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New Boats and Gear

New center consoles and boat accessories for fishing

By Chris Woodward

Updated: January 30, 2015

Velocity 262cc

Founded by Steve Stepp in 1976, Velocity Powerboats carries an offshore-racing pedigree. Stepp invented the Stepp transom and pad-bottom hull, the company says, and he is still the chief design consultant, though the company has been under new ownership since July 2013. The 262cc is the third model to come out of the Sanford, Florida, factory, which has also created the 220 Bay and the 260 Bay. Velocity hulls employ a pad aft, which — when paired with other aspects of the design — translates to more speed from less horsepower, less bow rise, and the ability to quickly decelerate, Velocity says. The company uses vacuum-bonded lamination and a linear core, and offers optional builds using Kevlar, S-glass and carbon-fiber construction materials. The 262cc comes with standard features, which include a hardtop, power steering, 5-foot fish box, removable bow cushions, Yeti cooler/seat, and a tackle station. The boat can be built with either custom livewells or a robust entertainment center. Rigged for a single 300 hp outboard or twins, the 262cc carries 150 gallons of fuel. SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 26 ft.
BEAM 8 ft. 6 in.
TRANSOM DEADRISE 22 deg.
FUEL 150 gal.
MSRP $127,995 (with 300 hp Mercury Verado, trailer, and standard equipment)

Tideline 23 Hybrid

Tideline completed its initial 23 Bay catamaran in fall 2013, but decided to change the interior, and began constructing the 23 Hybrid in late 2014. The new Hybrid combines a fairly shallow draft (14 inches) for inshore fishing with ample offshore characteristics, including its stable-riding catamaran hull. The 23 boasts a large front casting platform, and Tideline says the boat tracks well with a bow‑mounted trolling motor. This North Carolina-built cat boat is big sister to Tideline’s 19-footer; the larger vessel can handle up to 300 hp in a twin configuration. It also weighs 4,900 pounds (with engines) and carries 120 gallons of fuel. Standard features include a custom leaning post with a 50-gallon livewell, tackle storage and rocket launcher, as well as eight flush-mount rod holders, four horizontal rod holders, hydraulic steering, pop-up cleats and LED lighting. Options include a T-top or hardtop with rod holders, raw-water washdown, trolling-motor rigging, and a dual-axle trailer with brakes. Tideline’s boats are sold factory direct to customers; each boat is then built to order. SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 23 ft. 1 in.
BEAM 8 ft. 6 in.
DRAFT14 in.
MSRP $69,500 (with twin 115 hp outboards)

Evinrude E-Tec G2

Evinrude says its new E-Tec G2 direct-fuel-injected two-stroke outboards, first introduced in mid-2014, deliver 15 percent better fuel efficiency and 20 percent more torque while decreasing emissions 75 percent, compared with leading four-strokes. Beyond performance, the new V-6, 200- to 300–horsepower outboards sport a striking new design and offer customizable styling, using a variety of colorful side panels. Evinrude also built in dynamic power steering, and housed the oil tank inside the engine. The outboards weigh 537 to 580 pounds, and cost $20,395 to $27,950.

OceanGrip Flooring Pads

OceanGrip says its easy-to-install, customized flooring pads add traction and comfort to any boat deck while dampening noise and vibration. Made from UV-protected, nonabsorbent EVA marine-grade foam, the pads come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and colors. The peel-and-stick flooring can be easily installed using an OceanGrip template kit; customers can also order custom pads pre-cut to specifications from CAD drawings or user-provided templates. Further personalize the pads with bevels, contours, engraved logos, text or graphics. Sheets range in price from $44 to $270; -OceanGrip also sells kayak pad kits, rod protectors, helm pads and cooler pads.

MagicEzy 9 Second Chip Fix

A quick-repair solution for above-the-waterline fiberglass dings, MagicEzy‘s 9 Second Chip Fix employs a nanotechnology-based formula to fill, bond, level, and color chips, gouges, wide cracks, and deep scratches. The company says no prep is needed: Just wipe the area clean, squeeze the pre-colored formula to fill the ding, use the tube’s leveling device to smooth the material, and let dry. Available in 11 popular boat colors that can be blended, the .45-ounce tube costs $24.99.

Graphix G Wax

Boaters who add colorful graphic wraps to their vessels must take care when protecting hull surfaces. For that reason,** Graphix G Wax** contains no products that degrade or destroy graphics during the waxing process, Life Industries says. The wax cleans and protects the hull against UV radiation. A liquid, Graphix G Wax is easily applied: Wipe it on, let it dry, and wipe it off. A pint bottle costs $15.50.