Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Boating NZ

After the announcement (finally) of the Protocol for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Auckland recently, this historic event will likely never be the same again. Whether that’s good news or bad depends on your point of view, I guess. Many readers will likely welcome the increased frequency of the event – every two years – and the consistency the new Protocol promises. Some will likely also welcome the €75M cost cap, which should make the event far more accessible and attractive to potential teams and their investors. So too the use of existing AC75 hulls, or new hulls built to the same spec. Shades of SailGP, anyone? I’m sure Dalton and crew are very aware of that successful formula. The new provisions should level the playing field considerably…

After nearly five months in the shed (May to October, 2022), Innocenti slid back in the water, restored to her former glory (mostly) and ready for the next big adventure. In the meantime, our bank account had been cleared out, and we had to come up with ever more creative ways to fund our planned circumnavigation and to actually drop the lines and depart. Over the years, I’ve learnt to multiply any boat estimate my ever-optimistic husband comes up with by three and add a bit more… then we might be in the ballpark! The problem is that this boat is part of the family. She has been our home, carried us safely offshore, and played a huge part in shaping our lives, so we couldn’t leave her to languish…

There are two major engine cooling systems in general use. The most basic is the very cheap and nasty direct, or raw water, cooling system, where sea or river water passes directly through the engine block for cooling purposes. It is seldom seen on modern engines, although the Americans still seem to like it on their big V8s. Raw water cooling shortens the engine’s life and significantly reduces engine efficiency, as the engine always runs well below its designed running temperature of 80-85o Centigrade. The far more efficient indirect, or freshwater, cooling system keeps the water passages clean, as only fresh water and coolant inhibitors circulate around the block. The raw water passes through the heat exchanger tube stacks and takes the heat from the clean water circulating within the…

In boat markets around the world, it appears that a number of consumers remain sceptical of electric propulsion platforms, primarily out of fears that current battery systems can’t provide enough power to meet their needs. But motor manufacturers say that range anxiety for many boaties lies in a mistaken understanding of how electric power figures are expressed. Whether current generation electric propulsion systems represent viable alternatives to fossil fuel engines depends largely on usage and buyer expectations, says Mercury Marine Vice President of Category Management Steve Andrasko. Mercury’s SmartCraft platform has enabled the company to amass an enormous volume of real-world data on boat usage since its introduction in 2001, he says, and that data confirms that electric propulsion systems are more than capable of meeting the needs of boat…

A 10-knot SW ruffles the sea off Takapuna Beach as 66 OK dinghies jockey around the committee boat. The starting gun signals the last of the seven race series to decide the 1977 OK Dinghy Worlds. As one of four sailors in contention for a series win, Peter Lester feels the pressure: one mistake and it’s over. He responds as champions do and leads the fleet off the line. Lighter than many of his competitors, he struggles to hold his OK upright in a building breeze but hangs on to finish fourth, enough to give him the series by one point. It’s only the second monotype world title won by a New Zealand sailor. “My earliest sailing memories are in a Z Class with someone from the Canterbury Yacht and…

Looking like a Maritimo, feeling like a Maritimo, and then carrying the brand’s famous robustness and quality were core to all of the above. To say that the 50-foot segment is congested is no throwaway line. Differentiation is critical, and to that end the M50 might not be for everyone, but it will suit boaters who don’t always have a cast of thousands on board but do need to expand and contract like an accordion to meet fluctuating demand. The two-stateroom layout means both cabins get loads of room, and the owners will feel like they are in a much bigger craft since they use the entire 5.22m beam directly in front of the engine room. Similarly, the bathroom does not require one to shimmy past things to get in…

The Tectrax Boat Launcher revolutionises boat launching by offering an autonomous, remote-controlled amphibious trailer that can be operated from onboard the boat, eliminating the need for wading into water or dealing with traditional trailer challenges. This technology provides the benefits of amphibious boats without requiring vessel modifications, allowing owners to choose any hull design while enjoying easy beach launching and independent mobility. The Boat Launcher is a self-driving trailer system controlled remotely from the boat helm, enabling smooth launching and retrieval without wet feet or stuck vehicles. It supports any boat, providing freedom from ramps and marinas. Powered by Tectrax’s Gen 2 system, each wheel has an electric motor with high-torque gearing, eliminating hydraulic components for faster deployment, tighter turns, and reduced maintenance. The system is fully-electric, quiet, and environmentally-friendly.…

Italy’s Sessa Marine, known for its excellence in boat building using only the best quality materials and components, has unveiled the new F48, expanding its Flybridge range. This 48-foot yacht combines elegance, functionality, and innovation, designed for both avid mariners and leisure seekers. It can host 16 passengers during the day and sleep six overnight, making it ideal for short excursions and extended voyages. The yacht’s interior and exterior layout emphasize symmetry, enhancing space perception and functional flow. The enlarged cockpit connects seamlessly with the saloon, creating a sociable and open space. The décor features natural colours and premium materials, resulting in a bright and spacious living area. ELEVATED OUTDOOR LIVING The expansive flybridge includes a bar cabinet, sunbathing area, as well as a large sofa with dining table, perfect…

Puzzle no.334 Across 1. _____ Marine Ltd – NZ boatbuilding company based in Auckland (8) 6. ____ of the bilge – point where bottom and sides of hull meet (4) 8. Circular coral reefs surrounding lagoons (6) 9. This is hung over vessel’s side to protect it from impact (6) 10. Flippers worn by diver (4) 11. Small rigging ropes forming ladder (8) 12. Haul boat ashore (5) 14. Shape of vessel’s bow as it moves through sea (5) 16. Left aground on shore or on reef in shallow water (8) 20. Make ____ – tie up vessel securely (4) 21. Made everything shipshape on board! (6) 22. _____ line – path along which compass needle points to true north (6) 23. ____ of convenience – this shows vessel is…

