Trailer Boats articles from October 2004

Trailer Boats archives from October 2004

Magic bullets.(On Plane)
October 1, 2004... As I write this, it's late afternoon on Friday the 13th and, though I have plans to go boating tomorrow, by this point, a long workweek has me frazzled. Although my heart tells me I need to get on the water, my body is saying fuggedaboutit....

Better than Sears.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I wish you would report more for us seniors who fish with small boats and outboards, a la the movie Grumpy Old Men--but down south, not on ice. Your magazine is a better wish-and-dream book than the old Sears catalogs. [ILLUSTRATION...

Reckless driving.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... This is in reference to your test of the Sea-Doo Speedster 200 ("Reflex Action," April). You state that it begs to be whipped around, and if you try hard enough, you can spin out the 200, and that you won't be able to stop yourself from cutting...

Peanut butter & jelly.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... Stuart Charles (Prop Wash, August) may be correct in saying that I would continue to buy marine publications without "bikini-clad mannequins" in the photos; but, then again, maybe I wouldn't. Mr. Charles believes that by having lightly clad...

The SHE factor.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I wanted to drop a note concerning all the complaints about the use of attractive models in your magazine. I simply think that good-looking women and men make a nice-looking boat look that much nicer. Now yes, some people might try and make...

Herculean move.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... When did Lake Otsego and the Baseball Hall of Fame move to Ohio? Tony Jannetta Webster, New York Oops... In the August issue's "What's Cooking?" story by Dan Armitage, the editors mistakenly listed the National Baseball Hall of...

Preventative SAR.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... Thanks for an excellent July issue. As always, you provide highly informative and interesting articles. We in the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) highly value coverage on boating safety and rescue operations such as in the excellent...

Lake Mead water level near 40-year low.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Less than normal precipitation over the last five to seven years has created low water levels at many Western reservoirs--among them Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The two largest impoundments in the U.S. are fed primarily by snowmelt entering the...

Preliminary decision announced in engine dumping case.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... After investigation by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), the Department of Commerce (DOC) has reached a preliminary decision that Japanese outboard manufacturers have been acting in violation of U.S. anti-dumping laws over...

Honda donates outboard in support of environment.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Showing its support of the South River Federation, which helps to maintain the South River, a Chesapeake Bay tributary, Honda Marine recently provided a BF130 four-stroke to the group. The engine is being used aboard Remedy, a 23-foot Carolina...

Innovations in Marine accessories honored.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... If you like the idea of avoiding on-the-water collisions, staying abreast of anode wear, keeping your engine stable and your hull sound, circumventing trailer-hookup disputes, and ensuring that your inflatable stays inflated, listen up. The...

Workin' for a living: Georgia Department of Natural Resources keeps it clean.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... When it comes to watching out for the public's health, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) has its work cut out for it. The Atlanta-based agency monitors water and shellfish quality through its Coastal Resources Division,...

Just cruisin': Formula 260 BR provides fast family fun.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Although the 260 BR isn't a newcomer to Formula's lineup, the Decatur, Indiana, boatbuilder is offering enough attractive new features on the 2005 model to make its top-shelf 26-footer even more appealing. Quality always commands attention, and...

Getting personal: overnight PWC touring is a blast.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Here it is, 13 years since I first wrote about long-distance PWC touring, and I am still amazed at how many enthusiasts seldom venture outside of their local riding area. Today, personal watercraft offer a surprisingly dry, stable and...

In tow: new 2005 Dodge Dakota only midsize pickup with V-8 power.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... A recent "first drive" of the new 2005 Dodge Dakota midsized pickup revealed a powerful package that will definitely interest boaters looking for a new tow rig. You'll be happy to hear that the Dakota retains a full-length, ladder-style frame....

Something's fishy: Triton 215X suited for big-water brawls.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Joining Triton's X Series is a beefy new multipurpose fishboat that's designed for serious big-water competition. Measuring 21 feet, 5 inches in length and nearly 8 feet in beam, the 215X is no wimp in the horsepower or fuel-capacity...

Power trip: Mercury expands Maximus.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Following the debut of Mercury's (800/Mercury; mercury marine.com) Maximus five-blade propellers ($1195) designed for high-performance sterndrives, the company's racing division has expanded its lineup of Lab Finished Maximus wheels ($1675)....

Cooks? We don't need no stinkin' cooks.(Reader Survey Results)
October 1, 2004... OK. So cooking on the boat isn't really your thing. That's the message we heard loud and clear from the majority of folks who responded to the August issue's Question of the Month. When we asked whether readers planned to cook on board, a...

Question of the month.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... Do you use synthetic or regular "dinosaur" oil in your boat's engine? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Synthetic oil * Conventional fossil oil * Synthetic/fossil blends * Oil? It needs oil? To register your answer, go to our...

