Trailer Boats articles from May 2006

Trailer Boats archives from May 2006

Great boating truths.(On Plane)
May 1, 2006... By now, you've either finished your spring commissioning or are well into it. And even if you live in a sundrenched area and don't winterize your boat, by this time of year you've probably developed a punch list of things that need fixing. ...

Passing lanes.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... I just read your article on towing in February's Boating Basics. I live in New England where it seems like most drivers prefer to pass on the right. After several close calls such as you describe in you article, I have reluctantly adopted a new...

No place for wimps.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... I would like to see way fewer center consoles tested. We don't all live in Florida and fish. Also, quit testing wimpy SUVs. D. Swenson Snoqualmie, Washington If you are referring to our March issue's Tow Vehicle of the Year...

Long-term data.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... I recently read your magazine and promptly subscribed. While more informative than others I've read on boats, critical information for the informed consumer is still absent. As a consumer who is about to make a huge investment in a boat ($42K),...

And the winner is ...(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... Trailer Boats has been welcome here since we started boating. We tried other publications along the way, but none compares to yours. I'm just like a lot of other boaters, as I read it cover to cover within a few days of receiving it. Betty...

It's all about marketing.(SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN, TAKE 2)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... After receiving my March issue I wanted to respond to the Prop Wash section. I subscribe to numerous boating magazines and see too many letters complaining about bikini-clad models. This is nothing more than a marketing technique that has been...

No shirt, no problem.(SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN, TAKE 2)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2006... I found Whitney Neveau's letter (Prop Wash, March) interesting. Meaning that it is interesting what each of us sees when we look at a picture. Since I had not noticed who was in the pictures (and what they were wearing), I decided to "look" at...

Top waterski tournament slated.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... The 47th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28) at Callaway Gardens Resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Sponsored by Correct Craft boats, the event is touted as the world's oldest and most...

Donations make a difference in Mississippi disaster area.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... When Hurricane Katrina ripped through Waveland, Mississippi, along with the rest of the devastation, it wiped out the city's vehicle fleet. Dodge Trucks donated 50 trucks to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, one of which became the official vehicle...

New Technical Editor steps on board.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... Trailer Boats is pleased to announce the addition of Lee Boyt to its editorial staff. Boyt will join longtime Technical Editor Jim Barron, who will continue as senior technical editor, in lending his expertise to the pages of the magazine. ...

Win a great fishing package.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... If you love fishing, here's your chance to win one of five electronic units that will help you find the hot bite. In conjunction with Minn Kota and Humminbird, Trailer Boats announces its 2006 Find Fish Fast Sweepstakes. The grand prize, worth...

Ounce of prevention: Stayin' Alive.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... If your boat swamps; if you are thrown overboard; if for whatever reason you unexpectedly find yourself in the water; if you're trying to stay afloat until help can arrive, it is fear that will drive you to survive. But the Stay Alive Life...

Launch ramp: multifunction junction.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... Some forward-thinking boat-builders are already planning the perfect boats for tomorrow's class of highly active, highly mobile outdoor enthusiasts. These hyperactive types will be looking for one "multifunction" boat that can fulfill all their...

Eye on electronics: Navman serves up two new trackplotters.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... Navman (800/628-4487; navman.com) has expanded its affordable roster of navigation equipment with two new GPS/chartplotters sure to be of high interest to owners of trailerable boats. These units' compact dimensions, along with the latest in...

Power trip: Merc racing uncages OptiMax 300XS two-stroke.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... It wasn't as easy as it might sound, says Fred Kiekhaefer, president of Mercury Racing (800/Mercury; mercurymarine.com), but with the typical savvy the "boys on the hill" have long been known for, the race division has turned loose a 300 hp...

Getting personal: Yamaha launches 50th anniversary FX Cruiser H.O.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... Combining bling with zing, Yamaha's 2006 limited edition flagship is one sharp-looking PWC. The 50th anniversary cruiser is based on the uber-comfortable FX Cruiser High Output, and features upgrades not found on the standard model. ...

In tow: redesigned Chevy Tahoe debuts.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... The next generation of the best-selling, full-size SUV has arrived. Chevrolet's 2007 Tahoe has been comprehensively redesigned, and is built on GM's new, full-size SUV platform that incorporates a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front...

Just cruisin': Rinker serves up a sophisticated new 246 cuddy.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... Do you want 100 percent sun or the ability to get out of the elements? For some boat-buying families, that's a burning question. But in the Rinker lineup, you can have it either way. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For families in the Southern...

Overwides only: Robalo's Sport plays with a loaded deck.(Dock Talk)
May 1, 2006... So, you like to fish miles offshore, but the novelty of standing behind a center console at the mercy of the elements has worn off, and you're at the point in life where you want to enjoy the open water, not endure it, right? But what would...

