After much anticipation, Mercury Racing has introduced two new outboards that replace the long running 250XS and 300XS. Based off the Mercury Marine V8 Four Stroke technology, these engines differentiate in a few key areas.
Building a Custom Interior for a 32' Doug Wright
Daryll was mentored by Don, and over time, the company evolved from furniture and auto upholstery to more custom work, including custom boat interiors.
Bob's Machine Nose Cone Install
Proudly made in the USA, we want to take a look at some of the unique products that come out of the Bob's Machine factory in Florida and document a factory nose cone install.
Project Activator Episode 4: Paint
In this episode of Project Activator, we look at different ideas for paint colors and design.
Essential Reading for Performance Boaters: Books
One of the greatest thing about boating is that no matter what kind powerboat you are into, there is always something to learn about design, setup and new technology.
A Stolen Corvette: And the Bandit
There is an old story floating around the boating world that involves one of the most iconic cars that GM has ever produced, the original Corvette ZR-1.
Project Activator Episode 3: Material
In this episode we go over Coosa Composites high density polyurethane closed cell foam structural panels
Midsize Outboard Engines: New Models, More Power
Even though most performance boaters are looking for the most power possible on their hull, I get more excited about balance and efficiency.
Project Activator Episode 2: Engine Choices
In this episode of Project Activator we talk about some of the engines available and narrow it down to three choices.
The Cats: New Outboard Tunnels Taking Over
For performance boats the big eye opener is the proliferation of outboard tunnels of all sizes, with the 28’ to 36 size being extremely popular. Why is that?
Material Innovation: Composites
In this article, we are were fortunate enough to ask Jean Pierre Mouligne, from Gurit, a global leader in composite materials, some questions about some of their marine products. We talk about a new breakthrough technology that is very exciting for builders, some features and benefits of modern core materials as well as their application.
Project Activator: Introduction
With great excitement, we are announcing our own restoration project: Project Activator. After careful consideration and lots of tire kicking, we finally found our boat. We have acquired a 1990 22 Activator that is in need of some serious help.
Precision Handling: Lower Units, Mounts, Steering
One of the biggest safety and performance considerations for any high performance boat is high speed handling, and although the hull design is critical to handling, the setup is vital
Bad Boat Design: Why Family Boats are Horrible
After being back from the recent Miami Boat Show and sobering up, finding my pants and gathering my thoughts, I wanted to write about bad boat design. There are several serious design flaws that I see that are most prevalent in family type boats from major manufacturers
Cigarette Racing and AMG: Forging a Relationship
When you think about it at first, the long standing relationship between AMG and Cigarette Racing makes no sense. The famed offshore boat builder, based in the Miami Florida area for its whole existence, born in the hustle and bustle of early offshore racing in South Florida has very little in common with AMG, on the surface.
Miami Boat Show 2018: Mercury Marine
In a launch that was much anticipated, Mercury Marine delivered an all new 3.4 V6 outboard in the 175, 200 and 225 horsepower range.
Carl Kiekhaefer: Marine Industry Revolutionist
In every industry there are pioneers, inventors and hawkers but the real changemakers are the ones that are revolutionists. They are seldom the first in any given arena but they are the first to repurpose, reinvent and create markets that weren’t realized before. Carl Kiekhaefer was a revolutionist engineer that used his passion for engineering, competitiveness and salesmanship to change the marine industry.
Best Midsize Offshore Boats Right Now
One difficult thing as a boater is finding the ideal boat, the hull that fills most of your needs. Usually, the answer depends on where you boat, who you boat with and what you do on the water. If you run on the ocean or a very large lake, you realize quickly that you need some deadrise and some freeboard to play in the big waves.
1975 Checkmate V-Mate: A Family Project
The great thing about restorations is it saves a cool boat from ending up in a garbage heap somewhere and allows it have a new lease on life. Another benefit is you end up with a project that often is a family venture and one where you make some friends along the way.