Conference vicki::boats

    Dennis,
    
    	You might want to look at getting a subscription to Powerboat
    magazine - they are out of California, maybe someone out there has
    their address. I'll look it up tonight and post a reply...
    
    	Powerboat mag reviews boats in the 16-35 foot range both family
    and high performance type boats...
    
    							-mike-

    I like "Trailer Boats".

    I second the vote for Trailer Boats. It's a great rag, covers
    boats up to about 26', tow vehicles, cruise destinations,
    water skiing etc.  Let me know if you need a subscription form.
    
    Rick W.

    DENNIS,
    
    Another good mag is Boats/Trailers it reviews different boats, and
    gives tow ratings on different cars/trucks. I just signed up for my
    second year. I enjoy it beware you also goingto get on alot of other
    magazine list too. Which can be helpful like Overton's couple others.
    I believe its $15.95 per year. Its at the new stand, take a look.
    
                                 Eric_G

    I really like "Offshore" it gives a lot of info about boating without
    reading like some tech manual. The magizine is from Mass. so they
    speak New England. Not like some Del Ray rag writer that can't read
    charts and blowboats to Catalina for big time adventure.
    
    The format is even such that my wife likes it, I get about six boating
    mags and it's the best one. Another good one is "Messing about in
    Boats" from Wenham Ma. more laid back and geared to basic real small
    craft.
    
                                     Have fun
     
                                     Walt
    

    	Powerboat is my personal favorite. thay have regular product
    and technology updates and articles and give decent coverage of
    the racing and water ski events. GREAT photography. they lean towards
    the offshore stuff(probably since the owner/publisher is an offshore
    racer par excellance)  but there is plenty of coverage for drags,
    unlimited, f-1 and iogp. There address is:  Powerboat Magazine
    						15917 Strathern St.
    						Van Nuys, C.A. 91406
    Last time I sent my subscription in I think the price was 24.00
    dollars. You might want to give them a call at 818 787 7890.
    
    	Bill
    
    	 

    RE 96.3
    
    	Rick do you have any extra subscription forms???? I am new to
    the boating world and would like to subscribe to a magazine or to.
    If you have any extra forms you can send it interplant mail to
    
    			Dave Gaudette   DLB8-1/E06
    
    
    
    					

    RE: .7
    
    No problem Dave. I'll try to remember to bring one in tomorrow.
    Anyone else?
    
    Rick W.

    Thanks to the info provided as replys to this note I have been able
    to get my hands on some very good magazines.  So far I have subscribed
    to Boating, Trailer Boats and thinking about Western Boatman.  All
    of these magazines are very good reading for a novice like myself.
    
    One question for the public at large and that is a lot of people
    speak highly about a mag called Powerboats but much to my dismay
    I can't find it at any of the local newstands.  Does anyone have
    an extra subscription card that they could send me or maybe post
    and address and/or phone number for their office?
    
    Thanks for any help that you can provide,
    
    Dennis LaFave @MWO

    re .9
    
    The information you have requested about address/cost of a subscription
    to Powerboat Magazine can be found in reply 96.6 - by Bill Scheibel..
    
    							-mike-

    Mike, thanks for pointing me back at 96.6, I forgot that Bill had
    previously made the info available.
    
    One word of advice for the record, should you try to phone Powerboat
    Magazine the number that Bill listed is not the current number.
    When you dial that number you get a very irritable woman who snaps
    to you that the correct number is 818-787-2455.
    
    Dennis
  

    RE 96.8
    
    	Thanks Rick for the subcription form for the magazine. It is
    much appreciated!
    
    
    		Dave

    
    	I'm somewhat "down" on WaterSki Magazine.  Just about everything
    they pretend to test/evaluate is great/fine/wonderful for every
    level of proficiency or possible use, never a negative comment about
    ANY product.  The are columns also very redundant, same advice from
    the pros month after month.....
    
    	Reg
    
    {post vacation grumpiness, I guess}
    

    RE: .-1
    
    Gee Reg, sounds like you're not at all excited to be back to work!
    :-)  Although each month I manage to extract a few tidbits of useful
    information from WaterSki magazine, I agree with you that much of
    the content is the same tune with different lyrics.
    
    It turns out that most of these types of mags cater to the "new"
    subscribers more than the "veteran" readers.  That's a bummer.
    Why not try writing to the editor and telling him your opinions?
    Who knows, they may not realize that they're printing the "same
    ol' thing month after month."  You may open their eyes to a new
    way!  Give it a shot!
    
    Oh yeah, and keep the faith!  Summer's winding down but the notesfile
    is going strong!
    
    					...Roger...

    I'd appreciate it if someone would send me a subscription
    order card for "Trailer Boats". I have not seen the mag in stores.
    Thanks,
    
    Bill Bell
    VRO5-2/Y3
    

    1-800-435-0715
    1-800-892-0753 (Illinois only)

    'List' price is $17.97, the cards in the magazine offer it
    for $15.97/year.

