Get ready for the Performance Boat Center Outboard Fun Run on Friday, July 26th, 2024! The day begins with participants gathering at the PBC Showroom for breakfast at 9:00 AM, sharing excitement and anticipation. By 10:30 AM, everyone attends the drivers meeting, where the route and safety details are discussed. At 11:00 AM, the boats depart from PBC, engines roaring, and head towards the first stop.
At The Cave, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, participants enjoy mingling and the scenic beauty. By 2:00 PM, the group splits, with some heading to Big Dick’s while others opt for the lively raft-up at Party Cove, featuring a Poly Lift Dock and a DJ, continuing the fun until 4:00 PM.
As evening falls, everyone returns to the PBC Showroom for the Red & White Dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Dressed in red and white, participants enjoy a sumptuous dinner, followed by an awards ceremony celebrating the day’s best moments. The night culminates in a stunning fireworks display, bringing a memorable day to a spectacular close.
Boats of all makes and models with Mercury Racing or Mercury Marine outboard engines are welcome, ensuring a diverse and thrilling experience for all.
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is set to take place at the Tampa Convention Center from October 1-3, 2024. As North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, IBEX is expected to attract over 700 exhibiting companies and 8,000 industry professionals, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, and wholesalers.
Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, highlighting the new educational and networking opportunities alongside the packed exhibit halls, IBEX docks, and expanded outdoor demo space. “IBEX is where the industry comes together to do business and learn about the latest technology and techniques,” she said.
Hardin Marine, a leading player in the marine industry, will be among the notable exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Known for their high-performance marine products, Hardin Marine’s participation underscores the significance of IBEX as a hub for networking and business development within the marine sector.
Registration for exhibiting companies opens this week, with visitor registration following the week of June 24th. Attendees can look forward to three levels of exhibits, a comprehensive education conference, and numerous networking events, making IBEX 2024 an unmissable event for anyone involved in the marine industry.
For more details and to stay updated on important announcements, subscribe to the IBEX email newsletter. Prepare to join the marine industry’s best in Tampa this October for an event that promises innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The much-anticipated 21st Annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run starts today, July 12, 2024, in Boyne City, Michigan. Hosted by Boyne City Main Street, this thrilling event features high-speed powerboats racing through the scenic waters of northern Michigan’s Lake Charlevoix.
Today’s Highlights:
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: “Stroll the Streets” in downtown Boyne City. Enjoy music, entertainment, dining, shopping, a car show, and impressive boat displays.
Tomorrow’s Schedule:
10:15 a.m.: The poker run begins with parade laps in Boyne City.
First Stop: Elk Rapids for the first card stop.
Second Stop: Northport for the second card stop.
Lunch Break: Participants head to Charlevoix for lunch, resuming the run at 1:30 p.m.
Third Stop: Bay Harbor for the third card stop.
Fourth Stop: Harbor Springs for the fourth card stop, located at the end of the dock.
Final Stop: Horton Bay, where the boats gather for the final card stop, usually filled with spectator boats.
Finish: Return to Boyne City to turn in poker hands.
Boaters will collect cards at five different stops around the lake, with the best hand winning at the end.
Charitable Cause: The event raises money to promote downtown Boyne City and support Camp Quality, helping children with cancer, and Challenge Mountain, assisting people with disabilities. Ingrid Day, event coordinator, emphasized the community spirit, saying, “It’s so nice to be able to show off our town. This event highlights and showcases all of Northern Michigan.”
Wrap-Up: The weekend culminates on Saturday evening with live music, celebrating the thrill and community spirit of Boyne Thunder.
Prepare for a weekend of high-speed boating, scenic views, and community celebrations. Don’t miss out on the Boyne Thunder Poker Run 2024!
Italia Yachts has made a remarkable debut in the powerboat sector with the 43 Veloce. Designed in collaboration with Skyron Studio, this 43-foot walkaround boat blends elegant design with practical features, perfect for Mediterranean cruising.
Striking Design and Spacious Layout
The elevated bow provides extra cabin volume, while the concave sweep in the hull and cutaway dip in the bulwarks add to its aesthetic appeal. Despite the raised bow, visibility from the helm remains excellent. The single-level open-plan cockpit beneath a hardtop with an integrated aft sunshade ensures seamless movement around the boat.
Luxury and Versatility
A standout feature is the Med-fit wet bar behind the helm seats, facing a two-bench dinette with a U-shaped lounge, movable backrests, a drop-down table, and a convertible sunpad. Drop-down terraces on both sides and an extendable aft deck enhance the boat’s versatility, providing additional beach club space or facilitating watersports.
Customizable Accommodations
The IY43 offers flexible accommodation options. For family cruising, it can be configured with two double cabins or an owner’s cabin in the bow and twin beds in the mid-cabin. Couples can opt for a full-beam owner’s cabin amidships and a large lounge in the bow.
Power and Performance
The power options for the IY43 are varied, including twin Yanmar 380s on sterndrives, or D6 440s or 480s on IPS drives. Outboard enthusiasts can choose between twin or triple Mercury Verado 300s or 400s. The design simplicity, uncluttered lines, and lightness of touch make this boat a standout in its segment.
