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Advances
Abound In Marine Technology (21-6)
by William E. Taylor
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 For
the Power Boating Canada staff, the preparation of our
annual Test Issue is an exciting assignment. Since the
early months of summer, our editors and expert boat
testers have been attending company dealer meetings
and invitational press events across North America,
running the newest technology in boats and engines.
The products for 2007 represent an impressive advance
in the marine industry. Diesels will be running cleaner
and more efficiently than ever before, thanks to widespread
use of enhanced computer control of the fuel delivery
and combustion systems. Gas-powered inboard and outboard
models are also running cleaner and delivering better
fuel efficiency – with the price of fuel these
days, the savings more than offset the cost of the technology,
and the environmental impact of recreational boating
has improved dramatically – boaters upgrading
to a new model this year will notice a very positive
change in performance and efficiency.
The boat builders have also benefited from a number
of advances in engineering, manufacturing procedures,
design and materials. By and large, the new models are
stronger and lighter than previous editions, incorporating
more sophisticated features and options at prices that
can be surprisingly reasonable compared to what you
would have paid for this technology five years ago.
The bottom line for prospective boat buyers looking
to upgrade the family fleet in 2007 is very encouraging.
Product value is exceptionally high, interest rates
are low, and our Canadian dollar is strong – all
systems indicate that 2007 should be the year that you
launch a new boat, and enjoy Canada’s favourite
family recreation lifestyle to the fullest. And there's
no better way to start shopping for a new model than
by visiting the series of boat shows held across Canada
this year, which start in January and run all the way
through to the fall. |
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