from Garmin, Lowrance and Simrad. Furuno off ers an HDMI input port on the black-box module for its TZTouch displays. I was able to plug a 4-foot male-to-male HDMI cable into a Lowrance HDS-12 Live. But in order to connect the other end of the cable to my iPhone, I needed a special interface — a Lightning digital AV adapter ($12.89, walmart.com). This plugs into the little Lightning charging port at the bottom of the iPhone. The female HDMI port connects to the end of the HDMI cable. The adapter also has a spare Lightning port so you can…

Joysticks are ubiquitous, but wirelessly controlled joysticks are unicorns. Dockmate is one of two — and the most recently available — in the USA. The system connects in relatively simple fashion to your vessel, piggybacking (via the can bus) onto the electronic throttle, shift and steering, and bow and stern thrusters — putting them all in the palm of your hand. In our recent test, we activated the controller and effortlessly powered forward (at up to 3,000 rpm) from the slip, pivoted to exit the tight quarters, returned to the slip, pivoted and backed in again, crab-walking sideways to bring it up hard against the pier. And you can stand anywhere to use Dockmate, so your view is mostly unobstructed. For precise control, the installer can adjust the throttle and…

Few boat styles rival a dual console’s versatility. The newly debuted 230CX from EdgeWater Power Boats may represent the apex of dual-console design. “Boating is about unlimited options,” says EdgeWater Power Boats president and CEO Jennifer Butera. “We made a boat that delivers on all of them. With its integrated swim platforms and retractable bow table, to the insulated fish box and 12-gallon LED-lit baitwell, it’s the perfect combo of fishability and family fun.” Many typically optional features come standard aboard the 230CX, according to its maker, including hull color, a fully finished head, retractable ski pylon, illuminated rod stowage, bow table, bow filler cushion and more. A single outboard of up to 300 hp propels the 230CX to fun and adventure, and pricing is said to be approximately $127,600.…

It’s a time-honored tradition, both in fresh and salt water, to find a cove with a sandy shore and beach your boat. And with this ritual comes the unfortunate aftereffect: Sand gets everywhere — all over your things and all over your boat. Fortunately, there’s a way to help combat this with the Sandlite Mat from CGear. The company designed the mat with a patented dual layer. When sand gets on the top of it, simply swipe it away with your hand, or a brush or rag. The dirt filters through the two layers and gets trapped, where it eventually falls through to the ground. So, bring one aboard and unfold it just off the bow as a foot mat to stomp away the sand before reboarding, or spread it…

Many boaters are under the incorrect impression that the double clamping of fuel distribution hoses is a U.S. Coast Guard requirement. The only double-clamping requirement under Coast Guard regulations is for fuel-fill hoses. The reality is that double clamping some fuel hose connections can do more harm than good. If the metal fuel nipple inside the hose isn’t long enough to exceed the width of two side-by-side clamps, the second clamp will actually contribute to damaging the inside of the hose as you tighten the clamp. Additionally, it will attempt to pull the hose off the nipple the more you tighten it. The same rule applies to through-hull fittings. Double clamping seacocks and through-hull fittings is not a Coast Guard requirement.…

FLARES United States Coast Guard-approved pyrotechnic flares expire 42 months after the date of manufacture. Expired flares are unreliable, as Coast Guard tests have proven. Buy replacements like buying meat: Shuffle through what’s on the shelf or peg to find the latest expiration date. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Most handheld fire extinguishers sport a gauge, indicating replacement time. Others rely on a pin located near the nozzle. When depressed, the pin should pop back up. If it does not, replace the extinguisher. Rechargeable units should be weighed every six months and replaced if more than 5 percent off spec. Check the gauge more frequently BEACON BATTERIES Batteries that power EPIRBs, PLBs and other beacons expire between five to 10 years. Determine your beacon battery’s expiration date and plan to replace it before…

The Grady-White Canyon 456 isn’t the biggest mega-center-console on the sea, but it is one of the best built and equipped. It’s not unusual to see a boatbuilder stretch a line of boats, adding a longer keel and maybe spreading the beam to get more deck space between the gunwales, but the trouble with that technique is there are unforeseen consequences of simply blowing out the hull like a master bedroom expansion. Grady-White’s plan for this boat was thoughtful and thoroughly vetted by the serious fishing and cruising experience of its design team, engineers, executives and outside consultants. And it showed on our test day, when the patented SeaV2 hull took us smoothly far offshore for swordfish. Together, they infused the deck and cabin below with extreme passenger comfort and…

With the new Crownline E 285 XS, you get a spacious and sporty dayboat that you can still trailer to your local lake. This NMMA yacht-certified vessel has deck-boat-like bow seating and an even roomier cockpit, thanks to the outboard power on the transom, so there’s plenty of space to lounge, entertain, or bring a group of friends out for a long cruise. It’s also a boat that, when you hit the throttles, has the ability to get up and go. The creature comforts start at the helm, with a comfy bucket seat with a flip-up bolster and a well-done inset dash where you can find the standard flush-mounted Raymarine 7-inch touchscreen multifunction display. Whether sitting or standing, I experienced no loss of sight from the helm while climbing onto…

The Yamaha AR195 is based on a new 19-foot-5-inch hull that’s 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than last year’s model. Do a few inches matter? They can if that extra space is managed well, and Yamaha has put a lot of thought into the cockpit of this new model. The AR195 features a new cockpit layout with a bench seat wrapping from the stern all the way to the port console, which is padded as a backrest for an observer. The sole behind the helm is now open for stowing a 25-quart cooler below a detachable table. Even with the table in place there’s always a clear walkway through the boat. The bucket seat at the helm is slimmed down and the lower portion of the backrest is…

There I was, failing, at work, about work. The quiz at the end of Module 2 of the U.S. Power Squadrons boating course was not going well. I had incorrectly identified the location of the hull identification number (on the starboard-side of the transom), what it means when the top of a junction buoy is green (the preferred channel is to starboard), and the required navigation lights for a sailboat under power (stern light and side lights). Missing three out of the 10 quiz questions prompted a pop-up window on my computer screen: I had to start the module over again. Hanging above my desk, taunting me, was a recent cover of Boating, which I had reviewed and approved. As editorial director of Bonnier’s marine, fishing, aviation, travel and dive…

The origin of the amphibious tourist ducks can be traced to the DUKW. In the manufacturer’s code, the D is for 1942, U for utility, K for all-wheel drive, and W for twin rear axles. The legendary yacht designer Rod Stephens designed the original DUKW. At the time of the design, America wasn’t yet in World War II but clearly needed an amphibious vehicle that could carry troops and cargo from ships to shore. The Army originally rejected the amphibious DUKW until a crew aboard a prototype saved the crew of a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in distress in high winds and seas. Shortly after, the Army commissioned GMC to build a total of 21,137 DUKW craft, with 4,000 sent to Allies including England and Russia. Allied forces used the…