Skeeter Products, Inc. has replaced its popular SL180 with an entirely new hull design in its SL1800, a model that is four inches longer, five inches wider, has a six square-foot larger front deck, and features two additional inches in interior depth.

“With the strong reception of our SL1900 last season, we wanted to follow-up with another family sport model that would complement our entire SL Series of boats, which now includes the SL210, SL1900, SL190 and new SL1800,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.  “Our SL Series of boats has received a lot of attention this past year because of their versatility in appealing to families vacationing closer to home – using their boats for fishing and recreational water sports.”

Skeeter’s design of the SL1800 gives families a sporty-looking boat with ample space for people and gear, yet in a small package.  The new model is rated for Yamaha’s F150 four-stroke engine, providing excellent reliability, fuel efficiency, performance and a quick hole shot for pulling skiers, wake boarders or tubers.

The SL1800 comes packaged with a Skeeter single axle trailer with disc brakes, tie downs, swing-away tongue, ultra-silver wheels, spare tire and carrier, in addition to a Humminbird 728 in-dash fish finder with transducer and temperature probe.  The MSRP for the SL1800, powered by a Yamaha F150 is $38,060.

The entire SL Series is designed for family fun, comfort, convenience and luxury.  The modular consoles features a low-profile walk-through windshield, cockpit command center with horn, tachometer, speedometer, fuel, trim gauges and 12 V acc plug.  Hydraulic tilt steering fits any size driver, and an AM/FM radio with compact disc player, four speakers and MP3 adapter are standard.

Side panel net storage and a passenger glove box are great for personal items, while an in-floor storage compartment converts to hold either fishing equipment or skiing gear.  A 55-quart ice chest under the rear deck keeps you on the water all day, and a retractable boarding ladder, ski rope storage, ski tow pylon and bow deck pads are standard comforts for recreational water sports.

For anglers, the SL1800 features a single rear live well with control system, including fill, recirculating modes and timer.  Two fishing seats with 13 inch extensions, bow panel with trolling motor receptacle and trim switch and a six gauge trolling motor wiring system with three battery trays makes the SL1800 fishing-ready at a moments notice.

Capable of holding five people or 737 lbs., passengers will ride in comfort with bucket seats and a rear bench seat.

The SL1800 includes plenty of options, allowing you to personalize your boat to fit your needs.  Options include a range of colors to select from, canopy top, rear deck sun pad, electronics packages from Lowrance and Humminbird, Minn Kota trolling motor and trailer upgrades, among other options.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network.  Skeeter designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish & ski, and saltwater boats.  Skeeter is the recipient of seven consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards.  For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.

SL1800 Specifications:

Length – 18’, Beam – 93”, Interior Depth – 23”, Draft – 14”, Dry Weight – 1,850 lbs., Max. Horsepower – 150 h.p.

SL1800 Performance Data (Yamaha F150)

Cruise Speed – 24.7 mph @ 3,000 rpm (5.88 mpg), Top Speed – 52.5 mph @ 5,850 rpm (3.18 mpg),

MSRp: $38,060 (Yamaha F150)

Skeeter Products, Inc. had plans on the drawing board years ago to round out its popular line-up of ZX Series bass boats, and for 2010 the company introduces the long awaited ZX170 – a model with big boat features in a small package.

The ZX170 has the same look and feel as other models in the ZX Series, including the ZX250, ZX225, ZX200, ZX190 and ZX180, and is packed with many of the same features, design, and construction.

“Current economic conditions did not have any bearing on our development of the ZX170, as this was a key model necessary in filling out our ZX Series line-up, yet its launch does come at an opportune time, providing our nationwide network of dealers with a great boat at a great price point, and continuing Skeeter’s long heritage of manufacturing the best bass boats in the country,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.

In addition to a feature-packed bass boat, the ZX170 comes packaged with a Skeeter single axle trailer with spare tire/carrier and chrome wheels, Humminbird 323 fish finders at both the bow and dash and a Minn Kota Edge, 70 lb. thrust, 42” shaft trolling motor with mount.  The ZX170, rated for 90 hp, features reliable outboard engines from Yamaha.  With an MSRP of $27,380 powered by a Yamaha F90 four-stroke engine, the ZX170 is sure to provide grassroots anglers or first-time boat buyers everything they want and need for time well spent on the water.

