Awarding Innovation

Nine marine manufacturers were honored for their innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2008 Miami Boat Show. Yamaha Corp. won the Innovation Award in the “PWC, Jet Boats and Pontoon Boats” category for its WaveRunner SHO, which features several PWC-industry “firsts,” including: a Nano-engineered hull that decreases the craft’s weight by 20 percent; a No-Wake mode that automatically sets engine rpm at optimal no-wake speed; and cruise control. In the “Runabouts and Fishing Craft” category, Boston Whaler won the Innovation Award for its 230 Dauntless. The revolutionary approach to functional seating in the 230 — with a new level of comfort and maximum use of space — sets it apart in its class. The Environmental Award went to the Eco-Star 200 electric boat by Starcraft Marine. The EcoStar 200 combines access to electrical motors with exceptional maneuverability of twin propellers on a deck boat platform.

Additional winners included:
"Consumer Electronics & Software" category: NavNet 3D multifunction navigation suite by Furuno USA Inc.
"Consumer Installed Non-Electronic Hardware" category: AirBattens from UK-Halsey Miami
"Consumer Personal Gear" category: Coastal Compact Life Raft from Revere Survival Products
"Consumer Installed Docking & Fendering Equipment" category: H2 LED Dock, Marina and Pier Lights from TouchStone Accent Lighting
"Inboard & Outboard Cruisers" category: True North 24 from Pearson Yachts/True North Yachts
"Inflatables, Small Boats Up To 15'" category: Airis High-Pressure Inflatable Kayak from Walker Bay Boats

DVD Giveaway

Win a DVD of the acclaimed documentary Deep Water! Narrated by Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), Deep Water details the riveting true story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who enters the most brutal nautical challenger ever — the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world sailboat race. The film won Best Documentary at the 2006 Rome Inter-national Film Festival. Submit your name and address to editor@boatingworld.com, and after a random drawing on May 1, 2008, five readers will win a DVD.

Take Me Fishing

88,584 — The number of kids and their families who were introduced to boating and fishing in 2007 by the NRPA/RBFF Take Me Fishing Community Initiative, which far surpassed its goal of 65,500.


Sock It To 'Em

Supported by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service’s (MAREX) “Stick a Sock in It” program is giving away free bilge socks to boat owners and marinas. For more information or to request a bilge sock, contact Paul Christian at either (912) 264-7336 or pchristi@uga.edu.

What's In A Name

BoatU.S. has released its annual list of the top 10 most popular boat names. Here’s the list for 2007, and these names just may tell you a little something about the boat owners:
1) Black Pearl
2) Liberty
3) Second Wind
4) Amazing Grace
5) Aquaholic
6) Knot on Call
7) Second Chance
8) Wanderlust
9) The Dog House
10) Carpe Diem/Seas the Day

10 Questions With …

David Matagiese, adult education coordinator and junior angler program coordinator for the International Game Fish Association.

Boating World: What’s the best way for parents to turn their kids on to fishing?
David Matagiese: To just get them out there and in a hands-on situation. A lot of parents sit there and watch. If they aren’t jumping in and showing the kids the proper way, they’ll lose interest. Once kids catch their first fish, it takes care of itself — they’re hooked.

BW: What’s the top mistake you see parents make when teaching their kids how to fish?
DM: Using improper techniques. They know how to fish, but they start the kids out in the wrong direction by not teaching them the basics, especially how to properly take care of the environment. One example is not recycling the fishing line — a lot of parents just snip off the line and throw it on the ground, which will take 600 years to decompose.

BW: What’s the best tip you have for the average offshore angler?
DM: Slow it down, and keep your eyes open on the water. You miss a lot of primetime fishing when you’re rushing. Also, be prepared for any situation that can arise, and have everything ready. This is what sets professionals apart from the everyday guys. When you’re out on the water, every second counts.

BW: Where is your favorite place to go offshore fishing?
DM: My favorite place off the East Coast is off the humps in Marathon (in the Florida Keys). My all-time favorite place though is in the channels of the Hawaiian islands, where I’ve caught marlin, wahoo and tuna.

BW: How does someone get inducted into the Hall of Fame?
DM: They have to be very involved in the fishing world — have a well-known name, and have done a lot of work geared toward conservation. Once they’re voted in, there’s an induction ceremony with a dinner, and they’re permanently enshrined in IGFA Hall of Fame. Only four people a year are inducted.

BW: What is the main goal of the IGFA?
DM: The IGFA is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of gamefish and the promotion of responsible and ethical angling through science, education, rulemaking and record keeping.

BW: What’s your favorite type of fish to catch?
DM: Definitely yellow fin and blue fin tuna. They’ll keep your rod bent the entire time, from the beginning to the end. Pound for a pound, they’re the heaviest fighting fish.

BW: What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?
DM: A 382-pound mako shark off the coast of New Jersey. 

BW: What’s your favorite piece of fishing equipment?
DM: It’s actually my lucky fishing hat. I have to have it each time I go offshore, and can’t leave without it! I don’t have the same confidence without it.

BW: Is there any advice you’d like to give?
DM: A lot of times people are intimidated by the sportfishing world. Take the time to figure out what you want to be doing, and do your homework beforehand. It’s important to develop a relationship with your small local tackle shop. It’s hard to ask questions, but there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Ask the employees, because they’re submersed in this every day and are loaded with information. People are always wiling to help, and it’s a good idea to utilize them.

Grab Your Rods

Debuting Aug. 20-24, 2008, in Panama City Beach, Fla., the Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament is poised to set a record as one of the nation’s largest sportfishing tournaments. The Grand Lagoon National boasts six competitive divisions at four marinas for a purse totaling $1 million and is hailed as “America’s most all-inclusive sportfishing tournament.” It’s not only expected to draw more than 400 boats and 2,000 anglers from across the county, but also bring an estimated 40,000 spectators. If you’re interested in competing in four days of “reel” action and adventure, registration takes place March 1 through Aug. 18, with entry fees ranging from $100 to $6,000, depending on the division. Register online at www.grandlagoonnational.com, or call (850) 522-0955 for more information.


B Is For Book

Did you know the Great Barrier Reef is visible from the moon? Or that the killer whale is actually a dolphin? From an island called Atlantis to single-celled plants called Zooxanthellae, W is for Waves: An Ocean Alphabet is brimming with nautical facts that will intrigue, excite and amaze readers of all ages. Presented in a two-tier format, it has rhymes for younger readers and a detailed sidebar with text for older readers, making it a perfect way for parents and kids to enjoy time together while learning the wonders of the oceans. Writers Marie and Roland Smith team with illustrator John Megahan to provide fun, educational information set against a colorful backdrop (Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95).