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BLADES Offers “Winter Tune-up” Special Pricing
Yearly Archives: 2020
MDC Improves on Their Already Impressive Quad Outboard TrimSync
Fans of Marine Design Corporation (MDC) will already be familiar with the company’s flagship product, TrimSync, but for those of you out of the loop it may be time to get familiar. After all, with the promise of monitoring and correcting multiengine trim instantaneously and autonomously, what’s not to like or want?
According to company president, Mike Clesceri, however, it appears there’s another reason to invest in TrimSync for your own setup. The newly improved TrimSync now boasts a greater reported increase in top speed (up to 3 MPH in this particular demonstration) as well as improvements to fuel economy up to 10%.
Simply put, TrimSync takes the struggle out of operating a multiengine performance boat by micromanaging your trim for you at a level of precision beyond the capabilities of manual adjustment. This in turn, allows you, the driver, to focus on actually driving and enjoying the ride.
Check out the video below to see the improved system in action on a 39′ NorTech with Quad 400Rs!
Each time you see all four engines move that is the operator pressing the ALL UP/DOWN button. As soon as the operator releases the button, the short, pinpoint adjustments following are TrimSync correcting even the smallest of differences. That’s how fast the system responds!
Nautique Introduces their All-Electric Super Air Nautique GS22E
Earlier this week, Nautique announced the launch of its Super Air Nautique GS22E, an electric towboat they quote as “unlike anything else on the market today”. By partnering with their sister company, Ingenity Electric, the multi-sport GS22E will utilize the latest in electric propulsion technology to deliver optimal performance while also appealing to the increasing popularity of clean energy.
“unlike anything else on the market today”
But there’s more to the Super Air Nautique GS22E than just its eco-friendly packaging. The GS22E is nevertheless a luxury experience exuding modern minimalist elegance meant to turn heads whether you’re cutting waves on the lake or chilling off the coast for a sunset ride. As with all Nautique models, the GS22E is customizable from color, trim, and accents, to multiple seat configurations and storage space options. This combined with its advanced hull design initially developed for the G23 Paragon, the 22 foot GS22E is not to be understated.
However, while the visuals of the GS22E and the pedigree of Nautique’s are already impressive enough to garner a closer look, the electric drive system abroad is nothing to laugh at either. With the ability to deliver instant torque straight to the prop for 2-3 hours use on a single charge, Ingenity and Nautique have worked tirelessly to create an efficient drive system meant to maximize your time on the water without compromising performance.
So whether you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with your family or something to spoil yourself, the GS22E is an excellent luxury option while also staying green.
Brand X Hi-Performance Marine Earns Mercury Racing Certification
Pompano Beach, FL – Jason Ventura, Founder and President of the 12-year old, custom marine shop is proud
to announce his company’s accreditation by Mercury Racing as a Certified Mercury Racing Dealership.
Brand X earned its reputation as a top custom mechanical, electrical and rigging company among the most
discerning powerboat aficionados. Ventura’s extensive background in marine service, racing and with builder,
Outerlimits, where he worked for 8 years, together with renowned powerboat builder and founder, Mike
Fiore, provided the background to move to Florida in 2008 to create his own company.
His concierge service for exclusive powerboat racing and poker run teams has dominated the custom-marine
service industry and Ventura and his team work on all types of inboard and outboard engines. However, as the industry became more outboard dominant, Ventura recognized that Mercury Racing, as his clients’ top choice, required some additional designations. The program, started by former Mercury Racing President, Fred Kiekhaefer, was intended to protect boaters–owners, who wanted to be sure that all the subtle differences in installing and servicing the top-performing engines were completely understood and followed by their mechanics. The certification is costly and time consuming, including online, onsite and continuing education on new products, but to Ventura was worth the investment.
“We’ve been working on Mercury Racing engines for years,” says Ventura, “We’ve rebuilt, re-powered and
installed countless Mercs over time, but to earn Racing’s recognition as ‘certified’ to their specific standards,
now sets us above other shops.”