The ZX170 measures in at 17 feet, with a wide 89” beam and 17” depth.  Weighing-in at 1,350 lbs. (dry weight), the ZX170 draws a 14” draft, making shallow water bass easier targets, and its 24-gallon fuel tank keeps you on the water longer.

The single console features a cockpit command center with custom gauges and accessory switches, including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, water pressure, 12-V plug and single-cable, non-feedback steering.

Bolstered seating is designed for comfort and support during all water conditions, available in two color selections, pewter and medium neutral.  Beneath each seat is a 25-qt. storage compartment for personal items.  Drink holders, passenger grab handles and custom non-skid mats add to the boat’s on-board comfort.

Power and performance standard features include manual 800 GPH bilge pump, built-in fuel system, cockpit courtesy lighting, 6 gauge trolling motor wiring system with three battery trays, built in rod staze and stainless steel prop.

Beneath its spacious bow fishing deck, the ZX170 features a 24-qt. ice chest, gear/tackle storage compartment and rod locker capable of holding up to 10 rods.  All storage compartments have flush-mounted latches with locking mechanisms.  Owners may also opt for fishing chairs with 13” extension, or bike seats with power pro pole.
Under the rear deck, owners will find plenty of storage for gear/tackle and a 21-gallon live well with auto, drain, recirculating, and timer modes.

The ZX170 is built according to strict NMMA standards, and is engineered for a quick hole shot, no chine walking and superb turning and maneuverability.  The ZX170 features a no backwash design and a stable platform, and its patented hull provides a smooth and dry ride.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network.  Skeeter designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish & ski, and saltwater boats.  Skeeter is the recipient of seven consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards.  For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.

“Unprecedented global economic conditions, unequaled by any seen in my personal experience, continue to affect people in all industries and walks of life.  For some time now, the credit-shortage epidemic at the consumer, dealer and manufacturer levels has been a huge issue. Despite good demand for Ranger products and the strength of the brand within Genmar’s portfolio and the market as a whole, the lack of available credit forced Genmar Holdings Inc. to file for Chapter 11 reorganization on Monday, June 1. Genmar’s reorganization is designed to allow Ranger to uphold its commitments to its outstanding dealer network and loyal customers while fulfilling the 41-year-old reputation of its product line and business operations. Going forward, Ranger has no plans to relinquish its leadership position. Our commitment to quality construction, technological innovation and service at all levels will not wane. Likewise, we remain dedicated to our long-standing involvement with so many great tournament anglers, organizations, and friends throughout the industry. While the fishing segment has not been immune to adverse economic conditions, it has not been affected to the same degree as other boating categories. I believe that our segment has hit bottom and we are seeing recent evidence of improvement. Therefore, I expect normal business operations today and throughout the course of Genmar’s reorganization process. While these types of circumstances are sometimes subject to rampant speculation and rumors, we encourage specific questions be emailed to info@rangerboats.com so we can provide a timely response. And remember that regardless of the market conditions, Ranger boats are still built, sold and serviced one at a time. It’s who we are and we remain firmly committed to that legendary legacy of leadership.”

Randy Hopper
President, Ranger Boats

What is the most important thing when choosing a propeller? Pitch. No matter what size engine or what kind of boat, if the propeller isn’t the right pitch, the boat isn’t going to live up to its potential.

Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, a propeller moves forward every time it turns (i.e. a 19” prop should move forward 19” with each revolution; in reality, it’s a bit less, because the propeller isn’t 100% efficient).

Here’s the skinny: You want to be able to run the engine at, or near, the manufacturer’s recommended maximum RPM at full throttle, trimmed up for speed, with a typical load in the boat – and if you can, your propeller is the right pitch.

Too much pitch (overpropped) — the engine won’t reach its max RPM, is sluggish getting on plane, and has poor throttle response. Not enough pitch (under-propped)—the boat pops on plane and accelerates with confidence, easily exceeding the recommended full throttle RPM. Neither condition is good for engine longevity or fuel economy.

The cure? Since every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM, decreasing pitch should provide a proportionate increase in RPM – drop pitch an inch, gain a couple of hundred RPM. Conversely, increasing pitch usually results in a RPM decrease – go up an inch, lose a couple of hundred RPM.

