Trailer Boats articles from November 2005

Trailer Boats archives from November 2005

The dark side.(On Plane)
November 1, 2005... Apologies to Yoda, Obi-Wan and young master Luke, but I recently crossed over to the dark side. And though I eventually came back, I'll never be the same. Or, more accurately, I may never look at my boat the same way again. [ILLUSTRATION...

Needs honest advice.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I want to buy a pickup or 4WD and a powerboat in Miami, Florida, and ship them to Italy. The purchasing and shipping seem (so far) to be relatively straightforward. But finding accurate, honest advice to help me choose the correct size/model...

Bring on the clones.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I received my first issue and was horrified at the pictures in articles and ads that show almost all boats as being obvious clones. The lack of original design is unbelievable. Bruce McKay Cleveland, Ohio

Dealer certification.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... At the risk of sounding cynical, I believe the [National Marine Manufacturers Association's] boat dealer certification program will have the same effect on service, quality, cost, reliability and customer satisfaction as similar programs have...

Love at first sight.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... My wife and I can certainly understand Kim Schlueter and Dave Barkley (Prop Wash, August) getting hooked on C-Dory from just a single little photo (which, by the way, is a 22 Cruiser, not a 25). We first saw a C-Dory in the San Juans in 2002...

Trip planner.(COAST TO COAST)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Your boating destination stories are an excellent source for planning vacations, and I also like your tech and maintenance coverage. Lucas Skutt Indianapolis, Indiana

Spread the wealth.(COAST TO COAST)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I like your magazine, but you only publish articles about Western boating destinations. There is a Northeast and Florida. More Florida, please! Capt. Frank Danisi Garden City, New York We run one travel story per issue, and over...

Boating industry rallies to the rescue in Katrina's Wake.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... When Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco's office asked for help on August 31, following the Hurricane Katrina disaster, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) didn't flinch. As the call went out for shallow-draft boats and other...

Nauti-Benders returns.(CALENDAR CORNER)
November 1, 2005... It's that time of year again. Be the first on your dock to get the new Nauti-Benders Page-A-Day Boater's Calendar ($14) from Penchant Publishing (800/235-7221; PenchantPublishing.com). This 12th edition is in full color and is crammed with...

Trailerable pirates.(CALENDAR CORNER)
November 1, 2005... Everyone has his or her favorite idea of what a pirate should look like. Robert Louis Stevenson thought them ill looking and dangerous. Hollywood, on the other hand, gives them a handsome and often humorous look. Don Maitz, the artist who...

Are you properly propped?(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... If you're looking for one-stop shopping when it comes to gathering information on the perfect propeller, check out Trailer Boats' online Prop Guide. Go to Trailer Boats.com for complete specs on more than 300 different models. ...

There's still time to win.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... As part of its Hitch Up and Get Away Sweepstakes, West Marine, along with Trailer Boats, is offering the chance to win a Pro-Line 21 Sport center console with a Mercury OptiMax out-board and Rocket International custom trailer. For a shot at...

Workin' for a living: Tampa Bay Watching.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... Encompassing more than 2300 square miles of watershed and rimmed with high-density development, Tampa Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast ranks among the world's most diverse ecosystems. Given its biological--as well as recreational and...

Ski locker; Banana George Blair: 90 and still going strong.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... Most 90-year-olds have trouble walking, let alone waterskiing, let alone barefoot skiing. However, the incomparable George Blair isn't like most 90-year-olds--or people of any age, for that matter. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his...

Making a splash: Sea-Doo GTI ups the ante for affordable PWCs.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... The convergence of powerplant progress and market movement within the personal watercraft (PWC) industry has led to Sea-Doo's new 2006 midlevel GTI. Happily, the potential for top-shelf fun can be found at the same intersection. ...

Getting personal: fishing aboard personal watercraft.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... One of the greatest highlights of my family's 2005 fishing season was when we lined up amidst sportfishing yachts at the tournament weigh-in dock in our tiny Yamaha WaveRunner personal watercraft (PWC). Better yet was the trophy my son received...

Eye on electronics: Raymarine autopilot goes wireless.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... Autopilots are a must-have accessory on motoryachts and sportfishers, but they're not commonly seen on outboard-powered boats less than 25 feet long. That may change, however, with the advent of Raymarine's (800/539-5539; raymarine.com)...

Something's fishy: Defiance 260 defies the ordinary.(Dock Talk)
November 1, 2005... Most name-brand builders produce boats that are amazingly similar in style, performance and amenities. That's probably good, as it provides room for the smaller independents to market a product to a more specific type of boater. The Defiance...

Here fishy, fishy, fishy ...(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
November 1, 2005... Back in September, we asked readers whether they ever use their boats for fishing. A two-thirds majority responded that they at least occasionally fish from their vessels, while one-third of those surveyed answered, "No thanks, fishing is not...