Brand X Hi-Performance Marine also handles paint, fiberglass and metal fabrication as well as drives, custom
rigging and set-ups to improve overall engine performance. Ventura’s experience with Outerlimits gives him
unsurpassed edge in service on that brand and his license with the State of Florida DBPR enables him to do
brokerage as well.
For more information visit www.BXPMarine.com or call (954) 366-1800.
New Outboard Engine Concept Looking for Investors
ALFADAN, a new and upcoming engine company have developed a proprietary, marine-specific outboard engine design that they say will revolutionize the boating industry. Their engines are touted to have at least 50% more horsepower, 50% less moving parts and less weight which leads to better performance, less fuel consumption, and a much lower cost of operation. If you are looking for a new investment project check out their pitch here: https://www.startengine.com/alfadan
Fountain Announces New 42′ Lightning
Fountain Powerboats—whose legacy as a builder of high-performance and race-proven musclecraft dates back to the 1970s—announced plans Tuesday to introduce the next generation of the Fountain 42 Lightning, widely considered as the most legendary vee-bottom ever built.
With the popularity of center-console boats exploding over the last decade, Fountain’s core business has become its center-console sport and fishing boats. Today, Fountain ranks in the Top 5 nationwide in market share for center console boats over 30 feet.
However, following the purchase of Fountain by Iconic Marine Group (IMG) in 2016, Managing Director Fred Ross and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Harris have gradually been beefing up its high-performance offerings within both its Fountain and Donzi brands. The goal is to reestablish the company as a major force in the high performance stern drive segment.
“Our legacy in the high-performance market is evidenced by the nearly 150 years of collective history between Fountain, Baja and Donzi,” Ross said. “I went on record two years ago about my ongoing commitment high-performance stern-drive boats. “I was serious then, and today with the announcement of an all new Fountain 42′ Lighting I’m even more serious now.”
IMG’s 2020 lineup of I/O-powered vee-bottoms spells out the story pretty clearly, with Baja’s 24, 27 and 36 models, Donzi’s 22 and 38 ZRC, and the Fountain 47. In addition to its go-fast vees, IMG has developed a line of outboard powered cats including the Donzi 44 Icon and the new Fountain 34 Thunder Cat. V-bottom or cat, today, IMG today ranks among the world’s largest buyers of high performance outboards and stern drives.
Yesterday, Ross and Harris, joined by Fountain Director of Dealer Development Fred Pace, laid out the details of the new 42′ Lightning to the staff of Speedboat Magazine. The boat’s new look honors the classic styling while sporting extensive changes in the deck and cockpit design. The goal: modernize the boat and make it more user-friendly.
“At first glance, this boat has been six months in the making,” Ross said. “But when you consider all the R&D, racing and customer input, it has actually been more than 40 years in the making.”
Harris said that company founder Reggie Fountain—who continues as a consultant with IMG—helped shape the project every step of the way. “Reggie was involved throughout the design phase,” Harris said. “He saw no need to change the running surface—it’s the same, because you really can’t improve on that.”
“The new generation 42′ Lightning incorporates everything I’ve learned over the last 40 years about high performance boating,” Fountain told Speedboat. “The 42’s performance is legendary and unmatched. No brag, just fact. Just look at the record book. Next you add in all the design and styling updates, and there isn’t a high performance pleasure boat that compares.”
Steve Miller, Mercury Racing‘s Director of Marketing, Sales and Service, said he was delighted to see IMG resurrect the Lightning.
“It’s such great brand, and Mercury has been a part of it for so long,” he told Speedboat. “With the 42 Lightning, modern technology meets those classic lines. I think it’s going to be a runaway hit. With the 1100/1350 dual-calibration engines, it’s going to be a rocketship. Even with the 1100s, it’s going to be a super-fast boat, running on the 89 octane. So we’re really excited to be part of the project, and in the presence of such great partners with Fred and the rest of the good folks at Iconic.”
Using several artist’s renderings, Harris took Speedboat on a virtual walkaround of the new 42′ Lightning. Here are some of the highlights of the boat:
Deck Features
• Seasmart brushed anodized cleats with the Fountain logo.
