Genmar holdings is the second largest boat builder in the U.S. with annual sales
over a billion dollars in a decent year. But the world-wide financial meltdown that
began with the fall of Lehman Brothers last September hit the boating industry harder
than any single sector of the American economy. Since that time both Genmar and
#1 boat builder Brunswick both saw their revenues drop by over half in a few short
months. Much of the rest of the industry was down even more. Last winter for weeks
at a time there was virtually no cash flow in much of the boating economy.
Last Friday we interviewed Jacobs to find out what happened, if warranties are going
to be paid, will dealers be discontinued, will some boat brands be dropped, how
much will creditors be paid on the dollar, was Genmar over leveraged, and what consumers
should expect from Genmar brands and its dealers in the future. Jacobs announced
during the interview that Genmar factories all over the country would be starting
up again on July 6th. To get answers to your questions and find out what happened
--
Marcel Rijnbeek, General Manager of Brunswick Netherlands, headquartered in Amsterdam,
announced two days ago that Sea Ray International is introducing its very first
30-footer with a hardtop: the brand new 305 Sundancer. This boat will only be available
in Europe, the Middle East and in Africa and at this time it is not available in the
U.S., a Sea Ray spokesman told us. Chris
Owen, General Manager of Marine Marbella
UK, Sea Ray’s largest dealer in Europe with numerous locations in several
countries, said that “Owners in Northern
Europe have been crying out for a small Sea Ray that will be a joy to drive any
time of the year. Until now, if you wanted an all-weather
helm you had to step up to a 47-footer.” Marine Marbella UK announced that it would
have the 305 on display at the Southampton Boat Show
Sept. 11 to 20. For more information about this boat, to see pictures, and for some
cautionary advice -- NO Americans, please!
When you were a kid don’t you remember that the horsepower on the boats was a lot
lower than what you see today? We remember when the hottest outboard motor on the
lake was a 60-hp engine and it was huge (and all the pretty girls wanted to ride
in that guy’s boat!). We remember waterskiing quite happily behind an aluminum boat
powered by a 25-hp motor (with girls of more discerning taste). To look at the boating
magazines and the rigs at boat shows these days one would think that somehow over
the years outboard motors lost their strength. What happened? To find out we asked
Yamaha to put a new F25LA 4-stroke on an Alumacraft Lunker 165 CS and we’d find
out.
Come along for the ride, captain's report and test numbers -- pull the mouse
There is no time like the present to bite the bullet and
repower your outboard boat. The trick is finding the right horsepower, stroke, fuel system,
shaft length, props, engine brand, price, warranty and installing dealer.
Probably the most difficult decisions are
deciding on the horsepower, brand and installing dealer. BoatTEST.com can help you
with the first two – horsepower and brand selection. We have tested hundreds of
outboard boats from 25-hp to 350-hp powered by all major brands. Find the boat models
like yours and compare performance under different loads and conditions and with
different props. Then visit your local dealers for
the two or three brands you have selected and quiz them on the price, installation
costs and timing, and on-going operating costs. To better acquaint you
with what is involved with a repowering installation job – and to help you decide
whether or not you will do it yourself – check out our Outboard Installation Primer.
The tutorial starts here --
Many of our members and visitors have told us they would
like to purchase a new boat this year, but are apprehensive about moving forward
in this economy. This is why the team at BoatTEST.com has created
a strategic partnership with the team at Wellcraft called the Factory-Backed Program.
Through this program, BoatTEST will ensure that our members receive world class
customer service and consideration as well as the piece of mind that the factory
is behind the deal and working directly with the local dealer representative. The
fact is, due to the economy there has never been a better time to buy a new boat.
If you think you are ready, and the Wellcraft 210, or any Wellcraft model, fits your
needs, get the “Factory-Backed” process started here--
Conversations about lower unit lubrication don't typically generate much interest
around the launch ramp. That is until someone gets water in it and loses a gear
case. It happens more than you may realize because all of the power and torque of
your engine turning at thousands of rpms is concentrated on two small rotating metal
surfaces. We’ve seen more than a few boaters spring for a whole new engine because
of a blown gear case. Here's what you need to know about outboard lower units and
why choosing the right lubricant is so critical.
