FROM THE PUBLISHER With March comes Spring and a new boating season, and what better time to visit the boat show while making your preparations. In th

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6 FROM THE PUBLISHER With March comes Spring and a new boating season, and what better time to visit the boat show while making your preparations. In this issue we feature just a few of the boats and products that will be available at the 9th annual Southwest International Boat Show taking place April 6-9 at the South Shore Harbour Marina, on Clear Lake, in League City. Visit the show for a day, or the weekend, and enjoy free hourly seminars, Take the Helm boating classes with one and three hour on-water boat handling lessons for beginners and experienced boaters - highlighted in this issue. We also have two great articles to assist you with your pre-season preparations on boat cover re-treatment and boat trailer maintenance. And, for those considering a charter vacation this year, we also feature MarineMax Vacations, the fastest growing charter company offering the magic of the British Virgin Islands on one of the industry s newest and most luxurious fleet. Enjoy the issue and we look forward to seeing you in April at the Boat Show! SOUTHWEST BOATING MAGAZINE Publisher: Peter Bryant Editorial Director: Marion Daly Creative Director: Martin Humphrey martin@mancdesign.com Editorial Department: info@southwestboatingmagazine.com Contributors to the March/April issue: Dan Armitage - Freelance Boating Writer armitage@wowway.com Gerry Laster, CPYB glasteryachts@gmail.com John Tiger Freelance Boating Writer jtigerjr@hotmail.com For information on advertising: Tel: info@southwestboatingmagazine.com Register for a free online subscription: subscription/ Digital Distribution: Global Online Publishing Southwest Boating Magazine Inc. is a bi-monthly, online publication. Peter Bryant Publisher The views and opinions of the contributors to this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers or editors. Accordingly, the publishers and editors disclaim all responsibility for such views and opinions. 6 Southwest Boating Magazine

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8 Contnts Contents Southwest Boating Magazine Vol 3 Issue 5 March / April 2017 Features 14 South West International Boat Show - Preview 26 Belzona Boats - Texas Debut at SWIBS! 30 MarineMax Vacations Offer the magic of the BVI s 33 Transiting the New Orleans Industrial Canal - Can you do it? Departments 9 ADVERTISERS WEBSITE INDEX 11 DOCKSIDE 38 BOATING COLUMN: DIY Boat Cover Re-Treatment 42 BOATING TECH: Pre-Season Boat Trailer Maintenance 8 Southwest Boating Magazine

9 We know you would rather be on the water with your family. We also know that careful planning can cut down on unexpected problems due to everyday wear and tear on your boat. We have a 35 Ton Marine Travel Lift that can haul a beam of We specialize in Awlgrip paint applications, bottom jobs, fiberglass repair, bow thruster installations or anything else you need to do to protect your boat or maximize its performance. We are the only full service boat yard on Clear Lake where all dry dock charges are included in your price. Watergate Yachting Center I 1500 Marina Bay Dr., Kemah, Texas I Boats Yachts High Performance Commercial Marine Service Providers Highway 3, #110, Webster, Tx Family owned since 1985 Home Auto Flood Windstorm Advertisers Advertiser s Website Index TO ACCESS INFORMATION ON ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE CLICK ON THE WEBSITE BELOW. WEBSITE LINKS AND CONTACT DETAILS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON ACTUAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE MAGAZINE 2. MJM Yachts mjmyachts.com 12. Glass Mermaids glassmermaids.com HURRY UP or Take Your Time We can handle them both. 40. South Texas Yacht Service stysyacht.com Full Service Yacht Repair Yard MarineMax Houston marinemax.com/houston 16. Little Yacht Yales littleyachtsales.com McCorkle Insurance Agency 41. McCorkle Insurance Agency mccorkleinsurance.com Let Our Family Protect Your Family Jason@mccorkleinsurance.com 4. Galati Yacht Sales galatiyachts.com 22. Sea Lake Yachts sealakeyachtsllc.com 44. Seabrook Marina seabrookshipyard.com 5. West Yachts & Brokerage westyachtsandbrokerage.com 24. Sperry sperry.com 46. Texas Yamaha texas-yamaha.com 7. Texas Marine texasmarine.com 32. Carefree Boat Club carefreeboats.com 47. YETI Horizon Yachts horizonyacht.com 36. South Coast Sailing Adventures southcoastsailing.com 40. Hobie hobie.com Southwest Boating Magazine 9

