Trailer Boats articles from March 2006

Trailer Boats archives from March 2006

Certifiable.(On Plane)
March 1, 2006... Making a buck is the goal in business, and in recent years the marine industry has determined that in order to sell more boats, engines and trailers, it has to "grow" its consumer base. It's a sound premise: Move more people into boating and...

Speeds Seldom Jive.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... Hurrah for Jim Barron's "Speeds Seldom Jive" letter (Tech Letters, August 2005) about GPS speeds vs. boat logs (or speedometers). Thanks for the accurate analysis: GPS measures speed over ground, not necessarily speed through the water. ...

TrailerBoats.com tests.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... Please advise where I can go to read your previous reports on tow vehicles. Your magazine, check that... our magazine is the only one that "tells it like it is" when it comes to tow vehicles and what they can do. You tell readers how a tow...

Easier launching.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... Great article on replacing trailer bunks and carpet coverings (Boat Improvement, September 2005). I have had great luck in the past by simply using spray silicone (found at hardware and automotive stores) on the carpeted bunks to reduce the...

It's a hard life.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I always look forward to reading Trailer Boats. I retired, got a new pickup for our Lance camper and am looking forward to some real trailer boating. Thank you. Jerry M. Stearns Evergreen, Colorado Take us with you. Pulleeeeze......

Healthy role models.(SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME)
March 1, 2006... My husband gets several boating magazines a month, as boating is one of our favorite activities. As he handed me the October [2005] issue, I was delighted to see the lovely, healthy, normal-looking woman on the cover. As I flipped through, I...

Sexploitation.(SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME)
March 1, 2006... In looking at your October cover, obviously you are selling boats and trailers, as indicated by the name of your magazine. I must then ask why in the center do you have a thin, busty female wearing only a bikini? Does this mean the girl comes...

Top 100 dealers named.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... In recognition of dealers who have helped to make boating a favorite American pastime, our sister publication, Boating Industry, published its premiere Top 100 Dealers list in its January issue. After carefully evaluating applications, the...

Buyer beware.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Word has been circulating that flood-damaged vehicles and boats from areas hit by last fall's hurricanes are being sold around the country--and not always with full disclosure. In response, with the help of insurance companies, salvage yards,...

Designs for tomorrow.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... The Marine Design Resource Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, that promotes the future of boating has announced the winners of its annual design scholarship competition. Christopher Rudwal, of Sherbrooke,...

Fine 'tooning: Sun Tracker's launch pad for parties.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Whether you're headed toward your favorite fishing spot or just want to take the family out for a day on the water, the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 can help fulfill your dreams. This newest member of the brand's Signature Series is designed to...

Just cruisin': Sea Ray's snazzy 195 sport delivers performance.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Yes, baby boomers are getting older, but mature adults are thinking younger and staying active. The new Sea Ray 195 Sport addresses this mindset, while also appealing to first-time buyers, Gen-Xers and anyone else attracted to sporty looks and...

Ski locker: call Moomba for a good time.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Specialized towboats are supposed to provide perfect speed and wake characteristics for waterskiers and boarders--but, even then, there's more to consider. The 2006 Moomba Mobius LS, for example, has a direct-drive, amidships-mounted engine for...

Getting personal: Sea-Doo on steroids.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Like the boost from a steroid-filled hypodermic needle, the multifaceted 3D is the latest Sea-Doo two-stroke to benefit from high-performance, direct-injection technology. The original 3D, introduced to much applause in 2004, serves up 110 hp...

In tow: drawbars that make a statement.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... If you enjoy trick towing accessories, check out the new lineup from Avenger Stingerz (661/323-9900; avengerstingerz.com). These stylish drawbars are offered in 19 designs and drop heights ranging from 8 to 18 inches, with custom lengths also...

Launch ramp: Jumbo Tolman skiff you can build yourself.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... A little project never hurt anyone. And for those itching to try out their craftsmanship skills, consider building a boat of your own with the help of Renn Tolman. Available in three styles--Standard, Widebody and Jumbo--Tolman's dory-type...

Wake tools: rash guards break from boredom.(Dock Talk)
March 1, 2006... Rash guards used to be boring. They were nothing but plain, skin-hugging shirts available in white and black. But now that they've become universally popular on the water, rash guards have turned into a fashion statement. Available in a variety...

Ayes of green.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
March 1, 2006... Back in January, we asked readers to what degree an engine's emissions efficiency (i.e., CARB rating) impacts their purchase decisions. The response on the TrailerBoats.com survey page came in along the lines of a 55/45-percent split, with the...