                     _
   TRAILER BOATS    |_| Two Years (22 issues) $27.97

                     _
                    |_| One Year  (11 issues) $17.97

   _ My payment is enclosed         _ Please bill me

   Name_____________________________________________

   Address__________________________________________

   City_____________________________________________

   State_________________________ Zip_______________

   Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of first issue
   Offer expiers December 31, 1989




 MAIL TO:
   Trailer Boats
   P.O. Box 122
   Mount Morris, Illinois 61054-9976

    Anyone hear about this one?  I got a postcard in the mail for a
    free 1-year subscription.  Here's the scoop on the invitation:
    
    "There's only 1 magazine devoted 100% to outboard and sterndrive
    boats.  And it's coming soon.  Return the attached post paid card
    to receive your FREE charter subscription.
    
    Every issue will bring you...
    - Engine maintenance tips
    - How to save $ on boating
    - New boats, engines and equipment
    - Fishing, cruising and skiing articles
    - Boat handling and seamanship
    
    MotorBoat will help you enjoy your boat more, save you money and
    keep you informed of all the latest developments."
    
    	Motorboat Magazine
    	P.O. Box 2089
    	Mahopac, NY 10541-9910
    
    The subscription card looks something like this:
    
    I own a	|_| powerboat   |_| sailboat   |_| other ___________________
    							       Specify
    
    My largest powerboat is: __________________  ____________  ________
    				  Builder           Length       Year
    
    The engine is:	|_| outboard  |_| sterndrive  |_| inboard  |_| none
    
    I use my boat for:	|_| fishing   |_| cruising    |_| skiing   |_| racing
    
    I plan to buy a boat in the next 12 months:  |_| Yes  |_| No

    Yup, I got that and already sent it back. Being a FREE subscription,
    they are probably full of ads and not too many articles, but waddaya
    want for nuthin! Even the return postage was prepaid. You think
    they got our names from WS mag? Probably definately.  Probably same
    publisher.
    Doug.

    Don't know about the publisher but I got the offer and I don't get
    WS mag. From the address I assume they bought a boat registration
    list from the state.Is your boat off Suncook, Doug ?

    Yup, the boats packed away (ref 96.20), see you next spring on the
    pond, John, now that I know what your driving.
    Doug.
    

    Yeah, I don't think they got the list from the WS mags because I
    didn't recognize the label.  Usually the labels look the same as
    a mag I already get, but this one was different.  They misspelled
    my name (Gaudett), and I don't receive any publications with my
    name messed up in that way.
    
    Oh well, who cares.  It's free, I'll probably cancel when they send
    the renewal notice next year, but I'll check it out when it arrives.
    
    					...Roger...

    Anyone see this months Waterski Magazine "Rigged and Ready" article?
    On page 75, under the caption "Worlds most beautiful rig" is a VERY
    familiar looking boat. Look at that, a red and black with grey,
    charcoal and white MALIBU SKIER! With grey interior and coordinating
    stripes no less! Boy, was I P*O*'d when I saw this. That was the
    spot that MY boat was supposed to appear! I did submit a picture
    of my "Rig" (before the deadline this year), which was taken last
    year, back when the Blazer's black/red paint was fresh. Anyway,
    I figured I had a shot at being mentioned. (were my hopes too high?)
    And then along comes this guy from Santa Cruz, Cal with his (good)
    IMITATION of *MY* boat (I'll bet it has a PCM) :^)  attatched to
    his red Chevy Pickup. Just because he has matching hood and deck
    graphics and matching wheels all around he gets published and I
    don't even get my original photo returned! But, that's my nature,
    I'm alway's a close second.  ;^)  I'll get over it.
    Doug
    HMmm, the Blazer's about ready for body work and paint anyway...
    
    I've gotten over it, but I had you goin', HUH?  :^)

    
    
    	re: Doug,
    
    		Too many Malibu Skiers is the reason! There
    were two maybe 3, and WaterSki wouldn't want to upset
    any of their sponsors by NOT putting in at least on boat
    from each major manufacturer.
    
    	Did you notice the Nautique? The red one with the red
    van? Now if that wasn't one of the worst looking Nautiques
    I've ever seen, I'll eat my hat. The tow vehicle  for the
    MC entry was interesting also. It was a ratty IH Scout with
    MASTERCRAFT painted down the side.
    
    	Maybe next year I can replace the orange/red stripes on
    my truck with blue......
    
    Rick

    
      Doug....soooo close!  But yet, so far.  I bet your photo was
    considered, but the winner had a relative in the judging process
    or something.   I agree with Rick too, gotta have one of everything
    or the sponsors will be upset.
    