Skipper's challenge.(Dock Talk)
October 1, 2004... If your gasoline engine refuses to start, you should check three basic things to find the problem. These are: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] a. air, fuel and ignition b. temperature, wiring and fuel hoses c. wind direction, tachometer...

Storing small outboards.(Boat Improvement)
October 1, 2004... For those of us who own small outboards and live in cooler climates, there comes a time each season when we have to prepare our little kickers for a long winter's nap. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Outboards are...

Running rampant inlets.(Boating Basics)
October 1, 2004... After idling along the Intra-coastal Waterway (ICW), we were ready to exit the minimum wake zone, open up the throttle and get onto the Atlantic. The 24-foot cuddy rounded one of two jetties flanking the narrow inlet and was immediately rocked...

Classic perceptions.(Propulsion Report)
October 1, 2004... Several issues ago, I mentioned I had ordered a Mercury 250 Verado for my new boat. I also expressed concern about a new product that was still untested in the hands of consumers. Mercury has staked a lot on the success of the Verado--and to...

Hot mahogany: here's a crowd of hot-rod classics built to quench man's need for speed.
October 1, 2004... The goal of being faster than the other guy probably goes back as far as our cave-dwelling ancestors, but once steam and internal-combustion engines were invented, racing became the purview of drivers and consummate tinkerers rather than just...

Mead magic: boating on colossal Lake Mead offers experiences as grand as the lake itself.(TBM Destination)
October 1, 2004... If you hear that it would take a lifetime to fully explore Lake Mead, believe it. Stretching from massive Hoover Dam in the west to the eastern entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, this 110-mile-long desert waterway is the centerpiece of...

Pushing the envelope: kingfish tournaments are leading the way in sportfishing boat evolution.
October 1, 2004... Fishing boats aren't what they used to be. Take one look at what fishermen are blasting around in and you'll know we're not exaggerating. Bass boats have gone from simple rigs with pedestal seats and modest engines to 20-foot racing hulls with...

Block party: it's small block vs. big block as we compare 6.2L and 8.1L sterndrives aboard Rinker's 262 Captiva.(Test)
October 1, 2004... 'Which engine is best?" This is a major question people ask when buying a car. Should you buy the BMW 530i with the base 3.0L straight-six or go for the V-8 upgrade? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So it is with boats. How much more top end...

Chasing fins: Carolina Skiff's Sea Chaser 2600 Offshore is light on frills, but big on fish-catching performance.(Test)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... Big, bright and as bold as its fire-engine-red gelcoat, the 2600 Offshore Series that we tested off of Key Largo, Florida, is the flagship of Carolina Skiff's Sea Chaser line. Based out of Waycross, Georgia, this high-volume builder is best...

Supercharged sophistication: elegant looks and a velvety ride mark Toyota's Land Cruiser as a luxury SUV. Now throw in a supercharged V-8 and you're really stylin'.(Test)
October 1, 2004... Toyota's Land Cruiser has been around for more than 50 years, and decades ago established its reputation as a solid, go-anywhere vehicle for the adventurous set. The venerable SUV has been through a handful of redesigns and repowers since then,...

Duke of oil: are marine four-stroke oils any better than less expensive automotive lubes? We test 'em to find out.
October 1, 2004... With the proliferation of four-stroke outboards in recent years, boaters have yet another emotional subject to expound on. Joining the never-ending debates on which boat is faster, whose engine is more powerful or what spark plug is best, a new...

Aquasport 235 Osprey.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... This is what happens when need meets want. For 2005, the redesigned Osprey 235 features a larger helm and enclosed head, and offers superb open-water handling and fantastic fishability from any position in the boat. Without a doubt, she's one...

Defiance 260.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The new Defiance 260 is designed for the serious angler who wants the offshore capability of twin outboard power with the comfort of a fully enclosed cabin. The 260 is built using the highest quality components and materials. The hull is 100%...

Hydra-sports 2500 vector express.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The new 2500VX is the perfect blend of style and engineering, resulting in a superbly performing fishing machine. Designed to achieve maximum performance from today's four-stroke outboards, the 2500VX will prove to be fast, stable and...

Pro-line 17 Sport.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... If you're looking for a serious fishing boat that won't break the bank, take a close look at our 17 Sport. It's big on fishing features yet small enough to trailer to your favorite fishing spot. The 17 Sport comes with many standard features...

Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser 2600 Offshore.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Carolina Skiff's Sea Chaser Line offers quality, value and great features. Each Sea Chaser hull is unique in design, and the deck has outstanding fishability. From the flats to offshore, we offer you a boat with true V-hull performance and...

Shamrock 220 Adventurer.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... The ultimate multiuse boat. Powered by direct-drive inboard power, the Shamrock 220 Adventurer is the perfect all-around boat. Whether you want to go 40 miles for offshore fishing or down to the local lake to go wakeboarding, the Adventurer is...