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11 Dockside New Concept Yacht from Marquis and Lexus This sleek and speedy 42 foot open sport yacht seeks to carry the luxury and precision of the Lexus brand from the roads to the waves. For this collaborative effort, the makers of the Marquis and Carver yachts teamed up with Toyota Motor Corporation s Marine department to engineer the prototype concept. CEO and President of Marquis Yachts, Rob Parmentier, says of the partnership, We are honored and extremely proud that Toyota Marine and Lexus selected Marquis Yachts and our hundreds of boat builders in Pulaski to build this concept boat The selection of our organization is a recognition of the ability of our employees to build high-quality boats to the impressive standards of a premier automaker like Lexus - a company that has come to symbolize precision execution and quality in the minds of luxury consumers. Fans of Marquis Yachts need not only celebrate the prestigious collaboration with Lexus for its recognition of Marquis quality of workmanship, but may also look forward to seeing lessons taken from this build enhance the already impressive yachts that the company produces. Paul Liss, Marquis Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing states: In building the Lexus Sport Yacht concept, we managed and administered a quality program to their exacting standards and expectations: we ll apply what we ve learned to all Marquis and Carver Yachts going forward. Liss added, We worked with extreme tolerance levels to construct this boat: essentially these are aerospace-like tolerances and specifications. I am very proud to be a part of this as is our entire team. This will raise our own quality and construction standards to new levels. Hiroshi Morimitsu, Toyota Marine Department General Manager says, Marquis Yachts management and employees immediately took ownership and have invested themselves in this incredible project as if it were theirs, and we felt a kindred spirit and trust in them. We are honored to have worked side-by-side with Marquis on this very expressive and unique project for Lexus. The Lexus Sport Yacht concept made its global debut at a Lexus-hosted Through the Lens global media event in Miami, FL. Dammrich: Two years of real prosperity ahead for industry Despite challenges, boat sales are increasing and are expected to ride the momentum for the coming two years according to NMMA President, Thom Dammrich. Consumer confidence is at a 10-year high, Real disposable income continues to grow, consumer spending continues to grow and gasoline prices remain low. We ve got two, two and a half years of real prosperity ahead. The industry still needs to make gains in reaching a younger and more diverse audience, Dammrich said. The interesting thing is that research is showing us people between the ages of 25 and 34 have a very high interest in the boating lifestyle. In fact, they have a higher interest than any other age group. Hanse Yachts and Torqeedo Co-operate on Rudder Drive With outstanding maneuverability, minimal weight and a powerful emission -free motor: together with sailboat builder Hanse and rudder manufacturer Jefa, Torqeedo have developed the Rudder Drive. The clue: The Cruise 4.0 with folding propeller is integrated in the rudder blade. Southwest Boating Magazine 11

12 April 6-9, 2017

13 Dockside Mercury Marine announce Joystick Piloting for Inboards On single-engine tow sport boats - Mercury said the joystick technology allows the engine to work with bow and stern thrusters to provide vessel control. The system is designed to work with the tow sports variants of Mercury s new purpose -built marine inboard and sterndrive engine. This is the latest in our evolution of our Joystick Piloting system, which began in 2007 and continues to evolve, much to the delight of boaters around the world. This brings the boat package in line with the latest vessel control technology. Boaters also will have the ability to execute a power turn to quickly turn around to pick up a tow sports rider. Mercury also updated its Smart Tow to accommodate the lower speeds that wake surfers require. This feature allows tow sports boaters to choose a preset launch profile and cruise speed, providing a consistent, perfect ride for the wake surfer or wake boarder. Good News for Boatowner Registration The NMMA said advance data show that new powerboat registrations were up 6.3 percent last year and that nearly all segments were higher. The tow boat, pontoon, saltwater fishing boat and personal watercraft segments had the highest rates of growth last year, up 11.8 percent, 9.2 percent, 7.9 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively. Outboards boats were up 6.2 percent on a rolling 12-month basis and inboard boats were up 11.8 percent. Boats 27 feet and larger were up 10.7 percent through December on a rolling 12-month basis. Mako Boats Debut 41 Footer The all-new 2018 Mako 414 CC, the largest, most powerful boat in the company s 50-year history, is available in three editions. At 41ft, with a 143-inch beam and a fuel capacity of 562 gallons, the Mako 414 also features a 24-inch deadrise hull with a setback transom and bow thruster. The company said technology features include Garmin electronics, CZone digital switching, a Mako exclusive SharkTooth monitoring app for ios and Android, and interior and underwater LED lighting. Crestliner Debut Pontoon Line The Rally Pontoon Series for 2017, available in two styles - the Rally and the Rally DX. Both performance packages offer a tritoon option and the Sport package provides increased horsepower. The company said the V3 package is perfect for more speed and water sports activities and delivers more horsepower, increased fuel capacity, greater control in rough water and an overall smooth ride. Consumers get to choose from five layout designs a cruise; a center walkthrough; a center walkthrough/ dual helm; a fish and cruise; and a fish. Southwest Boating Magazine 13

14 PREVIEW

15 Be sure to mark your calendars for April 6-9, as Spring welcomes the return of the largest display of new and pre-owned boats for sale in the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast - at the Southwest International Boat Show. Hundreds of boats, ranging in size from 10 to 100 will be displayed in-water and onshore at the fabulous South Shore Harbour Marina on Clear Lake, League City, Texas, just 45 minutes South of Downtown Houston. In nine years, the Southwest International Boat Show has grown to become the one place in Texas where visitors can view every possible type of vessel available to the recreational boater, be it fishing, sailing, cruising or water sports whatever your passion for the water you can find it at the show. In this section we preview just a few of the exhibitors you will see at the show, but remember to check the website for up to date exhibitor lists over the coming weeks and more detailed information on what s happening. Don t forget also that the Boat Show is uniquely placed for you to take advantage of other local area attractions while visiting the show, making it a great weekend break for all the family. More information can be found on the website: A huge variety of vendors will be on hand with marine equipment and services, apparel, fishing tackle, electronics and the latest accessories everything for your boating and outdoor lifestyle - and your budget! Looking for a new sound system or wakeboard tower, or what about an ATV or a personal watercraft perfect for family fun, remember it s not all about the boats! Stroll on Piers 14 and 15 where you will find SeaRay, Viking, Carver, Tiara, Monte Carlo, Boston Whaler, Swift Trawlers and Grand Banks to name a few plus the very best in sailing with Beneteau, Catalina, Jeanneau, Marlow Hunter and Lagoon, and vessels from Cape Fear Catamarans of the South East and Belzona Marine making their Texas debut - at the show! Dealers and manufacturers will be waiting to welcome you onboard to provide valuable information and answer your questions! As an outdoor event, the show is uniquely placed to offer attendees the opportunity to enjoy a fun day out on the water with the entire family, or connect with friends, while getting up close to some of the most luxurious vessels on the market today. The onshore boat displays run the full length of the show and will feature a huge selection of center consoles, ski-boats, bay/lake boats and a new generation of RIB s from Italian manufacturer ZAR Formenti. Names like, Tidewater, Mako, Robalo, Gekko, Bluewave, Capehorn, Carolina Skiff, Majek, Chaparral, Nautic Star, Berkshire Pontoons, Sportsman and Skeeter Bay are just some of the brands on display - many with incredible manufacturer s pre-season savings and buyer incentive programs available just for the show. Add to this a full program of over 40 FREE seminars and you have the most complete package for you, the boat show visitor, available anywhere in the Southwest! Take the opportunity as a new or existing boat owner...southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

