Trailer Boats articles from June 2006

Trailer Boats archives from June 2006

Risky business.(On Plane)
June 1, 2006... The freedom to take your rig to exciting new waters is one of the great joys of trailer boating. And with summer rolling in, there's no better time to explore "exotic" lakes and ports. Why is it, then, that so many of us are stuck in a rut,...

One Million Years BC.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Please continue to disregard the overly dramatic letters whining about the "sexploitation" of the models in Trailer Boats. Bikinis have been a part of boating since the first hand-dug canoe hit the water centuries ago. Most of the people I have...

Dealer certification.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I think Ron Eldridge missed the boat in his March editorial on dealer certification ("Certifiable"). We work hard in our dealership to make [sure] our customers enjoy their boat ownership experience. If all we cared about was our bottom line,...

Travel resource.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Having subscribed for several years, I want you to know I very much enjoy your magazine. The technical stories and travel articles have been great. Is it possible to access past travel features covering various lakes? I have been maintaining a...

Farewell, amigo.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I suspect you sometimes wonder why someone does not renew his or her subscription. In my case, it's because I can no longer read it due to print size and my failing eyesight. So I'll just say "thank you" for many years of enjoyable reading, and...

We tip our hats.(U.S. AIR FORCE PILOT ALSO A TRAILER BOATER)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I am currently flying C-130s for the U.S. Air Force in Iraq. I got your February issue from my wife, along with a few other goodies, and took the magazine with me on a cargo run to Kirkuk (the picture is enclosed). We own a 1987 Four Winns...

Boating campaign revs into high gear.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 Discover Boating and Take Me Fishing tour is on the road again for the fourth year, promoting the boating lifestyle throughout much of America's heartland. A cooperative effort of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)...

Three officers honored for solving outdrive thefts.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... The International Association of Marine Investigators has recognized three lawmen with its Investigator of the Year award. Thanks to the efforts of officer Barry Sweitzer and detectives Ricky Whitmire and Chris Millirons of the Baltimore County...

And we have a winner.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... With the online and mail-in voting windows officially closed, we are pleased to announce the winner of Trailer Boats'2005 Over the Transom photo contest. Theresa M. Rodney's photo, which ran in our October issue, has earned her our grand prize:...

'Cruisin' for a Cure' auction set.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... Put your bidding hats on and get ready: From June 7 to 17, Sea Ray will be auctioning off a 185 Sport valued at $30,000. Proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year's "Cruisin' for a Cure" will take place online at ebay.com....

In tow: Toyota to debut beefier new Tundra.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... No longer a 7/8-size truck, Toyota has pulled the covers from its completely redesigned 2007 Tundra--and not only is it a true, full-size pickup, but by all indications it will give the Big Three truck makers a serious run for their money. ...

Ounce of prevention.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... What are the five easiest ways to sink a boat? 1. By not replacing the drain plug. Refer to a prelaunch checklist and carry a spare drain plug in the boat. 2. Having a dead battery, which causes the bilge pump to fail. Install a "smart...

Ski locker: MasterCraft MariStar heads for the salt.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... No one can say MasterCraft is slacking when it comes to designing new models that feature interesting and distinctive designs. Although everyone thinks of MasterCraft as a manufacturer of specialized inboard ski boats, this builder has...

Launch ramp: Larson Escape 204.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... If you're the type who likes to get away from it all, the new 2006 Larson Escape 204 deck boat might just be your ticket to heaven. The mod-V hull promises a soft, stable ride as it glides over the water courtesy of either an outboard or...

Eye on electronics: Simrad serves up heavy-duty handheld VHF.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... Simrad (425/778-8821; simradusa.com) has introduced a heavy-duty handheld VHF radio that's based on its proven HT51 handheld--a popular choice among rescue authorities. The compact new HT53 ($682 list) is built to the robust standards demanded...

Getting personal: Honda AquaTrax PWC keeps on rolling.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... This year marks the fifth anniversary of Honda's entry into the personal watercraft business, and the company's lineup continues to command attention. Compared to other manufacturers who have come and gone, Honda has introduced fewer...