OUR LOVE OF SAILS From local Optimist regattas to SailGP and the America’s Cup, Kiwis have always had a great affinity with sailing. However, how did the concept of using wind to get about on the sea actually start? THE BIRTH OF SAIL The earliest use of sails can be traced to around 3500BC in ancient Mesopotamia, where settlements on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers developed basic sailing vessels for transportation and commerce along generally calm inland waterways. Sails on reed boats became common, with depictions from the Akkadian and Sumerian periods showing rigid square sails, which would have been limited in their effectiveness in changing wind conditions. Egyptian archaeological evidence from around this time period also depicts boats with single square sails mounted on a central…

WHANGĀREI MARITIME FESTIVAL RETURNS The Whangārei Maritime Festival returns for its third year on October 11th and 12th, 2025, at the Whangārei Town Basin, continuing to celebrate the region’s maritime identity with over 20,000 attendees in 2024. The festival features hands-on maritime displays, interactive learning, marine career insights, a Kids’ Zone, live waterfront music, and maritime talks, supported by local businesses and organizations, with free entry for all visitors. EVENT DETAILS: OCTOBER 11th AND 12th, 2025 WHANGĀREI TOWN BASIN. ENTRY – FREE. www.whangareimaritimefestival.co.nz ‘POCKET SUPERYACHT’ TO DEBUT IN 2026 The YYachts’ Y6 is a new carbon-built ‘Pocket Superyacht’ designed for owner-operated sailing with ease and comfort, debuting in 2026. It emphasises simple sail handling, a clean deck design, and customizable interiors to suit personal tastes, catering especially to owners seeking…

Introduced at an invitation-only media event in Florida, the new engines respectively complement the existing 400hp V10 and replace the first-generation 350hp variant, bringing what Mercury says is unprecedented power, torque and smooth, quiet operation to the power range. “These new V10 Verado engines reflect our commitment to giving boaters exactly what they’ve asked for – greater performance with the same smooth, refined experience they expect from Mercury,” said Mercury Marine President John Buelow. “With this launch, we’re raising the bar in the high-horsepower category and reaffirming the Verado family’s position as the pinnacle of premium outboard performance.” Like the first-generation 350hp and 400hp V10s, the new enhanced 350hp and 425hp Verados use the same 5.7L powerhead, the same advanced midsection to isolate the powerhead for a smoother, quieter ride,…

Galvanic corrosion is a flow of electric current between dissimilar metals in an electrolyte such as seawater and, to a lesser extent, in impure fresh water. The solution to this problem is simple. Use a wire to BOND ALL SUBMERGED METALS on the vessel so that they must always be at the same voltage, then attach a less noble metal to the circuit so that the least noble metal (typically zinc) will be eroded instead of the metal parts of the vessel. STRAY CURRENT CORROSION Stray current corrosion occurs when an electrical fault allows electric current to flow between the vessel’s hull or other metal parts and earth. This is direct current commonly originating where there is a fault in the vessel’s electrical system. Some engineers might better understand this…

NEW MERCURY VERADO V10S MERCURY MARINE has expanded its Verado outboard lineup with the new V10 425hp Verado and an enhanced 350hp V10 Verado, both delivering superior power, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and quieter operation compared to competitors. The 425hp model offers faster acceleration, lighter weight, a high-output alternator, and reduced noise, while the upgraded 350hp model provides higher top speed, quicker acceleration, greater alternator output, and quieter cruising. Both engines share a compact V10 design with 26-inch mounting, ideal for repowering or new builds, and feature Digital Throttle & Shift and optional Joystick Piloting for precise control. For more details, see our feature on p34. www.mercurymarine.com SEE THE LAGOON EIGHTY 2 – ON US! THE ALL-NEW LAGOON EIGHTY 2 makes its global debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, and…

Senator Boats has continuously invested in developing new models and upgrading and improving its range. Recent models that illustrate the company’s current design philosophy include the Senator 500 we reviewed in late 2023 and the new 550 Hardtop model featured here, both of which champion Senator’s innovative ‘Mission Modular’ system. In many respects the new 550 is the bigger brother of the 500, featuring many of the same modular layout options but benefiting from a stylish hardtop that offers protection from the elements. Like the 500, essentially the basic boat can be configured however you like from a huge range of Senator Boats options, all designed to complement this model. This boat is comprehensively optioned. Senator names its boats conservatively, using actual hull length excluding bowsprit and outboard rather than…

WHILE EVERYONE LOVES the latest Yeti or waterproof gear, at the core of all sailors or ocean lovers is one thing – weather. It’s our engine, our make or break, and it can be complicated. That’s why PredictWind, the world’s leading weather forecasting and routing software, should be on the radar for any sailing, boating, ocean, or tech-loving dad this Father’s Day – especially those whose cupboards are already filled with Yeti mugs! From accurate 24/7 forecasting anywhere on the planet to state-of-the-art tech and a user-friendly interface, it will provide Dad with accurate and reliable weather forecasts while keeping him as safe and prepared as possible. Whether a novice or a seasoned sailor(or Olympian!), PredictWind offers unparalleled insights that will make any Dad’s life at sea a little easier,…