Skipper's Challenge.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
November 1, 2005... On most boats with gas-powered engines, a good way to conserve fuel, besides keeping a minimum of gear and fuel on board, is to run between: a) 1500 and 2500 rpm b) 2500 and 3000 rpm c) 3000 and 3500 rpm d) 3500 and 4000 rpm...

Question of the month.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
November 1, 2005... Which of the following is most likely to have the greatest influence on your next boat purchase, and why? * Boat brand * Engine brand * No loyalties either way To register your answer, go to TrailerBoats.com and click on...

Sealants and adhesives.(Boat Improvement)
November 1, 2005... Seems like there's no end to the number of boat projects that call for the use of sealants or adhesives. Just recently, I was installing a new carbon monoxide detector in our boat and needed to bond a backing plate behind a bulkhead. For some...

Post-season practice.(Boating Basics)
November 1, 2005... After four unsuccessful attempts at backing his trailer straight down the ramp to where his wife and boat were patiently waiting, the driver was at the end of his rope. In a fit of controlled frustration, he exited the Cherokee, marched to the...

Engine debuts.(Propulsion Report)
November 1, 2005... Tohatsu, which also builds outboards for Nissan and another major outboard brand, is an engine company that doesn't get as much fanfare as it probably should. Granted, its outboards are not seen on as many transoms in the United States as some...

Sunshine State cruising, Part one: blessed with warm sunshine and abundant waterways, Florida beckons boaters like few areas can.(TBM DESTINATION)
November 1, 2005... Offering the longest coastline in the Lower 48, surrounding some 4300 square miles of inland waters to cruise, and with a climate as bright as its nickname, it's no wonder the Sunshine State is one of the world's most popular boating...

Lake house: Four Winns 278 Vista lets you bring all the comforts of home wherever your boating whims take you.(TEST)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Whether camping or boating, the name of the game is to take as many of the conveniences of home with you as possible. To this end, the new-for-2005 Four Winns 278 Vista excels. Pushing the limits of a trailerable cruiser (without overwide...

Uncommon sense: offering both performance and overnighting comfort, Rinker's 26 cuddy encompasses the best traits of runabouts and cruisers.(TEST)
November 1, 2005... While we were visiting a boat show. I asked my wife what kind of boat she would buy if it were up to her. I fully expected her preference to be either a cruiser, with its copious interior comforts, or a deck boat, with its abundant room for the...

Winterizing batteries: expert tips for putting juice buckets to bed for a long winter's nap.(TBM How-To)
November 1, 2005... The bad news: Winter is right around the corner. The good news: With proper winterization, your boat will be waiting for you, ready to go when boating season rolls around next spring. One key to keeping your boat turn-key ready after six or...

Magnum multitool: Dodge's new Power Wagon is more than just a tough tow vehicle; it's a supremely capable offroader, too.(TEST)
November 1, 2005... Used to be that a guy could own more than one special-purpose vehicle without breaking the bank. When we were kids, my Dad had a car, 4X4, dune buggy, fishing boat, a station wagon for Mom and a big crew cab 1-ton pickup he used to haul the...

2006 tow ratings: advances in engine technology and increased interior comfort highlight this year's new tow vehicles.(SPECIAL SECTION: TOW RATINGS)
November 1, 2005... This year, while vehicle manufacturers resisted the urge to participate in a tow-ratings race similar to 2005--when numbers soared like mercury on a hot day--there are still plenty of innovations in new tow vehicles for 2006. [ILLUSTRATION...

State tow laws.(SPECIAL SECTION: TOW RATINGS)
November 1, 2005... As published in AAA's 71st Edition Digest of Motor Laws. Max. Towing State (1) Speed (mph) Max. Trailer Length Max. Trailer Width Alabama 65 40' 8' Alaska ...

Flex time: flexible trailer brake lines are a cinch to install.(TBM How-To)
November 1, 2005... You will find brake lines--tubes that carry hydraulic fluid from the actuator and master cylinder to the brake wheel cylinders--on any boat trailer with surge brakes. Most lines are steel, and this poses two problems. First, they're subject to...

Props in reverse.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... If a prop works like an airplane wing, with high and low pressure differences, how efficient is it in reverse? What makes a difference in terms of the number of blades, pitch, diameter, surface area, cup, exhaust bubbles and transom height? ...

Overheating concerns.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... I have a 1997 Bayliner 2252 Express Cruiser with a 5.7L MerCruiser with an Alpha drive. The engine and sterndrive have 200 hours, and the boat is used in fresh water only. The problem is that the temperature warning horn sounds when I am over...

Where to find them.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... I need to replace some parts on a 1996 Mariah boat. Do you know of any source to obtain equipment? Robert Goldstein Las Vegas, Nevada Sea Fox boats purchased Mariah a few years ago. The company can be reached at 2550 Highway 52,...

