NO WAKE ZONE | PLACES, FACES, VIEWS, NEWS, PRODUCTS & MORE
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 April issue the paddle is on page 39 (shown in the photo on the left) on the man’s leg. Here are the readers who spotted it first:
Marcus Rosehill, Kaneohe, Hawaii
As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown
to paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!
Of all the things you should never overlook, the captain’s chair has got to be at the top of the list. After all, it’s the one seat that truly gets used the most on your boat. That’s why as a staff when we’re reviewing a new boat, we pay particular attention to the comfort amenities for the driver, and that especially includes the helm chair.
A few years back we took note of a revolutionary helm chair that started appearing on high-end pontoon boats. Manufacturers such as Avalon, Berkshire, South Bay, Tahoe Pontoons and Trifecta were releasing extremely comfortable helm chairs that were more sleek and modern than other brands. When we did a little digging, we discovered the high back recliner helm chairs were all made by the same company, Wieland Motion, and the product was its Revolution chair.
We love the slimmer profile as well as the turning radius that averages 15 percent lighter compared to traditional chairs. The new Revo chair stood out to us and we expect to see more of this from this manufacturer as they clearly are a great fit for our industry. (www.wielandmotion.com)
Reel In Roca For Your Next Catch
Sight-fishing requires laser focus on the slightest indication – that split-second opportunity when you’ll either set the hook or lament over the one that got away. With so much on the line, you need sunglasses that give you every available advantage. Something solid as a rock. Introducing Roca (rock in Spanish), a solid pair of performance shades indeed. Made with tough, bio-based nylon, this modern oversized frame protects eyes with complete coverage and vented side shields, reducing glare off the water and overall light intrusion without fogging up. For enhanced clarity and acuity, the color-enhancing polarized lenses feature Bajío’s blue-light-blocking LAPIS technology that measurably minimizes eye fatigue and strain for longer, more productive days out on the water. Prices start at $199 for poly lenses and $249 for glass lenses. (www.bajiosunglasses.com)
New Electronic Propulsion Pontoon Concept
HALEVAI, co-founded by COO Evan Licht and CEO Frank Heidinger, is a new concept boat manufacturer focused on design, reliability, and sustainability. Their debut craft, the HALEVAI2050 is a 24-foot fully electric-powered customizable pontoon boat made completely in the USA. Consumers can opt to equip their boat with varying high-quality marine grade battery systems, including 60kWhr (Standard Range) and 80 kWhr (Extended Range) with a range of motors systems available from 75kWhr (100hp) to 125kWhr (175hp). The drive train is built in partnership with HyperCraft. The craft also includes a sound system, seating configuration, various “power” packages for a faster ride and charging, sun protection, cooler, grill and sink packages, all with a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
To further highlight HALEVAI’s passion for the American outdoors, they have chosen color palettes inspired by the glistening alpine mountain peaks, red rock canyons, white sand beaches and lush green mangrove forests across the United States.
Owners will appreciate the superior performance and near silent motor of the electric propulsion system never seen in the category of electric recreational boats. More than ever with the prices of gas soaring, “going electric” means less maintenance and zero money spent on fuel, which equates to an average of 60 percent annual savings. This new pontoon concept seeks to revolutionize the industry. (www.halevai.net)
Rackham Aero Pedal Drive Paddleboard
BOTE is now offering a new upgrade to its 12-foot Rackham Aero paddleboard with the addition of APEX Pedal Drive compatibility as well as the ability to add the included Aero SUP Paddle Seat.
The Rackham Aero Inflatable paddleboard is a super stable board with 400-pound carrying capacity and formidable form plus function. The BOTE APEX Pedal Drive, sold separately, is a revolutionary hands-free, pedal-powered system with a 10:1 gear ratio for smooth, efficient pedaling, a wide pedal foot platform with comfortable straps, a clear view port-hole, no-touch forward and reverse, and a spring-loaded, kick-up rudder.
For kayak and pedal-driven paddling, the included Aero SUP Paddle Seat attaches and adjusts for height and preference via four G-clips. Paddle lash-downs are included on each side of the seat, for storage of both a kayak and a stand-up paddle, and the APEX Pedal Drive rudder control system can be attached to either the right or left side of the seat for ambidextrous steering. (www.boteboard.com)
Distinguished Live Bait Delivery Device
Northland’s original Fire-Ball jig lure has been a big hit for walleye fishing. The proof is at the podium with the transformative jig earning payday after payday for professional and amateur tournament anglers alike.
Chin-hook a minnow on your typical longer shanked jig and the bait flails behind flopping unnaturally, the minnow losing color and posture as it’s essentially beaten to death. The awkward separation between the jig and head of the minnow also creates a blurred target for fish, sometimes resulting in whiffs. Conversely, the Fire-Ball ($3.29) unifies the components, the mouth of the minnow pinned directly to the jig head. The minnow tracks in perfect synchronicity with the jig, yielding a bull’s-eye for bites. Hooking percentages are further elevated due to the Fire-Ball’s ridiculously sharp, short-shanked hook, which is upturned for a better hooking angle. (www.northlandtackle.com)
VETUS Thrusters For Joystick Piloting
VETUS has collaborated with Mercury Marine to enable the integration of its BOW PRO thrusters with Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO).
The compatible systems join seamlessly to create a compelling solution that enhances the joystick piloting experience. The integration provides increased control of any size boat with twin or more Mercury Verado outboards.
Achieved using a bow thruster integration kit from Mercury, the new systems integration allows Mercury to capitalize on the unique features and advantages of the VETUS BOW PRO thruster range, including the NMEA 2000-certified CAN bus interface allowing control of the proportional thruster from Mercury’s joystick. Further benefits of the extremely efficient BOW PRO units are the built-in safety features, enabling boaters to extensively use their system without overload or overheating issues, and the industry’s first boosted charging capabilities as standard with the BOW PRO Boosted range.
The VETUS-Mercury Marine integrated solution requires next-generation Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls and is applicable for use with Verado outboards of 250hp and higher, on boats with multiple engines. (www.vetus.com)
The source behind one of the most popular boating-focused YouTube Channels, Boat Buyer’s Secret Weapon has launched the innovative Boater’s Bootcamp.
This video series is free for boaters looking to build their confidence and practical boating knowledge so they can avoid the common and costly mistakes that are all too easy to make when new to the world of boating.
During the three-part video series, Captain Matt shares boating basics for outboard and inboard/outboard boats, maintenance tips and even a little humor. In Part II, he discusses navigation, etiquette and practical rules of the water. In Part III, he talks about emergencies, how to be prepared for them, how to avoid them and how to handle three of the most common emergencies pleasure boaters may face. (www.boatersbootcamp.com)
Now That’s A Modern-Looking Gauge
Round gauges have come a long way from simple needles showing a single readout. Today’s modern alternative is the VL Flex 52 from Veratron. Simple to install, the innovative 2-inch round color instrument can be programmed to display up to 22 sets of data from a wide range of onboard sensors. It’s perfect for refitting boats with existing holes in the dash or for those with limited console space.
Highly adaptable, the VL Flex 52 instrument will display analog sensor data such as engine RPM, temperature, pressure and speed, tank levels, and trim position. Because each gauge is capable of displaying up to 22 data sets, an array of multiple VL Flex 52 instruments can provide an astounding amount of information in a small space. Prices start at $130. (www.veratron.com)