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17 to kick your boating skills up a notch take to the water with our Take the Helm On-water Boating Classes being offered at the show. These on-water clinics are geared to enable you to enjoy your time on the water in the best possible way. Registration is available on site but take a moment to sign up on the Boat Show website before you go and ensure your space on these programs: When you re ready for a break from shopping the show, attending seminars or taking an on-water class, take a few minutes to enjoy a nice cold beverage at one of the bars conveniently located throughout the site which are staffed by volunteers from one of our chosen non-profits, the League City Lions Club, raising money and resources for local charities. Sample great food from local vendors at the concession area, pull up a chair, relax and enjoy great live music from the stage every day until closing time. Adults tickets are just $10 with no charge for under 15 s. Fox Yacht Sales Present Mag Bay Yachts The creators of the Mag Bay have a long history in boat-building success, as co-founders of Cabo Yachts, quality and customer service have long been a family tradition. The new Mag Bay is a sight to behold, a tasteful blend of Carolina flare and tumblehome with elegant modern lines, the Mag Bay is sure to turn heads and be the talk of the dock. Gorgeous lines adorn these high quality center console boats that work equally well as your fishing machine or the tender to your yacht. Top quality desirable components come standard, as well as many of the features that other s call options, and each build offers semi-custom additions that allow owners to rig their ride to match their style, be that fishing or cruising. Visit Fox Yacht Sales on Pier 15 at the show to view. Parking is free at the resort with complimentary shuttle buses available for free overflow parking on Saturday and Sunday. There s something for all the family to see and do at the Boat Show, and certainly something for every budget we look forward to welcoming you this April! South Coast Sailing Adventures An American Sailing Association certified sailing school, also offering boat rentals (with or without a captain), group sailing events and international sailing vacations as well as brokerage services. During this annual, exciting Boat Show, we will be offering specials on many of our sailing lessons and adventure packages. Come see us at Booths 43 & 44 and on the sailboat docks! Little Yacht Sales Celebrating Over 34 Years of Professional Yacht Sales Will be showcasing the Catalina line of yachts, including the newly launched Catalina 425. Over 16 hulls of this model have already been built and LYS was fortunate to sell 3 of them in the first few months. This is truly a totally new, modern design for Catalina and will be on display with Little Yacht Sales, Pier 14, at the Boat Show. Southwest Boating Magazine 17...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

18 ...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview... The Nautic Group, Inc. Present the Carver C52 One of the most striking features of the Carver C52 Command Bridge is how much room there is. With three staterooms, two heads, optional crew quarters and one of the most spacious layouts, this luxurious yacht lives like a much larger boat of conventional design. If you re looking for a yacht that offers solid offshore performance, extraordinary room, luxury and every conceivable amenity for your onboard enjoyment,then take a look at the C52 Command Bridge at the show this April. Frio Texas tough! Whether you re an outdoor enthusiast or a busy, onthe-go parent, Frio Ice Chests has you covered! Established in 2005 with the idea to bring innovative design to coolers in a way that had never been done before, by rethinking construction from the ground up, Frio has been able to push their cooler design further than it s ever been. They ve even built a motion sensitive light right into the lid! The Frio Light Bar is great for helping you find your drinks in the dark, it can also be removed to help find your way back to camp - and they did not stop there Next, they created the 24-7 Stainless Steel Cup. This handy stainless steel tumbler was built with double wall insulation and a copper lining ensuring that your drink stays cold or hot for up to 24 hours! Featuring a clear triton polymer lid with a straw insertion point, but the biggest addition to the 24-7 is the bottle opener built right into the base of the cup! From that point on, Frio moved into the promotional world and built all of their products with functionality in mind as well as customization! Customization options are offered on all their product lines - create 5 panel inserts on the high performance hardsides or create your own design on the entire body of the softside coolers, the choice is yours. All softside cooler options are built in Texas by Texans. They even offer customizable tumblers! Frio products come in three different series: - Frio Star Series, Retro Series and Label Series find out more when you visit the Frio booth at the show this April! 18 Southwest Boating Magazine