• Seasmart brushed anodized fills.
• Single engine hatch controlled via hydraulic hinges (a change from the old-style double hatches from years past).
• Sun pad with walkway on either side.
• Intakes feature a landing big enough for a step.
• Larger intakes.
• Frameless wraparound windshield.
• Raised foredeck for more cabin headroom.
• All-new fiberglass hatches.
Transom Features
• Easy access cockpit walkway.
• Optional jl audio speakers and remote.
• Transom shower.
• Pull out ladder with grabhandles.
• RGB swim platform lighting.
• Foam deck mat.
• Pop-up cleats.
Cockpit Features
(2) electric actuated bolster seats.
• Cup holders.
• Grab handles.
• Optional vessel view 502.
• seat back storage pockets.
• JL Audio sound system.
• 4x 7.7 speakers.
• 2×12” subwoofer.
• AMP 600/6 channel.
• MM100 head unit at starboard dash.
• USB outlets.
• Easy access cockpit steps.
• 3 person bench seat with large storage tub or cooler (insulated with drain plugs).
• Dash storage.
Dash Features
Optional livorsi gauges.
• 4x 2 5/8 gauges (2x fuel, 2x water pressure).
• 2x 3 5/8 gauges (tachometer).
• Standard dash vessel view 703.
• Standard garmin 8612.
• Garmin 8616 option.
• Trim tab indicators.
• Mil spec toggle switches.
• Dual throttle/shift combo (port or starboard).
• Two tier footrests – port and starboard dash.
• Optional removable steering wheel.
Cabin Features
Lounge seating.
Optional collapsible table with insert cushion.
• Forward storage compartment.
• Optional air-conditioning system.
• Optional audio upgrade.
• 2x 7.7 speakers.
• 1x mm100 head unit.
• Cup holders.
• GFI outlets.
Head Features
• Standard porta potti.
• Optional compact toilet with 9 gal waste tank.
• Towel holder.
• Robe holder.
Galley Features
• Port and starboard closet storage.
• Optional refrigerator.
• Pull out trash can.
• Storage cabinets below galley.
• Corian countertops.
• Galley sink(s) with optional fresh water faucet.
Offshore Racing Legend Bobby Moore Passes Away at 80
Offshore racing legend Bobby Moore—the man who virtually invented the job of throttleman—has passed away at age 80.
Moore’s health had been declining in recent years. He had recently been hospitalized, but was moved back to his home in North Carolina on April 22. He died at home this morning at around 7:40 a.m.
Until the late 1990s, Moore was the most winning throttleman in offshore powerboat racing history. His titles were earned at the helm of many different hulls, with a wide variety of drivers, and all over the globe.
Moore earned his reputation as the sport’s deadliest hired gun, winning 12 National and World Championships. His titles were earned behind the throttles of ten different boats, sitting next to ten different drivers.
He was the chief mechanic for Dick Bertram (Bertram Yacht Company) in 1964, and won some races before being recruited by Holman-Moody (of the big, bad Ford 427 fame). A year later, he was riding alongside Don Aronow and maintaining his race boats.
Moore’s first racing title came in 1970, alongside Bill Wishnick. He wrapped three more titles around a stint in the Vietnam War (his duty call was, of course, powerboat operation and maintenance) before retiring from racing in 1978. He set racing aside for 10 years to build up Bobby Moore Custom Marine in North Miami Beach, then staged an astounding comeback, winning eight more titles in ten years.
Among the boats he raced during this comeback:
• PTM Express, a 47′ Apache deep-vee driven by Phil Meshinsky. Their first-place finish, with an average speed of 80.47 mph in Superboat Class, was one of the highlights of the 1988 offshore race in Bay City, MI. .
• Eric’s Reality, a 48′ Cougar cat owned and driven by Charlie Marks. Their average speed of 97.12 helped them clinch numerous APBA races in Fort Meyers, FL, Grand Haven, MI, and Traverse City, MI, in 1989.
