Just when you may have thought that there was nothing new to develop, nothing new to add, that the envelope couldn’t be pushed any farther…. Wham! Pow-wee!  Zap! ….The boat manufacturers deliver big time!!  Who’d a thunk that a boat could ever have brakes?  How about a suspension system?  How about a brain?

Each year the boating manufacturers introduce the new-for-next-season models to the media and their dealers at a series of unveilings, media days and on-water testing opportunities that are scattered all over North America.  Fresh back from these road trips, the Power Boating Canada team of testers cobbled together for our readers a Sneak Peek of what – at least at press time – we know (and can tell you about) that’s in store for the upcoming 2009 model year.  The boating manufacturers did more than just surprise us this year, they blew our editorial team away.  Apparently, you can always build a better mousetrap.  Remember, you read it in Power Boating Canada first!

Perhaps the most impressive advancement that will come to market in 2009 is Sea Doo’s GTX Limited is 255 complete with iControl™ .  Analogous to the brain, the iControl™ system integrates and controls all the features of Sea Doo’s newest watercraft including the Intelligent Suspension, Intelligent Brake and Reverse, Intelligent Throttle Control, Cruise Control, and more.  It’s truly an incredible next generation redesign of the personal watercraft with amazing results you have to experience to believe. Climb aboard and dial in the response rate you want from the suspension: the up to six inches of travel absorb wave impacts to the all new S3 stepped hull and dampen them approximately fifty percent for an amazingly smoother ride (even in two foot waves whipped up by the leading edge of Hurricane Fay).  Tip up the handle bars and the digital gauges move as well to facilitate reading them while riding standing up.  Squeeze the throttle and head off down the lake feeling the power of the four-stroke Rotax 255hp engine. As you release the throttle and hit the brake with your left hand, the iControl takes over.  The iBrake drops behind the water jet and the engine is automatically powered back up to the rpm level you were at immediately before the brake was applied, creating a spray of water the size of a peacock’s feathers to warn followers that you’re braking.  You instantly feel the g-force of braking - which reduces your stopping distance by half - and all this without stuffing the bow.  Hang on tight – it’s a ride with an adrenaline rush!. – B.R.

Don’t let go quiet yet as Bennington’s newly redesigned for 2009 Azure 298 Z model will knock your socks off with its’ stylish new layout and the optional Mercury Racing 525 EFI engine.  A racing engine in a bow rider?  Indeed.  As the flagship to their bow rider line up, this thirty footer can handle almost any body of water without breaking a sweat (you however, just might). – C.K.

Ebbtide's new-for-2009 202SE Cuddy Cabin is an eighteen foot trailerable family weekend escape vessel.  With room for six - day and night - Ebbtide is aiming this new design at smaller families looking for a quality boat in a compact model.  Only a limited number of boats are produced by Ebbtide each year due to their hand laid construction method.  The 202SE features driver and passenger flip up bucket seats, a rear bench with tons of storage underneath, a sundeck over your choice of Volvo or Mercruiser engine and a larger than expected in a boat of this size swim platform with integrated folding swim ladder and watersports tow hook.  Decked out in plenty of stainless steel and two tone gel coat, there isn't much more you could pack into eighteen feet of pure weekend fun. - B.R.

Four Winns is expanding their popular SL line with the introduction of the SL 222.  This hot little number features a folding wakeboard tower with over six feet of headroom, a rear-facing seat on the transom to aid in getting ready for whatever watersport suits you, an awesomely designed helm complete with a beautiful mahogany and chrome four-spoke tilt wheel, and a Sony marine stereo system that’ll wake up the entire lake.  The Volvo 5.7L Gi engine provides power to spare no matter how many guests you have aboard comfortable entrenched in the wrap around seating.  In response to customer feedback and dealer surveys, FourWinns is also modifying their Frenzy and SS lines because in the words of Doyle Vanderpoole,  “People want different – no bread and butter boats – so that’s what we’re giving them.”  A little birdie told me that we should watch for some b-i-g news from this company coming out of the Fort Lauderdale boat show. – B.R.

