craigdritchie Posted February 16, 2011 Report Posted February 16, 2011 My job requires me to travel to a lot of different boating events, including boat shows all over the world. This week I'm in Miami Beach, for the Miami International Boat Show, which opens tomorrow (Thursday). Took a quick walk around the Sea Isle Marina this afternoon and saw all kinds of really cool new stuff, including an offshore fishing boat with four Mercury Verados. Nothing unusual about that, especially here in Florida. But wait ..... The Verado 350 SCI isn't a new engine, but these are the first white ones I've ever seen (I'm told they're numbers 5, 6, 7 and 8 off the assembly line, respectively). Merc will apparently be offering some engines in white this year, mainly for the salt water market. I guess they couldn't leave Evinrude to have all the fun by themselves. Cool looking engines, or what? And yeah, 1,400 horsepower is also pretty darn cool. You should see this thing take off when they put the hammers down (boat is a 42-foot Deep Impact). It's impressive,to say the least. Glad I don't have to gas it up. Lots more new stuff to see, but the majority of it is under wraps till the morning. Miami is the biggest boat show in the world. They have everything here, from inflatables and kayaks all the way up to yachts over 100 feet long and costing upwards of $25 million. If you ever get the chance, it's worth the trip.
mercman Posted February 16, 2011 Report Posted February 16, 2011 never thought a boat would make me drool......... This one does. Those motors look like Mercs in Tux's. Real Purdy ta look at.
lew Posted February 16, 2011 Report Posted February 16, 2011 That rig takes "boyz & their toys" to a whole new level Craig
craigdritchie Posted February 17, 2011 Author Report Posted February 17, 2011 That rig takes "boyz & their toys" to a whole new level Craig It gets better. Can't say anything about it till 1 pm tomorrow, but just got a sneak preview of some new technology about to be announced from one of the big outboard brands. We're talking fly-by-wire with ...... joystick control!
skeeter Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 i just want one of those motors for my big boat. then i can get it back in the water.
danbouck Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) It would make tubing more fun! Edited February 17, 2011 by Dan Bouck
mercman Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 It gets better. Can't say anything about it till 1 pm tomorrow, but just got a sneak preview of some new technology about to be announced from one of the big outboard brands. We're talking fly-by-wire with ...... joystick control! ur such a boat teaser
bigbuck Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 I guess that boat has a little bit of get up and go. Starting up all 4 motors costs my gas budget for the weekend.
DRIFTER_016 Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 It gets better. Can't say anything about it till 1 pm tomorrow, but just got a sneak preview of some new technology about to be announced from one of the big outboard brands. We're talking fly-by-wire with ...... joystick control! My guess is Mercury seeing how they already have their Zeus system for large boats.
Nipfisher Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 Hey Craig.....where's the bikinis????!!!!!!! Boats are cool but bikinis are better.
craigdritchie Posted February 17, 2011 Author Report Posted February 17, 2011 Hey Craig.....where's the bikinis????!!!!!!! Boats are cool but bikinis are better. There's never any shortage of boobie girls at this show either, but seriously ... after the first hour they all look the same. It's like going to northern Ontario and looking at trees. I'm here for the big hardware, man! Going for a test ride in a high-tech, electric-powered tournament ski boat later today. It apparently goes 50 mph with no noise, no pollution. And yes, the bass boat guys (Ranger, Skeeter etc) are paying very close attention to the technology.
lookinforwalleye Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 Tough job you have there!!!
aniceguy Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 Craig Im real curious on the new Gm power plant, Aluminum block and all cant wait to hear your opinion on it
oldphart Posted February 17, 2011 Report Posted February 17, 2011 ~~~~Not sure I care for a motor that doesn't make any noise, I would have to listen to the wife nagging~~~Nope I'll stay with a out of tune motor, for a good reason, Peace and quiet
DRIFTER_016 Posted February 18, 2011 Report Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) It gets better. Can't say anything about it till 1 pm tomorrow, but just got a sneak preview of some new technology about to be announced from one of the big outboard brands. We're talking fly-by-wire with ...... joystick control! It's after 1 Craig, so spill the beans!!!! Edited February 18, 2011 by DRIFTER_016
Billy Bob Posted February 18, 2011 Report Posted February 18, 2011 Nice job and great report.....but don't ever compare boobie girls and trees....just doesn't work.... The WHITE Mercs was the first thing I noticed but it makes sense in the south.
craigdritchie Posted February 19, 2011 Author Report Posted February 19, 2011 It's after 1 Craig, so spill the beans!!!! It is indeed after 1 pm, so here's the skinny - yesterday Yamaha and Volvo Penta signed an agreement to work together on building a new line of outboards that will incorporate Volvo's fly-by-wire joystick control. You can search Volvo Penta Joystick on Youtube to get a sense of how it works. I've driven it several times, and it's just unreal. The outboard controls will be more advanced than the stern drive system you see on YouTube. Basically, you can walk the boat sideways! Imagine how much easier it will be to dock in the wind, or straighten the boat before driving it onto the trailer. And that's only the beginning. I guess we will learn more in a few months.
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