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CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR BOATS CIGARETTE 52 THUNDER CC DONZI MARINE 39 VRZ FISHING FOR SHARKS IN KEY WEST SUZUKI MARINE’S BIG MOVE PAYS OFF HONDA LAUNCHES V8 OUTBOARD volume 4 number 3 | 2023$5.99 www.centerconsolelifemag.com TM MYCO TRAILERS ON A ROLL FISHING TOOLS You Need Formula’s New 457 Center Console NEW BOATS 15 DEBUTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE New Center Consoles 8 CCL Cover 4-3.indd 1CCL Cover 4-3.indd 12023-10-20 1:19 PM2023-10-20 1:19 PM2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 • Decatur, IN 46733 • 800.736.7685 • WWW.FORMULABOATS.COM THE ALL-NEW 457 CENTER CONSOLE – Make it Your Destiny! THE FORMULA 457 CENTER CONSOLE WILL BE YOUR OFFSHORE ADVENTURE DES TINATION! Announcing at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and debuting at the Miami International Boat Show, the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models will push the boundaries of design, engineering and construction in the offshore center console world, celebrating the finish and amenities of Formula’s renewed entry into the CC market. The center console world – media, builders, and consumers alike – were stunned and impressed by Formula’s recent introduction of the 387 Center Console Fish and Sport models, executing the ultimate in performance, ergonomics and amenities in the center console market. At 45’7” with a 13’9” beam, and powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, the Formula 457 will impress all comers. Built to your preference, from hard-core fish to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style. Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized bait- wells for a fishing battlewagon or a sculpted aft lounge and spacious swim platform for sporting adventures – we will build a boat to suit your wants and needs. You will love the triple 22” monitor dash and air-conditioned three-position helm. You can add AC to the second row and aft-facing seating for total crew comfort. Choose the bait station/wetbar or the entertainment-ready cockpit galley to your needs. And all will enjoy the highly styled bow seating with elevated sun lounge and wraparound seating with power-adjust table. Below, the cabin brings you 6’6” of headroom with a full aircraft galley with microwave, fridge, sink and abundant counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table for dining or entertaining, convertible to a two-person berth. A well-appointed, spacious head features a separate, stand-up shower. Join us at FLIBS to learn more about this elite game-changer. Then, make plans to climb aboard the first 457 in Miami. You will love what you see – we can’t wait to impress you. The Formula 457 will join the 387 CCF & CCS! Formula DPS.indd 2Formula DPS.indd 22023-10-20 3:10 PM2023-10-20 3:10 PM2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 • Decatur, IN 46733 • 800.736.7685 • WWW.FORMULABOATS.COM THE ALL-NEW 457 CENTER CONSOLE – Make it Your Destiny! THE FORMULA 457 CENTER CONSOLE WILL BE YOUR OFFSHORE ADVENTURE DES TINATION! Announcing at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and debuting at the Miami International Boat Show, the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models will push the boundaries of design, engineering and construction in the offshore center console world, celebrating the finish and amenities of Formula’s renewed entry into the CC market. The center console world – media, builders, and consumers alike – were stunned and impressed by Formula’s recent introduction of the 387 Center Console Fish and Sport models, executing the ultimate in performance, ergonomics and amenities in the center console market. At 45’7” with a 13’9” beam, and powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, the Formula 457 will impress all comers. Built to your preference, from hard-core fish to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style. Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized bait- wells for a fishing battlewagon or a sculpted aft lounge and spacious swim platform for sporting adventures – we will build a boat to suit your wants and needs. You will love the triple 22” monitor dash and air-conditioned three-position helm. You can add AC to the second row and aft-facing seating for total crew comfort. Choose the bait station/wetbar or the entertainment-ready cockpit galley to your needs. And all will enjoy the highly styled bow seating with elevated sun lounge and wraparound seating with power-adjust table. Below, the cabin brings you 6’6” of headroom with a full aircraft galley with microwave, fridge, sink and abundant counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table for dining or entertaining, convertible to a two-person berth. A well-appointed, spacious head features a separate, stand-up shower. Join us at FLIBS to learn more about this elite game-changer. Then, make plans to climb aboard the first 457 in Miami. You will love what you see – we can’t wait