Mercury MerCruiser Introduces New, More Powerful Big Block

August 21st, 2009

Mercury MerCruiser have announced the development of the next generation of big-block marine power – a new engine that produces more power and has better mid-range acceleration, lower emissions and superior fuel efficiency.

Mercury MerCruiser engineers in Stillwater, Okla. – drawing on the expertise of the development teams at Mercury Racing – conceived, designed and engineered the new engine with support from Mercury engineers in Fond du Lac, Wis. The next-generation, naturally aspirated big block features high-performance aluminum cylinder heads that improve mid-range acceleration and increase power. High-octane fuel is not required – the engine runs on 87 octane and achieves remarkably low oil consumption.

With boat builder and dealer input in mind, access to service points and connections has been significantly improved to simplify installation and maintenance.“Not only did the team achieve superior performance while adding a catalyst,” said Mercury MerCruisers’ Derric Drake, program manager on the Stillwater-based project, “they maintained fuel efficiency and improved serviceability without adding cost.”

MerCruiser’s next generation of power will be available in sterndrive and inboard configurations with Base and HO ratings. The new models are completely compatible with the host of MerCruiser options, including Axius, SmartCraft, SeaCore and either Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) or Mechanical throttle and shift on the sterndrive models and DTS on the inboard models. It also comes protected by the Guardian system to help prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Source: Mercury Marine

A paddling interlude

August 20th, 2009
It was a fine day for paddling, so I hitchted up the kayak (actually loaded it on the roof) and went to the Monksville Reservoir in Passaic County. I had the place almost to myself. Here's a picture I...

Fall boating courses

August 20th, 2009
Specific boating courses are listed as sent to me. In general, courses are offered by the United States Power Squadrons (usps.org), the Coast Guard Auxiliary (cgaux.org), and private groups such as the Coast Boating School (coastboatingschool.com). The Lackawanna Sail and...

Gentlemen, start your engines (to keep them in proper working order)

August 19th, 2009
I will run my engine ... I will, I will. That's my vow after retrieving my outboard from the shop after unscheduled maintenance. It seems to happen to me every year, about midseason, when my 6 hp outboard, the auxiliary...

Do I need energy/sports gels for a 10 mile road race?

August 17th, 2009
Snuggly asked:


I’m running my first 10 miler road race in a couple weeks. The Army 10-Miler.

Should I bring energy gels for the race? If so, at what increments should I have one?

Also how much water should I drink to stay hydrated? A sip every mile or so?

Thelma

Have You Ever Rented A Boat?

August 17th, 2009

Hey There! Captain Chris here!

I always tell people that renting a boat is the best way to find out what kind of boat is the perfect fit for their family.

This past weekend my family and I had to go out of town for a family event. We arrived the evening before everyone else so we rented a boat! There is no better way to see a city that you are visiting than by boat. The kids always love being on the water and my wife always loves to look at all the waterfront properties along the trip. We are no strangers to boat renting. Depending on where we go, we have rented jet boats, pontoon boats and cruisers.

Here is my daugther having fun this past weekend

If you're looking for a great vacation idea, rent a boat for the week and cruise the Florida coast line or the Keys. If you are not comfortable driving the boat yourself, most rental facilities will either provide you with a captain (charter) or recommend one for you. There is nothing like a relaxing trip visiting restaurants you normally would not have or seeing the sites that you normally would have missed. Don’t forget the natural wild life. You definitely will not see Manatee or dolphins up close from your car. If you have never done it, then a must do on your list is rent a house boat with 12-20 of your closest friends and spend a long weekend or a long week on the water barbequing, soaking up the sun and swimming till the sun goes down.

Check out the boat renting section on our website. Have you ever rented a boat? What kind? Where did you go? What did you do? I would love to hear about your boat rental adventure.

I want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Can i do a day trip if to the Reef if i stay in Hamilton or Lizard?

August 16th, 2009
LossLandgurl asked:


island?
Which island do u think is better and more secluded. I am there for my honeymoon and visitin australia for the first time. Also let me know if you recommend any accomodation.

Another thing.. since i am not much of a water sports person, what would you suggest i do.
Visit Brisbane., gold coast and some island around that area or visit the reef?

Jeff

Please Suggest a romantic Affordable Honeymoon destination?

August 16th, 2009
nick asked:


Please suggest a good romantic honeymoon destination for end of July and early of august for 7 days. we live in Toronto and can travel any where in the world as long it is affordable. we both love to explore different culture and food. we do not drink. love scenery, beaches but not too much of water sports and not too much swimming. Please also recommend a hotel where you have a good experience.
16 hours ago - 3 days left to answer.

Angel

Sites/locations to see when in Northern Montana and Idaho?

August 16th, 2009
paintgirl_h asked:


My husband and I, and another couple, are going to travel from our home in Alberta, Canada, across the border at Waterton/Glacier park and then drive across northern Montana and into northern Idaho. Could anyone give me some points of interest or activites that would interest middle aged people that will be camping? We enjoy hiking, swimming, water sports and would love to go through some caverns or something out of the ordinary!
Thanks for your help.

Maurice

What counts as a Acedmic essay? (to get into a school)?

August 15th, 2009
grrawre asked:


I am applying to a grammar school sixth-form. I have the grades but they want a page long personal statement in an academic style and i’m not really sure what they mean. They want to know about hobbies, interests, special responsibility’s and clubs,interest in school/subjects so i was going to write about:
-Interest in cooking
-water sports
-adventure holidays
-interest in traveling
-being gifted and talented
-and the subjects i am taking
any tips or ideas welcome.
-being a prefect

Maurice