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WAKE
ZONE
What's Hot - Boat Show Finds
by Lori Wolak
Its' that time again, with winter hard upon
us, we turn to Boat Shows to get our boat fix. We go to see what the new
models look like, and what new features are being promoted by all the
different manufacturers. Along the way, we check out the different water
toys and other boat and dock options. As usual, we were not disappointed
with the ingenious new products and updates to existing ones.
The most interesting new product we saw is a
new take on smaller watercraft. We stopped at the CraigCat booth to take a
look at the very different boat. Mounted on two flat foam filled pontoons is a flat
platform with two comfortable bucket seats, providing plenty of room to
stretch out your legs and bring a cooler. Behind the seats, a 25 horsepower
outboard gives you plenty of power for the 400 pound, 11 foot long craft.
The small size and ease of launching make this boat option one of the most fun for
the least
effort. The cost of the boat is also very reasonable, and insurance rates
are for a boat, not PWC. This craft can be used for a fishing
trip, a pleasure cruise, or a speedy trip to a friends
dock. The controls
are easy to use as well - a standard throttle and a motor steering joystick.
The two pontoon configuration gives the boat great stability, and it even
has a canvas top for shade on those really hot days. With a 25 horsepower
engine, you can ride a long time before stopping for gas. Check it out at
www.craigcat.com
(above photo from their website) if
you can't get to a boat show to see it.
The wakeboard
boats have all made changes to
their towers and ballast systems for an improved wakeboard experience. Lots
of really slick graphic packages are available for all the major brands.
Some of the more notably cool rides featured were MB, Centurion, Malibu, Mastercraft, Moomba,
Nautique, Tigé, and Supra.
GPS isn't really new, but it is the new
affordable hot button for boats - it is now available on everything from
fishing boats to jet skis. You never need to be lost on a lake again! Many
of the new units are portable, so you can move them
from boat to boat if need be.
Sea Doo has exciting
new designs and colors, looking cooler
than the Batmobile this year. Lots of new model variations to chose form in
this ever popular brand of jet boats and jet skis. Yamaha has added an interesting twist to some
of its jet ski seats. They have a built in a small back support to help keep
riders from sliding back.
EZ Dock was showing
modular plastic dock options that include benches
for enjoying the dock and rollers for easy drive on docking. Slides and
kayaks also made a splash at the show - especially with the younger crowd!
Lots of large yachts, fishing boats, pontoon
boats, day boats and cruisers were on display for attendees to check out the
features and details that make each of them distinct. Looking at all the
choices is a big part of the fun. Boat show specials are another great
bonus. So, if you are in the market for a new boat, the best way to narrow
it down and get a great deal is by going to a boat show.
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