19 GALATI YACHTS Offers a sneak peek of what s in their line up at the Boat Show. Tiara 44 Coupe A more forward leaning take on classic Tiara Yacht lines, the modern profile of the 44 Coupe has a combination of high tech and high style. Designed to increase the yachting experience, the 44 coupe incorporates indoor/outdoor entertaining space combined with comfortable quarters for Captain and guests which make for a perfect cruise. Cruisers Yachts 35 Express Step aboard the 35 Express by Cruisers Yachts and you ll find the best of both worlds of boating. Incredible sports performance paired with elegant, beautiful and comfortable details which deliver an excellent adventure for you and your guests. The cockpit of the 35 Express is a perfect blend of beautiful design and engineering and the double wide helm seat gives your co-pilot a comfortable space and gives you a second set of eyes. Aboard the 35 Express, you ll find incredible light and a beautifully styled salon for you to relax or enjoy company - few new yachts can compete with the salon of the 35 Express. Prestige 560 Fly With the combined talents of renowned Italian naval designers, Vittorio and Camillo Garroni, French engineers, American and Swedish engine manufacturers, and an American naval architect, Prestige Yachts has become a worldwide-recognized style - a global brand - with international flair and distinction. And after only 20 short years, Prestige Yachts has found a captive audience with three diverse model lines - Flybridge, Express and Sport Top. Now offered by Galati Yacht Sales, the elongated profile of the NEW 2017 Prestige 560 Flybridge clearly makes an impressive statement! Incorporating clever details for enhanced comfort, the 560 s distinctive contemporary style makes optimal use of its onboard space. With four distinct gathering areas and an aft galley in an open floor plan layout, this yacht is spacious, inviting and comfortable. The 560 accommodates guests in three staterooms plus crew quarters below. The owner s full-beam master stateroom is well appointed, providing plenty of privacy and comfort. In addition, the forward sunpad and forward stateroom offer innovations that expand their usefulness. The 560 Flybridge features the original shape of the Prestige 550, yet offers many additional advantages. Luxurious and bright, the layout provides even greater comfort and more clever design features. Her new swim platform is lengthened and affords the same easy access developed for the yacht s range, with an automatically deploying staircase. Step aboard the Prestige 560 Flybridge and step aboard luxury! Southwest Boating Magazine 19...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

20 ...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview... Set Sail to Glass Mermaids Are you treading aimlessly in a sea of boring merchandise? Feeling the tug of mediocrity when you float to the big-box store down the street? Do you feel disconnected from your inner mermaid? Well, now, if you can answer yes to any of these questions, it s time for you to set sail to Glass Mermaids. It is without a doubt the first place I venture when I need to awaken my inner sea goddess. On paper the store is a gift boutique, but in essence it is a nautical adventure to explore the treasures of the sea. When you walk in, aquamarine walls soothe you as you take delight in - how would Ariel say it? - the gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. It would be almost overwhelming if everything in the store wasn t exactly what you were looking for. A new extension means that the collection of gifts is varied and plentiful. What is most telling about the Glass Mermaids is customer service. Without bias or hesitation, the workers make friends with their shoppers, guiding them to the appropriate gift for a loved one, a friend, or even yourself. You ll leave the store feeling the familiarity of friendship. After all, you ve been welcomed into the mermaid club. Visit Glass Mermaids at the boat show this April.

21 MARINEMAX - JUST THREE OF THEIR EXCITING MODELS AT THE SHOW The Aquila 44 Power Catamaran makes its debut in Texas! The Aquila 44 Power Catamaran takes cruising to a whole new level. Plenty of space to spread out or host a crowd. The huge flybridge deck has plenty of seating, a summer kitchen, and dining area. Immediately accessible from the flybridge, the forward deck is a natural gathering spot with bow rail seating. The ample cockpit leads into the salon and galley which features a 360, panoramic view. The Aquila 44 Power Catamaran offers three staterooms each with an ensuite head for the ultimate privacy. The owner stateroom lies forward with enormous storage and hanging lockers along with a centerline king-size berth. The guest staterooms have their own private entrances with queen-size berths and plenty of storage space. Perfect for extended cruising, lively entertaining, or your private island away from the everyday stresses. Take it all in stride with the performance and efficiency only an Aquila can provide. Sea Ray 400 Sundancer The 400 Sundancer blends together the attributes of elegance and practicality featuring a flexible architecture that is adaptable to multiple configurations and cultures. Ideally suited for a day of activities with friends or spending weekends aboard with your family, this vessel is the benchmark in its category. With a fast contemporary style, luxurious details and comfortable accommodations, the 400 is the next evolution of the Sundancer concept for the 21st century. Sea Ray 460 Sundancer The new Sundancer 460 embodies all the celebrated qualities of Sea Ray s iconic Sundancer line. Its open floorplan and thoughtful amenities contribute to an overall sense of ease and flow, at once inviting and invigorating. Generous, interconnected social zones make this perfect for gathering with friends, while high-end finishes and a sleek, elegant profile instill pride. In terms of performance, count on the standard Axius or optional Zeus propulsion system to ensure confident command for the captain and luxury cruising for all. Sea Lake Yachts, LLC A full service yacht brokerage offering brokerage boats, Sail and Power. They are also your authorized Texas Dealer for New MJM Yachts MJM Yachts was founded by Bob Johnstone and has become synonymous with fuel efficiency, ease of handling and exceptional comfort. Make sure to visit them and the MJM 36z at the boat show! Southwest Boating Magazine 21...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

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23 The Boat Yard - Eagle Maritime Services, Inc. With over 20 years of boat repair experience on staff, The Boat Yard are ready to service your boat or get you into a new one. Regardless of whether it s an 8 dinghy or an 80 yacht, any make or model, the team will be happy to provide you with services in the shop or at your boat s location. Proudly, Piranha Boatworks Dealers they will be featuring both Piranha, the premier boat for shallow water fishing, and Tohatsu at the boat show this April Piranha Flats Boats - Designed with true fisherman in mind. In 1989, Craig Johnson set out to create a new kind of flats skiff. The shallow water anglers of Southwest Florida needed a different kind of boat to replace the heavy and unwieldy skiffs made with chopped glass, woven materials, and wood coring. So, Craig drew from his background in model design and manufacturing in the automotive industry, combined them with his love of boating, and the Piranha flats skiff was born. His goal was to create a strong, yet lightweight, skiff that could support a shallower draft and use a smaller, lighter motor. The models have large decks and platforms, ensuring no wasted space, and allow for easier movement than on other boats. Tohatsu Japan s oldest outboard manufacturer, has been producing high quality, durable outboard motors since Originally developed for commercial Japanese fishermen, who needed a motor that could run for days on end, no matter what the weather. The ocean-tested engineering that enables Tohatsu engines to work under these demanding and harsh conditions makes them one of the toughest, most reliable engines available. The five year warranty shows commitment to providing not only a great value, but a dependable motor with unmatched performance, and provides customers with one of the best standard warranties in the industry on the entire line of two-stroke (TLDI Series) and four-stroke outboard engines. Southwest Boating Magazine 23...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