      And they won't send back the photo unless you enclose a self-
    addressed stamped envelope (you may want to do this next year).
    I haven't checked out the photos yet, having a hard time finding
    Water Ski Mag., in the book stores lately.  Maybe its time to subscribe,
    but its so painful to look at these magazines in the winter time.
    
    jd/

    Well Doug, *I* think your photo should've made it in.  They probably
    got the idea for a red Mailbu from your picture then grabbed the
    wrong one!  :-)
    
    RE: painting the tow vehicles ... Correct Craft will gladly send
    you the actual decals they use on their boats (I would imagine the
    other manufacturers would do the same), for a price I'm sure.  Where
    do you think that guy with the "Tow Nautique" got those familiar
    letters on his truck?  What some folks won't do for attention...
    :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    Yes, Decals are readily available, in fact I already have some.
    (you know, I have connections)  :^) 
    As you probably know, that Ski/Tow Nautique is now somewhere in
    France. If you'll recall from one of last years issues of WS mag,
    the ex-owner wrote in to say that some guy from France, after seeing
    this "rig" flew to the U.S., Bought it, and had it shipped back.
    Must be nice to be able to do this type of "impulsive" buying.
    Doug.

    Yeah I remember reading about that.  I wonder how much the guy made
    on the sale?  Let's see, $20K for the boat/trailer, another $20K
    for the tow vehicle, plus labor of customizing the truck and trailer...
    hmm...today's special:  boat/trailer/tow vehicle, only $50K!  Seems
    reasonable to me.
    
    >> Must be nice to be able to do this type of "impulsive" buying.
    
    Yeah, if it were me I'd have to change my personal name to:
    "Ski Nautique/Malibu Skier/Mastercraft/American Skier/Supra/..."
    one for each day of the week!  :-)  Gee honey, which boat do you
    want the servants to remove the canvass from today?  :-)
    
    				      	...Roger...

    Does anyone out there keep a stash of old "Trailer Boats" magazines?
    I am trying to locate a copy of the Nov/Dec 87 and Aug 87 issues.
    If you have copies of these issues and would be willing to part
    with them please let me know and I will let you know where to send
    them.  If you have copies but would rather not part with them, I
    am after a couple of boat test articles in these issues and would
    be willing to settle for just a copy of these articles.
    
    Thanks for any help,
    

    I do have a pile of Trailer boats at home. Send me you mail stop
    at THOTH::SNOW, and which ever ones I find you can have.


         __
    * __|__|__  *    *    *     *
  *     (**)   V *  *  *   |* *   *
   *   (    )--| *  _______0_______  *  	   	
 _____(______)_|_________U___U______*___
	                
      "The Sno-man"			

    
    If the Snow man doesn't have the issues you're looking for
    let me know.  I'd rather not part with mine, but I'd be to
    happy to make copies for you.  Just let me know which tests
    you're looking for.
    
    If you H2O ski fanatics haven't seen the December '88 issue
    yet make sure you pick it up!

    Does any subscribe to Powerboat Reports? If so I'd very much appreciate
    a quick mail to FSOA::JGUNNERSON because I'd like you to do me a favor.
    The Feb. 1, 1990 issue featured a Battery test, I'd like to know the
    results. The Dec. 15, 1989 issue had a test on planing fins (Ex.,
    Dolefin), I'd like to know the results. I am planning on ordering these
    as back issues but I have to make a couple of decisions by this weekend
    and they won't arrive in time.
    
    Thank you.
    
    john 

    I'll reply here. But I'm not going to type everything.
    
    On the fins:
    
    PBR conclusions, "In light of our testing and on-the-water experience
    with the seven of the devices, we fell that the addition of a lift
    plate should be tried in a last ditch effort to solve a performance
    problem."
         
    Doel-fin was tested. They did get lot of mail after this article,
    with people stating that their boat work much better with the fins.
    PBR contends that there is a problem with the boats or the people
    just don't know how to use the engine trim when getting on plane.
    
    On batteries, they didn't really do any ratings. They went by gut
    feel and made a few statements, "you get what you pay for" and "If the
    battery is used for high-draw, deep discharge applications, expect
    to replace it every year at a cost of $70 to $110."  Then they said
    that a gel cell might be the way to go. I believe that they may
    be changing this comment. I think, in an upcoming issue, they will
    talk to some engineer about gel cells.  He is supposed to have data that
    shows gel cells may not be as great as people think they are.
    
    I guess that's what I like about Power Boat Reports, when they write
    about something, they will continue to provide updates as things
    change. 
    
    Steve

    re .33
    
    Strange that PBR would say that add-on lift plates don't work..after so
    many people have used them, and have found that they do indeed work.
    