to impress you. The Formula 457 will join the 387 CCF & CCS! Formula DPS.indd 3Formula DPS.indd 32023-10-20 3:10 PM2023-10-20 3:10 PM4 Center Console Life | Volume 4 Number 3 BILL TAYLOR The season kicks off each year as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opens, and not long after, the gigantic Miami International Boat Show attracts boating enthusiasts from around the world to get a fresh look at the latest in marine recreation technology. Not only do the boat shows ignite the passion for pleasure boating, but the industry also has a huge impact on the economy, with $1.79 billion in economic impact from the FLIBS event alone. Although it may be frustrating with over 100,000 visitors to the South Florida event, it is best to park at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center and use the show shuttles and water taxi service to get around between the various exhibition areas. In this issue we have some very exciting new center console boats – and some of the latest technology news from engine builders, as they push their magic to the limit. Center Console Life is a magazine concentrating on the most popular boats on the water today, the engines that power them to glory, and the accessories that make your days on the water the most enjoyable time of your life. Center Console Life is designed to provide readers with all the information they need to choose the ideal boat, and how to use it. Whether you are a Pro fisherman, a family fisherman, or just enjoy the exhilaration of big horsepower in a boat designed for family recreation, you will find a world of information in these pages, on our website at www.centerconsolelifemag.com and on our social media sites. We will be bringing you the latest scoops on center console boats from the compact 20’ models to the super monster 65’ hull with six engines hanging on the transom – from two-strokes to four-strokes, gas and diesel, and everything in-between. But we don’t stop there – with features from a team of top anglers and award- winning writers, if you need help setting up your center console, we will be there to show you how the pros do it all… Thinking about getting into a brand-new boat? Then read on, as CCL Magazine brings the excitement of boating right into your living room, with print and digital editions, our YouTube video channel, and so much more! A personal note… It is with deep sadness that I reflect on the recent passing of my long-time friend and colleague who made Center Console Life Magazine and Fish Boat Registry come alive. Barry Gibson was one of the finest personalities I have ever worked with in the fishing industry, and I will miss him very much, along with industry legend and top marketing executives C. Gordon Hauser, who passed on a few years ago. These two individuals inspired our team to achieve the ultimate in publishing and live events, and they will be sorely missed. Bill Taylor Publisher It’s Boat Show Time! © 2023 CENTER CONSOLE LIFE POSTMASTER Send all returns to Center Console Life 777 East Park Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14150 Center Console Life is published four times a year. Material in this magazine may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of artwork, photographs, or manuscripts. Center Console Life reserves the right to refuse any and all advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statement of facts made by its advertisers or independent columnists. LIFE Center Console Volume 4 Number 3 Co-Publishers William E. Taylor btaylor@taylorpublishinggoup.com Editor Gregg Mansfield greggmansfield@gmail.com Art/Production Manager Giselle Bansal gbansal@taylorpublishinggroup.com Design Tamara Taylor tmtaylor@taylorpublishinggroup.com Contributing Writers Gordon McBride Gregg Mansfield Chris Kourtakis Walt Jennings Zenon Bilas Tim Banse Jarrett Matthews Contributing Photographers Randy Nuzzo Jeff Gerardi Duane Adams ADVERTISING SALES Todd Taylor ttaylor@taylorpublishinggroup.com Kevin Peterson k7peterson@msn.com Jimmy Lorimer jlorimer@aol.com ADMINISTRATION President /CEO William E. Taylor Group Publisher Melanie Taylor-Wallis VP/Marketing Sales Todd Taylor VP/Special Projects Norm Rosen Accounting Nancy Mueller EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL OFFICES New York: 777 East Park Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14150 Tel: 1-800-354-9145 Florida: 131 Brandiwood Court, Debary, FL, 32713 Tel: 407-402-0300 Toll Free: 1-800-354-9145 Toronto: 268-44 Crawford Crescent, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-844-8218 Subscription Inquiries Call: 1-800-354-9145 ext 4 www.centerconsolelifemag.com Welcome to America’s only magazine devoted 100% to the Center Console Lifestyle! pub page new.indd 4pub page new.indd 42023-10-23 1:56 PM2023-10-23 1:56 PMEXPERIENCE ELEVATED OUTBOARD POWER LIVE WIDE OPEN MERCURYRACING.COM/500R C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 2023-MR-Canada-Ad.pdf 1 8/21/23 10:41 AMMercury R.indd 1Mercury R.indd 12023-10-20 12:00 PM2023-10-20 12:00 PM6 