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25 of boat control and managing momentum, and more. Participants will learn how to handle the boat in tight spaces and maneuver close to piers, docks and fixed objects with confidence. For newcomers and those Hands-On who want to polish their skills under the guidance of a professional captain. Skills Training ANCHORING AND MULTI-VESSEL RAFTING TECHNIQUES Whether you re dropping the hook in a deserted cove for a quiet lunch or pulling into a crowded anchorage for the week, solid anchoring skills will increase your confidence Nothing beats hands on experience when it comes to improving your boating skills and learning new ones. This year let Carefree Boat Club add more fun and excitement to your boat show experience and take your boating skills up a notch. There s something for everyone - from and help assure the safety of your boat (and those around you!) Participants will learn a number of key skills including how to select the best spot, setting the anchor securely, managing a dragging anchor techniques for rafting up with other vessels and much more. absolute beginners to seasoned skippers! OPEN WATER BOAT HANDLING SKILLS Learn from the experts; all sessions are taught by USCG licensed captains who are professional, certified instructors. You ll learn basic and advanced skills that will last a lifetime! Helmsmanship the ability to steer and handle a boat well in varying conditions can t be learned from a book or in a classroom. Learn skills needed to be a confident boat operator including: how to handle large waves Space is very limited to 4 plus instructor. Advance registration is highly recommended. Participants may also register for the one hour class at the Carefree Boat Club exhibit during the boat show on a space available basis. and wakes safely, using use trim tabs and the engine tilt/trim feature to balance the boat correctly for sea conditions and to maximize fuel efficiency, rules of the road and more. There is a nominal registration fee for this event: FIRST MATE SKILLS One hour class registration is $55 and three hour class registration is $125. All classes include show admission and registrants should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. Key skills including line handling in docking and undocking maneuvers, how to get the boat secured in its slip including proper placement of bow and stern lines, correct use of spring lines and preparing for high winds or heavy weather. Instructors will teach you how to tie knots like a pro 1 Hour Class and how to coil, heave and store lines and rope correctly. BASIC DOCKING SKILLS Important skills used in docking maneuvers including how to back down a narrow channel in a straight line, turning the boat around in tight spaces, the principles of boat control and managing momentum, and more. Participants will learn how to handle the boat in tight spaces and maneuver close to piers, docks and fixed objects with confidence. For newcomers and those who want to polish their skills under the guidance of a professional captain. 3 Hour Class BASIC DOCKING SKILLS Important skills used in docking maneuvers including how to back down a narrow channel in a straight line, turning the boat around in tight spaces, the principles 1 Hour Class On Water Capacity/ session 3 Hour Class On Water Capacity/ session Friday plus instructor plus instructor Saturday plus instructor plus instructor Sunday plus instructor plus instructor Southwest Boating Magazine 25...Southwest International Boat Show Preview... South West International Boat Show Preview...

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27 Imagine having the opportunity to re-exam everything boating is, and combine it with everything you dream boating can be. And in doing so, to be free of past constraints and industry norms. That is the framework upon which Belzona was built, and in April this innovative company will be making its Texas debut at the South West International Boat Show. With marine industry roots stretching back 65 years, the Belzona name has always been synonymous with industry-best products and great customer service. That background enabled Belzona to evolve boating while crafting visually striking vessels. Making walk arounds that you can actually walk around. Placing cup holders Southwest Boating Magazine 27

28 all over the boats. Loading the boats with ample storage space. Even designing a better windshield. And by offering numerous custom features such as sound systems, boat color options, LED lighting packages, flooring options and front-and-back shades, every single Belzona made is ensured to be completely unique. Which leads to Belzona s patented Easy Open Sliding Side Door. Built into the hull s very design, this strong manual door revolutionizes boarding. With a 40-inch opening, it opens the ocean to all like never before. From diving to fishing, to sandbar excursions and helping people with disabilities board with ease on level docks, this door is a game changer in the industry. Not to mention how much easier it makes hauling gear! Belzona s unique fleet begins with their 27 Walk Around, which is the smallest of the bunch, but packs a mighty punch. An agile expression of boating excellence, the 27WA s features include a large and comfortable walk-in cabin complete with an enclosed head, a luxurious sun lounger, live wells and rod holders, a dive door and swim ladder, dual insulated fishing boxes and comfortable seating options. Next is the 32 Center Console. Serious fishing fun. Serious family fun. The 32CC is truly unlike any other center console. The seemingly endless amenities include the sliding side doors, 60-inch fish boxes, Quick Drain Technology and an optional fishing Tournament Edition that features a 60-gallon pressurized live bait well and Marlin Tower. The front of the boat will also 28 Southwest Boating Magazine