Triton 2895 Center Console.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... This big, beamy 28-footer has it all--from a wave-taming, spray-shedding deep-V hull, to a high output circular baitwell that keeps baitfish alive and kickin'. Every square inch of this wood-free offshore battle-wagon has been designed to...

Wellcraft 212 Fisherman.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Wellcraft's 212 Fisherman is the value-priced ticket you're looking for. Its deep-V hull runs dry and steady all the way to your favorite fishing grounds. And it comes fully stocked with everything needed for a great day of fishing action,...

Turnkey starting.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... I have heard numerous complaints regarding hard-starting carbureted MerCruisers, particularly when the engines are cold. For its 2005 product, MerCruiser has come up with a new carburetor with a carburetor enrichment system that eliminates the...

Painting aluminum.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... I have been a reader for a long time now and have had three boats. I have a fish 'n ski that sees Canada and its rocks and sand a couple of times a year. My question is, do you know of a product I can use to repaint my 1985 16-foot Crestliner...

Redesigning the wheel.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... I recently bought a 115 hp outboard with a 14X22-inch prop. I was amazed to see the thickness of the blade where the prop is cupped (where water last touches the blade). It is a full 1/4-inch thick. I can't help but think that if the blade were...

Mercruiser lore.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... I have twin four-cylinder 170 hp MerCruisers in my 1980 Sea Ray. They are freshwater cooled and have given me 10 years of satisfactory service. Who made these engines? Ray Kristol Fort Worth, Texas The four-cylinder 470 MerCruiser...

Ignition modules.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... I have a 2000 Chaparral SSe 205 cuddy powered by a MerCruiser 5.0L EFI and Alpha 1 drive. I bought the boat new, and, for the most part, she has run fine. The first time she broke down, the dealer replaced the ignition module, but after about...

A really rare one.(Tech Letters)
October 1, 2004... My rig is powered by a 7.4L Yamaha with a Hydro Drive sterndrive. The unit had been entirely trouble free until my last trip to the lake. The engine starts right away, idles fine and stays cool--but as soon as I put the boat on plane, the...

Need a bigger rig.(Tow Car)
October 1, 2004... I own a 2002 Ford F-150 two-wheel-drive pickup with the 5.4L V-8 and a 3.55 rear end. It also has a Class III receiver hitch. My boat is a 1989 Sea Ray 16-foot bowrider. The truck has no problems with this load, but I am looking at a midcabin...

Cool question.(Tow Car)
October 1, 2004... My tow vehicle is a 2003 Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab with the 3.0L V-6 and an automatic transmission. I tow a 14-foot Lund utility boat with a Mercury 15 outboard. Ford recommends the use of 5W-20 motor oil, but I would like to jump up to the...

Towing the maximum load.(Tow Car)
October 1, 2004... When you compared 1/2-ton trucks earlier this year ("2004 Tow Vehicle of the Year," March), you ruled out the Dodge because it did not have as high a tow rating as the other competitors. Now in the July issue ("Hemi Hauler") you complain about...

Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
October 1, 2004... What do you do if a tire blows out on your trailer while you're towing? Don't stomp on the brakes, that's for sure! Our advice, in fact, is to stay off the brakes. Hard braking could make the problem worse by introducing more instability and...

Case of the shocking Shockle.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... If you've ever wished for an upscale, industrial-strength shock cord that's made specifically for marine use, you're in luck. Amazingly versatile, the Shockle (888/557-6464; shockles.com) is basically a super bungee fashioned from...

A wheel deal.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... If you want to be the coolest thing on the lake, check out the new European-style Isotta wheels from Italy. Available through Livorsi Marine (847/548-5900; livorsi.com), the wheels feature an ultra-comfortable grip and come in three styles,...

Suck it up.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... When it comes to boats, there's enough moisture on the outside--you don't need it on the inside. Interior moisture can cause mold, mildew and corrosion, none of which are very good for your boat. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may have a...

Removing the pinch factor.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... Boarding ladders are an important accessory--but folding ladders can pinch fingers and snag clothing. MarineEast (732/477-7474; marineeast.com) has come up with a solution with its Ladder Guards ($3.50 per pair). Made of durable, marine-grade...

Tie one on.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... You wouldn't want your precious water rocket to go flying off the trailer when you hit a bump. Why not ensure peace of mind with a good, reliable tiedown system? BoatBuckle (888/937-4626; boatbuckle.com) now offers its Generation 2 (G2)...

Get a grip, dude.(TBM Tested)
October 1, 2004... Let's face it, boat decks can get slippery--especially if things start getting wet. The last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your feet are going to stay under you. The new Aqua Tech Shoes 956 ($35) from Gill (800/822-6504;...