Volvo Penta is launching its Assisted Docking system as a retrofit upgrade for many yacht owners with Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System), from the year 2012 and onwards.
Read more: Volvo Penta launches Assisted Docking retrofit...
Invented in Argentina, CAPRIA has introduced a PWC Launcher to its range of drystack facility solutions. Its first installed project is at Marina Puerto Chico in San Fernando, Buenos Aires, with two units enhance the marina's services.
For many boat owners who have gear to tote and the occasional stretch of bumpy road to negotiate, a mid-size SUV is just the ticket. Recently, I borrowed a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander and found it to be a fine ride with quite a few bonuses.
Read more: Cars on board: Mitsubishi’s striking new Outlander
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.
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OAKLEY 245 CC
By Andy Adams
The multi-generational island cottagers of Georgian Bay and serious fishermen are just two of the groups most attracted to the new Oakley Boats models.
Brad Oakley has been around the boat business his entire life and he said to me that he has long admired durable, seaworthy welded aluminum boats. His company WMW Vacuum Pumpout Systems in Waubaushene, Ontario on Georgian Bay, builds highly regarded vacuum pump-out systems and Oakley’s equipment is in so many marinas that he knows a lot of people in the business.
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42
By Katherine Stone
On a beautiful summer morning in July, I hopped aboard a new-owner delivery from the Outer Harbour Marina in Toronto to the Port Credit Harbour Marina in Mississauga, with the President of Navy Point Yacht Sales, Steve McPherson. I don’t know if I have ever referred to a boat as pretty, but this adjective fits the Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 to a tee.
The transitions and communication from interior to exterior spaces are seamless and well-thought-out with functional ergonomics.
Destinations
Cruising the Rideau Canal
Following the War of 1812, a battle that Canada narrowly won against the United States, the boundaries of Upper Canada were held and the British army realized that the St. Lawrence River was no longer safe as a supply route. A more defensible route was needed to bring supplies from Montreal to Kingston and on into other Great Lakes settlements.
This new, more secure route revealed itself through the travel and trade of the Indigenous peoples. Surveyors learned that one of the Indigenous trade routes began at the mouth of the Cataraqui River in Kingston (Canada’s first national capital) and connected a series of lakes and rivers all the way through to where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River in the heart of Bytown (known today as Canada’s national capital: the City of Ottawa).
Lifestyle
How a young woman who was encouraged by her father to enter a contest, became a member of the yachting fraternity (sorority?).
Encouraged by her father to enter, Jessika Patrick emerged the winner of the Yacht Solutions Schaefer Yachts contest. It took a little extra luck to get the prize though. Another entrant actually won but sadly, a medical issue forced them to decline the prize. Another entrant’s name was then drawn. This winner also declined, but for a happy reason; they had just bought their own new boat and were busy with that so, a third winner had to be drawn. The third time was the charm for prize winner Jessika Patrick.
DIY & How to
Keven Talks Sails: Crosscut VS Triradial Sail Cutting
Over the last decade, sailcloth weaving equipment has evolved and allowed the production of low crimp warp oriented woven cloth of medium to heavy weights. We have had light weight warp wovens of 200g/m2 (4oz) or lighter for much longer than that, but the finer denier weaves of light sailcloth allowed that with older looms and setups. Why is this important? This new loom technology is very important because it allows sailmakers to make better warp cut woven sails for boats 25-50’ long.
Let’s start by clarifying what a crosscut sail is. The crosscut panel layout aligns the fill (short) edge of the sailcloth roll with the leech edge of the sail. Most of the sail load goes from clew to head up the leech. Secondary sail loads go from corner to corner along the foot and luff edge.
Product news: Modern pull up cleats
Many boaters prefer the clean appearance and greater safety of modern pull-up cleats that retract flush into the deck when not in use. But depending on where they need to be installed, limited mounting room can make it difficult. Series 490 Rectangular Pull-Up Cleats from Accon Marine feature a sleek, compact design that allows use in even challenging spaces where other flush-mount hardware simply won't fit.
Made from polished, marine-grade 316 stainless steel for extreme durability and a lifetime of good looks, Series 490 Pull-Up Cleats feature a fresh, modern aesthetic that complements the contemporary profile of today's boats.
News
I filled up last week at $1.90. Pundits are suggesting that prices will stay high throughout the summer. Radio and TV news have been flooded with ‘man on the street’ interviews that show the impact on the average driver. How will these prices affect the average boater this year? Will we see more hours spent on the docks and fewer on the water? Will fuel efficiency become a top-of –mind selling point? Will we see a shift toward electric marine engines?
Time will tell – but for the majority of us, we’ll need to weather the storm as best we can. There are a number of tips and tricks we can employ aboard to make the most of our boat’s fuel. BoatUS published an excellent article this week that I’ll break down...