After you have the pitch part of the equation figured out, then the propeller selection process can continue. Steve McLelland, Sales and Marketing Manager of Precision Propeller Industries tells us, “Different styles of propellers offer unique performance characteristics – more bow lift, quicker hole shots, and the like. Once we’ve determined the correct pitch range for a given boat, then we can start talking about what your performance goals are and what propeller will help you get there.”

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

Aluminum propellers aren’t expensive, they work well, and are relatively easy to repair, but aluminum isn’t particularly durable, making aluminum props susceptible to wear and damage. Stainless steel propellers cost more up front; however, because stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, a stainless propeller’s blades are usually thinner and can be made in a wider variety of styles and shapes than an aluminum prop, thus the potential for better performance and increased service life. Remember, it’s stain-less steel, not stain-proof – a stainless propeller can still rust, so you need to keep it clean, just like the rest of your boat.

Three Blades vs. Four Blades

In broad terms, three blade propellers offer good overall performance; however a three blade prop may lose its grip in turns and may not be the best handling propeller on high-horsepower rigs.

Four blade propellers can get a boat on plane faster, they’re less likely to lose traction in turns, and help many boats handle better, although a four blade propeller is often a bit slower (1-2 MPH) at top speed than a three blade prop.

Propeller Resources

Yamaha Marine offers propellers to suit nearly any application, and their website, yamaha-motor.com, is a great place to start searching for the perfect prop. Here, you can check out  Yamaha’s propeller charts, as well as over a thousand performance bulletins that document real-world results on almost any boat imaginable.

We also suggest looking into Precision Propeller Industries, Inc. (precisionpropeller.com, 800-922-9955), which functions as part of Yamaha Marine Group. Precision Propeller makes Turbo® Prop stainless steel propellers, if you’re seeking something a little different than an original equipment prop.

When contacting Yamaha or Precision Propeller, make sure to have all the information about your current setup (boat length, style, engine, propeller, full-throttle RPM, and other performance data) available to discuss with the prop pros – it’ll help them help you.

Finally

Try as many different propellers as possible before shelling out hard-earned dollars on a new prop. Your local dealer might let you borrow a propeller or two if you ask nicely – there is no substitute for on-water testing.

Terminology

Propellers are described in numbers: the first number is the diameter, and the second number is the pitch.

Diameter
If you could draw a circle around a propeller’s blades, diameter would be the distance, (in inches) across this circle.

Pitch
Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, that a propeller moves the boat forward during one revolution. So, a 14 X 19 propeller has a diameter of fourteen inches, and a pitch of nineteen
inches.

Pitch Points
• Generically, every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM
• Increase pitch an inch and the full throttle RPM should drop around 150-200 RPM
• Decrease the pitch an inch and the RPM ought to go up roughly 150-200 RPM at full throttle
• Too few RPM at full throttle? You might need a prop with less pitch
• Too many RPM at full throttle? A pro peller with more pitch could help

(Source: Yamaha Boater’s Log)

As the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, Skeeter’s management team knew this was an excellent opportunity to put its product in front of the most avid fishermen in the world – the BASS Federation Nation. Knowing that this group has high expectations from anything and everything “bass fishing,” Skeeter is proud to introduce an exciting new retail program for 2009 – the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program – exclusively for Federation Nation members.

“The BASS Federation Nation is the heart and soul of our great sport of bass fishing,” says Jeff Stone, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Skeeter. “The Federation Nation provides a solid foundation that will support both the competitive and recreational aspects of the sport well into the future. Skeeter is proud to support the Federation Nation, and we are confident that this new retail program will expose Federation Nation members to Skeeter’s stellar line-up of bass boats,” Stone added.

The Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program provides cash-back rebates for in-stock and ordered Skeeter/Yamaha packages until March 2, 2010, extends Skeeter’s ‘Real Money’ tournament incentive program by offering up to $3,000 for a sanctioned tournament win and adds a two year Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) contract on qualified Skeeter/Yamaha boat packages.