29 hook your family and friends with the spacious wraparound seating and ergonomic front facing lounger. The 32 Walk Around follows, and is made for family, friends, fishing and fun. Perfect for diving, swimming across sandbars and celebrating sunsets, the luxuriously functional 32WA delivers intelligent safety features such as Quick Drain Technology, a 7-foot berth, dry head, separate full-sized Corian shower, integrated sink and vanity, a large front lounger and even an optional sink, grill and countertop. elevate what boating can be. Speaking of debuts, Belzona will also be showcasing their brand-new Marlin Tower, which was crafted in true Belzona style, and their industry-best 3D boat configurator at the show - as well as online - where you can find so much more about this truly unique boating company. Finally, debuting this summer will be Belzona s biggest and best step forward yet: The 400. A culmination of decades of boating experience that builds upon the best of the Belzona fleet, this boat will once again Southwest Boating Magazine 29

30 MARINEMAX Vacations EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN S TREASURES AND NATURAL BEAUTY Maybe it s the way it makes you feel. Where it takes no time to unwind and where you discover treasures above and below the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Where the weather is warm year round and the islands are mountainous with exquisite coral sand beaches framing their parameters. From the most beautiful places to take in a sunset to world famous diving spots, enjoying a vacation in such a perfect setting is simply magical. Each of the 60 islands that make up the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has their own personality, easily catering to a variety of lifestyles and personal definitions of relaxation. Isn t it time to go where as the day unfolds, the more at peace you become? MARINEMAX VACATIONS When the journey is just as important as the destination, choosing the right charter yacht is essential to your vacation experience. Your yacht becomes your own private luxury oceanfront resort where you can delight in living comforts and practicality while cruising efficiently and confidently. MarineMax Vacations, the fastest growing charter company and a division of MarineMax, offers the industry s newest, most luxurious fleet from the world s most experienced boating company and were voted Best BVI Yacht Charter Company. We operate the newest and most state-of-the-art fleet in the British Virgin Islands of true powerboats. Our world-class, award-winning Aquila power catamarans were custom designed to deliver spacious comfort and optimal performance for an unmatched cruising experience for guests. Known as the MarineMax 382, MarineMax 443 and MarineMax 484 with 2, 3 and 4 cabins respectively, cruising aboard these yachts is an amazing experience and destined to create lifetime memories said Marketing Manager, Jody Krebs. 30 Southwest Boating Magazine

31 Offer the magic of the British Virgin Islands These luxury pure-bred cats are equipped with a long list of custom features. Taking the already spacious power cat hulls and tailoring for the charter fleet has raised the standard of charter vacation live aboard comforts. Offering incredibly spacious living areas with more than ample storage within a solid hull build and design. Watermakers, electric flush heads, separate shower stalls, fashionable oversized flybridges with direct forward access to the bow - perfect for grabbing mooring balls, zoned a/c controls for living comfort, and free WiFi dedicated to the boat are a few of the standards you ll enjoy aboard the fleet. For sailing enthusiasts, their BVI fleet includes wellloved brands like Lagoon, Nautitech, Fountaine Pajot, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Dufour and Beneteau monohulls and catamarans ranging in size from 30 to 56 An incredible yacht charter company maintains success by following two obligatory factors: flawless delivery of the finest yachts available and world-class customer service. Our objective is to continually expand the MarineMax concept of providing a worldclass boating experience with a team that is passionate about the boating lifestyle and sharing it with others. stated Krebs. The MarineMax standard of service is exemplified at their Tortola Charter Base where friendly staff form relationships with each guest to ensure an easy and professional customer service encounter throughout the entire vacation. For more information and to plan your incredible adventure, contact MarineMax vacations directly at MarineMax Vacations: Charter Vacations Charter Ownership Vacations@MarineMax.com Southwest Boating Magazine 31

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33 Transiting the New Orleans Industrial Canal Can you do it? By Gerry Laster PART 1 This is Highway Ninety, Industrial Canal. Polish? How you spell that Spelling: Papa-Oscar-Lima-Lima-Uniform-X-ray. Yeah, OK. I can lift the bridge here but the train bridge is closed until 5 o clock. You still want to come through? 5 o clock? Why is that? They re working on the tracks; you ll have to ask them about it. You want through, or not?..uh What can I do over there? Is there any option here? Over No, you can just go through, or not. If you want through, I ll open the bridge. Astonished, I cannot think of another option. If I turn around and go back to the lake, I can only wait overnight and try again tomorrow. Am I stuck in the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal overnight? So, can the New Orleans Inner Harbor Navigation Canal be successfully negotiated by Southwest Boating Magazine 33

34 the pleasure boater? The short answer is, Yes, and the chances improve with a bit of preparation and good attitude. Attitude? What s that got to do with sailing? Join me. Let s make this passage. You prepare yourself and your boat and remain flexible. Flexible? It is kind of like that attitude thing. Ready? And remember, with cruising and passage making, there are no guarantees. It is always a work in progress. I am on the east end of Lake Pontchartrain, sailing across the lake with the intent of passing through the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal in New Orleans. It is time to radio the Highway 11 Bridge crossing Pontchartrain, This is the sailing vessel, Pollux, calling the Highway Eleven Bridge. Over? Highway eleven to the sailboat, come back. Sailing vessel, Pollux, Westbound about 12 minutes east of your bridge requesting passage into the main Lake. Come on ahead, Cap n. I ll get the bridge open and ready for you. Next, the Railroad Bridge, even though they are operated by the same folks, must be called to verify clearance for passage. Sailing vessel, Pollux, calling the Southern Railroad Bridge...Yeah, Captin, there ain t no Southern railroad anymore and he proceeds to tell me the new name of the railroad. I can t be bothered.