One of the highest concerns our readers have is about boat explosions and fire –
and they are right to be concerned. Virtually every week a boat explodes somewhere
in the country and it usually occurs on an older boat because of a leak in the fuel
system. That is why NMMA Certification is so important. The Certification means
that when the boat was originally built its manufacturer followed the highest construction
standards in the U.S. Certainly that does not mean a used boat is in the same condition
as when it was built, but it does mean that the boat started life the right way.
Before you buy a used boat be sure to check if it was built under NMMA Certification.
To find
out more about Certification, watch this short video narrated by our Capt. Steve
--
Last week Yamaha made the official introduction of two
new outboard engines, the F25 and the T25. Both are 4-stroke, carbureted CARB 3-Star
emission-compliant motors which are available with 15” and 20” shafts. The Yamaha
T25 is the “High-Thrust” version which features the company’s "Dual Thrust” prop
and a larger lower unit with a 2.42:1 reduction gear rather than the 2.08:1 on the
F25 model. This engine was designed for heavy loads such as small pontoon boats,
sailboats, and work boats. We found the F25 we tested easy to start, quiet and remarkably
fuel efficient. Yamaha tells us that they have found the new engines are from 25%
to 32% more fuel efficient at best cruise than their 2-stroke 25-hp motors. We wrung out the new engine in a video test, so find out all about
it --
Not many boats have the capacity to meet as many varying demands as the Seaswirl
2101 WA. As we’ve seen more and more in the big convertible sportfish market, fishing
boats are making waves in the family cruising arena -- and with good reason. They’re
built to take a pounding in the offshore world and laid out for cruising comfort
as well. So is it any wonder that a family would want a dual-role boat in a small
boat as well? With 23 different engine combinations, you’d better believe this is
everyman’s boat. Call the family in as we check out the 2101 WA by Seaswirl. Change
into your swimsuits and follow us --
Having a hard time convincing the wife to let you buy a bass boat? So is Capt. Steve!
However,
it doesn’t have to be that way. Thanks to the folks at Skeeter, you can fish with
your buddies this weekend, and spend quality family time next weekend. Everyone
is happy and you get a totally tricked out boat to boot. It’s the Skeeter SL210,
and we sent Capt. Steve to take a look and report back to us.
Check out his full report.
Combine slingshot acceleration, lots of seating, and a price that drives the competition
crazy and you have the winning combination of the Yamaha AR230 High Output. Throw
in
that innovative stern platform that everyone is copying and you have a package that
outsells all others in class. One look at the boat and the kids are sold. One look
at the drive system and mom is sold, and Mom is the toughest customer of all. Step
on the metal here --
As Mark Twain once said, “If you can’t beat them, you might as well make it out
of fiberglass.” You know that the freshwater fishing boat wars have heated up when
a venerable old aluminum boat builder like Lund creates a line of five glass fishing boats
from 18’ to nearly 21’. Lund calls the 208 (20’8”) “The ultimate fiberglass fishing
machine – the choice of elite fishermen.” As you can see she weighs in at 2200
lbs., or about 200 lbs. more than the all-aluminum Lund 2075 Pro-V (IFS/SE). The
208 proves the fiberglass doesn’t have to be so heavy after all. Lund is owned by Brunswick
which is the world's biggest builder of fiberglass boats, so we guess that even though
the company is new to the material it’s not like a fish out of water. To find out more about the largest fiberglass boat in Lund’s extensive
line of fishing boats--
According to Nielsen Online, peoples’ Internet video viewing habits were up sharply
this spring. In May, people who watch online video spent 49% more time watching
each clip than they did a year ago. 70% of the Americans that go on line watch video,
according to Nielsen, which tracks with the broadband penetration of the country.
