The Boating Life
By Jarvis Holliday
Posted: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013
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Model: 2013 Chaparral 257 SSX
Key features: This model represents Chaparral’s next generation in luxury family bowriders. With an eye-catching design, once onboard you’ll surely notice the attention to detail. The all-new vinyl-wrapped dash mixes elegance with high-tech innovation. The cockpit features convertible aft seating that opens up to a transitional lounge. Go from sport cruiser to entertainment bowrider with ease. And with plenty of storage, put an end to onboard clutter.
Engine: Multiple options available, including 300 to 380-horsepower dual-prop drive
Price: Starting at $79,999
Dealer: The Boat Rack, 7565 Hwy. 150, Sherrills Ford. 828-478-2222. www.theboatrack.com
Jet SettingModel: 2013 Yamaha 242 Limited S
Key features: As Yamaha’s flagship, this 24-foot jet boat is fast and fun. The inviting bow features a variety of comfortable seating configurations along with a two-tier lounge with upholstered back and seat rests, stainless-steel cup holders, premium speakers and a freshwater shower. The model uses jet propulsion similar to a Jet Ski, which means it’s safer because there are no propellers. The all-new dash evokes the look and feel of a high-end luxury car with its state-of-the-art gauges.
Engine: Twin 1.8 liter 180-horsepower
Price: $53,000-$56,000
Dealer: Lake Norman Marina, 6965 Hwy. 150 East, Sherrills Ford. 704-483-5546. www.lakenormanmarina.com
Party Over HereModel: 2013 Premier 290 Grand Entertainer
Key features: As the name implies, prepare to do some grand entertaining on this 29-foot pontoon, which can accommodate 18 guests. The island bar—with cabana top and surrounding bar stools—is the center of attention and will propel you to get the party started with your favorite adult beverages, which you can keep chilled in the recessed ice bucket and built-in refrigerator. Get comfortable on the bow couch with chaise lounge, while looking out onto the water. Cup/stemware holders and speakers abound, combined with exterior and interior LED strip lighting to further signify this is a party boat.
Engine: 36-inch PTX or PTX twin, 350 to 500-horsepower
Price: Contact dealer for price info.
Dealer: Wher-rena Boatland, 18919 West Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-892-0161. www.wher-rena.com
Go Big or Go HomeModel: 2013 Regal 3200 Bowrider
Key features: You’ll have the space to do whatever you want on this yacht-certified boat. The dual ultra lounges in the aft cockpit allow lounging in any direction and are some of the most comfortable available. It features Regal’s revolutionary power-folding water sports tower, and is acclaimed for its performance and handling. Plus, this model is available with a joystick docking system to make docking this big boy simple and easy.
Engine: Twin MerCruiser or Volvo Penta ranging from 600 to 760 horsepower
Price: From $205,000 to $279,000
Dealer: Talley’s Pier 77 Marine, 18901 Statesville Road, Cornelius. 704-892-8555. www.talleyspier77.com
Lounge AroundModel: 2013 Harris Grand Mariner SL 250
Key features: This pontoon boat is sure to please passengers of all ages. There’s a spacious swim platform, aft lounger with flip-flop backrest and coveted interior features such as plenty of cup holders, an aft table, and ample storage combined with a unique fence design. This is a luxury boat with high performance and room for plenty of your friends, family and gear. The custom five-step ladder provides easy access to the water, or you can relax in the spacious sun lounge.
Engine: Available up to 300-horsepower
Price: Request a quote
Dealer: Hall Marine Lake Norman, 9209 Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. 704-892-9676. hallmarine.com
Family FunctionModel: 2013 Chaparral 216 SSi
Key features: This bowrider is a great fit for the active family who loves water sports, with a capacity for as many as 11 people and ample storage space for wakeboards, skis and gear. Other nice features include an ergonomic, full-height windshield, padded armrests and footrests, dedicated rear entry with a chaise lounge on a full-sized sun pad, as well as high-powered speakers, interior blue LED lights, a full-sized removable igloo and large Bimini top.
Engine: Multiple options available, including the Volvo V6 and V8, 200 to 300 horsepower
Price: Starting at $42,999
Dealer: The Boat Rack, 7565 Hwy. 150, Sherrills Ford, 828-478-2222. www.theboatrack.com
New ClassicModel: 2013 Sea Ray 510 Sundancer
Key features: This model is Sea Ray’s most spacious sport yacht, featuring large hull windows, an enclosed cockpit sunroom with two retractable sunroofs and a pivoting double-helm seat. The main cabin features a gourmet galley and plush sofa—all interior seating is in leather—in a naturally lit atrium-like environment. High-end entertainment touches include a Sony stereo with CD player and iPod connector, and LCD flatscreen TV with DVD player. Riders will also love the separate shower compartments.
Engine: Twin Cummins QSC 550 Diesel
Price: Request a quote
Dealer: Hall Marine Lake Norman, 9209 Westmoreland Road, Cornelius. 704-892-9676. hallmarine.com
Starting OutModel: 2013 Bennington 24 SSL
Key features: This 24-foot pontoon boat is an entry-level model from Bennington but doesn’t have an entry-level feel. Eleven people can sit comfortably here, and passengers love the double rear-facing reclining seat that is great for watching the kids tubing. The SurLast playpen cover helps you maintain your cool on summer days, and the deep-step boarding ladder makes climbing in and out of the water a breeze.
Engine: Single outboard, maximum 150-horsepower
Price: Starting at $32,999
Dealer: Lake Norman Marina, 6965 Hwy. 150 East, Sherrills Ford. 704-483-5546. www.lakenormanmarina.com
Give it a TriModel: 2013 JC 262 TriToon
Key features: This pontoon comes with a lot of great amenities, without breaking the bank. The sterndrive provies speeds in excess of many powerboats, while the custom stainless-steel wakeboard tower with spotlight and the full-swim platform make this model prime for water sports. Plus, there’s the JL Audio marine stereo system, underwater LED lights, stainless-steel fender holder, extended bow seats that slide out for extra sun lounging space and custom cover.
Engine: 350 MAG MPI with Bravo 3 outdrive, 300-horsepower
Price: Contact dealer for price info.
Dealer: Wher-rena Boatland, 18919 West Catawba Ave., Cornelius, 704-892-0161. www.wher-rena.com
Fast ForwardModel: 2013 Regal 27 FasDeck
Key features: This deck boat offers speed without sacrificing comfort. Able to accomodate as many as 13 people, passengers can relax in the ultra lounge—one of the industry’s largest—or bow seating, and this model includes an enclosed head compartment with custom cherry wood cabinetry and a corian countertop. All the while, the sport boat handling is great for a day of skiing or wakeboarding.
Engine: MerCruiser or Volvo Penta ranging from 270 to 300 horsepower
Price: From $70,000 to $97,000
Dealer: Talley’s Pier 77 Marine, 18901 Statesville Road, Cornelius. 704-892-8555. www.talleyspier77.com
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