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TIS'
THE POWER SEASON (18-6)
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 As
the winter's chill sweeps across the nation, manufacturers
are gearing up for what we believe will be a very promising
season.
Since Power Boating Canada's inception nearly 20 years
ago, our annual Test Issue has been designed to provide
you with a comprehensive overview of the hottest new
models available on the market. For the past several
months, our test team has traveled coast to coast attending
special invitation-only launches and exclusive dealer
meetings to report on, and bring you, the brightest
stars of the season. From large cruisers and beamy centre
consoles to solid aluminum fishing boats and exciting
runabouts, manufacturers are delivering great new innovations
and plush comforts while offering unbeatable service
and pricing.
If you haven't thought about buying a new boat just
yet, now is the perfect time. With the recent rise in
the Canadian dollar, boat dealers have been able to
offer exceptional packages at very reasonable prices.
Take advantage of this oppourtunity and mark your calendar
to attend the winter boat shows in your area.
In this issue, starting on page 19, our "Power
of Fun" feature highlights the 2004 power selection,
some of the hottest news this year is the introduction
of Bombardier's Evinrude E-TEC direct-injected outboard
engines. These are the first fully Bombardier-built
engines since it acquired the Evinrude and Johnson brands
from OMC in 2001. In addition to a long list of impressive
engineering advancements, Bombardier claims the engines
will not need maintenance for the first three years
or 300 hours. The company also says the E-TEC engines
do not require a break-in period. A range of power options
from 40 hp through 90 hp - the biggest selling range
for fishermen and cottage boaters - means you should
see plenty of these new outboards on the water for many
years to come. Other big news includes Volvo Penta's
array of new diesel technology plus Mercury Racing's
hefty new 1075 SCi stern drive. While this heavyweight
isn't available until its introduction at the Miami
International Boat Show in February, we bring you the
inside scoop. We're sure you'll be just as impressed
as we are.
Also in this issue we report on the latest trends in
onboard electronics. While helm hardware has become
more compact, accurate and easier to use, onboard satellite
systems are becoming increasingly available offering
great entertainment and convenience, as far as 200 miles
offshore! Look for more on these systems in upcoming
issues.
Power Boating Canada's main mandate is to promote the
boating lifestyle. If you have any comments or suggestions
we would love to hear from you. Drop me a line at bill@powerboating.com.
After all, it's you, the reader, who has made Power
Boating Canada what it is today.
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