Powerboating Gear

Powerboat-World.com--  The unique V100 VPIRB (VHF Position Indicating Radio Beacon) turns conventional MOB technology on its head through the simple concept that lives can be saved if vessels in the local area are immediately notified of a MOB incident and automatically provided with the casualty’s GPS coordinates. As the VPIRB sends its distress signal by VHF DSC, no expensive, additional onboard equipment is required, and because of this, any mariner can choose to carry a V100 and increase their own chances of rescue in a MOB incident. The Mobilarm V100 is a fully automated, maritime survivor locating device that transmits a MOB distress call via VHF DSC and VHF voice to all VHF radio equipped vessels and land based receivers within range, including the distressed mariner’s vessel. The pocket-sized VPIRB is attached to clothing or lifejackets and will automatically activate if the wearer goes overboard, sending out a distress call and real time GPS coordinates of the casualty’s current position. Read More

MarketWire.com--  Travelers, a leading provider of boat and other personal insurance products, is launching a first in the industry insurance premium discount* of up to 10 percent for those owning electrically powered boats. Whether boaters are interested in a quieter boating experience, or if they are seeking environmentally friendly boating solutions that help save money on annual fuel costs, electric boats can provide the right alternative for this segment of boaters. As a result, the number of electric boat manufacturers has grown and there continues to be a demand for electric boats in the current economy. "There has always been a segment of boaters who prefer a quieter electric boat and with the rising cost of marine fuel and a growing focus on the environment there is no doubt that more boaters will consider this option," said Chantal Cyr, vice president of the Boat and Yacht Division for Travelers. "As habits are changing and more people are using electric boats, Travelers is offering an innovative insurance solution that fits the evolving lifestyle of our customers."

Read about this crazy new PWC here

On Friday, July 11, West Marine will host a New Product Review Day at its Watsonville, Calif., support center.  This is the opportunity for prospective vendors — from large to start-ups — to pitch their products to West Marine's retail management team for an opportunity to sell at the company's 369 retail stores and through its Web site, catalogs and wholesale distribution company.  To set up an appointment for New Product Review Day, e-mail West Marine at vendorinfo@westmarine.com.

IBI News--  Mimicking several large US automakers, Zodiac is offering US$1,000 in free fuel with the purchase of two of its rigid hulled inflatable boats (RIBS). The company said in a statement that North American dealers would have the promotion in conjunction with the Zodiac Pro 20-Man and Pro Open 850.  "By pairing this $1,000 free gas offer with two of our most popular, fuel-efficient center console RIB models, we're delivering a one-two punch to high fuel prices that will really resonate with boaters," said Howard French, vice president and general manager, Zodiac of North America, Recreational Sector, in the statement.According to NMMA data, the inflatable segment was one of the few boat categories that showed growth in 2007. New boat sales increased by 17 per cent last year, according to its 2007 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. Zodiac said that the RIB segment accounts for about 46 per cent of market share.

CNN Money--  Cobra Electronics (Nasdaq: COBR) today announced the launch of a new marine product that will revolutionize the way boaters communicate. The patent-pending MR F300 BT handset uses Cobra’s exclusive MicroBlue(TM) technology that enables boaters to have loud and clear non-emergency phone conversations while underway.  Set to debut at the 2008 Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show, July 16-18 in Las Vegas, the MR F300 BT pairs Bluetooth(R) wireless technology with a combination microphone/speaker handset. Incoming phone call audio is routed through the speaker, and outgoing voice audio is relayed through the noise-canceling microphone. The unique ability to make and receive phone calls over even the noisiest engine allows boaters to keep their mobile phones tucked away from the threat of water damage.  "The MR F300 BT is the first-of-its-kind in the marine category and addresses a significant on-the-water need," said Tony Mirabelli, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra. "The product helps boaters tackle the communication challenges posed by the noisy marine environment, without

Gizmag.com--  There’s something about a bespoke piece of high-ticket kit that resonates with congruity of purpose and this Rigid Inflatable Boat is a case in point. Apparently at some time the property of a company which purpose-built boats and marketed them as “uncatchable”, it got caught up in a drug case with large amounts of cocaine allegedly found aboard. Being a lighweight RIB with no less than eight 250 horsepower outboards, it has 2000 horses on tap and a low radar signature, and making it very suitable for long-range, high-speed, high-stealth, medium-payload operations.  Read More

CNN Money, June 3 2008--  Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. (AMEX: FPB), a leading manufacturer of high performance sport boats, fish boats and express cruisers, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Baja by Fountain, Inc., has acquired certain assets of Baja Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC). Baja produces high performance sport boats in lengths from 19 feet to 40 feet.  Fountain expects to begin manufacturing the Baja by Fountain boat product line for the 2009 model year, according to Fountain Powerboat founder and CEO Reggie M. Fountain, Jr. "We are pleased to complete this transaction, and are very happy with the progress being made in bringing Baja and its popular portfolio into the fold. This action unites two of the leading brands within the powerboat segment, adding several popular models to our product portfolio, including the Outlaw, Performance and Islander model line-ups. Likewise, we are excited to deepen our long-standing relationship with Mercury Marine, which will continue to provide marine engines and certain other power components for Baja boats manufactured by

uberreview.com--  It is not too often that we associate solar powered with anything fast and or furious, but perhaps it is time that we start. The Czeers MK1 is a 10-meter vessel covered in photovoltaic cells that is capable of hitting speeds of up to 30 knots (55.5 km/ph to you non-nautical folks out there). While there are certainly faster boats on the water, those tend to use obscene amounts of fuel. The solar-powered Czeers MK1 is naturally going to be a lot quieter than its gas guzzling cousins, which would make it great for sneaking up over fish (though there is limited space to put them if you catch them. I would like to see a similar model with little bit more space for passengers, even if it did mean sacrificing some speed. Speedboats are so limited in what they are able to do, but if this had a little extra space, it could do so much more.  Read More

Eastside Business Journal (WA), May 22 2008--  Amidst rising gas prices and uncertain economic times, many businesses in the boating industry are operating in survival mode. The ability to differentiate a business from other industry competitors is always a central element of success, but now it may be the key to a company’s continued existence.  Duroboat, a family owned boat manufacturer located just north of Woodinville, is hopeful that the unique design of their gas efficient and eco-friendly boat, coupled with the boat’s oversea shipping capabilities, will set them apart from the competition and carry the company through these tough times.   

Duroboat’s lightweight 10’-16’ aluminum skiffs allow boaters to enjoy the sport in an economical and environmentally friendly way. Unlike other light weight aluminum boats, Duroboat is constructed without rivets.  Their patented interlocking joint system, allow Duroboat to achieve the same strength and quality as heavier welded boats without the “heavy.” Lightweight boats require