Center Console Life | Volume 4 Number 3 www.centerconsolelifemag.com he sportfishing industry is in a whale of a fight trying to stop a proposal from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries that would implement speed limits along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The federal agency proposed in 2022 a 10-knot (11.5 mph) speed limit during cer- tain times of the year to potentially reduce whale strikes, specifically the endangered North Atlantic right whale. The new rule would apply to recreational and commer- cial boats over 35 feet, which means a lot of anglers from Massachusetts to Florida would be affected by the change. Called “Seasonal Management Areas,” the restrictions would be in place several months a year during whale calving season and when the whales are migrating. For example, an Atlantic area north of Florida and into Georgia would have a 10-knot speed limit from November 15-April 15. Some of the zones would be up to 90 miles. As you can imagine, the recreational- boating industry is fighting the proposals harder than an angler hauling in a mon- ster fish. “It is essentially requiring Americans to risk their vessels and their own lives in unpredictable seas by going the speed of a bicycle,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Hugelmeyer testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries in June. In the same oversight hearing on Capitol Hill was Capt. Fred Gamboa, a charter boat operator from Point Pleasant, N.J. Gamboa said if the new speed limit applied to boats under 65 feet, his tuna fishing charters that go 100 miles offshore would be greatly reduced. He estimates running 70 fewer trips a year. “It would take nine to 10 hours to get out there, no cus- tomer would ever pay for that trip,” he said. Instead of running at 30 to 40 mph to the fishing ground, Gamboa said most of his time would be running at 10 mph as if in a no-wake zone. According to supporters of the 10-knot speed limit, there have been 13 lethal vessel strikes in U.S. waters since 2008 and at least four of the strikes reportedly involved boats in the 35-foot range. Currently, boats 65 feet and larger must run 10 knots in Seasonal Management Areas. Also raising concern is NOAA’s proposal to use Automatic Identification System (AIS) navigation to enforce the speed for recre- ational boats. Critics argue that captains will likely turn off AIS—a collision avoidance tool—to avoid being caught speeding. While the marine industry has found some key allies in Congress, the industry is hoping Congress will step in to block NOAA’s plan. The federal agency received over 90,000 public comments on the pro- posal, and NOAA appears ready to move forward. The NMMA and Center for Sportfishing Policy hosted an industry panel at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference in Tampa. While the news wasn’t positive, the panelists suggested the boat- ing community needs to work with NOAA to reach a solution. Opponents believe if the Seasonal Management Areas are implemented on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, it will be a matter of time before NOAA starts eyeing a similar plan for the West Coast. While fatal whale strikes are more common on the East Coast, environmental groups have been pushing to reduce boat speeds on whale migration routes. Seeing a whale while boating offshore is a rare experience and a true treat. All the boaters I know would never want to injure a whale, but they’re not willing to run 11.5 mph for 90 miles to get to a favorite fishing ground. The captain might as well turn on the autopilot and go into the cabin because it’s going to be a long and slow journey. Most of us are environmentalists at heart and don’t want to see the North Atlantic right whale go extinct. But if NOAA imple- ments a 10-knot speed limit, they are in for a whale of a fight. Gregg Mansfield Editor NOAA Plan Sets Up Whale of a Fight A U.S. federal agency is proposing offshore speed limits. T EDI T OR ’S P A GE GREGG MANSFIELD New Speed Limit 11.5 mph? pub page new.indd 6pub page new.indd 62023-10-23 12:07 PM2023-10-23 12:07 PMOur experienced staff has the talent and knowledge to help you find solutions for all your marine insurance needs. We provide time-proven recommendations and solutions for clients in Miami, Florida, and all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, with services stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. At Casey Insurance Brokers, we are committed to providing you with the type of quality service you deserve and expect as one of the family. We specialize in marine insurance and go fast We have programs for dealerships. We can endorse Poker Runs onto the policy. WE INSURE ANY VESSEL, ANY HORSEPOWER, ANYWHERE WRITE BUSINESS IN CONTINENTAL USA, CANADA, AND ABROAD COMPANY OVERVIEW WHAT WE DO REACH OUT TO US @FIND US@ Physical Address | 1776 N Pine Island Rd Suite 324, Plantation, FL 33322 Mailing Address | 151 North Nob Hill Road #269, Plantation, FL 33324 Landline | 888-537-1412 Cell | 443-822-4517 Local Fax | 954-473-4109 Email | Casey@caseyinsurancebrokers.com CENTER CONSOLE BOAT INSURANCE CASEY.indd 1CASEY.indd 12023-10-20 4:28 PM2023-10-20 4:28 PM8 Center Console Life | Volume 4 Number 3www.centerconsolelifemag.com Contents COLUMNS: 6 EDITOR’S PAGE 10 IN THE NEWS 60 RESTAURANTS BY WATER FEATURES: 14 LOOKING FORWARD Eight new products from the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). 