Trailer Boats back issues from August 2005:
Big fish.(On Plane)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Just before presstime. Brunswick announced it had bought Triton Boats--its latest coup in an aggressive series of acquisitions. One of the best-selling bass boat brands, Triton also builds saltwater models, but bassing is what put it on the map, and the buyout comes with an interesting ...
Get lost.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I enjoyed reading the article about California's Shelter Cove ("Get Lost") in the April issue. I started fishing at "the Cove" in 1986 when we used to rent a 15-foot skiff all day for $75. It was a great way for three college guys with no boat and limited money to go fishing. Since the ...
Safety pro.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Your May editorial ("Get Smart") made me laugh. I am a safety professional, and rolling eyes are a part of the territory--but the one or two people I do reach make up for the others. NASCAR used to ...
What boat is this?(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005; ... In the April issue on page 80, you show an orange and white boat on a trailer with the number 18 on it. I sure hope you can tell me what ...
Deja vu.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005 ... In the April issue, page 80, there is a picture of a boat in the lower right-hand corner with the number 18 on it. Do you have any idea what make of boat that is? Dave ...
Missing the boat.(Letters to the Editors)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005 ... I get the feeling that people whose boating activities are near the 45th parallel are being shut out regarding the type of boats we need to see in Trailer Boats. We don't need "go-fast" sleds, center consoles or cuddy cabins. We don't need to fight stiff canvas, either. What we do need are ...
The wanderer.(BIGGER BOATS)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005 ... You have a wonderful magazine that I have enjoyed much and [from which] I have gained a lot of useful information. But I'm not renewing my subscription because I bought a ...
Supersized.(BIGGER BOATS)(Letter to the Editor)
Aug 01, 2005 ... I have subscribed to your magazine for years, and love every issue. I realize that the title is Trailer Boats, but sometime I wish you would do a test on a boat that's not trailerable, like ...
Triton joins the Brunswick team.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Shortly before presstime, Lake Forest, Illinois-based Brunswick Corp., which counts Mercury/MerCruiser, Northstar and Navman electronics, and numerous boat companies, including Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Baja, Boston Whaler, Trophy, Crestliner, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft and others among its ...
Top anglers gain immortality.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Every year, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) inducts leading anglers into its Fishing Hall of Fame. Selection is based on contributions to sportfishing in areas such as angling achievement, literature, arts, science, education, invention, conservation or administration of ...
Mandatory boater education continues to pick up steam.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Washington has become the latest state to make boater education mandatory. Developed by the Washington Alliance for Mandatory Boater Education and signed into law in May by Gov. Christine Gregoire, the legislation will require the completion of a basic boating class or the passing of an ...
Wake tools: Rave on with the Mambo Duo.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Rave Sports (800/659-0790; ravesports.com) of St. Paul, Minnesota, is known for making outrageous water trampolines, and is now jumping into the towable-tube market. Its Mambo Duo, which features an aerospacelike look, is a good example of Rave's towable tube offerings. The ...
Launch ramp: Boulton's Skiff Series does it all.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... If you need a boat that can take you anywhere ... well except perhaps to the moon ... why not check out Boulton's versatile Skiff Series? The semicustom aluminum boats in this lineup are designed to deliver good performance whether you're on a river, lake or the ocean. ...
Something's fishy: Century's 1902 handles ocean and bay duties.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... A shade over 18 feet in length, the 1902 Bay Boat from Century precisely fills a niche between the common 17-foot center-console class and the over-20 crowd of bay boats that has flooded the market. The 1902 is easy to launch, load and trailer single-handedly, weighing in at approximately ...
In Tow: Tow & Stow Receiver Hitch.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Here's an adjustable drawbar that is claimed by its manufacturer to be not only the most versatile ball-mount hitch on the market, but the safest, as well. With that kind of boast, we had to check it out for ourselves, so we called Humboldt, Kansas-based B & W (800/248-6564; ...