According to Scott Porter, the just-debuted Formula 270 Sun Sport is a “super-well equipped new baby.”  With its all-new deck design and modern thinking in cockpit configuration, the company has rolled out its first-ever 27-foot sport model with the Porter family’s gusto for the boating lifestyle. Forget tough economic times. “This boat is an innovative and exciting development,” Formula’s Exclusive Designer John Adams said.

Style is not overlooked in the head aboard this day-tripping boat. Fully molded with a wooden floor, the head area has a vanity option, including a Corian-topped counter around a sink. Toilet paper and reading materials fit into tidy, stylish storage spaces.

In fact, storage is among the 270’s best offerings. Formula knows boaters today have many interests, from wakeboarding to entertaining, and the design allows ample spaces to accommodate families and friends. Ski storage, a huge starboard locker, a removable cooler and Formula’s trademark trash container fit under seating areas.  The 270 meets every comfort and style need, with bucket seats, a comfy sun pad that converts into a lounge chair, and a jumpseat with French stitching, and inlayed striping on the upholstery. A wet bar is an option, with a smooth Corian top and sporty detail on its edges.  More of a cruising boater?, then don’t miss the new Formula 40PC with a Tommy Bahama designed interior. – B.C.

New to Canada last year, the Honda Aquatrax gets a redesigned hull for 2009 at 8” longer and 50 pounds heavier, and a new 1470cc engine that retains the turbo-charger but eliminates the lag of last years powerplant.  A new model number - F15X - accompanies the changes as does a “time-to-ride” digital readout on the gauges informing you of the length of time the remaining fuel will last at your current speed. The unique design of the 23 degree deadrise hull provides a dry ride for driver and up to two passengers. Listening from shore, the 2009 version is quieter on a passby so you can quickly and quietly really impress the cottage neighbours. – B.R.

Built on Manitou’s SHP platform, the all new for 2009 22 Encore SHP combines speed with luxury to give you the ultimate pontoon experience.  Rigged with the optional Evinrude 250 horsepower HO, you will be the envy of everyone on the lake.  The Encore line up fills the gap between the Legacy and X-plode series by combing both lines into one. – C.K.

Pure excitement is the only way to describe the all new 2009 Maxum 3100 SE.  Whether you are at the helm using the D-tronic Bravo III drives, enjoying the amazing ride that the 33’4” overall length and 10’7” beam provides, or enjoying the spacious layout in the cabin, Maxum had cruising comfort in mind when designing this boat.  And when you’re done cruising and ready to pull into the local marina, you will surely be asked by all if they can come on board.   – C.K

Bringing their model count up into the mid-twenties, Monterey unveiled their new 260SCR Sport Cruiser in Florida just last month.  At 27’6” with a 8’6” beam, the 260 features the lines of a yacht in the size of a sportboat, with an electronics-laden helm unlike anything else in this class of cruiser.  The unique sun island seating and extended swim platform make the stern a playground headquarters for kids of all ages and the convenient cockpit wet-bar make entertaining easy without the host having to leave the fun.  The synthetic wood floor of the cabin provides a warm home-y feel amongst generous berth space for overnighting.  But that’s not all the news from Monterey for 2009, our sources tell us there's also a new 32 footer coming very soon! – B.R.

Princecraft’s new SVX pontoon boat redefines the luxury end of the market.  Featuring seating and upholstery you may wish you had in your living room, a helm so well appointed you’ll likely want to teleport it over to your automobile, and a stereo system that’ll have everyone looking, this boat rocks.  At 25’2” and with a 8’6” beam it just might be bigger than your living room too.  The moulded fiberglass bow – whether you choose it in red or black – merely adds to the head-turning great looks this toon has.  Powered by up an 115hp engine, the triple tube design will run all day given the 125L fuel tank.  All of which adds up to one thing: bring the family, load in the gear and cruise!  Watch for a new Ventura deck boat for 2009 as well. – B.R.

There was a time when conventional wisdom said sterndrives and over mid-thirty feet long boats don’t belong together.  Well the new Rinker 400EC challenges that notion with twin sterndrive power in either gas or diesel options. Even with an LOA of 41’6” and a 13’ beam, this big express cruiser still handles with the finesse of a bowrider thanks to standard-in-the-package dual-prop and counter-rotating drives.  Now, if you need more, there’s an optional bow thruster.   The package goes on to include more standard features than any express cruiser of the same size: a cockpit designed for conversation, a cabin featuring private fore and aft staterooms with real doors, a galley as well equipped as you’d expect at home including a 2 burner electric stove, and even a central vac system.  – B.R.