Wake tools: some like it taut.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... For the novice waterskier or wakeboarder, any old towline will do, right? Wrong. With even a little experience, novices quickly realize that subtleties in the towline--such as material, diameter and length--can make the difference between peak...

Skipper's Challenge.(Dock Talk)
June 1, 2006... When converting knots into miles per hour, you multiply knots by ______ a. 1.15 b. 0.75 c. 2.00 d. 1.35 Paraphrased from the 2005 Skipper's Challenge ($25), a book by Dale L. Lydigsen Jr. For more information, contact...

Trailer Boats readers take care of their trailers.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
June 1, 2006... Our April survey asked: How often do you thoroughly inspect and service your trailer? Judging from the responses on our online poll at TrailerBoats.com, the majority of trailer boaters are pretty good about maintaining their trailers. Forty-one...

Question of the month.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
June 1, 2006... Does the uncertainty of fuel costs impact your decision to either purchase a new boat or upgrade your present rig? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * No effect; I'm keeping my present boat as is * I'm planning on purchasing a new boat *...

All lined up.(Boat Improvement)
June 1, 2006... As I was walking the dock, I noticed there were no two sets of dock lines alike. It wasn't just the color, but the types of rope being employed and the ways in which they were attached to the boats and dock. Some were an absolute abomination,...

Taking kids in tow.(Boating Basics)
June 1, 2006... June is when we are urged by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF.org) to bring children into the boating fold. Most of us don't have to wait for National Fishing and Boating Week (June 3-11), however, to be reminded that young...

Alternative drives.(Propulsion Report)
June 1, 2006... Typhoon Marine (877/794-9515; typhoonmarine.com) of Jersey City, New Jersey, has introduced a novel drive system consisting of twin V-drives driven by a single engine. Mounted on the boat's centerline, the engine uses a chain system to turn...

Fish getters: looking for a new saltwater sportfisher? We highlight 20 of this year's hottest rigs.(2006 Buyer's Guide)
June 1, 2006... The beauty of saltwater fishing is that you never know what you'll hook next. You might be fishing for tarpon or yellowtail, only to tie into a raggle-tooth shark--or you could be trolling for tuna when a drag-smokin' wahoo jumps the lure...

Class act: fishy enough for him, civilized enough for her, Robalo's new 24-footer really has its act together.(TEST)(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... After a week of playing tag with a succession of fierce spring storms, finally a day broke that allowed us to get out on the water and spin the twin screws of Robalo's new R245 Walkaround. In fact, once the early morning shroud of fog lifted,...

Carolina in my mind: get the Tar Heel lowdown with our insider's guide to cruising southeastern North Carolina.(TBM DESTINATION)
June 1, 2006... With apologies to James Taylor, I'm going to Carolina in more than my mind. I'm going there in my boat, and my destination of choice is the grass-filled low country of the state's southeastern coast. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Sassy sister: Yamaha's new SX210 sportjet gives its 23-foot big sister a run for her money.(TEST)
June 1, 2006... Sometimes less is more, and this is certainly true in the case of Yamaha's newest jet-powered sportboat. Yamaha first introduced the SX230 during the 2003-model year as a 23-footer powered by twin jetdrives. By all signs, the 230 series--now...

Reinventing the wheel: far more than just an upgrade, Chevy's new 2007 Tahoe has been completely redesigned.(TEST)
June 1, 2006... After a few days behind the wheel of the new 2007 Chevy Tahoe, it became quite clear that General Motors had indeed completely reinvented a favorite tow vehicle among boating enthusiasts. And it was better than ever. Our test unit was a...

Couple swap: replacing an old, worn-out trailer coupler with a new brake actuator/coupler assembly is easier than you think.(TBM Step-by-Step)
June 1, 2006... There isn't much to wear out on a boat trailer. Replace the tires once in a while, squirt some grease into the bearings and that's about it, right? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Well no, actually, not right. ...

Fogging oil fears.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... I bought fogging oil for my 2005 Mercury 60 hp four-stroke, but didn't use it because I thought shooting fogging oil into a fuel-injected engine might cause damage because the oil is going directly into the combustion chambers instead of...