35 OK, I see the bridge is up. Is it okay to pass through with the Highway Eleven opening? Roger, Captin, we stayin rat where we is. Come on thue. See, what I mean? My chart says, Southern Railroad, but it is wrong. It is the Southern Railroad Bridge to me but let s go with his name because he is going to open it for me. And, he is right. The bascule arm of the bridge begins to lift as I close to within one minute of my arrival. Slipping smoothly through the opening emerging on the other side I radio, Sailing Vessel, Pollux, clear Highway Eleven and the railroad Bridge. Over That was easy enough but now we cross the lake to reach the Canal. There is a great sense of urgency on my part to make it into the Canal by 1300 hours. New Orleans vehicular traffic takes precedence in rush hour. The Industrial Canal bridges have a curfew state from 1630 to 1830 hours (then, now ) and none are operational during curfew. If I miss that, I reach the Mississippi River very late and am faced with no place to dock in one of the three busiest shipping channels in the country in the dark! So, what are we facing to prepare for this passage? BEFORE you start the trip know there are 8 bridges, a surge gate, a junction of two channels, one commercial turning basin, much construction, several industrial wharf interests, and a lock all included in 6.2 miles of Industrial water channel. Is it BUSY? My quick rundown of the preparation includes the fact that my sailboat requires 51.5 feet of clearance and ALL of the bridges, except ONE, will require opening. That one fixed bridge is the I-10 High Rise at 120 feet, but the others range from ZERO to 50 Feet Vertical clearance and are either lift or bascule bridges that must open for my passage. Horizontal clearance is not an issue for me although it is important to note that the Lock is a huge bottleneck connecting two of the highest tonnage waterways in the Nation. It is also important to prepare for the manual line handling in the canal lift. That takes place ONLY from the outbound (toward the Mississippi) starboard side and they will require two cleated dock lines with a minimum 12-inch bollard end looped lines be passed to the line handlers. The lift could be as much as 20 feet in elevation. You will be in this lock with many other small vessels and you will be all in a row at the same side and very close quarters with lots of prop wash entering and exiting. Post-Katrina (and post-this-passage) there has been added a surge protection gate inside the Seabrook Bridge at the North end of the Canal that operates with lights and gates. Simply put, it is closed during a storm surge and otherwise generally open. This may be a good time to note that nothing in this or any other printed story or cruising guide is intended for navigation specific purposes and becomes potentially obsolete almost as soon as it is published. So, why publish it? The principles and guidelines still apply. And the story is just one example of the situations you will find. It is real and it is an event of passage. Read your charts including the notes and know the bridge clearances as they apply to your vessel. Check the current Notices to Mariners and especially the Inner Harbor Navigation website: mvn.usace.army.mil/od/lockupdates/lockstatus. asp?lockid=3. Call any telephone numbers you find and get the local input. Verify; don t guess. There is no one to blame but yourself if you do not properly prepare. Southwest Boating Magazine 35

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37 Can I be everywhere I need to be to hand off lines, set bumpers, and still properly pilot the boat? So, I am preaching the gospel of planning ahead, yet my float plan schedule leaves very little time for error and I handicap myself by going solo. I depend on the flexible and attitude elements. The wind is dropping and heading me and rain is closing in. I have about 90 minutes to cover the next seven miles and prepare for entry into the Canal. As I clear the end of the runway at Lakefront Airport, I am met with a squall line to the South and it is closing in fast. The rain starts to pelt me and it is looking bad for canal entry.. Because of these issues, all of the cruising guides recommend an allowance of 4 7 hours for passage through this route. Many of us know of this trip requiring 10 or 14 hours or more for this cut through the City. That would be somewhat of a catastrophe in my plan. The horror stories relate to problems in communications or some bridge maintenance issues with seemingly no assistance from the Bridge tenders and Lockmasters. Mechanical failure is part of life with moving bridges but I have never found any lack of assistance to be the case. In fact, they may not always be as forthcoming as they could be and they expect you to follow their rules, not yours, but they tend to want the same end result as we do to get us through and out of the way. We must clearly communicate the information they need and be prepared to work within their environment. You cannot win a verbal battle over the radio before you gain passage. They are in charge. Worry about the other later if it still matters it doesn t. Case in point I generally make it through in 2 ½ hours compared to the expected 7 or 10 or 14 hours. I ve even heard of people spending the night in the canal. So far, not I. Work within the system do not fight it. The rain quits as quickly as it began. I call the Seabrook Bridge and express my desire for passage. Now the pressure is ON. Can I get through the Canal unassisted? We will see Find Part 2 Continued in next issue. Gerry Laster: Gerry has been messing about in boats as an owner, buyer, seller, and industry professional since the 1960s. Another issue: I have also understood that I risk being turned back if they recognize that there is no crew on this vessel. This is my first time to transit the Canal, solo. Southwest Boating Magazine 37

38 Spring is a good time to inspect, treat or replace your boat s canvas, which may have suffered some wear over the winter. That wear may not be the result of use, for some fabrics simply break-down over time, especially those made with natural fibers. In many cases, a simple re-treatment may buy an extra few season s use of the covers protecting your boat. Canvas is a generic term used to describe the fabric covers found on boats that are designed to protect the craft s finish, contents and occupants from exposure to the elements here in Texas that s primarily the sun, followed by moisture in the form of rain and humidity. In most marine applications either a woven acrylic or a vinyl-coated polyester fabric has replaced common cotton canvas as the preferred material for boat covers. Vinyl-coated poly can be a good choice in some applications, 38 Southwest Boating Magazine

