Boatguide Canada

PWC Rider Raises Proceeds for Charity

In an effort to raise awareness and proceeds for Your Life Counts, a youth suicide prevention organization, extreme rider Dale Vranckx of St. Williams, ON, set a new world record by riding a Sea-Doo RXT iS 255 PWC 1,265 kilometres in just 16 hours, 10 minutes.  His average speed for the run was 91.2 km/hr.
    Starting at 5:15 a.m. on June 19, Vranckx began riding his first eight-mile lap in Long Point Bay from Booth’s Harbour Marina, to Port Rowan Marina.  1,264 kilometres later, Vranck finished at 9:25 p.m. on the same day after completing an astonishing 98 laps.
    “Your Life Counts is a great cause and this challenge was a great opportunity to raise awareness of their work and help save young lives,” Vranckx said. Vranckx has raised more than $2,000 for Your Life Counts.  Donations can still be made at www.yourlifecounts.org.
    “I have not met anyone else who embodies the sheer grit of determination and perseverance to make it through no matter what.  Dale is a great example for our youth showing that by focusing on moving forward and working through difficulties one can accomplish great things in life.” said Rory Butler, Your Life Counts founder and CEO.
    Conditions for the event were extremely challenging as conditions consisted of fog, rain and winds up to 32 km/h, resulting in two-foot chop.  Nicknamed the “Iron Man,” Vranckx chose the RXT iS model for its combination of power, fuel economy and features, including its intelligent Suspension (iS) and cruise control systems.

Starcraft Superfisherman 170 Sport

 

Starcraft Marine builds on its Superfisherman series this year with the 170 Sport. While this is the third installment to this line, prior to the 170 and 180 – both primarily designed for fishing – the Sport clearly stands out on its own and can meet many activities regardless of the game on the water – fishing or watersports.
   Spacious with plenty of seating, the 170 comes packaged with three removable deluxe pedestal seats with a pair of fold-down jumps aft, just ahead of the deep engine well. When these seats are in the down
position, this aft section converts to a convenient, carpeted stern fishing platform, which houses a 36-gallon aerated livewell and one of the six pedestal bases. Storage for rods is found in the  compartment below the portside gunnel, just ahead of the aft jump seat. Smaller items, such as keys,
sunglasses or electronics, can be concealed in the portside glove box. Passengers sitting here will appreciate the convenient drink holder, moulded-in grab handle as well as the protection from wind or waterspray in rough conditions thanks to the portion of the high walk-thru windshield.
    To starboard is the helm. Although standard with the fuel, tach, speedo, volt, fuel and temp gauges, all gauges are neatly displayed at the top of the dash. Hydraulic steering is optional to ease pressure on the custom wheel.
   With its spacious cockpit, the Sport offers an impressive passenger capacity of six (or weight capacity of 1,555 pounds) with sufficient space for a group of anglers or a family. When it comes to tubing or skiing, this Sport will certainly fit the bill. For instance, with the availabe, heavy-duty tow bar and the optional swim platform and ladder, families will be set for the day.
    During our sea trials with the 170 Sport, our test boat was powered by a 90 hp E-TEC Evinrude with three adults onboard and 3/4-tank of fuel. At the push of the throttle, the E-TEC and the Sport provided efficient performance out of the hole to easily bring up a skier or tuber(s), while its ability to reach top speeds in excess of 35 mph was more than enough to maintain riders on the rope. Other power options are available. If you are looking to add a little more performance to meet heavier loads or activities, the 170 has a rating of up to 140 hp. – Steve Fennell

LOA: 16’10”
Beam: 7’4”
Dry Weight: 1,095 lbs.
Deadrise: 10 degrees
Passenger Capacity: 6
Fuel Capacity: 32 gal./121 L
Power (standard): 90 hp
Power (as reviewed): 90 hp
Retail Price (base): NA
Retail Price (as reviewed): $23,995 (plus freight, PDI)

REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BY
Starcraft Marine, LLC.
68143 Clunette Street; New Paris, IN; 46553
(866) 772-4538
www.starcraftmarine.com

Volvo Penta Delivers 10,000th IPS Unit

Since the launch of the Volvo Penta Inboard Propulsion System (IPS) in 2005, the company recently reported it has delivered its 10,000th unit.
    The marine industry’s first pod drive system, IPS is currently featured on more than 250 boat models from manufacturers across the globe and now offers nine models ranging from 260 hp to 700 hp. IPS is also available in multi-engine configurations and select gasoline-powered models.
    The system also introduced the company’s innovative IPS Joystick system, which is designed to simplify docking and maneuvering in tight confines. The latest launch in the series is the IPS 800/900 offering 600 hp (IPS 800) and 700 hp (IPS 900), which are based on the company’s D11 engine and designed for boats up to 110 feet.
    In 2008, Volvo Penta developed its Boat Engine Integration Center (BEIC) in Portsmouth, VA, which was devised to assist independent boat builders with the integration and installation of IPS (as well other Volvo Penta systems).
    “This is more than the most optimistic calculations we had at launch,” says Göran Gummeson, President and CEO of Volvo Penta. “But the advantages with the new system, particularly environmentally, are overwhelming and the industry quickly realized it.”