Just Cruisin': Tahoe's Spunky Q4 is ready for fun.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Bright red and white and featuring a trim appearance, the Q4 Sport is indeed sassy. Performance is just as spunky, as the 190 hp, 4.3L MerCruiser-equipped rig we tested on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, reached 50.7 mph at 4800 rpm. Although this is a runabout design, the Tahoe Q4 ...
Getting personal: Sea-Doo 3D becomes five dimensional.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) celebrated 2005 with the introduction of two more interchangeable accessories for the innovative 3D, which now offers five unique riding experiences. The Shoq ($300) fits between the handle pole and engine cover and allows the rider to travel long ...
Marking milestones.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... This year marks milestone birthdays for a handful of boatbuilders in the industry. While we can't serve cake and punch to all the birthday celebrants, Trailer Boats would like to send a shout out to all the companies that are celebrating special anniversaries in 2005. After all, without ...
Electronics: microfiber cloth cleans electronics quickly.(Dock Talk)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Regardless of whether you run your boat in fresh water or in salty coastal areas, marine electronics have a way of getting wet and grimy. Any soft rag is probably OK for cleaning the cases of sensitive electronics such as chart-plotters, radars and depthfinders--but you've got to be ...
Kickers in the minority.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
Aug 01, 2005 ... Based on the results of the June issue's Question of the Month ("Is your boat rigged with an auxiliary or kicker outboard?"), it appears that three out of four survey respondents either don't feel they need a kicker, or have boats that weren't designed to accept one. ...
Question of the month.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
Aug 01, 2005 ... Do you have a Bimini or full-canvas package? * We have a Bimini or shade top only (no side curtains, connectors or camper canvas) * Yes, we have full canvas, but, other than the Bimini, it doesn't see much use * We put up the canvas and isinglass ...
Skipper's Challenge.(READER SURVEY RESULTS)
Aug 01, 2005 ... You will get better maneuverability from a skiboat if you secure the tow rope well ______. a) forward of the transom b) aft of the transom Paraphrased from the 2005 Skipper's Challenge ...
Gelcoat repair.(Boat Improvement)
Aug 01, 2005; ... It seems that one of the universal laws of gelcoat is that eventually it will get damaged. It doesn't take much of a scrape or bump to leave a mark. Ding it a little harder, and you may cause more than just a blemish--you might end up with a nasty breach. Then it's time for a serious ...
Sunscreen for your boat.(Boating Basics)
Aug 01, 2005; ... The sun can be every bit as damaging to your boat's exterior as it is to yours. Both require protection when exposed to relentless ultraviolet (UV) rays--and applying a skin-care analogy to your watercraft can help slow your boat's aging process. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Power trends.(Propulsion Report)
Aug 01, 2005; ... As this is written, several engine manufacturers have debuted their new products for 2006, and we have a good idea of what the other companies have in store, as well. But as we've discovered, oftentimes what isn't announced is just as fascinating as the new products that are shown. With ...
Spin doctors: want a different spin on boating? Consider renting a PWC.
Aug 01, 2005; ... At one time or another, we've all wished for a boat that had a little more room to accommodate extra guests. And most of us have likely yearned to expand our boating realms with new experiences. To satisfy all the sunbathing, cruising and watersports pleasures of your family and ...
Birthday girl: Seaswirl turns 50 this year, and what better way to celebrate than aboard its new 237 deck boat.(TEST)(Cover Story)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Nobody likes turning 50--unless you're a boat company celebrating its golden anniversary, that is. Then it's time to break out the balloons and noisemakers and raise some ruckus ... and that's exactly what Seaswirl did in unwrapping its new 237 Deck Boat. We tested this 23X8 ...
Hit it! A rookie goes to waterski school, and we're on hand to record every splash-loving minute.