39 and remains waterproof for the life of the fabric. The problem is, it doesn t breathe, which can result in condensation and mildew in applications where ventilation isn t adequate. Acrylic canvas, on the other hand, has a weave designed to allow it to breathe and it s waterproof, stands up to ultraviolet radiation, resists mildew and is colorfast. For those reasons, the majority of canvas found on boats today is woven acrylic, with the most popular brand being Sunbrella. Quality marine-grade acrylic canvas is expensive to make and to buy, however, compared to the alternatives. And fabric such as Sunbrella attains its water repellency from a chemical treatment, which needs to be reapplied over the life of the fabric to retain its effectiveness. Depending on the circumstances, you can expect about four seasons of exposure before the fabric on most boat s Bimini tops and covers starts to lose its water repellency. A fluoropolymer-based product that is compatible with the original finish and can offer long-lasting repellency is the preferred re-treatment for acrylic canvas such as Sunbrella. Such waterproofing agents use a petroleum distillate suspension that has proven more effective on acrylic canvas than have water-based treatments. The latter are readily available and recommended in retreating situations when the boat remains on the water during the process and overspray might be an issue. Here are the steps we took when re-treating the fabric of a Bimini top with a popular fluoropolymer-based marine fabric waterproofing product from Star brite, which also offers a water-based Sea Safe Waterproofing spray (starbrite.com). Capt. Dan Armitage Dan Armitage is a popular freelance boating and outdoor writer, photographer and radio show host who presents boating and fishing programs at boat sport and travel shows nationally. He is a licensed USCG Captain with Master credentials and has been recognized by the Safe Boating Council for his work to promote boating safety. Southwest Boating Magazine 39

40 HURRY UP or Take Your Time We can handle them both. Full Service Yacht Repair Yard We know you would rather be on the water with your family. We also know that careful planning can cut down on unexpected problems due to everyday wear and tear on your boat. We have a 35 Ton Marine Travel Lift that can haul a beam of We specialize in Awlgrip paint applications, bottom jobs, fiberglass repair, bow thruster installations or anything else you need to do to protect your boat or maximize its performance. We are the only full service boat yard on Clear Lake where all dry dock charges are included in your price Watergate Yachting Center I 1500 Marina Bay Dr., Kemah, Texas I

41 Sidebar: Traditional cotton canvas, from which the generic term canvas comes, becomes waterproof when the cotton fibers are tight enough, or are treated, to seal the weave. Simply getting canvas wet can thicken the fibers and seal the weave much like the hull of a wooden boat, which must be soaked to swell the seams tight. However, as with wood, the problem with cotton canvas is it s propensity to mildew and rot in the face of moisture. That s why most boaters turn to canvas constructed of synthetic fibers to cover their marine assets. Above: After a thorough soaking of the fabric, six hours or more of drying time may be required before the fumes dissipate and the treated canvas regains maximum water repellency and may be folded or stored or enjoyed as overhead protection from the elements. Photos: Left: Application instructions for popular re-treatment products call for spraying on two light coats, the second applied perpendicular to the first to offer uniform coverage. McCorkle Insurance Agency Boats Yachts High Performance Commercial Marine Service Providers Let Our Family Protect Your Family Jason@mccorkleinsurance.com Highway 3, #110, Webster, Tx Family owned since 1985 Home Auto Flood Windstorm Southwest Boating Magazine 41

42 John Tiger is a freelance writer and photographer with monthly columns appearing in Angler (& Coastal Angler) Magazine, a Technical Contributor and Field Editor with Boating Magazine, Contributing Writer with BoatUS, BoatUS Trailering, BoatUS Angler magazines, Cabin Life magazine and ProPickup magazine. Most boat owners trailer their boats. If you re like most boat owners, you trailer your boat. With some, the most action your boat s trailer ever sees is two trips per year to the launch in spring, and back again to retrieve the boat at the end of summer. Others use their trailer regularly. Either way, proper care begins with inspection. If you re a competent DIYer, you can likely perform the inspection--and many of the repairs--yourself. Boat trailers are not complicated. Start at the coupler and work your way back: 1) Coupler: Most fail from rust, backing into them or running over them. If yours is damaged, and the latching mechanism worn, replace it. Couplers are cheap (usually less than $25 at marine, trailer and boating supply stores). If yours is welded on and needs replacement, take it to a welder or hacksaw it off and replace with a bolt-on version, using the proper size and strength bolts. 2) Safety Chains: You need two, of the correct size and strength to keep your rig connected to your tow vehicle if the coupler fails. TIP: If yours has plastic-coated steel cables, check these carefully. The cables often rust underneath the plastic coating. 3) Tongue Jack: These are inexpensive (less than $50) so just buy a new one if yours is broken or worn out. 42 Southwest Boating Magazine

43 TIP: To extend your jack s life, lower it before moving the trailer around by hand. The jack is weaker with its leg extended. 4) Winch: Bent crank handles, rusted gears and safety latches and worn out winch rope/strap and hooks are just a few typical problems. Often it s easier and cheaper to just replace. Repaint any surface rust, replace the winch stand if rusted out. 5) Bunks and bunk stanchions: Most bunks are made of wood covered with carpet, which holds water and rots out the wood. The carpet also holds sand and pebbles which scratch and damage the hull of your boat. Use treated lumber, outdoor carpet and stainless staples when making replacements. 6) Frame, Axle and Springs: Check for excessive rust and damage (bending or broken welds). Light surface rust can be wire-brushed and painted. Further damage should be checked by a professional. If you boat in salt or brackish water, wash the trailer thoroughly with fresh water to flush out all the salt water and deposits. Left unchecked, salt will rot through steel trailer parts quickly. Southwest Boating Magazine 43

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