KENNESAW, Ga., Jan. 17, 2023—Yamaha Marine kicks off 2023 with new product offerings, including an updated XTO Offshore outboard which delivers greater convenience, enhanced technology and 450 horsepower. Featuring the same 5.6-liter of big block displacement and long list of features as the original XTO 425, the updated XTO 450 improves upon the powerful platform that changed the offshore boating game.
By Steve KatzIt seems that most everyone either has a scanning sonar or is getting a new scanning sonar. The upsurge in installations, along with a variety of brands and models, requires captains and ping jockeys to develop their technical skill and fishing methods to operate a scanning sonar for optimum results.
Numerous fishing gear companies have kicked off 2023 with revolutionary new products. Here are a few items of interest early on in 2023. Links to each company’s website provided in the heading.
As a current owner or prospective owner of a high-performance center console, hiring a captain may not be something that has been a consideration for the term of your boat ownership. After all, one of the main benefits of owning a center console is the relative ease of operation of such a vessel in relation to a sportfishing yacht. The operational costs, maintenance and general upkeep of most center console fishing boats are a fraction of that of a modern sportfishing yacht. So why would hiring a captain be worth thinking about?
Signal Hill, California (January 5, 2023)—Blue Water Desalination (BWD) revealed its latest innovation in water purification during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The all-new Explorer XT is a robust, expandable system designed to fit almost any available space. With capacities from 475 to 1,800 GPD, the Explorer XT is a welcome new standard for mid-sized to large yachts.
(Photo: Freddy Ippolito)
Craig Blackwell didn’t grow up on the East Coast where so many famous sportfishing boats have been designed and built to later dominate tournaments worldwide. The Blackwell Boatworks founder instead spent his early years in Michigan along the chilly waters off Lake Huron. However, some individuals are simply meant to live that offshore life.
Charles “Charlie” Hazouri employs thermal imaging technology in his career today as a marine surveyor. (Photo/Charles Hazouri)
Manning the helm of a sleek sportfisher while hunting big billfish and lots of ‘em is a living-the-dream job come true. Every morning, the horizon’s the limit on what might bite that bait or be teased in by that lure. Likewise, every day is a bucket list adventure, and every night brings dreams of the next day’s record catches and bragging rights. Sometimes, though, life takes a turn. It might be voluntary. Terry Robinson, who captained Tyson’s Pride for over two decades and is now Bass Pro Shop’s saltwater specialist, wanted to spend more time ashore with his wife and son. Other times, a career change comes after the hard knock of a curve ball.
As so-called fishermen, our minds run the gamut when we think back to the first time we tried to catch fish. For many of us, our childhoods exposed us to ponds, ditches, lakes and beaches. We looked at these bodies of water imagining what fish were ready to reel in on whatever we had to cast out.
VETUS set a new industry standard in DC thruster power with the launch of its first BOW PRO Boosted units for 400-mm tunnels, which were unveiled in late 2022.
Whether you are out tarpon fishing with your companions or just enjoying a pleasure cruise out on the open ocean, you may find it difficult to enjoy these activities in anything resembling peace and quiet. Between the grinding of the boat’s motor, the humming of the propeller as it drives the boat forward, the slapping of the waves against the hull or the breeze hitting your face, there are a variety of sounds you will encounter on your sea voyage that can make finding a quiet place challenging.
