Overboard Boater

Suzuki continued its trend of revamping its smaller horsepower outboard line-up, with the recent introduction of its DF40 and DF50 models.

Here’s a quick summary in Suzuki’s words, not mine:

Initial tests have shown that these two new generation outboards use 23% less fuel than the current 40 and 50 models, especially in the cruising range where the engine is used for the majority of the time.

Both of these new outboards are based on Suzuki’s proven inline three-cylinder dual overhead cam (DOHC) 12-value engine with 941 cm3 (57.4 cu.in.) of displacement.

For example, Suzuki engineers report that the new DF40 and DF50 are 6% faster in their top speed and 25% quicker in acceleration than the current Suzuki models.

Got some attendance numbers from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for the 2010 Miami Boat Show:

91,415 attendees this year. Down from 96,736 in 2009. The numbers, according to the NMMA, are consistent with attendance declines for boat shows so far in 2010. That said, some exhibitors reported significant sales increases over 2009, with some accessory companies reporting 20-30 percent more sales.

Consistent with the unofficial word on the docks. The foot traffic seemed pretty sparse at times but more people seemed serious about buying a boat. Whether the concrete numbers bear out the hopefulness remains to be seen going forward, but at least this year you could hear hints of optimism, a sentiment in short supply in Miami in 2009.

People boated on Crete 130,000 years ago.

Scientists found stone tools on Crete dating back 130,000 years. As this article from the New York Times points out, Crete’s been an island for 5 million years. That means they were dropped from the excrement of very large prehistoric dino-birds that ate some pre-humans, or, more logically, some pre-humans got there by boat.

Potter designed SeaCraft, maybe?

One expected aspect of MIBS 2010, The Great Recession Version, is the scarcity of new models being introduced by the boat companies. One reason for this is understandable–the backlog of inventory left over from the economic meltdown that put people’s plans to buy a boat on hold. You can’t push new until the dealer network clears out the old.

Those willing and able to buy a boat have benefited from this, getting great deals on boats that are essentially brand new but classified as last year’s, or yesteryear’s, models. But that wave may be cresting. A number of builders I spoke with said they have finally sold most of those boats off, with one saying went from have a 120 boat logjam to having fewer than 20 left.

If you’re looking to buy a boat, the lesson here is, strike while the iron is hot. Or if you insist on having the latest and greatest, expect more new builds to start making the scene for 2011.

Mastercraft’s new 25 won an innovation award at the show, but I was still interested in its 30 express cruiser, which debuted last year.

The 30 is in the water this year, having logged 16,000 miles of sea trials. The boat is cool because in a sterndrive world, Mastercraft stays true to the inboards. This one has twin 350-hp Cummins 4.2 QSDs. With a bow thruster and joystick control, it’s got mad maneuverability.

The styling is unique, too. It’s clearly part of the Mastercraft family but it has a European feel. Definitely one of the more intruiging boats I’ve seen at the show.

Nautical Global Group, builders of Rinker and Godfrey, are emphasizing value to attract boaters in the recession.

They’ve started a site called Amazingboatdeals.com to offer basic models stripped of a few bells and whistles. The idea is to give boaters affordable price points for new models. Like this Godfrey 188.

Groundbreaking news you can only find here.

Taking this photo moments ago is my first official act of the Miami Boat Show. I can live blog this mother straight from my iPhone. Will be shooting grainy phone video, too.

I apologize in advance for typos and accidental autofills. It’s not easy producing real time journalism typing with your thumbs.

The Brunswick CEO, along with the head of the boat group and Mercury Marine, are doing a little pre-Miami Boat Show headline grabbing, by staging a financial news webcast tomorrow, Wednesday the 1oth, at 11am.

If you want to here what the biggest boat company in the world has to say about financials, register for the webast at Brunswick.com by 10:45 am at the latest.