• Spirit of Amazon, a 48′ Cougar cat owned and driven by Eike Batista. The pair took the boat to victory in 1991 at OPT Offshore races in Chicago, IL, and Cocoa Beach, FL.
• Katana, a 46′ Skater driven by Kimitoshi Hosotani. The team won the 1994 Offshore World Championships in Key West, FL, in Open Class.
Moore’s son Billy has carried on his father’s legacy, throttling the 42′ MTI Team Qatar with driver Ali Al-Neama during the 2013 Super Boat world championships, as well as PersuCat Racing, a 44′ MTI driven by Paul Boudreaux in OSS 750 Class. In 2018, he throttled the 44′ Victory CT Marine with owner/driver Andy Strobert, and last year teamed up with Canadian Chris Grant to throttle the 42′ MTI CJ Grant/Graydel in Super Cat class for both the OPA and Race World Offshore circuits.
Moore is survived by both son Billy and his wife, Joanne.
Waves & Wheels Works Its Magic on an Outerlimits SL44
Among the companies that are continuing to thrive in the age of Coronavirus: Waves and Wheels, the marine audio, upholstery and fabrication company based in the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Demand for their products and services remains unabated, according to company owner Justin Wagner. “We’ve been slammed,” he tells Powerboat Nation. “We’ve got a full house of projects, including seven or eight that we’ve cranked out in the last month and another half a dozen that we’re just wrapping up right now.”
One that they recently completed was for an Outerlimits owner who’s raving about his project boat. Andy Robinette of Georgia-based Synergy Refrigeration Inc., purchased his first Outerlimits, a 2010 SL44, last October from the former owner based in Akron, OH (when it was called She’s Gone). Robinette had previously tapped Waves and Wheels to install a stereo system in his previous boat, a Sunsation Dominator.
“They did such a great job with it—everything was just amazing,” he says. “And since they’re relatively close to where I live, I knew it would be the perfect fit to have them put a new stereo into the Outerlimits as well as to completely redo the interior and bring it much more up to date.”
Wagner and his crew worked on the boat over the winter, and when it was completed, Robinette was awestruck. “The first time I saw the interior in person, I was just blown away. They did a stellar job. Justin and Noah Estes were excellent to work with, and came up with some very cool designs for the interior. There were a lot of FaceTime videos and chats going back and forth as they were coming up with ideas and plans, and they just did a knockout job.”
Robinette loves to attend events like the Tickfaw 200, the Kuttawa Cannonball Run and the LOTO Shootout, but until the pandemic has passed, it’s anybody’s guess which poker runs he’ll be attending in 2020, if any. In the meantime, though, he’ll be enjoying the boat on the Lake of the Ozarks with wife Stacy Robinette and their five children. The boat’s new name, Fuelish Addiction, was added to the boat’s transom by Waves and Wheels.
Recently, Waves and Wheels had the opportunity to make parts for a local hospital to aid them with their efforts to treat victims of the pandemic. “We made about 600 parts for the hospital and, because we do electronic repairs and things of that nature, we were allowed to stay open. But regarding COVID-19, we were pretty much ahead of the curve before local officials mandated anything. We’re blessed with a having a big facility, so we’ve kept it to two people per department and have set up hand sanitizer stations in every department. We’re seeing our clients by appointment only so we’re not filling up our showroom. That’s worked out very well. We’re still working on getting people’s boats ready for summer.”
P1 Superstock Looks Ahead to 2020 Season
Worldwide powerboat race sanctioning body P1 Superstock—which collaborated with OPA on the APBA Offshore Championship last year—is still planning on some version of the series when the season eventually begins. It’s still anybody’s guess when that might be, since the original kickoff dates of May 14-17 were postponed to Aug. 27-30 due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19.
Last year, the championship comprised six races, including Cocoa Beach, Lake Ozark, Sarasota, St. Clair, Michigan City and Fort Myers. The marine industry, like the rest of the world, has been taking a “wait and see” approach before life resumes a sense of normality. P1 Chief Executive Azam Rangoonwala told Powerboat Nation that the organization is committed to the APBA Offshore Championship and believes in the legacy of the APBA.
