I don't remember the last time Canadian Yachting reported on a big yacht that was just in the development stages but that's exactly what our QuadZeus.com test boat is – an experiment by the Cummins MerCruiser people to showcase a Quad Zeus installation. It features four Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HP high tech diesel engines with ZF Zeus pod drives that push this big sport fishing yacht.

Aquapalooza 2011 is a fun-filled family day on the water with water activities for the kids and fantastic prize giveaways hosted by Skyline Marina, their Aquapalooza 2011 event was a huge success. The Canadian Yachting team counted 250 + boats early in the day and at least 1200 people.... and the band "Surprise" was rocking by noon...

The brand new Azimut 53 Sedan Bridge is a yacht for entertaining. The owner of our test boat, Tony Romanelli of RCC Media has made his new Azimut 53 the centerpiece of his lifestyle. His young family includes a preschooler; their home is a downtown waterfront condominium, within walking distance of the marina. On a summer morning, he can walk to the boat to check it out, enjoy some coffee plan his day, set up meetings and even use it as a floating boardroom. His physical company offices are north of the city so this represents significant time saving.

I have a surprise for you. You probably think that to commission a custom built yacht to your specifications would be vastly more expensive than purchasing a boat produced by one of the large volume builders. Well, that's not always the case.

For example, I recently spent some time onboard a new 36-foot express cruiser from one of the big volume builders; it was a gorgeous boat that most owners would be very proud of.

Imagine driving this boat! I know from firsthand experience that when you pull up to the dock in a classic mahogany speedboat with varnished decking and gleaming chrome, people always sit up and take notice. Mine is 49 years old and I love it, although keeping up the wood takes effort and engines from the ‘50’s are another issue totally. If you're over 30, wooden boats would probably have been at least some small part of your youth. Seeing a wooden boat often brings back a flood of memories for people; it can be difficult to get away from the dock without spending quite a bit of time in conversation! Further testimony to the popularity of wooden boats is that the Toronto Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society holds what may well be...

What a perfect time to be sitting down to write up a thoroughbred sport fishing boat like the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage. I just returned from a bill fish tournament in the Bahamas where a fleet of traditional "convertible" yachts like Hatteras', Bertrams and even a brand new 70' Rybovitch were competing against boats like this Boston Whaler 280 Outrage.