After 51 years, Bart’s Watersports has changed ownership. The retail store in North Webster, Ind., closed in September, but the online shop continues under new ownership.
“It’s been our privilege to help you get your kids (and grandkids!) up on trainers, find the best-fitting life jackets and wetsuits, and hang ten on your new surfers,” stated the previous owners, representing its 51 years of loyal employees. “We’re proud to have helped folks around the world discover the joy of lake life.” (www.barts.com)
One of the most important items to take care of when winterizing a vessel is its fuel system. With Marine Gasoline Stabilizer from LIQUI MOLY, it’s simple to provide long-term protection to two- and four-stroke engines and ensure an easy start next spring.
Marine Gasoline Stabilizer safeguards against gasoline aging and oxidation, stabilizing and preserving the fuel for months. The unique formula protects the entire fuel system from corrosion and when the cover comes off in the spring, it improves starting performance.
One 33.8 fluid ounce can ($35.99) treats 52.8 gallons of gasoline. After adding the correct amount to the fuel, the engine should idle for approximately 10 minutes. (www.liqui-moly.com)
Ben Speciale, president of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, was inducted into the 2023 NMMA Hall of Fame Award during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX)’s annual Industry Breakfast in October.
In his capacity as president, Speciale is responsible for all U.S.-based marine activities and subsidiaries, while also serving as the chief sales and marketing officer of Marine Engines and Boat Power Systems (BPS). He provides guidance and leadership to Yamaha’s boat companies and subsidiaries, including Skeeter bass boats, G3 aluminum fishing boats, Precision Propeller Industries, Inc., Bennett Marine, Kracor, and Siren Marine. Yamaha Marine has a network of approximately 2,300 dealers while also serving as an OEM outboard supplier to over 120 independent boat brands in the U.S.
Speciale lives in Kennesaw, Ga., with his wife, Kim. They have two grown daughters. The family enjoys recreating on the Tennessee River near his childhood home.
Are you looking for bow protection for your pontoon while trailering? RockGARD can help. The RockGARD is a patented trailer rock guard that greatly reduces road-tar and damage caused by rocks and road debris. It is easy to install and remove for safe access when launching your boat and it will work for almost any boat and trailer.
While the original was designed more for V-hull type boats, the latest version of RockGARD is specially designed for pontoon boats. It includes a unique shape, designed to get around and protect the wide bows of a pontoon boat. (www.rockgard.com)
A paddle is hiding inside each issue of PDB and the names of the first readers to find it are printed in an upcoming magazine! In our August issue the paddle is on page 31 on the beach (shown in the photo below) in the Hotwood’s Boat photo. Here are the readers who spotted it first:
Ken Braun, Hartford, Wis.
Doug Bestry, Queen Creek, Ariz.
Sal Branciforte, Middletown Conn.
Frank Gunther, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Jay Umphrey, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Mike Morphis, Hot Springs Village, Ark.
Rich Christensen, Townville, S.C.
Chuck Diehl, Bostic, N.C.
Danny Criner, North Chesterfield, Va.
Frank Gunther, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Mike Morphis, Hot Springs Village, Ark.
Marcus Rosehill, Kaneohe, Hawaii
As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown to paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!
As marine growth accumulates on their blades, boat propellers markedly lose efficiency. SEAJET PellerClean from Lewis Marine is the simple, eco-friendly way to keep running gear sparkling clean for up to two years.
Biocide-free SEAJET PellerClean is safe to apply and won’t contaminate the environment like many competing products. It includes a zinc chromate-free epoxy primer that provides optimal adhesion. The silicone-based top coating creates an ultra-smooth, ultra-slippery surface that fouling cannot accumulate on. Designed for propellers, it’s equally effective whether used in fresh, brackish or saltwater. (www.lewismarine.com)
For all the hours dedicated boaters spend at the helm, the savvy ones know how to do it in comfort and style. The new Schmitt Marine Primus CF delivers all the performance, reliability and looks discerning owners expect from a luxury-grade carbon fiber steering wheel, at a smart price point.