BASS Federation Nation members will also be interested about Skeeter’s $50,000 cash incentive for a victory at the 2009 Federation Nation Championship, and $100,000 cash incentive for a Bassmaster Classic victory. “Don’t think for a second that a Federation Nation member can’t keep up with the superstars at the Bassmaster Classic,” says Skeeter’s National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett. “During this year’s Classic, Skeeter/Federation Nation member Bryan Schmidt finished the Classic in 6th place, and even spent time in the ‘hot seat’ as the leader of the Classic on the final day of competition,” says Jarrett.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its ‘Real Money’ incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network. For more information about the Skeeter/Yamaha BASS Federation Nation Program, check with your Chapter, drop-by your local authorized Skeeter dealer, or visit www.skeeterboats.com.

In its first 41 years, innovation and technological advancements have been a staple of Ranger Boats’ legendary reputation. In an increasingly competitive industry, Ranger has set the bar once again, this time through an efficient and resource-conscious manufacturing process made possible with the addition of a custom JetTool® water jet.

Much in the same way that the RoadArmor® system revolutionized the RangerTrail division of the boat company and pultruded fiberglass changed the way transoms were built and components reinforced, the new robotic water jet will fulfill one of the factory’s least-popular jobs: cutting holes and lids into the fiberglass, interior deck components of the more than 40 different Ranger models.

“In the past, these interior deck compartments were trimmed by some of the hardest-working men and women in the factory – each dressed head-to-toe in protective gear – working with a variety of jigs and making the cuts with routers, saws and drills,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “It was a difficult job that generated a lot of fiberglass dust. With the new robotic water jet everyone benefits: fellow employees get a cleaner work environment and the cost savings from improved efficiency help offset the rising cost of raw materials and the initial equipment investment.”

The process begins once the boats are wheeled into the robotic water jet’s booth. Following an introductory calibration process where the machine uses lasers to measure the precise placement of the cutouts, the robotic water jet forces water at 60,000 psi through a near-microscopic nozzle opening, resulting in clean, uniform cuts. The jet trims the interior deck on each Ranger model, including all hatch and storage openings, precisely locating and drilling for deck hardware. Confined within its 675 square-foot booth housed inside the 364,000 square-foot production facility, this advancement in boat building results in a cleaner work environment for employees and an improved product for the consumer.

The difference in results between robotic water jet trimming and conventional boat-building methods are vast. For the consumer, the edges of compartments underneath the deck that house batteries, breakers and pumps are smoother and offer a level of quality not seen with conventional methods. When removing mounting plates on the front deck to install electronics, the cutouts are uniform and do not impede wiring. For the manufacturer, water jet cutting means improved production times – as well as a significant savings in energy, maintenance and tool-making costs.

“There will be substantial annual savings each year in perishable tooling,” said Lance Newton, Ranger Boats’ Engineering Project Manager. “As our process becomes leaner, not only with the robotic trimming system but with other processes as well, it results in decreased manufacturing costs for Ranger, which can ultimately result in a more stable cost to our dealers and customers from year to year.”

BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines have been ranked highest in customer satisfaction with two-stroke outboard engines in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Marine Engine Competitive Information Study.^SM+

This is the third time that Evinrude E-TEC engines have been ranked the highest in customer satisfaction in the study and comes during the brand’s 100 year anniversary celebration. Previous high honors were awarded to Evinrude for two-stroke direct-injection engines in 2003 and in 2007, when Evinrude ranked the highest in a tie.

The award was presented this morning at the J.D. Power and Associates awards ceremony in conjunction with the Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. BRP’s vice president – general manager, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Evinrude division, Roch Lambert, accepted the award.

“This award is very significant for Evinrude. Since we introduced the Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine in 2002, it has ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the 2003, the 2007 and, now the 2009 study,” stated Lambert. “This is a testament to our continued efforts to provide the best, worry-free boating experience to our consumers,” he concluded.

BRP’s Evinrude outboard engines registered a 17-point gain in scoring over last year’s study, which moved the brand to the top position this year. Since the 2005 study, Evinrude has improved by 59 points overall.

“Receiving this award reinforces the benefits of owning an Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine. We are witnessing a growing segment of consumers looking to spend more time on the water. Our reputation for dependability, quality, and reliability coupled with the fact that Evinrude E-TEC is the only outboard with no dealer scheduled maintenance for three years or 300 hours has made consumers’ decision to choose Evinrude an easy one,” added Lambert.

BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC engine line-up now includes 110 engine models from 25- to 300-horsepower and all are 2010 EPA compliant. Engines are available at Evinrude dealerships worldwide.