Aug 01, 2005; ... 'Waterskiing is something I've wanted to try since I was a little kid," explained my wife Maria to our neighbor. "So when Dan told me that the resort we were staying at down in the Florida Keys offered a skiing school, I asked if I could sign up." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Big is beautiful: Bayliner packs a lot of thoughtful features into its stylish new 265 cruiser.(TEST)
Aug 01, 2005; ... When it comes to trailerable cruisers, Bayliner has been one of the more innovative companies, and the thoughtful features and layout of its new 265 show that this model is no exception. Equally impressive is its performance. It wasn't long ago that a 27-footer would labor with a 5.7L ...
Lobstah heaven: we spend six scrumptious days simply messing about in midcoast Maine.(TBM DESTINATION)
Aug 01, 2005; ... August in Maine means lobsters, at least 'round Rockland way. And afterspending six summer days in the state that made "lobstah" famous--gunkholing by trailered boat and Chevy Tahoe along the southeast coast up to Rockland--I could honestly admit that I had had my fill of the ...
10 essentials: here are 10 items that no PWC rider should be without.
Aug 01, 2005; ... In case you haven't noticed, buying a personal watercraft (PWC) is easy. The tough part comes later, when you realize what items you overlooked in the initial thrill of the hunt. And no, we're not talking about a PFD, wetsuit or fire extinguisher, those are a given. Instead, we mean those ...
Regal ride: the luxurious 2005 GMC Envoy Denali delivers the good life in kingly style.(TEST)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Midsize SUVs are hot! Many now offer luxurious creature comforts, third-row passenger seating, sophisticated handling and ride-control systems, V-8 power and tow ratings that approach those of some full-size SUVs. The 2005 four-wheel-drive (4WD) GMC Envoy Denali that we tested is a perfect ...
Arc d' triumph: adding an aluminum radar arch will add utility to almost any boat--and you can save by installing it yourself. It's easier than you think.(TBM How-To)
Aug 01, 2005; ... One of the up-and-coming must-have accessories for most boaters is the "arch." Generally built of aluminum tubing and originally designed as a radar and antenna support, it has become a common symbol of offshore fishing boats--especially walkaround and cuddy models. More recently, it is ...
Speeds seldom jive.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... The speedometer in my 20-foot Rinker operates off of water pressure with a pickup in the leading edge of the MerCruiser [lower unit]. I recognize that this system can occasionally become clogged and provide in accurate readings. However, when it is operating properly, it still seldom ...
Holeshot help.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I have a Rinker 250 Fiesta Vee with a 320 hp 6.2L MerCruiser/Bravo 3 sterndrive. I've had good luck with the Doel Fin unit and similar hydrofoils giving nice holeshot improvements on smaller boats, but will they work with a larger boat and the Bravo 3, which has a smaller/thinner area to ...
Oomph for 3.0L engines.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... On several occasions, I've commented on the difficulties in getting an extra level of performance from a 3.0L sterndrive. With the intake and exhaust manifold cast as one piece, meaningful modifications are limited. The following referral from reader Robert Ross may help, as he notes ...
Won't wind up.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I have a 233 MerCruiser in an older 20-foot Crestliner Crusader. I'm not sure of the age, but I believe the boat was built in the early 1970s and that the engine and drive are original. The engine starts and runs good. I've been told that with more than 200 hp, a 20-foot boat should be ...
Wants skiing muscle.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... We have a Crownline 21-foot bowrider with a MerCruiser Alpha drive. When pulling skiers and tubers, the boat is slow out of the hole. I contacted my dealer, and he recommends a five-blade stainless prop. I also talked to others, and some recommended a [stainless] three-blade while others ...
Trim tabs.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I would really appreciate your opinion on the hydrofoils that I see advertised. The ads say that they allow planing at lower speeds and offer more control. I have a 19-foot Bayliner with the basic 3.0L four-cylinder sterndrive. My problem is that the boat pulls to the right at planing ...
