Right now, we are seeing a bit of a resurgence of single engine outboard boats. This phenomenon stems from the previous lack of boats available on the market and the proliferation of amazing outboards available.
Bill Combs and the Winning Formula of Checkmate Boats
Ohio has a unique history in performance boats but it would be impossible to talk about boats and Ohio, without mentioning Bill Combs and Checkmate Boats
Big Boats of 2019: Is Bigger Better?
Like most things in life, bigger isn’t always better but it sure is fun to make things bigger. For performance boats, I personally love small boats
Allison Grand Sport Test Update: The Mercury 150 Hits 80 MPH
After running the Grand Sport boat with a 28” Mercury Racing ProMax prop for a while, I decided to try the 30” ProMax prop again
The Top 225 Horsepower Outboards Available Now
When it comes choosing the right engine for your boat, obviously horsepower is a huge consideration but so are cost and features. In 2019 we have some great options, and although we complain about the lack of light true performance engines, a modern 200 to 300 horsepower outboard is as reliable and powerful as ever.
Crown Jewel Donzi Baby 14 Cruises Again
Like so many restorations we have featured, they are all a labor of love. Often there is a connection to the boat itself or sometimes it is a love for the boat brand
Howard Pipkorn and the Vision Behind Hydrostream
There is so much to say about Hydrostream boats that it might be next to impossible to get everything in one article. One thing is for sure though, not many boat companies were as identifiable and prolific as Howard Pipcorn’s Hydrostream boats.
Project Activator Episode 17: Running the Evinrude G2 250 HO, Propellers, and Finishing Touches
In Episode 17 of Project Activator, we look at installing the interior, running the Evinrude G2 for the first time
Outboard Offshore Sport Boats: The Next Big Thing in Performance Boats
Nothing is more clear in the marine industry and we’ve talked about it at length at Wave to Wave, outboards are dominating the market.
Project Activator Episode 16: Rigging, Hardware and the Evinrude G2 250 HO
After some delay, Project Activator has made some progress. Now we are getting into the fun part. The final clear coat was done last week, and now we can start rigging. Plus, we have the interior getting ready for upholstery.
Lean and Mean Mirage Restoration: Part of the Family
For most people into performance boats, there is usually a person that is responsible for getting them involved, and more often than not, it is a family member. In Nick Petersen’s case, his grandfather and his dad would be responsible for his passion for going fast on the water
Testing a 1997 Checkmate Pulsare 2100: An Oldie, But a Goodie
Checkmate boats has been a staple in the family performance boat game since 1963. Originally started by boat racer Bill Combs in Bucyrus Ohio, the company has laid it’s foundation in great design, value, and a variety of models
Mercury Racing 450R: Dawn of a New Outboard Era
Sometimes, even a subtle advancement in technology can change the course of an industry. A simple shift can alter the course of design, and allow new ideas to grow. I think the new Mercury Racing 450R outboard achieves this type of shift change in the performance boating world
Mercury 150 Four Stroke: ProXS Motor Mount Install and Details
Although we've done some testing and talked about the Allison Grand Sport quite a bit, we haven't examined the features of the 150 Mercury four stroke too closely, and we wanted to show the ProXS motor mount install.
Evinrude Adds New Midrange Models: The New Three Cylinder G2
Even though it’s exciting to talk about big horsepower engines, and what might be next in the 400 plus HP range, for manufacturers, the 115 to 150 HP range is a critical market.
Allison Grand Sport: Features, Details and Testing
We made a video taking a closer look at the Allison Grand Sport. There are quite a few unique features and designs in the 20’ hull.
Texas Heat: Repowering an Original Mirage with a 250R
Recently, a reader sent me some information about repowering a very cool boat, with one of Mercury Racing’s latest engines. Chris Lamont has a beautiful Collins era Mirage that he has kept in excellent original condition.
Hustler PT221: A Modern Single Engine Performance Boat
I recently talked to Paul LoGiudice, Hustler’s VP of Sales and Marketing, in Miami about the Hustler lineup, and we ended up talking about their 221. He told me they have a brand new one in their shop they are getting ready to rig.
What Happened to Scarab?: The Fall of a Legendary Boat Brand
There was a time not that long ago that the prominent boat brand, Scarab, made a large variety of boats recognized for their racing heritage, design, and style. The brand was very powerful, yet a little confusing.
Boat Details: Bring Back the Color and Shine
In this article, we are going to talk about how to care for your gelcoat or paint and how you can bring back a scratched and faded boat, as well as protect it going forward.