Readers not sold on NMMA-certified hulls.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
May 1, 2006... In March, our Question of the Month was a two-parter. The first question was, "Is your boat certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association?" The second question asked readers, "Are certified hulls better and safer than noncertified...

Question of the month.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
May 1, 2006... Aboard identical 20-foot runabouts, which would post the best overall fuel efficiency? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Direct-injected 200 hp V-6 two-stroke outboard * 200 hp four-stroke outboard * 4.3L V-6 (190 hp) sterndrive ...

Care and feeding of Sunbrella.(Boat Improvement)
May 1, 2006... From Biminis to boat covers, many of today's marine canvas products are made of a product called Sunbrella, which is manufactured by Glen Raven Inc. (336/227-6211; sunbrella.com/usa). Made of solution-dyed acrylic yarns, it is an extremely...

Day at the beach.(Boating Basics)
May 1, 2006... The picnic spot looked perfect... A 50-yard stretch of beach flanked by mangroves and protected from the breeze by a low dune topped by a thick stand of sea oats. In my mind's eye, I was already framing the photo I would take as we idled up to...

Sterndrive developments.(Propulsion Report)
May 1, 2006... Although the lion's share of exciting developments in marine power over the last few years have taken place in outboards, that's not to say that sterndrive and inboard engineers have been twiddling their thumbs. For example, on the...

All glass dash: we install a very cool set of new multifunction gauges that can be configured any way you wish.
May 1, 2006... To the aviation community, glass cockpit refers to air-planes having TV-like screens at the controls rather than individual gauges displaying engine and navigation data. Automotive companies feature something similar in "information centers"...

Watta drag: holy cow! When did tubing become an extreme sport? We look at the wild (and mild) side of water toys.
May 1, 2006... When it comes to water toys--and tubes, in particular--there's no end to the imaginative designs that are unleashed every year. But no matter how crazy things get (and towables are getting pretty doggone radical), there is still something for...

Rolling thunder: Azure's innovative new AZ258 is built to take whatever you--or Mother Nature--can dish out.(TEST)(Cover story)
May 1, 2006... Rolling thunder sounds like just another cliche... that is, until you're caught in the middle of the lake when a lightning-fast and wickedly dark Midwest squall sweeps in. At first glance, the line of clouds building over the corn fields...

Music City Mecca: nestled just outside of Nashville, J. Percy Priest Lake offers boaters a little piece of country.
May 1, 2006... Mention Nashville, Tennessee, to most folks and their thoughts immediately turn to country music. And while Country/Western may be what Nashville is best known for, there is a whole lot more to the Music City than the strum of a guitar or...

Choosing a charger: here's how to select the best onboard charger for your boat.
May 1, 2006... Fifty years ago, many of the largest outboards of the day--we're talking 35 to 40 hp, electric-start models--didn't have generators or alternators to keep the battery charged. After a day of boating, you pulled a battery charger off the garage...

Open for business: the spacious 210 LS takes Crownline's bowriders to a new level.(TEST)
May 1, 2006... Crownline means bowriders. Yes, the Frankfort, Illinois-based company does build cuddies and cruisers from 23 to 32 feet. But for most fans the emphasis is on its open-bow models--either deck boat/bowrider hybrid designs or classic-style...

Old dog, new tricks: shocked by new vehicle prices? Consider beefing up your present truck instead.
May 1, 2006... When I decided to shop for a new tow vehicle to replace my 1999 Ford F-350 four-wheel drive, my heart went into sticker shock. There had to be another solution, I thought, and after considering all the angles, I finally found an alternative...

Weathering the elements: we upgrade a standard switch panel to a Blue Sea Systems WeatherDeck.(TBM How-To)
May 1, 2006... For five years our pair of switch/fuse panels, mounted on our bay boat's helm, had served us well, and then saltwater corrosion set in. Just like that, our electrical system went from solid to questionable to dead in the water--literally....

Double take: Mitsubishi's new Raider V-8 pickup makes you look twice.(TEST)
May 1, 2006... There's a new kid on the midsize pickup block. It swaggers down the lane with an available 4.7L. V-8, five-speed automatic transmission, fully boxed steel-tube frame, an aggressive stance, distinctive styling and a maximum tow rating of 6500...

Shining bright: make old headlights look like new with this quick and easy cleaning tip.(TBM How-To)
May 1, 2006... Headlights on older pickups and SUVs wear with age, much like our eyes. And, J like our eyes, we don't notice the deteriorating performance until the problem becomes very apparent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Trailer shopping.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I'm in the market for a new trailer for my 22-foot Pro-Line saltwater fishing boat. Since I didn't plan on trailering very far, I skimped on my original purchase. It was a big mistake. I estimate that the boat weighs about 5000 pounds fully...

