50% of Boats on Lifts Were Not Tied Properly for Helene
Be Prepared. We took the pictures above last week in the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area where there was about 7' of surge. From the sound of the weather reports we're hearing about Hurricane Milton — predictions of 10' to 15' of surge — this area must now prepare for something far worse. For those BoatTEST members on the west coast of Florida with their boats on a lift, we have some advice about how to keep your boat from ending up like those above.
PERFORMANCE VIDEO. Two transom doors, two dive doors, a powered transom seat and an athwartship galley on the main deck are just some of the amenities on the Regal 38 SAV. She has four electric-adjust premium seats behind the console, AC at the helm, sunroof and pop-up LED’s all around the cockpit. She accommodates four below and the head includes a walk-in shower.
FEATURES VIDEO. The Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 has a 9-knot range that exceeds 1,000 NM, according to the builder. Her build quality is what we have come to expect from the brand. She sleeps eight, is roomy and is a lot of boat for the money.
FEATURES VIDEO. The Solara S-250 DC is sized right for trailering and watersports, but seaworthy enough for fishing outside the inlet. The standard hardtop is useful for hauling water toys and a single 300-hp Yamaha outboard makes her relatively affordable to buy and operate.
PRE-OWNED YACHT. This well-maintained 2002 Viking is ready to go fishing — or to take off on an extended cruise through the Bahamas or Central America. She’s fully loaded with every amenity for bluewater angling including a tuna tower and electric reel outlets. She sleeps six in three staterooms.
MARINE TECHNOLOGY. Mercury’s Active Trim system adjusts drive trim on outboards and sterndrives to optimize running angle, bringing the boat quickly on plane and then adjusting via GPS to deliver the best speed at a given rpm and load. The system simplifies operation and can also improve fuel efficiency. This video is a "Must-See" as it explains when Active Trim isn't active.
TECH TUESDAY. Fishing lines, particularly the tough new braided lines, can wrap around your prop shaft and destroy the seal, allowing water into the lower unit. Here’s what to watch for online and how to get rid of it before it costs you.
MAINTENANCE TIPS. Deep cycle batteries intended for house loads, trolling motors and the like last longest and work best if drawn down to minimal charge occasionally. Here’s why and how to do it easily.
Every day, we feature a new Life is Better on a Boat photo. Submit yours for the chance to win a coveted BoatTEST hat! (Bonus points for showing people enjoying life on a boat.)
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