Boatguide Canada

Sunchaser 8522 Cruise

By Mike Burns

Built by New Paris, IN-based Smokercraft Boats, Sunchaser offers a line of pontoons for recreational boaters ranging from 14 to 24 feet. Its family of toons’ consists of three lines, the Cruise, Fish and Four Point series, each offering ideal features for cruising, water activities, even fishing. We recently tested the new 8522 Cruise at the annual Suzuki Canada dealer meeting on Lake Rosseau, ON, in September.

The 8522 has 25-inch diameter tubes, an all-aluminium transom and 3/4-inch plywood deck – all backed with a lifetime warranty. Further integrity of this Sunchaser is provided by a five-year warranty on the 22-ounce carpeting on the deck. Other physical features include 1 1/4-inch anodized railings featuring polished castings and rounded fronts, which further complement the 8522’s overall fit and finish. The deck cleats are all thru-bolted and both seating arrangements are backed with solid roto-cast bases.

McKee Craft Marathon 184 CC

By Brad Rome

Centre consoles tend to bring out fairly strong responses from boaters no matter where you go. People either love them or hate them with little ground in the middle. After having enjoyed the opportunity to test McKee Craft’s Marathon 184 CC, I’ve come to believe that boaters who aren’t fans of open concept boats simply haven’t had the time to try one for themselves.

Stepping aboard the 18-foot, four-inch Marathon, my initial reaction was surprise. This is a boat with more interior space than you would expect of a model this size. The open layout allows access to every cubic inch of the boat’s abundant storage space, making this a highly practical cottage and fishing boat. The bow storage area is insulated and more than large enough to accommodate a mountain of fishing gear, the catch of the day, or weekend supplies. It’s completely finished with no rough edges anywhere, providing a clean appearance and a solid sense of overall quality. The self-draining anchor locker sits in front of the large bow storage area.

KVH Introduces New Airtime Plans

KVH Industries is now offering recreational boaters introductory airtime plans for its Inmarsat FleetBroadband system for as low as US $59 per month. The program also includes other hardware and airtime packages, which includes the option for a TracPhone FB150 antenna at no additional charge.

Ranger Boats Launches New Z500 Series Comanche

Ranger Boats, Flippin, AR, has launched its new Z521 Comanche for the 2010 model year, increasing its Z500 Series from five to six models.
    At 21 feet, three inches with a beam of 95 inches, anglers will benefit from the Z521’s stable platform, power rating of 250 hp and fuel capacity of 52 gallons.
    In the cockpit, features include a completely redesigned console that can easily accommodate various built-in mounting options for a variety of large-screen electronics – eliminating the need for gimbals or swivel mounts. The consoles also integrate a functional concave beveling on the outside, allowing the tips of rods stored on the front deck to stay secure while underway or when not in use.
Ample storage space, an integrated front deck step with storage and a choice of seating layouts that include the company’s patented SRS bench design or new bucket seat configuration are other highlights.
    The Z521 is also paired with its own custom-built and RangerTrail trailer.

New Sonar Imaging Technology From Lowrance

At the recent ICAST show in Orlando, Florida, Lowrance launched its LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging module that provides clear, picture-like displays with side-to-side and straight down scans for full panoramic underwater viewing.

With its SideScan and new DownScan Imaging technology, users are provided with left-right-straight down viewing with underwater coverage spanning 480 feet from port to starboard. It can even display structure and fish targets along with their imaging-scan shadows. As a unique tool, DownScan Imaging can be compared with 2D sonar returns in a split-screen display for a new angling advantage to better distinguish fish from structure.

Winner of the Buy a Boat & Win Draw

Boatguide magazine congratulates Gail Gaikis of Toronto, ON, winner of the 'Buy a Boat and Win' draw at the Toronto International Boat Show. Gaikis was presented with a cheque for $10,000 upon picking up her boat at Smart's Marina, Cloyne, ON.

The draw, now in its third year, is sponsored by Skippers' Plan – Robertson and Robertson Yacht Insurance. President, Drew Robertson, who also sits on the Toronto International Boat Show's Exhibitor Committee, says the draw provides a credible measure of how many boats were sold at the event while encouraging consumers to buy at the show.

Get Onboard with the New PORTS – Trent-Severn & Lake Simcoe

A fully updated, 2009 edition of PORTS The Cruising Guides – The Trent-Severn & Lake Simcoe is available at marinas, chandleries and bookstores across Canada.
    PORTS The Cruising Guides – Trent-Severn & Lake Simcoe delivers a wealth of current information on every community in the region with detailed coverage on services, shopping, places of interest and even annual events. The 2009 edition also delivers everything you need to know about the region’s marinas, locks (with detailed locking information) and landmarks along the way.
    This edition also comes complete with full colour labeled aerial photos of nearly every community, channel, island and passage to help you navigate your trip safely and efficiently. Even pre-cruise checklists, distant guides, chart information, mileage guides and boating tips are included for added convenience.
     The new Trent-Severn & Lake Simcoe edition is one of four PORTS Cruising Guides covering navigable systems including Lake Ontario & The Thousand Islands, Georgian Bay, The North Channel & Lake Huron and The Rideau Canal and Lower Ottawa River.
For more information and to order your edition online visit www.portbooks.com.

Scout Boats Launches New 151 Series

Scout Boats of Summerville, South Carolina has recently introduced its 151 Series, the company’s latest offering that's designed to provide recreational boaters with the utmost functionality, performance and value.
    Created for first time boaters, veterans or those who enjoy the outdoor activities such as fishing and cruising in-land lakes, the 151 Series consists of four models – the Standard, Sport, Sportfish and Dorado. What’s more is each model offers a special boat, engine and trailer package pricing.
    Coming in at an LOA just shy of 15 feet (14 feet, seven inches to be precise) with a beam of six feet, five inches, the 151 Standard comes with a 25 hp Yamaha four-stroke tiller and trailer (a Yamaha 40 hp tiller and trailer is offered as an upgrade), while the 151 Sport, 151 Sportfish and 151 Dorado are mated to a Yamaha 40 hp. All three models also come with a trailer. According to Scout, prices range from $9,995 to $14,495 (US) and all four entries are available with a Sportsman’s Package upgrade, which includes the company’s Heritage Green hull color, Sportsman’s Green deck and camouflage cushions for an additional $1,000 (US).
    The interiors are also impressive. For instance, all 151 models come packaged with a series of thoughtful features such as ample storage space plus a fuel capacity of 10 gallons. These models are also light in weight and tip the scales at a dry weight of 640 pounds, making them easy tow. An electrical system, which includes navigation lights and a bilge pump, along with bench and console cushions (Sportfish and Dorado models only), a baitwell (Sportfish model only) and a built-in gas tank are also included. www.scoutboats.com