With the advent of Tivo, YouTube, Hulu and other services “appointment-based” TV
programs are quickly becoming a thing of the past. In June, 2009, BoatTEST.com viewers
played our videos 295,480 times representing 2 Tera Bites of streaming video, up
15% from the previous June. “Given the state of the economy and the boating business,”
said BoatTEST COO Christopher Hughes, “to be up 15% is remarkable.”
About three months ago we starting using the Shurhold handle with the exclusive
SHUR-LOK quick release system along with some of the forty attachments to choose
from. Since the manufacturer told us they are made from high grade aluminum, heat
treated and triple anodized so they last longer and be more durable, we thought
we would create a little test. Thirty days ago we began spraying the handle with
sea water each night and leaving it out to dry. We took extra care to really douse
the adjustment detent, to ensure the entire mechanism was soaked. So what was the
result when we check it this Tuesday? Well, see for yourself, still good as new
and working perfectly.
It was announced last week that American Marine Holdings, the parent company of
Donzi Marine and Pro-Line Boats, was sold to a private investor. It had been rumored
for a year in industry circles that the company was looking to recapitalize. The
builder is located in two locations on the west coast of Florida. Pro-Line builds
center consoles and fishboats and Donzi builds large go-fast boats. Both segments
were under pressure before the economic meltdown struck last fall. "I feel it is
absolutely good news," Josh Stickles, vice president of marketing for Donzi, told
Soundings Trade Only. "The commitment of the new ownership to weather the [economic]
storm is encouraging."
To find out more about the change of ownership--movie your
mouse
You are looking at a $2 million yacht whose owner has been anxiously waiting for
months. The boat has finally arrived and now is being off-loading into a river.
The bank has transferred the money to the dealer and the boat is now in the sole
possession of his proud new owner. At long last the fun is about to begin.
All that is needed is a few more seconds and the champagne corks will be popping
-- or will they? We bet you can’t wait to watch the fun begin --
A good boating Samaritan has posted on YouTube one of the most educational videos
we have ever seen. It demonstrates what we have been saying for years – namely that
a high-speed boat hitting even a small wave the wrong way can spell disaster. Luckily
the man driving this boat was wearing a substantial life vest, possibly a type I,
as well as a kill switch. Together, they saved his life. After the accident he was
unconscious for 10 minutes and luckily a rescue boat was close at hand – taping
the accident! Pass this on to your bass boat hot rod friends. They’ll thank you
for it.
Roll the video tape --
Jim Tucker from Kinsbury, Texas, a 20-year veteran of competition drag racing died
Saturday June 20th on a lake near St. Louis, Mo. The name of his boat was “Say When”
and it reportedly “began chine walking and then dipped bow first into the water
and tore off its deck” before it nearly disintegrated toward the end of its qualifying
run while going 140 MPH. Tucker was ejected from the boat. He died later on land
in the arms of his wife, Yvonne, of internal injuries, broken bones and head trauma.
He was trying to qualify for the 30th Annual Budweiser Creve Coeur Lake Drag Boat
Classic. After his death was announced, the charity drag event continued with more
qualifying runs “-- just as Jim would have wanted” said one racer. For a full report and video
on the accident--
This week Capt. Steve goes over four new lessons and guidelines on keeping boating
fun and enjoyable for those aboard. After all, it’s your family and friends you’re
taking out for the day, so as the captain, remember to keep things in perspective
when it comes to your crew. No one wants to be barked orders to, and no captain
wants to spend the day alone. It’s a good idea to get your crew coordinated before
heading out so that everyone has a job and knows the procedures. These are basic
procedures which all recreational boaters should be aware of. The videos presented
this week are part of Capt. Steve’s USCG-approved boating course called “Smart Boating.”
Watch Capt. Steve's video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.
We do not SPAM, nor do we sell, rent, or give your member information to ANY third party without your permission. You will receive our FREE weekly e-newsletter, which you may easily cancel at any time
Most of our content, boat tests and videos are available for free viewing. However, there is a small charge for access to archived videos and tests.