“The key is working together with all parties in the sport and giving the teams and spectators a solid series to race within,” he said. “At this stage, it is a global championship with international competitors such as Victory Team from Dubai and the Australian team, 222 Offshore. We will stage what we can in 2020, and P1 is committed to continuing to run offshore powerboat racing in 2021 and beyond.”
In addition to the APBA series, P1 SuperStock also has its own class racing around the world, including the USA. Last year, several Panther models were fitted with new carbon hulls a year ago, repowered with the new Mercury Racing 4.6L V-8 four-stroke 300R outboards. P1 then unveiled plans to revolutionize the championship and attract a new set of racers by converting the Panther to a canopy race boat. Four of these boats have been fitted with new canopies and the 300R engine from Mercury Racing thus far. They have been upgraded by Wilson Custom Composites in Fort Pierce on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, whose owner, Craig Wilson, has almost 20 years of powerboat racing experience. Sam Coleman and Daisy Coleman of Wales—the 2017 World Champions from the race event in Mumbai—campaigned the GEICO P1 SuperStock entry.
When the 2020 season eventually begins, P1 hopes to see the GEICO and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) boats return to the course, and Rangoonwala said that new teams would be racing them.
“Prior to COVID-19, we were planning to produce a further two boats, but it looks like this will now be for 2021,” he said. “We want to keep building the fleet up to six boats.”
The boats can race in all of the APBA Offshore Championship events that go ahead this year, plus St. Pete Beach.
“We mostly usually receive enquiries from people interested in getting into the sport who have not raced before,” Rangoonwala said, adding that P1 plans to race them within the Class 5 national championship.
Become Part of MTI’s Dynamic Muscleboat Team!
Wentzville, MO-based Marine Technology Inc. (MTI), builder of luxury high-performance catamarans and center consoles, is looking for two qualified, motivated individuals.
The race/pleasure builder, one of the top brands in the always-evolving and highly competitive marine industry, is scouting for two people with individuals who have mechanical aptitude, good work ethics and integrity. The two full-time Marine Technicians will be trained at the MTI’s factory in Missouri. Resumes may be emailed to careers@marinetchnologyinc.com.
MTI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, holidays and vacation pay. If you enjoy working in a challenging and rewarding environment building custom boats, then this may be an opportunity for you.
To perform these jobs successfully and proficiently, applicants must possess the skills, aptitude and abilities as described below.
1. MARINE TECHNICIAN
• Basic knowledge of marine rigging and electronics installation
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Detail oriented
• Ability to multi-task in a fast- paced environment
• Passion for producing high quality work daily
• Mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge of basic plumbing
• Familiar with various power tools
• Familiar with hoist systems & forklifts
• Forklift certification is a plus
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your
whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must always be prepared to work safely and report any hazards to management.
• Must understand basic terminology such as OSHA and other regulatory authorities.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment where designated, including but not
limited to safety glasses, ear defenders, gloves, respirator etc.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to fully understand all company and work site safety requirements, rules and
practices, equipment operating instructions, and documented health and safety requirements.
2. MARINE TECHNICIAN
• Previous automotive/marine painting experience
• Detail oriented
• Ability to handle physical workload
• Deadline and detail-oriented
• Team player
• Willingness to learn
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your
whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
• Must always be prepared to work safely and report any hazards to management.
• Must understand basic terminology such as OSHA and other regulatory authorities.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment where designated, including but not
limited to safety glasses, ear defenders, gloves, respirator etc.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to fully understand all company and work site safety requirements, rules and
practices, equipment operating instructions, and documented health and safety requirements.
Sunsation’s Recipe for Flourishing in Tough Times
The Sunsation Powerboats factory is in one of those states with a total lockdown. But Joe Schaldenbrand, who is president of the Algonac, MI-based firm, is single-mindedly focused on not just surviving, but “doing great.”
“We have a governor who wants to rule with an iron fist, and she has everything locked down,” he says. “You can’t put a boat in the water, and you can’t go fishing—you can’t even go buy paint! But you can go to the liquor store, and you can go buy marijuana,” he sighs.
