Trailer Boats articles from February 2002

Trailer Boats archives from February 2002

Whack vs. phat. (On Plane).
February 1, 2002... As my sons, their Generation-X buddies and I walked the aisles of a boat show, one of the boys pointed to the ski-tow eye on the transom of a shiny new runabout and asked, "What's up with that?" After I described it as an attachment point for a...

Women at the wheel. (Letters to the Editors).
February 1, 2002... My husband and I enjoy boating, and we subscribe to many boating magazines. These are a source of information, pleasure and communication between us. The fact that the covers of your magazine highlight women in what I consider a less than equal...

Let them eat wake. (Letters to the Editors).
February 1, 2002... I am writing about your test of the Sea Ray 270 Sundeck ("Riding High") in the September 2001 issue. In the second-to-last paragraph, author Jim Hendricks writes: "The 8.1 L V-8 left little room on either side for service... there are...

California concerns. (Letters to the Editors).
February 1, 2002... In the October 2001 Dock Talk, you discuss California's new emissions standards for sterndrives. However, you do not indicate how these laws will affect owners of sterndrives now on the water. What will be the fat of those thousands of us who...

Quiet down. (Letters to the Editors).
February 1, 2002... In the October Launch Ramp, you profiled the new Glastron Carlson 24 CSS and stated that "a boat that looks this mean should sound mean, too," in reference to the through-transom exhaust. Please, do not encourage people to create more...

Defining deadrise. (Letters to the Editors).
February 1, 2002... In our research for a new boat, we heard a term which was alien to us -- deadrise. We could not get a consistent definition. After devouring several issues of your top-notch publication, I feel certain that you can help us. Michael Riehl...

Interest-free loans hit the boat market. (Dock Talk).
February 1, 2002... Last month in Back at the Ramp, we reported that interest rates on boats were dropping, but not to zero percent yet. However, as we went to press with this issue, we discovered that three sister companies -- Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy -- are...

Number of U.S. boats is growing... slowly. (Dock Talk).
February 1, 2002... The number of registered boats in the U.S. is growing, but not very quickly, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Coast Guard. There were 12.7 million boats registered in the U.S. in 2000, representing a 0.3, percent increase over...

Woman stuns bass anglers by winning tennessee tourney. (Dock Talk).
February 1, 2002... National bass fishing tournaments are dominated by male competitors. So when rookie-angler Renee Flesh took top honors in the EverStart Series national championship on Tennessee's Pickwick Lake last November, bass fishermen everywhere were...

Term of the month baffling. (Dock Talk).
February 1, 2002... Although synonymous with "confusing," baffling is a word used by mariners to describe a wind that frequently changes direction. It is also used to describe the chambering of an intake or exhaust system, particularly on an outboard.

Easy improvements. (Boat Improvement).
February 1, 2002... Anything you can do to increase the safety, convenience, efficiency or enjoyment of your boat is an improvement. If you can do it without spending a wad of cash, hacking a hole somewhere or skinning your knuckles, you are ahead of the game....

Purchasing pointers. (Back to Basics).
February 1, 2002... While many of North America's waterways are locked up with ice, or at least uncomfortably cool for pleasure boating, more new boats are sold in January and February than any other two-month period. The sales spike can be attributed to boat...

Electronics Q&A.
February 1, 2002... WITH GORDON WEST River radar I do most of my boating on rivers and want to add a radar. How much power does it take to see around bends? Sid West Memphis, Tennessee With the radar antenna on an arch, a 4 kW, open-array...

Booster shots. (Propulsion).
February 1, 2002... Nearly every boater wants more horsepower, and the easiest way to get it is to put more fuel and air into the engine. There are numerous ways to do this. One of the simplest is to replace a two-barrel carburetor and intake manifold with a...

Power plays. (Ski Locker).
February 1, 2002... For 2002, there are more high-tech inboard engines for your ski or wakeboard boat than ever before. Let's take a look at a few. Want Cadillac style and power? This year, you can get it. The LQ9, based on the Vortec HO 6000 (6.0L) Northstar...