Question of the month.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
March 1, 2006... This issue's question is a two-parter: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Part 1 Is your boat certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association? * Yes * No * Not Sure * Huh... What's...

Walk the plank.(Boat Improvement)
March 1, 2006... When loading your boat on the trailer, don't you hate the part when you end up knee deep in the water? Yeah, me too! The problem is that I'm not much of a tightrope walker, and when stepping out onto the slippery trailer frame-work to hook up...

Plethora of PFD.(Boating Basics)
March 1, 2006... 'Dad, it doesn't fit and it looks dorky," were not the words I wanted to hear from my son after tossing him his lifejacket and turning to wrestle my own vest from the wad of personal flotation devices (PFD) that had been stored beneath the...

Keep 'em running.(Propulsion Report)
March 1, 2006... Happens every year... just about the time you've paid off your holiday credit card debt, tax time comes looming around the corner. On top of that, you're probably getting your boat ready for another season. Spring can be a financially...

Easy pickin's: with boat and trailer thefts escalating, we highlight gear and tips that will protect valuable marine equipment.
March 1, 2006... Boat ownership is on the rise in the United States. But sadly, boat theft is, too. Face it. A boat on a trailer is a theft waiting to happen. According to Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB.org), boat theft...

Propfest 4.3: which props work best on a performance-oriented 4.3L sterndrive? Hop aboard a Stingray 195 as we find out.
March 1, 2006... Finding the right propeller for your boat is like playing roulette. You really don't know what you're getting until you spin the wheel. Problem is, at a few hundred dollars a turn, spinning these wheels can be a costly proposition. And it's...

School of rock: Regal's new, fun-to-drive 1900 energizes your passion for boating.(EXCLUSIVE!)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2006... When we have lots of passengers and gear, we like big bowriders. But when we carry fewer passengers and want an exciting time behind the wheel, there's nothing like a small bowrider. Small sportboats are light, so they offer excellent...

Pittsburgh's playground: the Allegheny river provides boating adventure at every twist as it winds through Pennsylvania and New York.(TBM DESTINATION)
March 1, 2006... Beginning as a humble spring in a farmer's field in northern Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains, the Allegheny River goes on to become one of the major rivers in the Keystone State. Popular with pleasure boaters, it provides cruisers with a...

2006 tow vehicle of the year: comfortable and capable, five top midsize SUVs vie for bragging rights in this year's biggest towing competition.(SPECIAL REPORT)
March 1, 2006... Trailer boaters will find the midsize sport-utility vehicle class of 2006 offers a wealth of choices, ranging from the elegant Mercedes M-Class to the utilitarian Suzuki XL-7. With the new Jeep Commander joining a category that includes some...

Prince of fun: full of zest, Princecraft's new Vacanza 250V deck boat serves up heaping portions of good times.(TEST)
March 1, 2006... Deck boats are designed for fun on the water with a boatload of people, and the new Princecraft Vacanza 250V LPW easily spells f-u-n in a big way. At 25 feet in length and carrying a full, 8-foot beam, the rig we ran late last fall on southern...

And here's the kicker: swimsteps can complicate auxiliary outboard installations. Here's one nifty solution.(TBM Step-By-Step)
March 1, 2006... There are a couple reasons for wanting to install an auxiliary outboard (or "kicker" engine) on a boat. Some folks like the idea of having back-up propulsion in case the primary powerplant goes on the fritz and they need some kind of motive...

Multihull musings.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... A lot of my boating is done on choppy water, and I'm tired of being slammed down. I am looking into dual- and tri-hull sport boats of 21 to 24 feet, bowriders mainly. Could you tell me what you know about these boats? [ILLUSTRATION...

EFI revisited.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... In reference to "Is EFI Worth It?" (Tech Letters, July), I conclude from your response that replacing a two-barrel carburetor with EFI will reduce emissions, but fuel consumption will remain about the same if the boat is operated in the normal...

Run dry.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... Can I put an inline fuel shutoff on my 2004 Mercury 125 Classic carbureted outboard and run it out of fuel without causing harm? My dealer says I would damage the fuel pump. I want to run the gas out of it when I winterize the engine. I cannot...

Is it safe?(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... I own a 22-foot Bennington pontoon boat (with triple pontoons) that is powered by a Mercury 135 OptiMax outboard. I currently use it in Greenwood Lake in New York/New Jersey and Lake George in New York and the Hudson River. I am interested in...

