Most SUVs drive about equal but the Subaru Ascent is just that little bit different or quirky making it just that more fun and interesting to drive. The four trim-level Ascent line on a whole, are well equipped; it is the top model in Subaru SUV lineup. The Ascent I tested was the Limited edition with the second row captain’s chairs, which is optional on this model.
First time in many years I was lucky enough to test both the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado back-to-back. Now you might be surprised to find out that these two truck siblings do have little differences in trim and options. But for the most part they are the same when it comes to engines and drivelines.
Over the years I have had a real soft spot for the Jeep Wrangler line of models. Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with the go anywhere Rubicon and test its off-road and on-road capabilities plus how it could tow.
The problem with driving any full-size Pickup Truck or Sport Utility Vehicle is that when you are not towing anything, generally fuel consumption is not that exciting. For those of you who like to keep fill ups to a minim, Volvo just might have the answer.
Convert your fixed dock to a rolling dock on wheels.
Every once in a while I test a vehicle that I really find exceptional and this was the case with the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 4WD. In the past, the vehicles I have tested from GM have generally been good but have never really stood out. The new Sierra I tested was equipped with the new 3L inline 6-cyclinder Turbo-Diesel that did make it stand out.
Read more: Vehicles on board (formerly cars on board): The...
Editor’s Note: Our Cars on Board column has been taking you for a spin in cars and trucks that we feel are suited to the needs of boaters. That could be getting to your boat, towing it, hauling gear - that sort of thing.
We all know that plastic and plastic waste is a huge issue globally. Driven by innovation and consumer demand for sustainable packaging options, Canadian manufacturer Layfield recently introduced BioFlex™ MarineShrink Boat Wrap coast to coast.
Read more: MarineShrink by Layfield – The Boat Wrap with a...
When are you too old to cruise? When you can’t jump four feet off a moving boat onto a dock!
Ever since I was a youngster Jeeps of all kinds have fascinated me. It wasn’t until the mid 70s that I finally had a chance to drive a CJ5 when I was in college. I was a little disappointed to say the least. Shifting the manual transmission was like the ten-ton truck I drove for a summer job a year before.
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Boat Reviews
CY Virtual Video Boat Tours
We all love boats and nothing can break us up! So, what better way to spend our time than looking at interesting boats and going aboard in a virtual ride or tour. We have asked our friends at various dealers and manufacturers to help us assemble a one-stop online resource to experience some of the most interesting boats on the market today. Where the CY Team has done a review, we connect you to that expert viewpoint. If you can’t go boating, you can almost experience the thrill via your screen. Not quite the same, but we hope you enjoy our fine tour collection.
Read more about the CY Virtual Boat Tours....................
Boston Whaler 230 Vantage
By Andy Adams
The famous Boston Whaler slogan, “the unsinkable legend” has always expressed a safety promise that from their very beginning, set a Boston Whaler apart from other boats, and it’s clear to me that the designers take this heritage seriously.
The Boston Whaler 230 Vantage maintains the virtues that have made Whalers such an enduring success and now the designers have skillfully captured those virtues in a handsome and somewhat more traditional dual console design.
Destinations
Boating In the Birthplace of Confederation
Over the course of four days in September 1864, representatives from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Lower Canada (Quebec) and Upper Canada (Ontario) gathered in Charlottetown to discuss the idea of bringing these diverse colonies together and forming a country. These discussions laid the foundation for what ultimately led to the Confederation of Canada in July, 1867.
Today, PEI continues to influence the rest of Canada as a vacation playground, known for its laid-back attitude, carefree pace, remarkable food scene and tremendous recreation opportunities. That’s especially true if you choose to explore the island the old-fashioned way – by boat.
Lifestyle
William Jones and Evan DePaul claimed Canada’s Olympic spot in the 49er by being the top Canadian team at the 2020 World Championships for the class. A highlight in their history together was winning the 2017 World Junior title on home waters in Kingston, Ontario.
The pair is self-driven to work and train hard in this very tough fleet. Sailing the skiff is hard work in itself making the 49er perhaps the most challenging Olympic class. Early in his career, DePaul raced C420s, becoming a top three youth sailor in Canada. He was drawn to the 49er because of the technical aspects involved and the sailing skill required.
DIY & How to
Why Use a Boat Broker?
Last summer there was tremendous interest in buying a boat to have fun in the restricted world ofCOVID19. People hauled boats to the end of their driveways with “For Sale” signs. Sailboats and cabin cruisers appeared in Kijiji and Craigs List and it sounds like most were sold to new boaters. But, are they happy owners now?
Last fall we interviewed Rob Hopkins, General Manager at Bayshore Yacht Sales. Bayshore operates at six Georgian Bay marinas and are partnered with Maple Leaf Marinas LP. Rob was quick to agree that web sites like Kijiji can work for boat buyers, especially at the lower price levels for private sellers and buyers looking for a deal.
Ask Andrew: Engine/gasoline fires and other scares
Photo Courtesy of Leslie Harper
Boats aren’t inherently combustible. They aren’t firetraps, and they aren’t any more or less dangerous with respect to fire breaking out than an RV, trailer, car or airplane.
But there are certain ingredients that make fires a potential hazard. And because of this, boaters should be aware of that potential, and take steps to minimize the chances of fire breaking out.
Turn your phone into a castable sonar; STRIKER Cast brings sonar to a mobile device to help anglers find & catch more fish – with & without a boat! Designed for use in freshwater and saltwater (and even for ice fishing), STRIKER Cast delivers excellent sonar performance in both shallow water and deep water.
Anglers can even turn on fish icons to view more realistic images of the fish targets and their depth readings directly in the app, so it’s easy to know exactly where to drop the line.
STEINER NAVIGATOR PRO 7x50
Here is a gift that is sure to become a treasured part of your boating experience for years to come. The porro prism Navigator Pro Series is the choice for recreational boaters, weekend anglers and hobby sailors. The Steiner Navigator Pro 7x50 offers exceptional performance in tough marine environments.You should buy a pair to give your sweetie for next summer.
MSRP: $845.00 CAD
News
On Saturday, my boat finally splashed. You could tell it was happy and I was too. This has been painful. Nonetheless, I have not yet left the dock nor had a social moment aboard. My excitement has been limited to standing and admiring the scene while thanking the boat gods for vaccines and declining case numbers.
You are likely experiencing something similar as marinas and boat clubs gingerly step forward amid caution and distancing signs. There is a collective sigh of relief heard across the land because the timing of the delayed launch appears to coincide with a national heat wave. It would have been infuriating to sizzle on the hard with the escape boat stuck in its cradle. I’m grateful for getting this far.
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