Boatguide Canada

Starcraft Superfisherman 170 Sport

By Steve Fennell

Starcraft Marine, a company that has delved into recreational boating for more than a century, offers an extensive series of boat models to meet many activities. From its range of fishing boats and pontoons to a full line of fibreglass runabouts and deckboats, the Indiana-based company has a long history of understanding what boaters want and need. 

Four Winns SL222

By Bill Jennings

It’s great when a recreational boat offers a long list of amenities. But the real measure of value in a boat, we believe, is in the ride that it delivers.

To produce a remarkably handling boat requires the combination of many individual elements, none of which are classified secrets. Here are some of the items that give the Four Winns’ SL222 its great ride. The first element is its length. At 22 feet, seven inches, the SL222 is longer than most bow riders and is much more capable of bridging wakes or medium-sized waves. To accentuate this advantage, the SL222 bottom is extended under part of the swim platform and the deadrise is a conservative 20 degrees. This design helps distribute weight as well as provide better lateral stability while underway.

Princecraft Versailles 29 I/O

By Réal Larose

The Versailles 29 I/O from Princecraft Boats has been redesigned for the 2009 model year and at 29 feet with a beam of eight feet, six inches, this is the largest launch in this series and ideal for family boaters with its long list of practical and functional appointments.

Performance is an integral part of the Versailles package. MerCruiser power ranges from 190 hp to 300 hp while optimum running characteristics is provided by the Versaille’s tri-toon configuration. All three tubes, which are reinforced at pressure points to absorb stress, measure 25 inches in diameter. To ensure structural integrity, all are constructed with marine-grade 5052-H36 aluminium alloy. While at speed, there are many factors that provide smooth comfortable rides, including an under-deck spray shield to prevent waves from hitting the under floor cross channels, plus lifting strakes to reduce wetted surface.

Formula 350 Sun Sport

By Bill Jennings

The Formula 350 Sun Sport (SS) at the Miami International Boat Show sat in the water almost hidden amongst some of its larger kin. What people did not realize was that the 350 SS was equipped with the Sterndrive Joystick, the latest drive system offered from Volvo Penta.

Before heading out for a sea trial, I noted this is a perfectly sized and equipped model for weekend rendezvous’ and short cruises. The cockpit is large measuring 52 inches wide by 110 inches long and the one-level cockpit allows passengers to easily socialize in the single section of the boat. A U-shape, eight-person settee consisting of saltwater- and a UV-safe heavy-duty vinyl, dominates the cockpit. An archway with an attached Bimini allows occupants to decide if they want an open air ride or protection from the elements.

Marquis 420 Sport Coupe

By Mark Rotharmel

While yachts in the 40-foot range are far from uncommon, hardtop models, A.K.A. sport coupes, are still vying for position within Canada’s boating marketplace.  

That’s not to say they don’t make sense. Given the Canadian boating season is short and global warming affects the few months we do have, sport coupes offer great protection from the elements. Let’s face it – no one I know enjoys hanging and removing multiple-sized pieces of canvas, thus well-designed sport coupes do save precious time and effort.    

Stanley Islander 21 DC

By Mark Rotharmel

When you purchase a boat built by a leading hull designer that is formed entirely from aluminum, one thing you should feel in the pit of your stomach each and every time you head to open water is an absolute sense of security.

Be assured, Stanley’s 21-foot Islander powered by a clean and quiet F150 hp Yamaha outboard provides that feeling. With hard chines and a 16-degree deadrise deep-V hull, this welded aluminum pleasure/sport boat is a joy to drive.

Campion 595i Allante Outboard

By Bruce Kemp

Campion Marine’s 595i Allante Bowrider and Sport Cabin configurations have proven to be one of the company’s most popular designs in recent years. But up until now, the models’ power options have been limited to big block inboards. At the company’s dealer meeting in Kelowna last August, the BC-based builder unveiled the 595i Allante OB, powered by the top performing Evinrude 175 E-TEC.

At first glance, the 595i OB Bowrider is a little different from the I/O version, featuring some subtle changes to the cockpit and aft section. However, the major differences are in the aft section to accommodate the modified transom for the outboard engine.

Doral 190 BR

By Mike Burns

Suzuki Marine recently held a dealer meeting and media event on Lake Rosseau in the Muskoka region in central Ontario.  A large selection of engine models were on hand to review, including the Suzuki DF150 that was matched with a Doral 190 Bowrider (BR).

The DF150 along with the DF175 are based on Suzuki’s inline four-cylinder Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) power head with a 2867 cc displacement, which according to the manufacturer is the largest to date in the four-stroke, four-cylinder category. Added displacement doesn't necessarily mean a larger and heavier engine as Suzuki engineers have targeted these big block engines to be the lightest four-strokes in their class.

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.