Not fast enough.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... The boat I am writing about is a 2002 Alumacraft 175 Pro with a Yamaha 115 four-stroke. Top speed, according to GPS, is 39 to 40 mph. By using an accepted boat speed formula, I come up with a [theoretical] speed of 50.1 mph with no [prop]...

Settle an argument.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... My neighbor claims that his 120 hp Force-powered Bayliner had an oil injection system. It is my belief that Force outboards never offered oil injection, and that is one reason why Force engines were less expensive than the competition. Who's...

Fuel problem.(Tech Letters)
March 1, 2006... My 2000 JetCraft Fast Water has a serious gasoline problem. This is a 20-foot-long aluminum hull with a 350 Gen I engine with multiport EFI. It has a Kodiak pump. The gas tank is in the hull bottom, just forward of the engine. My problem is...

Which gears?(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... The powertrain in my 1980 Dodge 1/2-ton pickup is being re-built in anticipation of the summer boating season. The 318 cid V-8 has been upgraded with new heads, exhaust manifolds and carb; an RV cam will do wonders, too. My boat is a Four Winns...

Weighted question.(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... How do I figure out a new boat's total towed weight to be sure my present tow vehicle will handle it well before I make the purchase? Is there some kind of "rule of thumb" formula to use based on the weight advertised in the manufacturer's...

Why does my trailer sway?(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... I recently sold a larger boat that was kept in a marina and bought a trailerable 23-foot cuddy. Not only were marina fees going through the sky, but also now I have the freedom to more easily take my boat to distant and new waters. It's been...

Heavy-load braking.(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... I enjoy your magazine very much, in particular the Tech Letters and Tow Car departments. I am amazed how often tow vehicles are overloaded. In December's Tow Car you had four letters that all--in one way or another--referred to trailer brakes...

V-6 or inline-6?(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... I am shopping for a new tow vehicle, but since my boat only weighs 4200 pounds, a big V-8 is not needed, nor really wanted. My sights are set on a midsize SUV with a six-cylinder engine. The vehicle can then be used as a reasonably thrifty...

Loaded question.(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... My vehicle is a 1992 Chevy Blazer with the 5.7L V-8, automatic transmission, 3.73 rear end, engine-oil cooler, transmission-fluid cooler, and the Z82 Special Trailering Package. I read that it's rated to tow 7000 pounds. Here's the dilemma: my...

Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
March 1, 2006... We're often asked which is better for towing: four-wheel drive (4WD) or two-wheel drive (2WD). The first thing to know is that tow ratings for 4WD vehicles are usually lower than ratings for the same vehicle in 2WD configuration. This is due to...

Technology under foot.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... A long day on the water can take its toll on backs, necks and legs, especially if seas are rough. But help is at hand with SeaShocks 2.0 boat mat ($80) from SkyDex Technologies (866/732-7462; SeaShocks.com). Designed for dealing with moderate...

Playing on Autopilot.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... Flying solo takes on a whole new meaning with the Gladiator from TR-1 Autopilots (800/588-7655; nautamatic.com). Featuring water-proof electronics, the Gladiator ($3850) works with boats of all sizes with hydraulic steering, including inboards,...

Find your way in color.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... Expanding on its popular GPS line, Lowrance (800/324-1356; lowrance.com) has created a full-featured, handheld chartplotter with a color display. The iFINDER Expedition C ($309) has 16 channels and showcases a 256-color TFT screen with advanced...

This great white has your back.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... Don't let the name confuse you--the Great White by Anderson Marine (816/765-2000; pmlights.com) is no shark; instead it offers a sense of safety rather than fear. Designed for boat and PWC trailers, the Great White LED Back-Up Light ($150) has...

Stick to it.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... Do-it-yourselfers are sure to appreciate Flexpoxy High Performance Marine Epoxy ($20 for a bubble kit and $60 for the tube kit) from Pettit Marine Paint (800/221-4466; pettitpaint.com). Designed for use on a variety of materials from fiberglass...

Up the thump.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... If you feel like your boat's speakers aren't producing enough oomph, then consider adding more thump to your system with the cool Infinity 2100m marine amplifier from Prospec Electronics (843/849-9037 prospecelectronics.com). The Infinity 2100m...

Fight the elements.(Gotta Have It)
March 1, 2006... Sun, wind, water and environmental pollutants all take a toll on your boat. But Supreme Marine's (810/220-9392; suprememarine.us) boat maintenance products will help provide protection from those stubborn elements. Products such as the Salt...