At left: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose government recently announced a 10% luxury tax on boats sold in Canada. At right: U.S. Congressman Dan Rostenkowski’s mug shot taken on July 22, 1997 when he entered federal prison after being convicted of corruption in office. These two men have at least one thing in common. (Getty Images).
In late March the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced that it was proceeding with a 10% luxury tax on boats sold in Canada valued at more than CAD$250,000. If this sounds like deja vu all over again, you are right. At least 5 countries — including the U.S. — have tried luxury taxes on boats in recent history and all have repealed them because they killed thousands of jobs and actually netted less tax money.
Cutting to the chase: Historically, the rich resist being soaked. Since no one needs a boat except a drowning man, the wealthy buy other things or purchase stocks.
BoatTEST has gone to the trouble to examine the actual sales in Canada of new boats costing more than CAD$250,000. We’ll tell you how much the Canadian government would raise in luxury taxes on boats even if the COVID-19 boat-buying frenzy continued and the rich defied the laws of human nature and decided to let themselves be soaked. More...
Scout Boats is known for quality and craftsmanship and the 277 Dorado shows those traits. She has a custom fiberglass hardtop and her convertible cockpit seating creates many entertaining or lounging options. Premium features include a hullside door, an electric head and a 25-gallon (94.64 L) livewell that could easily double as a drink cooler. Scout offers many options for upholstery colors and patterns to create an upscale environment. She’s a salty dual console with a quality feel. See more at the Scout website here... If you want to see Capt. Steve test the 277 Dorado, click the button below.
Formula’s 270 Bowrider was one of the first performance versions of this style of boat when she was introduced. She has remained popular because she combines Formula’s vaunted rough-water abilities with premium amenities and features and some of the best fit and finish we’ve seen in class. Open the engine compartment and get an eyeful of gleaming gelcoat, batteries that are properly secured with covers protecting the terminals and double clamps on all the hoses. It’s all protected by a 10-year structural warranty and five years of coverage from the Formula Guard protection for the components. More...
The 2020 Prowler 36 Center Console, O’ Fishal Business, is powered by quad 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards and she burns .9 gph at a cruising speed of 45 mph. She’s ready to fish or cruise with Mercury’s joystick piloting system and autopilot. She has Dometic 8,000 BTU air conditioning. She comes with a triple-axle Float-On trailer. More...
Cruisers Yachts' 60 Cantius is a sleek, modern express cruiser with a proven bottom design by Donald Blount and Associates, exterior by Italian Patrizio Facheris and interior by Luiz deBasto. This Dream Team of designers produced a boat that looks the part but is practical too. Standing room at the helm, joystick operation for easier docking and a spacious engine compartment will appeal to owner-operators. All thru-hulls, valves and strainers for the main engines and the generator are within reach. More...
Fuses and circuit breakers are the first line of defense against electrical fires. Don’t underestimate their importance.
I vividly recall my first encounter with over-current protection or more accurately the lack thereof. As a teenage would-be marine electrician with more ambition than knowledge, I’d wired a light under the foredeck of the family 16’ (4.88 m) outboard runabout. The wire run passed adjacent to the steel fuel tank and the shelf on which it rested. Did the connection hold up? More...
The name Veratron may not be so well known, but virtually every experienced boater has been aboard a vessel with VDO gauges. Veratron is the parent company that now offers multifunction analog and digital instruments and displays with the ViewLine, OceanLink, AquaLink and VMH product families. Learn about everything that the Swiss company has to offer at the Veratron website. More...
Many people are interested in learning more about the proper setup of their boat and they seek a concise and a simple approach to a complex subject. Our aim should be finding the optimum efficiency of a particular engine and hull combination. More...
When the snow melts off the boat, it’s time to go through her to get ready to hit the water.
For those who don’t live in the warm-weather states, it’s time to get the boat ready to hit the water. From the engine to replacing the fire extinguisher, these tips will help you get the most from your boat when it comes time to get on the water. More...
When going out into the Gulf of Mexico, there’s nothing quite like having a 10,000-lb. (4,535.92-kg) boat under your feet with a 21-degree deadrise at the transom to provide a comfortable ride. Because she’s so big, there is a large aft cockpit for entertaining a crowd. Her double-wide helm and companion seats are wide enough for parent and child. This Robalo R317 is located just a few minutes from some of the best cruising grounds in Florida, to say nothing about the deserted beaches. Visit SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.
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