Packaging is everything these days and the Sea Ray 210 Sundeck proves that more - and more - can be effectively engineered and designed into smaller - and smaller - family boats. 

At 22 feet overall including the standard integral extended swim platform, this sleek runabout features an almost full-width, rear-facing transom seat which lifts to reveal a huge storage locker which extends forward under the cockpit L-shaped lounge seat.  This storage area alone would serve most families’ needs for all of the PFD’s, lines, fenders, skis, wakeboards, and associated paraphernalia wanted for a day on the water.

But this relatively small day boat has much, much more to offer.  Two-level storage complete with a dedicated trash container is provided in the enclosed area immediately forward of the helm; large, in-floor locking storage in the bow; plus under both hinged, lounging bow seats, under the bow step, plus a huge (for this size of boat) anchor locker!  Plus there are three coolers on board and a fully-enclosed head compartment – the smallest SeaRay to have one – and it is even big enough for an adult!  And to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sea Ray Boats, they’ve added yet a new model to their popular and best-known Sundancer series – the 350. – R.C.

SmokerCraft for 2009 débuts a redesign in the Pro Angler Series – the 171 Pro Angler XL.  With an overall length of nearly 17 feet and a beam of a whopping 91” and rigged with a 90 horsepower Suzuki four-stroke, the Smoker Craft 171 Pro Angler XL boat will surely find a home on Georgian Bay or anywhere that big water calls you.

Starcraft Marine has new models in all of their lines for 2009.  The Starcraft Classic 200 Fish is a fishing boat that doubles as a pontoon.  Sporting an 8 foot beam, riding on 23” tubes, and equipped with a Mercury 25 ELPTO, she will get you to the local watering holes in style regardless of the size of your budget.  The 206 RE CR pontoon is also new for 2009, with over 22 feet and a beam of 8’6” this beauty can be rigged with a wide array of engine options to choose from. 
            The 21’ 6” Vector 2290 center console with Yamaha 225 power will give you and your guests a day on the big water to remember for a lifetime.  New to the deck boat line, the Aurora Star Step 215 fills the gap between the SS 200 and the SS 221.  Rigged with up to an optional Mercruiser 6.2L sterndrive, this deck boat will provide you with a ride – and a smile - you won’t soon forget. – C.K.

To take full advantage of the proven z-plane hull, Stingray designed their new-for-next-season 225 series while still remembering to keep the boater in mind.  Let’s start with the extended running surface of the hull beneath the integrated swim platform that produces a great hole-shot time to plane.  Equally functionally is the deep freeboard and a spacious cockpit complete with a truly useable rectangular table. The walk-thru companionway converts with a filler cushion into a sunpad, providing both the integrity of a full size transom and a bench seat over the generous-sized swimplatform.  Pop-up cleats all around, a great stereo system and a built-in cooler are just some of the standard amenities that complete this very functional package. – B.R.

Built on Sylvan’s Revolutionary Planing Technology (RPT) tubes, Sylvan Mandalay 8525 RE is not your average pontoon.  With an overall length of 25’ 3”, an 8’5” beam and a Suzuki 200 horsepower outboard, this boat will ensure that you and your family have a great day on the water.  Whether you want to anchor at your local sandbar or take the entire family wakeboarding, this new for 2009 ‘toon will exceed your expectations.  – C.K.

The big news from Yamaha is two brand new personal watercraft - the all new FZ and FX series WaveRunners - for a total of 14 models for 2009.  Responding to survey data that indicate that 61% of riders say that they stand up to ride, the FZR (2 seater) and FZS (3 seater) both feature telescoping handle bars that afford three different riding positions (seated, crouched, standing).  Both feature the largest displacement engine in the industry at 1822cc, that is also the most fuel efficient in its’ class and optimized to runs on the less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.  The FX series gets the same new engine on the award-winning NanoXcelTM high compression moulded hull to reduce weight.  If having the wind rush through your hair while swooping, diving and feeling as free as a bird is on your personal bucket list, then I’d suggest getting a ride on one of these babies. – B.R.

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