Conclusion
The Italia Yachts 43 Veloce is poised to make a significant impact in the powerboat market. Its blend of style, versatility, and performance promises to appeal to discerning boaters looking for both luxury and practicality on the water. If it performs as beautifully as it looks, the IY43 is set to be a serious contender in the luxury powerboat arena.
Maserati has expanded its electrification efforts with the introduction of the Tridente, a fully electric luxury powerboat. Developed in collaboration with marine tech company Vita Power and built by Hodgdon Yachts, this 34-foot vessel offers both performance and elegance.
Design and Features
The Tridente boasts a carbon-fiber shell adorned with a prominent Maserati emblem. It accommodates up to 10 people, featuring a large sundeck with a bathing area and freshwater shower, a configurable cockpit for dining or acceleration, and a rear deck with a comfortable couch. Inside the bow, there’s an enclosed cabin with a day berth and a small toilet.
Performance
Powered by a zero-emission electric powertrain from Vita Power, the Tridente generates 592 hp, achieving a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph) and a cruising speed of 25 knots (29 mph). The 252 kWh battery pack allows for recharging in under an hour, thanks to Vita Power’s fast-charging infrastructure.
Price and Availability
Priced at €2.5 million ($2.7 million), the Tridente surpasses the cost of Maserati’s road and track offerings, marking a significant step in the brand’s luxury and performance portfolio on water.
The Maserati Tridente represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and luxury, setting a new standard in the marine industry.
The Mayla GT, a stunning 44-footer from the German start-up Mayla, is set to revolutionize the boating industry. Showcased at Boot Düsseldorf, this vessel combines the speed of a classic speedboat with the luxury of a motor yacht, all encased in a sleek carbon-fiber body.
A Design Inspired by Legends
Drawing inspiration from the go-fast boats of the ’70s and ’80s, the GT boasts an angular, retro-futuristic design. Weighing in at just 4.5 tons, it features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors, which reduce energy usage by up to 35 percent and improve planing efficiency.
Power and Performance
The GT offers multiple powertrain options, from gas and diesel to electric and hybrid. The top-tier GTR-R model delivers an astounding 3,100 hp from dual gas engines, reaching speeds over 100 knots (115 mph). The eco-friendly E-GT model, with an electric powertrain, achieves 50 knots with 2,200 hp, while the hybrid E-GTR combines electric and diesel power for a top speed of 60 knots (69 mph). The model showcased at Boot featured two V8s with 650 hp, capable of over 70 knots.
Luxury and Versatility
Beyond speed, the GT is designed for comfort and entertainment. The cockpit accommodates eight passengers and includes a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table. A beach club at the stern houses a garage with an electric transom door.
Comfortable Overnight Stays
Below deck, the GT offers a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. High-tech entertainment systems with TVs and premium audio ensure a luxurious stay.
Pricing and Availability
The entry-level GT is priced between $1.74 million and $1.85 million (€1.6 million and €1.7 million), depending on the configuration. Customizable options include layout, hull color, and interiors. Interested buyers can schedule a sea trial this spring in Europe.
The Mayla GT is not just a boat; it’s a revolutionary blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard in the marine industry.
Boaters, mark your calendars! The annual Boater Skip Day is set for this Friday, June 7th, at the Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), just south of the Shands Bridge in Green Cove Springs. This all-day event promises a fantastic time on the water, building on last year’s success where over 1,000 boats joined the massive flotilla.
Event Highlights:
Date: Friday, June 7th
Location: Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), south of Shands Bridge, Green Cove Springs
Activities: All-day boating and partying
What to Expect
Hundreds of boaters will leave their day jobs behind to party at Bayard Point on the St. Johns River during Clay County’s unofficial “Boater Skip Day.” With upwards of 1,000 boats and their passengers arriving by 9 a.m., the atmosphere will be electric.
The event has evolved from the Poker Run Raft Up into a massive party where boaters of all types “skip” work on the first Friday of June. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will be present to ensure safety. Last year, the officers handed out 103 written warnings and 38 boating citations, and made 18 arrests for boating under the influence. However, the event was injury-free.
Safety and Logistics
Shands Boat Ramp: Closed to civilian traffic from midnight Friday, reopening late Friday.
Patrols: Local law enforcement and the FWC will patrol the area.
Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, use life jackets, and avoid overcrowding boats.
Deputy Abbegail Harris emphasized the importance of safety, urging participants to boat and party responsibly. “We want everyone to have a good time, but we want it to be done safely,” she said.
Parking and Launch Sites
Be aware that popular boat ramps like Governors Creek, Knight’s Boat Ramp, Lakeshore Boat Ramp, Doctor’s Lake Boat Ramp, and Williams Park filled up by 9:30 a.m. last year. Plan accordingly to ensure you have a spot.
Prepare your boat, gather your friends, and get ready for a day of fun on the water. Boater Skip Day 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable event!