Cut-out problems.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... I have a 1993 Glastron 19.5 Fish 'n Ski with a new 190 hp MerCruiser 4.3L V-6. The prop is a 14 1/4x17-inch three-blade aluminum made by Hustler. The lake we use sits at an elevation of 3300 feet. With the valve cover hoses unhooked from the...

Matchmaker.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... I have been searching for many a day via the Internet and magazines for a center console boat to match my 25-inch-shaft, 2004 Evinrude 150 (understanding that many manufacturers do not engineer a boat to complement an Evinrude vs. a Mercury or...

The boat leans.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... We have a 2000 Four Winns 230 Horizon with a Volvo Penta 7.4L Gi/SX. When at a plane (28-plus mph), the boat will list to port when one or two people are on board. It doesn't seem to make a difference if the fuel tank is full. With three or...

Not many left.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... My 1989 Bayliner 1750 with a 2.3L OMC Cobra and 2.1 gears has been a flawless performer for 16 years. Over the years, I have gained about 30 pounds and my kids have grown up. The boat came with a 17-inch-pitch, three-blade aluminum prop that...

Shift cable woes.(Tech Letters)
June 1, 2006... I have a 1986 Four Winns 190 Horizon with a 4.3L OMC/Cobra power train that is used on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. My problem is that the shift cable would pull from the shift bracket when I shift forward. I quickly learned how to remove the...

Tranny tribulations.(Tow Car)
June 1, 2006... My tow rig is a 2004 Chevy Crew Cab four-wheel drive (4WD) with a 5.3L V-8, and is used to haul my 2004 Four Winns 210. I have a few questions about the four-speed automatic transmission in the truck. The vehicle has a "tow" button that changes...

Sound advice.(Tow Car)
June 1, 2006... I have a 2005 Chevy 1500 4WD equipped with a 5.3L engine, automatic transmission, and a 3.42 limited-slip rear end. A rather loud clunk can be heard when shifting from second to third gear when the tranny is in the Drive position. It's...

Grease ball revisited.(Tow Car)
June 1, 2006... You offered good advice in your answer to Dennis Bargman (Tow Car, April) when it came to the maintenance and protection of his hitch ball with a coating of axle grease, but in my opinion, you only gave half the answer. You didn't warn about...

Tow rating numbers game.(Tow Car)
June 1, 2006... According to your specification sheet for the Dodge Mega Cab test ("King Kong") in the April issue, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is 20,000 pounds, but its tow rating is 12,400 pounds. That doesn't add up. The truck's reported curb...

Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
June 1, 2006... What's in a number? Here's what common truck rating terms mean: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo). This number--along with other weight...

Box anchor won't budge in a fast current.(TBM Tested)
June 1, 2006... Here's a real-life scenario: We were trying to anchor for lunch in the shallows of the Colorado River along the Parker Strip that separates Arizona and California. But the current was ripping at 5 knots or more, and our conventional,...

What's the hold up?(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... This summer, when the water calls your name, where are you going to put your cell phone without losing it or leave your drink without it spilling? Try looking to EZ Hold (603/437-3313; ezhold-usa.com), a company that has thought of a system...

Take a seat.(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... Treat your runabout or fishing boat to a hard-earned reward: a new set of replacement seats from Taylor Made Products (518/773-9400; taylormadeproducts.com). All seats are covered with a marine-grade vinyl that is treated to resist both UV rays...

Coddle your keel.(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... How many times have you wished you had something that would keep your boat's bottom from getting scraped during beachings? Wish no more. Help is at hand with KeelKradle (303/980-1474; keelkradle.com). Made of 100 percent stainless steel and...

What's your line?(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... Dock lines can be a pain to get just right when you're tying up at the dock. Then there's the problem of what to do with the excess line. QuickLine ($40 to $50) from Cormorant Corp. (888/667-3135; thequickline.com) may provide a solution....

Where's the fish?(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... Want to know where the best fishing spots are without having to break down and ask your neighbor? Navionics (800/848-5896; navionics.com) has made searching for hidden fish easier with its HotMaps Premium Paper Maps ($20). The Lake...

Make it stick.(Gotta Have It)
June 1, 2006... If you own a boat, you know that sooner or later something will break or wear out and require repair. In some situations, a good epoxy can really save the day. But not all epoxies will work on metal. That's where J-B Weld (800/529-3530;...