It’s hard not to get excited when you get on a new boat and you want to punch the throttle, and that’s exactly what we did on this Tahoe T21. We made 57mph at top speed with this boat, which is pretty sweet for an 11-passenger carrying capacity. You get an extremely fast hull shot, thanks to the Mercury V8 which is ideal for when pulling skiers. Nearly 2 years of R&D went into this before they built the first one.

It’s all composite construction and Tahoe was one of the first brands to do this. It has complete level flotation, even though the Coast Guard only requires boats under 20 feet to have it. The dashboard is entirely touch screen, the boat has great storage, and even better stability. There’s a big story here to tell you and we’re here to walk you through it on the Tahoe T21.

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The LX9 is Regal’s latest in the LX series, a 29-foot dual Yamaha outboard-powered masterpiece with joystick steering that allows anyone to dock the boat like a pro. This boat offers a dual Garmin 12 inch GPS display with digital switching for full control of your navigation systems, audio, RGBW lighting, and Power Hardtop as the driver or passenger with just a tap on your screen. Choose the SandbarSubs for an enhanced boating experience, a bass-pumping audio system perfect for days at the sandbar.

The cockpit is roomy with an electric sliding rear seat that expands either the cockpit or the swim platform. For convenience and safety, the boarding ladder is on the port side of the platform, giving ample clearance around the propellers. Aft seat backs tilt forward or aft, providing the option to sit facing the water or friends in the cockpit. Bow seating is spacious and comfortable with plenty of storage and safety grab rails.

The console reveals a large head compartment, and the Power Hardtop lowers and lifts with a tap on your screen. ReFlex flooring adds an elegant look, is easy on the feet and cleans up quickly after a day on the water. The LX9 is as sporty under power as it is beautiful alongside your favorite waterfront restaurant.

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Join Boating Magazine’s editor at large, Randy Vance, as he explores Mustang Survival’s PFDs powered by their innovative MIT technology. As the primary tool used for boating safety, selecting the correct personal flotation device for your activities on the water is key to keeping everyone aboard safe. Mustang Survival has spent decades doing just that in the recreational, military and commercial spaces. They’ve perfected Membrane Inflatable Technology to offer new and improved convertible inflation technology, additional buoyancy and easier re-arm & repack solutions. The Mustang MIT series comes in three different buoyancy level trims. The MIT 70 features 15.8 lbs of buoyancy and is ideal for inshore and inland conditions when rescue is nearby. The MIT 100 features an increased buoyancy of 28 lbs and is suitable for both inshore and offshore applications with even more airway protection. The MIT 150 provides 38 lbs of buoyancy and is ideal for conditions that require heavier protective gear offshore. Whether you’re out on the water in a kayak, a powerboat or offshore sailing, stay safe with Mustang Survival.

Learn More about Mustang Survival’s MIT inflatable PFD range: mustangsurvival.com

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Scarab’s boats are well known to the editors of Boating. In 2022, Boating’s team tested more than 100 boats – PWCs, runabouts, cruisers, dayboats, and center-consoles – and chose the Scarab Jet 285 ID, a wide-beam, luxury runabout with all the advantages of jet propulsion, as a finalist for Boat of the Year. There was plenty for the editors to praise: the huge sun pad and transom platform, enclosed head, 12-inch intuitive touchscreen interface, the 600 hp jet propulsion that’s quieter than other boats in the category. Now Scarab splashes a new contender: the Scarab Jet 235 ID.

The 235 ID follows the strategy that Scarab introduced with the 285: stylish, plush, and great for the family.

There are many unique features to Scarab that address the most common concerns about jet boats. Worried about weeds being sucked in? With one tap on the touchscreen, the Intelligent Debris Free Pump System (IDF) disengages the drive shaft and spins the impeller in reverse to flush debris. Concerned about the “creep factor” of jet propulsion? Use the Neutral Offset setting to counterbalance the forward or back motion to find a true neutral. There’s also Docking Mode, which slows the throttle response for easier control at low speed and for tight quarters maneuvering.