Happy June, Outlaws! It’s time for the highly anticipated Texas Outlaw Challenge, just three weeks away. Have you registered yet? If not, now’s the time to secure your spot and enjoy VIP treatment at the prestigious Houston Yacht Club.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring four epic pool parties, including the Most Wanted at Kenny’s Casa, Harborwalk Fun in the Sun, VIP Houston Yacht Club Bash, and the ultimate Allans Ranch Pool Party. Each party offers a unique experience you won’t want to miss!
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The Saloon Street Party will showcase live entertainment and a stunning display of performance powerboats. Additional thrilling Poker Run stops will take place at TopWater Grill, Pier 6, and other exciting locations.
One of the main highlights is the Extreme Shoot Out, kicking off Friday on the waters of Clear Lake. Boaters will push their limits to see just how fast they can go. If you think you have what it takes, register now to join the action.
The weekend culminates with the Saturday Night Awards Finale and Charity Casino at the Hilton. This unforgettable event promises fun, excitement, and the chance to celebrate with fellow boating enthusiasts.
Don’t miss out on this incredible weekend. Register now and prepare for an unforgettable experience. See you soon, Outlaws!
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) unveiled over $21 million in grants through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, aimed at enhancing marinas and boating facilities in 21 states. This initiative, crucial for the recreational boating industry, allocates $4.4 million to 18 states under BIG Tier 1 and $17 million to 12 states under BIG Tier 2.
States like Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin are among the largest beneficiaries. USFWS Director Martha Williams emphasized the economic and community benefits of these grants, which will create 187 new slips, 7,768 linear feet of docking space, and additional amenities for transient recreational boaters.
Funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, the BIG program supports projects that enhance access and facilities for boats 26 feet or longer, used for recreation and staying 15 days or less. The grants also promote education and information dissemination about recreational boating.
This significant funding underscores the importance of boater access to waterways and the ongoing commitment to infrastructure development, benefiting both local economies and the boating community at large.
In the marine market, finding high-quality, reasonably priced hydraulic trim tabs can be challenging. However, Mayfair Hydraulics After-Plane Trim Tabs are making waves with their exceptional design and performance.
Unmatched Build Quality and Installation
From the moment you unbox them, it’s clear that Mayfair Hydraulics After-Plane Trim Tabs are a cut above the rest. They are manufactured from premium quality, high-strength 535 Aluminum Magnesium alloy castings with deep-ribbed cross sections for enhanced strength and stress distribution. The use of 316 stainless steel hardware and powder-coated components ensures increased corrosion resistance, making these trim tabs a reliable choice for any marine environment.
What sets these trim tabs apart is their seamless integration into your boat as direct replacement for Mercury K-Planes, eliminating the need to drill unsightly new mounting holes. This design leads to a simpler, faster, and cleaner installation process when replacing old K-Planes, which any boater can appreciate.
Precision Control and Performance
One of the standout features of the Mayfair Hydraulics After-Plane Trim Tabs is the ability to operate each tab independently through dash-mounted controls. The unique hydraulic system is designed to prevent any “droop” due to hydraulic leakage, ensuring that the trim tabs remain locked in position until you decide to adjust them. This level of precision control translates to substantial improvements in performance, fuel economy, stability, and handling.
Comprehensive and Thoughtful Kit
The After-Planes come with everything you need for installation, including two hydraulic pumps with heavy-duty mounting brackets, trim hoses, and all necessary hardware. The inclusion of electronic sensors for the Mayfair LED Trim Indicator Systems is a thoughtful touch, providing accurate feedback on the trim position. Provisions for older style cable driven indicators are also an option.
Feature Highlights
High-Strength Construction: Made from 535 Aluminum Magnesium alloy.
Durable Hardware: All 316 Stainless Steel components.
Enhanced Hydraulics: 1-1/2″ piston bore and two-way hydraulics for improved performance.
Corrosion Resistance: Zinc anodes to prevent corrosion.
Lift Surface: Over 250 square inches of lift surface.
Complete Kit: Includes trim pumps (137-8021) with bulkhead brackets, trim hoses, and trim switch panel.
Customization Options: Available in standard black and custom colors (with up to a six-week lead time).
Versatility and Integration
These trim tabs are suitable for boats ranging from 25 to 40 feet, making them a versatile option for various boating needs. To integrate this system with Garmin or other Smartcraft/NMEA2000 compatible screens, the 137-8659 adapter box is required. If not using a Smartcraft/NMEA2000 display, a corresponding Mayfair Indicator System is necessary to display the trim tab position.
These kits also include a provision for an underwater LED light option which makes them truly shine!
Final Thoughts
Mayfair Hydraulics After-Plane Trim Tabs deliver on their promise of high performance and durability. Since installing them on my boat, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in handling, stability, and fuel efficiency. The ease of installation and the precision control provided by these trim tabs make them a standout choice for any serious boater. If you’re looking to enhance your boating experience, I highly recommend the Mayfair Hydraulics After-Plane Trim Tabs. They are truly the best in the market today.
We had a fabulous weekend at the Powerboating for a Cure Poker Run and thanks to all the participants and the 30 boats in the run, they were able to raise over $25K for Edmarc, a local charity.