Rinker 210 MTX Captiva BR

 

 

If there’s any trend that has been developing among boat manufacturers in the past few years it’s the ability to meet consumer demand at reasonable cost and value. This hasn’t been more apparent than in the sportboat segment of the industry where the functionality to meet a series of family boating activities plays a very dominating role in the purchasing process.
    To avoid sticker shock on its series of functional sport boat models, Rinker Boats strives to maintain a reasonable price point while retaining quality and performance. The latest testament to this is its 2009 210 MTX, the latest model in its long line of Captiva Sportboats.  
    At 21 feet with a beam eight feet, the 210’s profile is a slight departure from previous Captiva models. Its new hull features a pickle-fork bow design, a style becoming popular among today’s sport boats, which lends a radical and stylish profile. This allowed Rinker to carry the beam further forward, providing additional stability, as well as more room up front in the bow for guests.
    During our sea trial at Rinker’s media event last summer in Syracuse, IN, our test boat was powered by a MerCruiser 5.0L 220 hp hooked to an Alpha One drive. At speed, the 210 MTX ran smooth and comfortably. Taking readings from a hand held GPS, at 3,000 rpm we hit 24 mph, 3,500 rpm produced 28 mph and at 4,000 rpm we reached a surprisingly 35 mph. The speed on the MTX only improved with further leaning on the throttle. At 4,500 rpm the MTX produced 42 mph and we topped out at 52 mph at 5,000 rpm. Performing tight turns at 4,500 rpm revealed the sure footedness of its hull design and there was also no slipping of the prop, even in the hardest turns. 
    A plush and deep interior is a key selling feature on any model and the MTX delivers. A large bench is found aft while dual buckets seats are located forward at the passenger console and helm. As an added benefit, Rinker used GX48 vinyl, a strong, durable material featuring interlocking backing that offers durability while reducing wrinkling, aging, and cracking. It also resists against scratching and scuffing.  
    To further reduce wear and tear, our test boat featured the optional carpeted walk-thru section on the aft sunpad, which is simply accessed by removing a centre cushion on the pad and aft bench. Other items aft include a stainless steel ladder on the swim platform, an easily accessible engine compartment, and storage space under the cushions of the aft bench.  
    Between the helm and companion console is short walk way to the open bow where there is more plush seating, storage below the seat cushions, two additional speakers for the stereo system, a pair of hand holds and two more drink holders.
    The 210 MTX is a well-appointed sportboat that adds performance and comfort to its sporty looks. To really jazz up the 210, opt for Rinker’s R Series Sports Packag or the available R Series Limited Edition. – Steve Fennell

LOA: 21’
Beam: 8’2”
Approx. Weight: 3,900 lbs.
Deadrise: 16 degrees
Passenger Capacity: 10
Fuel Capacity: 39 gal./147.3
Power (standard): MerCruiser 220 hp 4.3L w/Alpha One drive
Power (as reviewed): MerCruiser 5.0L 220 hp w/Alpha One drive
Retail Price (base): $38,900
Retail Price (as reviewed): $41,900

REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BY
Rinker Boats
300 W. Chicago Street; Syracuse, IN; 46567
(574) 457-5731
www.rinkerboats.com

   
   

     

 

Harbercraft Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Vernon, BC-based WestWinn Group, manufacturer of Harbercraft, Jetcraft and Kingfisher boats, is celebrating Harbercraft's 50th anniversary with a major factory expansion.

The company announced its new 52,000 square-foot manufacturing facility should be complete next month. The new facility, named the WestWinn Group Center of Excellence, is designed to increase efficiencies and accelerate R&D. It will staff 85 employees and use a flexible manufacturing platform that will allow faster product development and advanced testing from its R&D hub. The company also reported that its commitment to R&D led to its most important design advancement, the Pre-Flex hull, along with 19 new products and 110 upgrades in the last two years.

Mike Clements, Harbercraft production manager, Tim Osborn, product specialist
and Byron Bolton, president of WestWinn Group, discuss the floor plan for the new
WestWinn Centre of Excellence.

“WestWinn serves three primary segments,” explains Byron Bolton, president and owner of the WestWinn Group.  “Our product focus is on the freshwater fishing enthusiast, the offshore deepwater fisherman and the extreme river jet boater. We also serve the commercial, security, fire & rescue, charter and research markets with our custom vessels.”