Seaswirl striper 1851 DC AirBoard. (Launch Ramp).
February 1, 2002... "Incoming! Bogey at 9 o'clock!" That's a call you'll grow accustomed to once you've got Seaswirl's new 1851 DC AirBoard secreted away inside the garage. Sadly, my friend, shooing away neighbors will become a way of life after growing weary of...

Godfrey hurricane fundeck GS 211. (Launch Ramp).
February 1, 2002... Relax, skipper. This may be the easiest decision you'll ever make. The new Hurricane FunDeck GS 211 qualifies as Godfrey's most versatile offering ever, providing room for 10 and enough diversions to keep everyone whistling a happy tune....

Rinker fiesta vee 250 express cruiser. (Launch Ramp).
February 1, 2002... Sporting a new deck and cabin design, Rinker's Fiesta Vee 250 will be the hit of the party -- and even more so after you slip into the galley to whip up a plate of killer hors d'oeuvres. Grab some refreshments from the topside wet bar, and...

Horse Race: We pit thorough bred V-8s from merc and volvo against each other on missouri's table rock lake. (Trailer Boats Magazine Engine Test).
February 1, 2002... The demise of General Motors' 7.4L (454 cid) V-8 last year created a gaping hole in the sterndrive power spectrum between 300 and 375 hp. On the upper end of this range stands GM's Vortec 8100 (8.1L/496 cid), which is rated at 375 hp in its...

Mulligans & Skies: Boating in the north woods of Wisconsin gives you a chance to enjoy spectacular golf and pursue a legendary fish -- the muskellunge.
February 1, 2002... Doll's eyes, black, rolling over when they bite you," was the famous line (or words close to that) from the crusty Capt. Quint in the movie Jaws. In my mind I saw Capt. Quint spitting out that description of an attacking shark from the bottom...

Balancing Act: Stingray's new 240LR shows fresh thinking in transom and cockpit design.
February 1, 2002... There is a homogenous look to bowriders today. Many seem to share the same layouts and features. Each year, however, one or two builders break from the pack to offer something different. This year, it is Stingray's turn. Enter the new...

2002 Tow vehicle of the year.
February 1, 2002... Three leaders in the ultra-hot, mid-size sport utility category vie for the title in out 20th annual towing contest Each year we take a look at a category that shows the most promise for having significant new vehicles for our Tow Vehicle...

Marine Power. Amazing new technologies and increasing government regulation are igniting rapid change in outboards and sterndrives. (Buyer's Guide).
February 1, 2002... For the 2002 model year, the proliferation of four-stroke outboards continues. The introductions of Yamaha and Honda V-6 outboards at 200 and 225 hp (Trailer Boats, July and August 2001, respectively) are stellar achievements. Yet, Yamaha has...

Synthetic Intelligence: Are synthetic oils for two-stokes worth the extra cost? Here's what the experts say.
February 1, 2002... FOSSIL FREE Synthetic engine oils for automobiles have been around for decades, developing a loyal following along the way. Such lubricants have provided owners of cars and trucks excellent engine protection during the coldest days of...

New surge: Replacing a worn-out surge actuator on your boat trailer is easier than you think. (TBM How-To).
February 1, 2002... Fluid leaks of any kind are bad, whether you find them on your boat, your tow vehicle, or your trailer. Yes, your trailer can also spring a leak in the form of brake fluid. Brake fluid leaks may sprout from a number of places. A fitting may...

Your turn to vote.
February 1, 2002... This year's "Over the Transom" photos are weird, wild, wacky and, uh, over the top. Yet the question remains: Which one is the best? We can't decide, so we're leaving it up to you, the readers, to pick a winner. Cast your vote from one of...

Tech letters.
February 1, 2002... With Jim Barron PUMP PROBLEMS I am having a problem with my 1996 Stingray 19-foot open-bow boat, and I am hoping you can help. It has a 190 hp MerCruiser 4.3L V-6 (carbureted, with 140 hours). One day when I took it to the lake I...