What about the wake? It’s relatively long, a rarity for a jet boat. It cleans up well, and has a deep pocket and good push for a boat this size. There is one ballast bag under seating in each side aft, and a single bag forward. There’s also an external ballast bag designed to go on the aft platform to add extra weight to the surfer’s preferred side. All bags are already plumbed into system, and easily filled and emptied via the touchscreen.

At the helm, the touchscreen allows riders to choose their preferred speed, ballast preference, and acceleration profile from mild to aggressive. Once your wave is dialed in, save it in a preset for easy access. The display also integrates speed/rpm, exterior/interior/navigation lightning, engine data, as well as access to the owner’s manual as a PDF file.

Scarab’s tagline is “the outperformer.” A bold statement, but one the manufacturer continues to live up to.

The post Boating’s First Look at the 2024 Scarab 235 ID appeared first on Boating Mag.

MotoJet builds high-performing jet boats for rough waters. There’s a new step in MotoJet’s evolution today and it’s coming from Indmar Marine Engines 2.3L EcoBoost. As a turbo charged 310 horsepower engine, the EcoBoost is super quiet and super powerful. You’re guaranteed an impressive time on the water. Watch it in action with Randy Vance.

The post Indmar Marine Engine‘s 2.3L EcoBoost Powers MotoJet’s Mini Jet Boats appeared first on Boating Mag.

With the development of the AV28 series, Aviara continues to evolve its collection and provide luxury without limits. The entirely new AV28 series seamlessly merges luxury and sport with progressive styling, modern comfort, quality details, and elevated control to cruise through any condition and deliver the ultimate experience on the water.

With options including the sterndrive AV28, the outboard AV28-OB, and a surf-centric forward-facing drive model—the AV28S—the entire AV28 series delivers the power and performance that you demand. Plus, when you opt for the AV28S equipped with SurfStar, you get the same elevated experience Aviara is known for, with behind-the-boat enjoyment like never before. Customizable finishes, unique features, and spacious seating provide the perfect place for all-day socializing for the entire crew. Easy access to the water and seating versatility at the transom make the AV28 our most fluid vessel from cruising to swimming and surfing. The AV28 series truly offers luxury without limits.

For more information on the brand-new AV28S, visit aviaraboats.com.

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Seakeeper Ride and its VACS technology eliminates pitch and roll, creates the perfect running angle and responds instantaneously to changing conditions. Being banged around by heavy machinery is nothing new, so we brought in a group of grizzled testers with experience in harsh, intense, bumpy rides to try it out and share their feedback, and tell us if Ride is a helluva ride.

Product overview: Seakeeper Ride is the Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that eliminates up to 70% of pitch and roll while underway. It’s by the same geniuses who created the game-changing gyro stabilizer. Inspired by advanced aerospace technology, Seakeeper Ride makes 100 adjustments per second for better performance, more comfort and a smooth ride.

Test subjects: The Stock Car Driver (Logan Misuraca). The Bull Rider (Dee Lewis). The Mega Yacht Captain (Capt. Kelly Gordon). The Monster Truck Driver (Matt Pagliarulo). 

For more info on the Seakeeper Ride, visit: ride.seakeeper.com.

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Marine starting batteries have a singular, but all-important job — to reliably crank over your engine whenever you turn the key or press the start button. As that moment could be the start of a long-awaited holiday weekend, or in response to severe weather or medical emergency, it’s vital that your starting battery is up to the task.

Here are the top traits of a marine starting battery.