18 SUNNY DELIGHTS The move to Florida has been sweet for Suzuki Marine. 22 DOUBLE UP: FORMULA’S NEW 457 CENTER CONSOLE The 457 Center Console is the second center-console boat in Formula’s lineup. 26 HONDA RELEASES V8 OUTBOARD At 350 horsepower, the BF350 outboard is now Honda’s highest horsepower offering. 28 CENTER CONSOLE SHOWCASE The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a center console lover’s dream. 38 DONZI’S BACK IN THE GAME The new 39 VRZ center console showcases Donzi Marine’s performance heritage. 42 ON A ROLL MYCO Trailers is ready to celebrate 50 years of building marine trailers. 46 SHARK TALES Learn how to catch and release a shark from an expert. 52 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: MERCURY RACING’S 500R OUTBOARD Mercury Racing unleashed a new 500-hp monsters to celebrates its 50th anniversary. 56 THUNDER STRUCK Cigarette Racing launches its new 52 Thunder center console. 28 @centerconsolelifemag @cclifemag www.centerconsolelifemag.com FOLLOW CENTER CONSOLE LIFE: 26 14 contents new.indd 8contents new.indd 82023-10-25 4:44 PM2023-10-25 4:44 PMAMP UP YOUR LIFESTYLE A M E R I C A N M A R I N E P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M Design A masterpiece of handcrafted luxury, the AMP 333SC is meticulously built with your comfort in mind. Its elegant lines, expansive cockpit, cutting-edge console, and unprecedented beam elevate your boating experience to unmatched levels of sophistication. Lifestyle LuxuryPerformanPe The AMP 333SC center console boat redefines luxury living, setting a new standard with lavish interiors and cutting-edge entertainment. Reserved for the most discerning tastes, it’s a lifestyle of unrivaled exclusivity. The AMP 333SC is a testament to opulence and refinement, making waves in the industry. Emphasizing lavishness and superior design, it exudes sophistication that sets it apart. With plush interiors and state- of-the-art entertainment, the AMP 333SC defines waterborne luxury. The AMP 333SC is a remarkable performance boat with a cutting-edge double-step hull design, reaching speeds from 72 to 95 MPH. It excels in safety, superb handling, and exceptional stability, ensuring an exhilarating yet secure water experience. THE NEW 2024 AMP 333 WILL AMP UP YOUR LIFESTYLE A M E R I C A N M A R I N E P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M Design A masterpiece of handcrafted luxury, the AMP 333SC is meticulously built with your comfort in mind. Its elegant lines, expansive cockpit, cutting-edge console, and unprecedented beam elevate your boating experience to unmatched levels of sophistication. Lifestyle LuxuryPerformanPe The AMP 333SC center console boat redefines luxury living, setting a new standard with lavish interiors and cutting-edge entertainment. Reserved for the most discerning tastes, it’s a lifestyle of unrivaled exclusivity. The AMP 333SC is a testament to opulence and refinement, making waves in the industry. Emphasizing lavishness and superior design, it exudes sophistication that sets it apart. With plush interiors and state- of-the-art entertainment, the AMP 333SC defines waterborne luxury. The AMP 333SC is a remarkable performance boat with a cutting-edge double-step hull design, reaching speeds from 72 to 95 MPH. It excels in safety, superb handling, and exceptional stability, ensuring an exhilarating yet secure water experience. THE NEW 2024 AMP 333 WILL AMP UP YOUR LIFESTYLE A M E R I C A N M A R I N E P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M Design A masterpiece of handcrafted luxury, the AMP 333SC is meticulously built with your comfort in mind. Its elegant lines, expansive cockpit, cutting-edge console, and unprecedented beam elevate your boating experience to unmatched levels of sophistication. Lifestyle LuxuryPerformanPe The AMP 333SC center console boat redefines luxury living, setting a new standard with lavish interiors and cutting-edge entertainment. Reserved for the most discerning tastes, it’s a lifestyle of unrivaled exclusivity. The AMP 333SC is a testament to opulence and refinement, making waves in the industry. Emphasizing lavishness and superior design, it exudes sophistication that sets it apart. With plush interiors and state- of-the-art entertainment, the AMP 333SC defines waterborne luxury. The AMP 333SC is a remarkable performance boat with a cutting-edge double-step hull design, reaching speeds from 72 to 95 MPH. It excels in safety, superb handling, and exceptional stability, ensuring an exhilarating yet secure water experience. THE NEW 2024 AMP 333 WILL AMP.indd 1AMP.indd 12023-10-20 3:18 PM2023-10-20 3:18 PMNext >