Get the most out of your investment with the latest boating gear.
By Patrick Campeau
When I was younger, my father often told us that money doesn’t grow on trees. He repeatedly said that we had to work hard and earn every dollar we got.
So, it’s only natural that we want the most for our money right? Fortunately for us, and I’d go so far as to say hallelujah! The engineers at various manufacturers around the world today are making incredible progress and achieving real technological feats that will soon benefit us all.
The boating, hunting, and fishing shows taking place over the next few months are the perfect place to discover all that these various industries have to offer. Here are a few boating gear that are sure to please enthusiasts:
Full steam ahead
If you’re looking to repower your boat or getting your hands on an outboard to go with a new hull, you should take a look at this new category of high-performance machines. Perhaps you’re familiar with the story of the Mercedes-Benz cars and their super-powered high-speed version, the AMG? As Gilles Bolduc, Director of Market Development at Mercury Marine explained to me, being the world’s largest engine manufacturer, it too has a similar division. The R series has been redesigned by Mercury Racing’s team of engineers to incorporate state-of-the-art technology and optimized performance while offering the same mechanical reliability as the standard series. Imagine, the 150 R is a 3.4-liter V6 that develops as much power as a 175 HP on adrenaline. Available in 20”, 25” standard rotation, 25” counter-rotation, and multi-installation versions. Smooth and quiet, the 150R purrs along at 6,000 RPM to deliver powerful performance in a compact format. It is available with DTS controls and SmartCraft technology, allowing both systems to idle smoothly at a low 550 RPM.
Its big brother, the 200R, is a V6 that weighs only 469 lbs. With a high revolution reaching the red line at 6400 RPM, it literally makes boats fly. If your boat is heavy and cruising at less than 135 km/h, you can opt for the Torque Master gearcase. If not, go for the Sport Master version to reach higher speeds.
More accessible than ever
The ultraportable Panoptix PS22-IF ice fishing kit includes two live sonar modes and a pole mount-free design so you can move faster between holes to find more fish. The bundle includes a 7” ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter with touchscreen keyed assist and two types of sonar: LiveVü Forward and LiveVü Down modes. The Panoptix PS22-IF transducer doesn’t require a pole mount. The bracket design allows for easy Forward and Down mode adjustments while the rotator controls direction and depth. All this is accompanied by a lens that makes it easy to switch between wide and narrow beams.
Precision in depth
From now on, when you use a downrigger, you’ll have a much more accurate picture of what’s going on below thanks to the Scotty Seeker. The package includes a probe attached close to the ball, a charging station, a communication hub and a hydrophone to drastically increase your confidence level, as you’ll then be able to accurately know the depth of your presentation, speed in relation to currents, temperature in the abyss, and even locate the thermocline all with ultra-fast refreshes displayed on your phone or sounder. The Seeker represents a new advancement in trolling technology which provides anglers with a clear and powerful method for monitoring water conditions, making it easier than ever to gain insight through the use of real-time metrics, and to facilitate an informed fishing experience.
Perfect for Deep V Hulls
Until now, it was mainly low-profile fishing boats like bass boats or even walleye boats that could be fitted with a front-mounted electric motor. Shaft length was always the problem as they were simply too short. In addition, the forward configuration of many hulls could not accommodate conventional motors. The Force Kraken Trolling Motor from Garmin is engineered with a longer shaft for boats with high freeboards and a pivot-style mount for easy installation in vessels where bow space is limited. With 100 lbs of thrust, it’s the most powerful trolling motor on the market. This trolling motor is optimized to operate in rough open-water conditions at either 24 or 36 volts, thanks to the powerful and efficient brushless motor design. The 48”, 63”, 75” and 90” shaft lengths accommodate many different boat sizes and deck configurations.
This boating gear is a mouthful
A derivative of the classic Williams Whitefish, the new Whitefish S offers the same proven fish-catching silhouettes that have been catching fish for over 85 years. Featuring a new S shape for a sleek slither, its sizable eye, superior hand-painted surface, and shimmering precious metal plating that assure super performance and durability. The new lure will be available in three sizes, 2-1/4”, 3-1/4” and 4-1/4”, weighing in at 1/3 oz, 1/2 oz and one full oz. It will be available in 8 fish catching colours featuring sharp contrasting decals. The S50, S60, and S70 will be the new stars in your tackle box.
Travelling made easy
Carrying a conventional two-section fishing rod can be difficult and risky when travelling by plane, ATV or other means. Unfortunately, most portable models on the market are of low performance. The Lew’s Speed Stick Traveler Rod is the perfect boating gear companion on the go. This premium IM8 3-piece graphite blank, is built with Fuji Concept O guides, a comfortable reel seat with premium cork split grip handles, and comes with a high-quality hard case for protection while traveling and storing. With a length of 6’6’’, this rod allows the angler to catapult lures from 1/8 to ½ ounce to fool trout, walleye, etc…
All the energy you need
Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer significant advantages, including improved discharge and charge efficiency, a longer life span, and the ability to deep cycle while maintaining power. Rechargeable RELiON lithium batteries cycle 3,500 times or more, and higher rates of discharge minimally affect cycle life. Lead-acid batteries typically deliver only 300-500 cycles, as higher levels of discharge greatly reduces cycle life.
RELiON Battery has been awarded a 2024 Top Product Award by Boating Industry Magazine for its RB36V40 marine lithium battery. This 36 volt, 40Ah, Lithium Deep Cycle Battery is of the Group 31. This power source designed specifically for marine use allows you to fish all day with 36V lithium power! The parallel design brings a simpler set-up and more capacity, this boating gear is keeping you out on the water for longer.
One year, that’s all!
The renowned Sea-Doo watercraft manufacturer has specialized in a number of niches, including that of an undisputed leader in the world of fishing. Following the success of its FishPro Sport, FishPro Scout and FishPro Trophy models, the Quebec-based manufacturer is now opening up pre-orders for the most advanced model in its range for anglers, the Apex. Engineers have equipped it with a powerful 300 HP Rotax, 1630 ACE engine, a shock-absorbing hydraulic steering damper, a swivel seat, and a trolling mode. For sampling activity, there are seven rod holders, a 9” Garmin GPS and fish finder, a quick-connect livewell, Gunwale footrests, an anchoring system, and more!
Patrick Campeau is a professional fisherman and a three-time provincial champion, inducted into the Canadian Pantheon of Fishing. Find out more about Patrick Campeau at www.pcampeau.com or www.facebook.com/lapassiondepatrickcampeau
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