Battery Types

There are three primary types of marine starting batteries, Flooded, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel. Flooded electrolyte batteries are cost-effective, but can rapidly discharge if not kept fully charged or an unsealed battery’s cells topped with distilled water. They also need to be housed in vented compartments, kept upright to avoid possible spills and are more susceptible to long-term damage from vibration caused by waves and wakes. In contrast, AGM batteries contain electrolyte within spongy fiberglass mat; gel batteries use silica to convert their electrolyte into a jelly-like state. Though notably more expensive, both are far more durable and low-maintenance. Sealed designs require no watering, prevent spills and splashing and better withstand the jarring of rough water.

As to charging, flooded and gel batteries are more susceptible to heat, resulting in longer charging times. Gel batteries in fact can be rendered useless from too much heat during faster charging. The design of AGM batteries allows them to be charged up to five-times faster than a flooded battery, but keep in mind both AGM and gel batteries require temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers to avoid damage.

Ready For Their Role

Starting batteries need to produce a large amount of electrical energy for a relatively short period of time. Tasking a starting battery with powering onboard electronics — from lighting and bilge pump to that booming sound system during a long afternoon partying at sandbar or cove — may not only shorten its lifespan, but possibly drain the battery’s power and leave you unexpectedly stranded. Best to leave those other power draws to a separate “deep-cycle” battery that, while maybe not as potent, is designed to deliver steadier power over a much longer period of time.

Should you require a singular solution, look for modern “hybrid” designs that promise enough deep-cycle reserve power to power onboard electronics while retaining their potent starting power. Examples include Odyssey’s Extreme and Performance series, which can deliver twice the power and last up to three-times longer than conventional lead-acid alternatives. Odyssey accomplishes this feat in part by using 99-percent-pure lead plates that are extremely thin, allowing them to be densely packed and offer maximum plate surface area.

Sufficient Cranking Amps

A starting battery’s power is measured in cranking amps (CA), the amount of electrical current a fully charged battery can discharge over a 30-second period in normal (above-freezing) conditions. Find your engine’s required cranking amps in the owner’s manual or ask your dealer. Keep in mind, when it comes to starting batteries bigger doesn’t always mean better. Technically, there’s no need to buy a battery rated for more cranking amps than your engine requires.

Marine-Specific Design And Construction

Insist on batteries that are designed for marine use. In addition to the abuse from jarring waves and wakes, the marine environment is notoriously harsh. Look for materials like brass or brass-plating on terminals to provide secure cable connections that will remain free from corrosion. Odyssey’s robust intercell connections are cast to the plates and bonded to resist vibration and eliminate internal sparking. Compressed Absorbed Glass Mat plate separators also provide extreme vibration resistance and prevent spills, allowing batteries to even be installed on their side.

Most Valuable Player

A marine starting battery is literally the key to a safe, fun-filled day on the water. Choose a quality battery that matches your needs — and is built for the unique demands of the marine environment — and you’ll enjoy not only the day but many stress-free seasons to come.

The post The Top Traits Of A Marine Starting Battery appeared first on Boating Mag.

Unleash the Thrills with Sea Ray’s SLX 280 Outboard, redesigned to be a super social day boat.

It’s not often you see a day boat with twin outboard engines, and Sea Ray does a fantastic job maximizing the swim platform around them on the SLX 280 Outboard. With an impressive top speed exceeding 55 mph and swift throttle response, this boat offers an exhilarating driving experience.

The twin Simrad touchscreen displays make navigating, keeping track of your ship systems, and everything else easy with just your finger touch. It features a push button start, active trim that adjusts the trim on the engines, and joystick control.

The SLX 280 is not only ideal for socializing and enjoying the water but also stands out as a highly responsive performance vessel. Learn more about the Sea Ray SLX 280 Outboard here.

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Join Randy Vance and the founder of SJX, Steve Stajkowski, on the Clearwater River aboard the SJX Jet Boat, powered by 2.3L EcoBoost and EcoJet package by Indmar Marine Engines. This system brings a lot of excitement to this extreme form of boating. The Indmar EcoBoost and EcoJet are the perfect fit for SJX’s customers with impressive performance and diverse capabilities. Watch now!

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