    I own a 17' BAJA Sunsport w/205 HP I/O spinning a 24 Pitch Turbo II SS
    prop. This boat has a top end of around 60-64 MPH depending on many
    variables, however to use this boat for skiing is not fun, because of
    the prop pitch. I enjoy and want to keep my top-end speed while still
    maintaining resonable low end performance for skiing. Land & Sea's prop
    was and still is an option (I looked at it this past weekend - $472 in
    Ware(sp?) NH), but the newness and cost is making me very cautious.
    
    While at last years Hi-Performance boat show, I saw a product in the 
    Eliminator display area called Turbo Lift. They had video's of this
    type of lifting plate in action at the California Boat Drag Races - and
    to say the least the before and after video was pretty impressive.
    
    Anyway I called New England Hi Performance Boats in NH (Manchester area)
    and they told me they were going to test the wing out but felt it
    would not work. I called them back again after they had tested it a few
    days and they had changed their minds - It works!!!
    
    So I picked one up for around $120, put it on the Baja and it worked.
    Top End speed is not effected because at high speed the wing is not
    even in the water. The product is called Turbo Lift, and it clamps on
    to your cavitation plate. 
    
    It was designed for the DEA's drug boats by a company in FLA. If you
    need more info - drop me a line...
    
    								-mike-

    john, on the batteries, i have had Surrettes, for many years.
    
    they are expensive, but dam well worth the money. theer's one in
    my old boat (which is sold over 2 years ago, thats going to have
    a 12th birthday.
    
    if you sell the boat don't include it or them in the sale,
    get something else for the new owner(s). one other comment,
    i started both my engines a few weeks ago, the batteries
    (of course Surrettes) were and are left on the boat each winter
    after they have been charged. we all know they're not exactly
    the easiest to start after they have been laid up.
    
    Jim.

    Thanks for the replies. (FWIW I asked for mail since I am not reading
    from my regular node). Anyway turns out that the the Dolefin is a gift,
    so I get to see how it works for free. As far as there being something
    wrong with me or my boat, I am sure there is. I don't know how to trim
    (no owner's manual for help and no trim response in one direction -
    that I am hoping is fixed now).
    
    On the battery I have a Interstate Megatron in my car - Consumers rated
    it tops. It does work a lot better than the Die-Hard that was in there
    - when it was fresh. Boat/U.S. had one for $70 in a Marine version, but
    I wasn't sure. Now it doesn't matter since they are out of them and
    only have a smaller one now. Looks like I'll have to get that new Sears
    Die-Hard that is on sale for $70 now since I can't afford more and have
    to have the boat in the water this weekend, so there is no more time to
    hunt around and take chances either.
    
    john 

RE: Note 96.36    

>>    Thanks for the replies. (FWIW I asked for mail since I am not reading
>>  from my regular node). 

FWIW, if you're at another site and using someone else's account you can 
use the following commands to keep up to date with the boats (or any other)
conference while you're gone.

Notes> ADD ENTRY VICKI::BOATS
Notes> OPEN BOATS
Notes> SET SEEN/BEFORE=21-APR-1990  

Select a date that is close to the last time you were up to date in notes
from your own account.  i.e. Selecting April 21 would set all replies entered
before that date as seen, and all replies after that date as unseen.  Then use
the next unseen key (you DO use the next unseen key, right?) to view all the
most recent replies in the conference.

    Well yes, I know. But I hate reading notes now that I am spoiled with
    DECwindows notes on a regular terminal, and I hate "messing up" my
    "neat" seen list on the regular node because I am always afraid I will
    set seen for a time that either causes me to see too many already read
    notes or I miss some. Dumb, I know, but that is the way I am.
    
    john 

    I was wondering if anyone has the Spring issue of Motor Boat magazine
    for 1989?  They have an article on the 235 BAJA that we just bought
    (but haven't rec'd yet) that I would love to read.  If someone does
    have it I would love to get a copy.
    
    My mail address is MKO1-2/E33.
    Sonia Johnson (node above is correct)
    dtn 264-4304 x7102
    
    Unfortunately none of the local libraries have it & our subscription
    started in the Fall of 89.
    
    Thanks in advance.

    Moved by moderator...
    
================================================================================
Note 810.0                      "BEST BOAT BUYS"                      No replies
DELNI::GRABLICK                                       4 lines  15-MAR-1991 15:01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    IS THERE SUCH A PUBLICATION CALLED "BEST BOAT BUYS", AND IF
    SO, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I COULD GET A COPY IN THE 
    WESTFORD/LITTLETON AREA?
    

    	My answer may be in here somewhere but I thought I'd ask anyways.
    Are there any recommendations for magazines for small trailerable
    boats?  I'm just beginning to get interested and before I buy a boat I
    want to learn all I can about them and I figure that a magazine would
    be a good start.
    
    Thanks
    Tom

    re: .41
    You found the right note. Just read the previous replies, rather
    than rehash old news.
    
    Rick

    If you are interested, send me your mail stop and I'll lend you some
    copies of Trailer Boat Magazine.
    Wayne