Schaldenbrand is determined not to let these things bring him down. His factory may be closed for the short range, but “we’re actually in a very good position,” he tells Powerboat Nation. “Since being shut down, I’ve been coming in every day—I’ve been unloading trucks and have been calling every one of the customers who have a boat on order. Amazingly, I haven’t lost a single order. As a matter of fact, I actually sold a boat during the pandemic. Took a deposit and everything. So we’re doing very well.”
Sunsation’s employees are complying with state mandates, staying at home, but are collecting full pay. “I think they’re getting a little bit of cabin fever,” Schaldenbrand chuckles. “They want to come back as soon as possible, but at least there’s no hardship going around. Financially, we’re doing very well. And we’re doing well part-wise and order-wise. We just need the governor to ease up a little bit and hopefully by the end of the month we can be up and building boats again.”
Meanwhile, some of Sunsation’s vendors continue to stay active, including Mitcher-T, Sunsation’s custom painter, as well as various upholstery shops. “I’m a little discouraged that we’re not open, but I’m very encouraged to see that other businesses are progressing. We’re making the very best out of a bad situation. We’ve taken advantage of a downturn like you’ve never seen before.”
Sunsation currently builds three go-fast center consoles, including the 32CCX, 34CCX and 40CCX, the latter of which is its newest model. And though it may not the the ideal time to think about expanding the line, Schaldenbrand admitted that a potential new model might materialize in the foreseeable future to fill the gap between the 34 and the 40.
Perhaps a 36?
“Yes, it most likely would be a 36,” Schaldenbrand says. “It might end up being an updated version of the 34—I’m not sure we would do a 34 and a 36, but a 32, 36 and 40 sounds like a pretty good lineup for the future.”
As for the idea of going larger than 40, though, he highly doubts Sunsation will go that route.
“I don’t believe we want to do that,” he says. “I’m going to let some of the East Coast guys run with that stuff. We’ll probably keep it at the 40, because we’ve got a good market share with the numbers that we already have. My guys love building the 32s and 34s, and the 40 takes comparatively longer to build. It’s a big boat. Plus, the way our facility is set up, it’s perfect for the 40 and below. I’m going to let the other guys have that big-boat market.”
LOTO’s Big Thunder Marine Doing Very Well: ‘Many Are Boating’
Big Thunder Marine, the mega marine retailer and full-service marina serving boaters on Lake Ozark, MO, is sending out positive vibes to the industry, and says it’s doing upbeat business during these challenging times.
“We’re open, and we’re doing really well,” says general manager Jeremy Anderson. “We’ve sold three new Fountains, including three of the new 34 and 38 Sport Consoles. And we are just about to deliver the one that sold at the Miami Boat Show, which is going down to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands next week.”
In addition, he says the crew has been on the water doing a video shoot of some of the new models they’re selling this year. “We’re taking drone footage of a Fountain 39 NX, Statement 35 and a Chris-Craft 34 Catalina. So we’re able to shoot video and practice social distancing at the same time.”
The dealership is adhering carefully to CDC guidelines and state-mandated rules. “We’re taking precautions,” Anderson says. “The showroom is open by appointment only. We are doing a lot of extra cleanings. Some of our employees are working from home, and everybody at the shop stays away from each other. We became proactive about all this from the beginning. We haven’t had anybody get sick. We’ve been very fortunate.”
Beyond that, Big Thunder Marine has been using this time to get some projects done, including the launching of our new website. “We’re doing very well. March was slow, but now that it’s warm and sunny at the lake, there are boats everywhere.”
Whether the staff is helping customers today or getting them prepared for the future, “We tell them, We’re ready when you’re ready,” Anderson says. “All of our inventory is online, so people can browse our website and check out our videos and online walk-throughs. When the summer hits, we’ll be ready for everyone to come back out to the lake and go boating.”
Anderson says that sales of Fountain, Donzi and Baja clothing has been spiking through the Internet at the following links: Fountain, Donzi and Baja.