An older G3 model.(Tech Letters)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I have a 14-foot 1959 G3 Glasspar that I'm restoring. I wanted to know if putting a 19-gallon gas tank in the bow is a good idea. It had a 1967 Johnson 85 V-4 outboard on it. Now I want to put a Honda 50 four-stroke on it, and I'm thinking that with the tank up front, this will mess ...
Trailer-light failures.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... My trailer lights seem to last only a season or two. A few issues back, you had an article about trailer lights that do not require trailer wiring. Can you give me the name of the company that manufactures them? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Overloaded trailer.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... We purchased a used boat and trailer, and soon afterward, I found a placard on the trailer stating its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as 2975 pounds. The manufacturer's literature states the boat has a dry weight of 2200 pounds. The trailer weighs 800 pounds. Doesn't that total exceed ...
A regular guy.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... My trailer boat is a 20-foot SeaArk deck boat that tips the scales at about 3000 pounds. I tow it with a 1989 Toyota regular cab pickup with a V-6 engine. I really like the way a regular cab looks, and I don't need all the extra interior room [of an extended cab]. But now that I am in the ...
Power trailer movers.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I recently heard about electric motorized devices that you hook up to your trailer and walk behind while using them to move your boat in and out of tight parking situations. Can you tell me who manufactures them and where I can go to get one? Chris Furlotte via ...
Cross-country overwide.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... I really need some help! My boat has a 9 foot, 6 inch beam, which is too wide to legally trailer [without permits]. I want to start taking some cross-country trips to boat on far-away waters, but after dozens of phone calls to state and federal highway and vehicle regulatory agencies, I am ...
Bourdon's tow tip.(Tow Car)
Aug 01, 2005; ... Excessive trailer sway can be caused by any number of things: too little or too much tongue weight in relation to the gross weight of the trailer boat package; exaggerated steering corrections; improper distribution of weight on the trailer; tire failure; panic stops when towing downhill; ...
Hot meals in a jiff.(TBM Tested)
Aug 01, 2005; ... As an avid fisherman, I've spent many a cold day on an open boat with nothing more to warm me up than a bologna sandwich. So when backpacking-food company Mountain House launched its Marine Cuisine 800/547-4109; marine cuisine.us) line, I was eager to put it to the taste test. Cooked and ...
Nothin' but taillights.(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... Trailer taillights all too often have their lives cut short due to constant dunking, especially in salt water. To solve this problem, Pipe-Light (800/281-1084; pipe-light.com) has come up with trailer lights that attach to existing trailer side guides. Not only does this increase the life ...
Rack 'em right.(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... If you totally dig 'boarding but have discovered that finding a place to stow your boards has cramped your style, take a look at the new J-Rack from American Ingenuity (800/654-6295; j-rack.com). Created by brothers Dan and Dale Congelliere, the solid steel J-Rack is said to easily attach ...
Can you hear me now?(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... With the variety of electronics finding their way on board these days, the time is ripe for devices such as the Sea Mini ($20 with 8 feet of cable) from Prospec Electronics (843/849-9037; prospecelectronics.com), an auxiliary input that can accommodate everything from MP3 players, laptop ...
All's quiet.(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... Conforming to the sound ordinances in some areas can be tough for high-performance sterndrives, but Gibson Performance (800/528-3044; gibsonperformance.com) may have just the thing for some boaters. Its new line of Marine Performance mufflers--the Superflow Bullet and Power Curves--are ...
Get organized.(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... How many times have you laid down a small item on board, only to forget where you put it? It's not hard to do, but it can drive you crazy. Before you have yourself committed, consider the use of a cockpit organizer such as the one from BoatMates Marine (877/278-6948; boatmates.com). The ...
Cover your tail.(Gotta Have It)
Aug 01, 2005 ... After spending a full day on the water, you head home after the sun sets, only to have someone plow into your sterndrive or outboard on a dark road. Something similar happened to fishing tournament champion Bill Whipple, who then went on to collaborate with Anderson Marine (816/765-2000; ...