New Damage Control Kit | Whaler 325 Conquest | Fountain 43 NX - 07/02/21

All-New SeaKits Damage Control Tools

Don’t Leave the Dock Without It!

Since its inception, SeaKits has provided boat operators with invaluable, mission-critical tools for safety preparation and crisis management. Now, SeaKits has been upgraded to include all-new components, consists of an inventory of durable items that are not only built to last but are guaranteed to help vessel operators endure a wide array of emergency scenarios while on the water. From hull breaches to busted hoses and pipes to flooding – SeaKits contains a diverse supply of critical tools to help mitigate crisis scenarios and get boaters home safely. See it in action...

Test Video

Grand Banks 60

Expert, Ergonomic Design Throughout

We don’t know a soul who doesn’t have a soft spot in his/her heart for the old Grand Banks models of the 1970s and ‘80s.  But truth be told, in many respects they had a number of design and ergonomic flaws.  One of our favorites was the pipe from the flying bridge right in front of the lower helm that conveyed the steering cables from the bridge. It was ideal for a wall-eyed skipper. Doors were narrow, the flying bridge was primitive (even then) and a following sea was not her best point of sail.

But the new generation models of Grand Banks have taken the best from the past (such as lots of teak) and created what we always thought a Grand Banks should be like. The new generation GBs are made from weight-savings materials and designed to have a low center of gravity. The old spartan lower helm has given way to modern technology. For example, she has a joystick positioned so the captain can stand on the side deck and reach it while docking. Of course, they’re sold out and the pandemic has set back production in the Malaysian yard many months, but persistence and patience can pay off in pursuit of this iconic brand. More...

Test Video

Fountain 43 NX

Coveted Mix of Speed and Range

When offshore fishermen first showed interest in Fountain Powerboats’ center consoles like the 43 NX, it wasn’t because of their top speed. It was more about their range. Like all of the company’s offerings, the 43 NX rides on the Positive Lift twin-stepped bottom that Reggie Fountain (now a consultant) continues to refine to this day to be as efficient as possible. Yes, she runs 73.4 mph at a top speed at 6650 rpm but check out her range at lower rpm. At 5000 rpm, she runs 57.5 mph and covers 385 miles. At 3500 rpm, she moves along at 35.8 mph and covers 460 statute miles. More...

Test Video

Sea-Doo GTI SE 170

PWC w/Choice of Driving Modes

Sea-Doo’s GTI SE 170 is a 10’10” (3.32 m) three-up personal watercraft that’s available with two engines and a choice of color combinations. She also comes with four different driving modes. ECO automatically determines the most economical power setting. Speed Regulator sets a specific speed for cruising, tow sports or navigating no-wake zones. Sport provides the max performance while Ski mode delivers smooth predictable power for towing watersports. More...

Test Video

Boston Whaler 325 Conquest

Unsinkable and Efficient

The twin 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards on the Boston Whaler 325 Conquest that we tested are the middle of the range offered for the boat. Base power is twin 300s and the maximum option is twin 400s. We hit a top speed of 48.6 mph at 6000 rpm with the twin 350s. For someone wanting to make an offshore run for a day of fishing, best cruise came at 4000 rpm where we recorded 28.5 mph at a range of 353 nautical miles with 10% of the boat’s 300-gallon (1,135.36-liter) fuel capacity held in reserve. More...

Boating Safety

Stay Safe This Holiday Weekend

With the addition of 415,000 new first-time registered boat owners since 2020 enjoying their first full season on the water, it’s up to experienced operators to make sure we all stay safe on the water. Rule #1 is after the fireworks are over, don’t race home in the dark – this is what causes accidents, some of them tragic. Slowly go home and enjoy the night air. Here are some other safe-boating strategies we should all implement every time we head out. More...

Only Premium Boats – Only 8 Happy Members

SBC has only premium boats and happy members. Happy, because they can use the club’s expensive new boats almost any time they want – including full days on weekends. They can go 50 miles or more offshore for fishing or cruise up the coast on overnight adventures.  Affordable annual memberships in five premium boats ranging from 27’ to 35’ (8.2 m to 10.6 m) are now available in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla.

Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

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"Learning the ropes from Grandpa."

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