The sleek, modern beauty of this 13 1/2-inch steering wheel belies its rugged construction. Its dynamic three-spoke design incorporates carbon fiber throughout for a seamless stylized look that exudes gritty sophistication. The Primus CF’s1 1/8-inch diameter ring, along with its UV-resistant black santoprene rubber finger grip and rim grip, help reduce hand fatigue for secure, all-weather comfort.
For those wanting the occasional faster wheel spin with one-handed maneuvering, the Schmitt Marine Primus CF carbon fiber steering wheel comes in a control knob model. Glass ball bearings in the knob deliver optimum performance and responsiveness. (www.schmittongaromarine.com)
Steps, chines and strakes on performance-oriented hulls often present a challenge when mounting underwater lights. With its subcompact 2.99-inch diameter, the new SC2-SM Series from Shadow-Caster makes it easy for OEMs, custom boat builders and DIYers to install a premium—and incredibly reliable—underwater lighting solution on virtually any hull.
Shadow-Caster offers a range of controls for its SC2-SM Series of underwater lights. With the Power Toggle Control, users can quickly step brightness up or down or choose among 12 standard colors, depending on the model. With its innovative Shadow-NET Control module and CC (color change) lamp models, unlimited color, fading, dimming, strobe rate and music sync can quickly and efficiently be changed—all through a multi-function display and the companion app.
The SC2-SM Series (from $229 to $264) of underwater lights from Shadow-Caster come with a three-year standard warranty. (www.shadow-caster.com)
Crafted for the nonconformists who courageously challenge the mainstream, the Outlaw frames from Skeleton Optics are a tangible embodiment of audacious fashion and superior performance. The Outlaw sunglasses feature polarized polycarbonate lenses by Zeiss, a global leader in optical technology, offering 100 percent UV protection. Your eyes will be perfectly shielded from harmful ultraviolet rays, a paramount concern for outdoor enthusiasts. The lenses incorporate an advanced TRI-PEL/RI-PEL coating, resulting in clear and sharp vision while reducing glare discomfort, providing you with a superior visual experience in your outdoor adventures. (www.skeletonoptics.com)
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery-powered devices are a part of everyday life, especially on a boat. So too is the reality that if their batteries fail, the extremely hot and volatile fire can’t be extinguished utilizing a common handheld marine extinguisher. Fortunately, the new LiCELL SK Series Fire Safety Kits from Sea-Fire Marine were engineered for this scenario. They include everything needed to quickly contain a lithium-ion battery fire that has started in a small electronic device before it gets out of control. (www.licellfire.com)
For most battery powered devices, monitoring battery life is all but impossible at times. That’s not good news for any battery system, so Battery Failsafe Devices sought to solve the low voltage problem. The new SBA1272V Low Battery Alarm is an innovative monitoring device that displays readout of your battery voltage sending a visual-audible alarm when the battery is at a critically low voltage. This device is also user alarm set point adjustable. Now everyone can have peace of mind that the SBA1272V Low Battery Alarm is monitoring voltage and it is compatible with Lithium Ion batteries. (www.so-bfd.com)
Between a slim energy drink and the jumbo coffee, standard built-in cup holders have a tough time accommodating today’s wide range of beverages. Plus, they can’t follow the action around the boat. But the Universal 1-Cup Holder from SeaSucker can!
Designed to securely hold drink containers from 2 to 3.75-inches in diameter, it mounts temporarily on virtually any non-porous surface and removes without leaving a mark. The cup holder incorporates a set of rubber flaps in its 4-inch ring. The resulting friction secures everything from a thin aluminum can to a hefty 40 ounce bottle, even in chop. With the available Yoebi Stemware Holder, wine drinkers have a place for their chardonnay.
Available in black or white to fit any marine decor, the Universal 1-Cup Holder retails for $99 and the Yoebi Stemware Holder for $10. (www.seasucker.com)