Counter-rotation question.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I have an older 23-foot Mako with twin, inline six-cylinder Mercury 115 outboards. Both engines have right-hand-rotation props, and steering torque is quite severe. It appears that the Morse binnacle controls can be easily modified so that one...

Tach trouble.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I just purchased a used 1999 Monterey 220 deck boat with a 250 hp 5.0L Volvo Penta. The boat ran fine during my water test before purchase, but I have now noticed the tachometer reads exceedingly high. In fact, it pegs at wide-open throttle....

Bassackwards battery.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I have a 2003 Johnson 150 outboard on my Stratos bass boat. I mistakenly hooked up the battery backwards. There was a spark, so I suspected that something blew. When I fired the engine, everything worked but the tachometer. I replaced the tach,...

Prop won't work.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I have a 1995 Force 120 outboard. A friend, who sold his boat, gave me a Force propeller that is the same pitch as my prop. When I tried his prop on my boat, it didn't work. Top speed dropped from 38 to 33 mph, and the engine would not rev...

Vintage AccuMix-R.(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I have an old Johnson 6-gallon fuel tank that has a separate reservoir built in for the oil. Can you tell me how it works, and if it is suitable for my 1990 Evinrude 9.9? Roman Sanchez Gallup, New Mexico The fuel tank you have was...

Is it quiet?(Tech Letters)
May 1, 2006... I'm considering a new boat purchase and can't decide between a 225 hp, direct-injected two-stroke or a four-stroke outboard. I have heard that the four-strokes are very quiet. What is your opinion on the engine that would be the least...

Suburban shift.(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... My truck is a 2000 Chevy Suburban four-wheel drive (4WD) with the 5.7L (350 cid) V-8, four-speed automatic transmission and 3.73 axle gears. The owner's manual states that the transmission can be left in overdrive (OD) during towing, except...

Wheel blocks.(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... I've seen many RV owners use wheel blocks to secure their motorhomes or travel trailers when parked at home or in camp, but where can I find some good, long-lasting plastic blocks to chock my trailer's wheels while my tow vehicle and boat are...

Diesel in my future.(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... I have been shopping for the three big diesel pickups (Ford, GM and Dodge) and have pretty much settled on the Ford F-350 Crew Cab dually 4WD with the 6.0L turbodiesel as my next tow rig. But what's the true fuel mileage going to be? I know the...

Rebuild won't raise rating.(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... I am considering buying a new boat that the dealer estimates (with trailer) will weigh around 5300 pounds. My 1996 Chevy Blazer is rated to tow 5000 pounds, and has the factory-installed heavy-duty towing package. I normally only tow my boat...

Tow full or empty?(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... Just having bought my first boat last year, I consider myself a newbie, so I am wondering if it makes any difference if I tow my boat with its fuel tanks full or empty? Are there any trailer handling quirks that I should be aware of if I tow...

Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
May 1, 2006... Keeping your trailer and tow vehicle's tires inflated to proper pressure levels is more important than you think. Not only do under- or overinflated tires negatively affect tire wear and durability, they will also impact fuel consumption,...

A home for your electronics.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... Having a boat full of electronics can enhance any fishing trip or cruise, but finding a place to put them can sometimes be a problem. One answer is C.E. Smith's (800/334-2490; cesmith.com) Fiberglass Electronics Box ($299-$389, depending on...

Yes, a comfortable deck shoe.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... If you're a boating guru, you may remember those traditional moccasin deck shoes that went hand in hand with boating. You may also remember how the stiff leather and hard, flat bottoms hurt your feet. Rugged Shark (877/USHARKS; ruggedshark.com)...

Cold as ice.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... When spending all day on the boat, being able to keep a frosty beverage frosty is sometimes a challenge. So when you crave a cold one, the Fridge Freeze (619/220-6003; fridgefreeze.com) guarantees that it'll actually be cold without the need...

Boat sauce.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... Trailer Boats staffers love a witty product name. And when the product is also useful, we've definitely Gotta Have It. Introducing Boat Bling (602/494-5603; boatbling.net), a company that promises to add a diamond-like glow to your boat with...

You're in control.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... There's a cool, new shift/throttle lever from Teleflex (217/324-9400; teleflexmarine.com) hitting the waterways. The company's CH1700 ($193) unit is a single side-mount mechanical control with a neutral safety interlock feature to prevent...

No jack.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... Small outboards can come in handy in a variety of situations. Anglers use them for trolling, and others rely on them as auxiliary or emergency propulsion. They are an ace in the hole in case something happens to your main engine. To make life...

Short takes.(Gotta Have It)
May 1, 2006... Hit the wakes in style this summer with the women's matching boardshorts ($40) and rashguard ($35) from Slippery (619/448-8481; slipperywetsuits.com). The shorts (also available in lavender) are constructed with quick-dry microfibers and...