Tow car.
February 1, 2002... ENVOY BREAK-IN I just bought a new 2002 GMC Envoy with the 3.73:1 rear axle. In the owner's manual, it states that for the first 500 miles of towing not to exceed 50 mph. I will be towing my 1850-pound boat to northern Wisconsin and want...

Keep the kids entertained. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... Let's face it. Kids are not adults. They will sometimes get bored with endless hours on the water. Author Sandra Travis-Bildahl has come up with the Boat Book of Fun: An Activity Book for Nautical Kids to address such problems. This activity...

Ear warmers for boaters. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... It can get pretty brisk out on the water, and your ears are often the first parts of your body to go numb. Now, Big Bang Products can help make life easier for those who are not just fair-weather boaters. Its 180[degrees] Ear Warmers wrap...

Pop-up lights ready for action. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... Navigation lights are an important boating feature at night and during bad weather. But by day, they might seem like one more obstacle to negotiate. Accon Marine has a solution. Its Pop-Up navigation lights are designed to lie flush with the...

Propeller of your dreams. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... No matter what type of boating activity you want to pursue, you'll be ready with Revomaster S110. Featuring an adjustable pitch design, as well as replaceable blades, the Revomaster allows great versatility and easy serviceability. Once the...

Anchorshade keeps the rays at bay. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... Fun in the sun is one thing but when you can't escape its relentless glare, it can become downright unpleasant. Why risk sun-related health problems when you can relax in shady splendor? AnchorShade can protect you from the sun's harsh glare,...

Engine meter listens for knocks. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... Why take chances with your investment? If your high-performance engine is having a problem, you need to know about it as soon as possible to avoid costly damage. Livorsi's new High Performance Knock Meter Monitors can alleviate some of the...

Keep those wakeboards shipshape. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... If you're a wakeboarding enthusiast without a wakeboard tower, and your boat isn't exactly the Queen Mary, you probably know what a headache wakeboard storage can be. Epco's new WBH 007 slide-mount wakeboard holder ($245) may be what you're...

Sit down or stand up with security structures. (Gotta Have It).
February 1, 2002... Boaters know it can get rough out there. When it does, how secure are you -- really? In response to incidents in which boaters have been thrown from their craft during rough conditions, Security Structures has designed its two-man bolster...

Tow vehicles: How to choose your tow vehicle.
February 1, 2002... Boat and RV shows are the adult equivalent of a candy store for kids. They offer an opportunity to see dozens of boats and camping trailers, of all shapes, sizes and colors, all in one location. So it's easy to get carried away in a shopping...

Towing equipment: How to equip your vehicle for towing.
February 1, 2002... Most vehicles require additional equipment for towing. The equipment package often includes various cooling systems, heavy-duty suspension components, the appropriate axle (ring and pinion) gear ratio and usually a more powerful engine....

Trailer hitches: What you should know about hitches.
February 1, 2002... Hitches come in many configurations for a variety of uses. Some very large boat and camping trailers (35-plus feet) use fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches that mount in the bed of a pickup. Herr, however, we will focus on those used for the...

Wiring: How the wiring on your trailer should work.
February 1, 2002... To be highway legal, a trailer must have running lights (taillights and/or marker lights), turn signals and brake lights. Some trailers even have back-up lights. Of course, this means you must tap into the tow vehicle's electrical system. ...

Loading, leveling and driving: How to set up and drive with a trailer behind your tow vehicle.
February 1, 2002... Many owners don't set up or load their trailers properly, which often results in trailer sway or poor tow vehicle handling. One of the most common mistakes is having the hitchball not set at the proper height to make the trailer level. If the...

Launching and retrieving: How to launch and retrieve your boat.
February 1, 2002... Before you launch your boat, but sure to use the checklist at the back of this booklet so you don't forget something important -- such as installing the drain plug. You should spend several minutes preparing your boat for launching before you...

Back at the ramp.
February 1, 2002... Month TOWERS FOR RUNABOUTS Towers are not just for wakeboard boats anymore WHAT'S IN A WARRANTY? We outline what an engine warranty really covers COMPOSITE PROP SHOOT-OUT We compare the performance of four different...