True power rating.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... What is the rated horsepower for the 350 Magnum 5.7L engine that is in the 1993 Malibu Euro Skier F3 I just bought? I've had two other 350 cid blocks: One in a 1988 Sea Ray 23 Sorrento and one in a 1999 Sea Ray 210 BR Select, and both were...

No power.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... I have an older 18-foot Witchcraft ski boat powered by a Mercury 135 outboard. The engine has given years of near-troublefree service. At the end of this last season, however, we were towing a skier when the engine suddenly lost power. It...

Accurate speedos.(Tech Letters)
November 1, 2005... I have long suspected that pitot-tube speedometers read higher than GPS speed because of the pitot tube's location in the out-drive "leg." Thus, the pitot-tube speedos don't read the speed of the boat through the water, but rather the speed of...

Trailer boats gift guide for the holidays!(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Evolution Evolution Kneeboard with Retractable Fins Low profile twin tip shape and retractable fins give this board speed and performance. Our power control kneepad and 3 in. padded strap are comfortable yet lock you in tight. ...

Shocking news.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... I need to replace the shock absorbers on my 2000 Chevy Astro van. A number of companies make shocks that claim to eliminate or reduce the sagging of the back end of a tow vehicle. Are these shocks worth the cost? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Forward backwards.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... Our 24-foot cabin cruiser sits on a trailer equipped with disc brakes and a surge-type actuator. It has a five-wire harness system that energizes the brake lockout when backing up the trailer, and this works fine when my tow vehicle is in...

Too heavy, brother.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... Based on a public scale that I used to accurately tag its weight, my 1983 Sea Ray 20-foot run-about and dual-axle steel trailer weigh 4800 pounds, fully loaded and ready to go. I love the boat. The trouble is that, due to skyrocketing gas...

No brakes, no sense.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... Can disc brakes be retrofitted to a trailer that has no brake system at all? R.D. Bealer Running Springs, California Regardless of state trailer regulations that allow trailers under a certain gross weight to legally operate...

Cooked drums.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... Most of my towing is on flat highways, but I recently towed my Larson 230 down a long, steep grade. Approximately halfway down the Monitor Pass grade in Northern California, it occurred to me that I had been working the brakes pretty hard, so I...

Weight-distribution dialog.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... I use my 2004 Nissan Titan pick-up to tow 9400 pounds, with a 1200-pound-rated equalizer hitch that also has a dual-cam sway control. It tows fine, but I have heard that weight-distribution systems are not good for boat trailers. What's up? ...

Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
November 1, 2005... Your trailer will tow best when level. A difference of a few inches between the height of the tongue and the tail of a trailer isn't a concern, but towing a trailer in an exceedingly unlevel attitude can create unstable handling behavior (most...

Seahook II stainless claw is the ultimate in boating "bling".(TBM Tested)
November 1, 2005... "Now you've gone too far!" That was the reaction of the editorial staff as I showed off an 11-pound Seahook II claw anchor from Sea-Dog (425/259-0194; sea-dog.com). "I'm going to test it on my boat," I proclaimed with the glee of a kid with a...

Doctor dock.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... For an inexpensive stocking stuffer that will make your life easier, try giving the gift of Dock A Reni (888/362-5273; dockareni.com). This simple-to-use device promises to make docking a boat safer and less of a pain. Using a Velcro strap, the...

Sensor overboard.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... Falling overboard is the No. 1 cause of injury in recreational boating. In order to reduce this hazard, MariTech Industries (888/755-7767; powerboatsafety.com) has created the Virtual Lifeline ($549), a wireless fall-overboard protection system...

Avoid the dark.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... With the RailLight ($28) from Simply Brilliant (888/557-6464; simplybrilliant.biz), you'll never have to worry about being left in the dark. This stainless steel, solar-powered LED contains a built-in sensor that automatically turns the light...

Bond, Electro-Seal bond.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... This is the bond of all bonds. Combat moisture-causing rust and corrosion with Electro-Seal ($13) from Ducky Products (626/797-7226; duckyproducts.com). Electro-Seal is a permanent, waterproof rubber coating applicable to any surface that needs...

The plot thickens.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... Leave the breadcrumbs at home. There are much easier--and less messy--ways to find your way around. West Marine (800/BOATING; westmarine.com) has teamed with Garmin to bring you the GPSMAP 276C ($700), a full-featured chartplotter with Garmin's...

Keep an eye on things.(Gotta Have It)
November 1, 2005... When it comes to water in the bilge, the best surprise is no surprise at all. But it's hard to enjoy boating if you are constantly having to check the bilge for signs of trouble. That's why a product such as the WW600 Multi-Bilge Water Alert...