ZF and CMD announce joint supply agreement for Zeus® Pod Drive System and a new Smaller Pod Drive Series

ZF Marine Group (ZF) and Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) have reached a joint supply and development agreement for the Zeus® Pod Drive System.

Currently ZF supplies custom-built transmissions that CMD integrates into Zeus® Pod Drive Systems. The agreement expands this cooperation to include ZF sales of the completed Zeus® Pod Drive Systems and controls for integration with other manufacturers' engines, as well as cooperative development of a smaller pod propulsion system.
Under the terms of the agreement CMD will continue to service propulsion systems sold by CMD while Zeus® Pod Drive Systems sold by ZF to other marine engine makers will be serviced by ZF and those engine manufacturers.

As part of this agreement, ZF Marine Group and Cummins Mercruiser Diesel have also announced the introduction of a new Pod system especially designed for diesel engines up to 450 hp.

This pod series was co-developed by ZF and Mercury Marine, and components will be manufactured by both companies for use in the final assembly.

The new system will benefit from most of the technologies already implemented into the Zeus® 3500 and 3800 Pod, such as joystick control and safety-minded rear-facing propellers, and also includes some unique features such as:
Very light weight
Electrical steering
Proportional-controlled shifting and trolling
Very low profile

THE NEW SEA RAY 350 SUNDANCER COMES WITH HIDDEN BENEFITS

The sweeping, aerodynamic lines. The extra-large hull windows. The seamless fiberglass hardtop. At a dockside glance, it's the luxury sport style that first draws your attention to the all-new Sea Ray 350 Sundancer. But look beyond the obvious charm, and you may be surprised by what you see in the stunning flagship of our Sport Cruiser line.

For example, at the stern when you pull a handle, a two-person transom seat unfolds alongside the spacious standard swim platform. It's perfect for waterside lounging when the boat is at rest, but disappears again when the seat is not in use. An optional extended swim platform with teak insert and stainless-steel rail makes a fashionable and functional addition, as well. In addition, an optional transom stereo remote ensures that you never have to leave the water to turn up your favorite song.

A convenient door leads to the cockpit, where a big L-shaped settee faces a solid-teak table, which stows in a dedicated storage area. This roomy space can be converted to a sun pad with standard filler cushions. To maximize "harmonious flow" on deck, the ingeniously designed double helm seat and single companion seat each pivot to face aft, thereby easing conversation when the driving is done.

Keeping the whole gang fed and watered is a snap, thanks to the cockpit entertainment center which features a handsome solid-surface countertop with stainless-steel wet bar, refrigerator and optional barbecue grill. The grill is a must have for summer picnics aboard. With the addition of an optional 15-inch flatscreen TV with remote DVD player, the cockpit becomes tailgate central. The TV removes when not in use and, of course, stores in a dedicated compartment.

At the helm,

Doral Goes to 5-Year Bow-to-Stern Warranty

Doral is a boutique builder catering to a sophisticated international market of boaters looking for style, elegance and hassle-free boating. Two weeks ago the company announced that it will have a 5-year warranty and service contract package that will cover its cruisers in North America from bow to stern for virtually every component.

For the Seventh Time in a Row Cobalt Runabouts Are Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates Study.

For the seventh straight time*, large runabouts (20 to 29 feet) built by Cobalt Boats have ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Boat Competitive Information StudySM, addressing owners who purchased their boats between June 1, 2006 and May 31, 2007. The study investigated owners’ satisfaction with their runabouts across six factors: 1) engine, 2) ride and handling, 3) design and styling, 4) water sports, 5) sound system, and 6) helm and instrument panel. Cobalt boats ranks highest in each of the six factors.

THE NEW SEA RAY® 210 SUNDECK® OFFERS EVERYTHING AND MORE

With its all-new 210 Sundeck, Sea Ray set out to create an entry-level craft that would give families everything they wanted and more for unlimited days of on-water excitement. The result is an impressive runabout boasting more versatility, more safety, more comfort, more storage, more performance -- more everything!

Take, for example, the wraparound windshield. It's just like the one you'll find on Sea Ray's larger Sundecks, constructed of tempered and tinted glass. There's a fiberglass bow block-off door below this windshield to limit air flow into the cockpit while the vessel is underway. This is another feature you won't find on too many deck boats this size.

For those who crave the wind-in-their-hair freedom that bow riders provide, the 210 Sundeck offers a pair of lounges up front with integral armrests and cup holders. These bow seats are deep and perfectly shaped for safe, comfortable reclining. They're also hinged to provide access to big port and starboard storage compartments. At the nose, an optional telescopic ladder can be added for no-hassle boarding from the shore.

Every feature in the 210's cockpit has been calculated to maximize comfort and user-friendliness. Twin bucket seats welcome the driver and companion; both seats swivel and slide and have flip-up, thigh-rise bolsters. A lockable fiberglass head compartment in the port console means less dockside restroom stops, therefore, more time for family fun.

Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce the newest member of its fleet, a 56 Motor Yacht

Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce the newest member of its fleet, a 56 Motor Yacht that incorporates original design concepts, a spacious interior and intuitive features that make this an ideal boat for the owner-operator. Priced at under $2 million, the 56 Motor Yacht represents a new entry-level product for the thousands of boat owners who aspire to own a Hatteras.

Boaters the world over appreciate the advanced design and robust construction that sets Hatteras apart from the fleet. Like all Hatteras models, the 56 features a solid-fiberglass hull bottom that includes beefy support for key areas such as the tunnels, shaft log and strut locations. Divinycell coring is infused into the hull sides, decks and superstructure to add stiffness and reduce weight. And the hull benefits from an advanced variable-deadrise design that utilizes large propeller tunnels to reduce draft and increase efficiency.

The 56 Motor Yacht features a pair of 705-hp Cummins QSM11s as standard equipment, installed in a V-drive configuration with the gearbox forward. This positions the engine room as far aft as possible and allows for more living space below. Combined with the boat’s 18-foot 2-inch beam, this configuration gives the 56MY as much interior volume as many yachts in the mid-60-foot range. Powered by its standard engines, the 56 Motor Yacht is expected to achieve a cruising speed of 18 knots and top end of 21 knots. With her 900-gallon fuel capacity, that provides a usable range of approximately 300 nautical miles. Optional 1,000-hp CAT C18s will push the 56 to a cruise of 26 knots and a top end of 29 knots. The 56MY features a three-stateroom, two-head arrangement that includes a 130-square-foot full-beam master stateroom amidship, a VIP stateroom forward, and guest bunks to port. An optional arrangement provides for a private crew quarters with discreet access, in lieu of the third guest stateroom.

Marquis 40 Sport Coupe Receives "Best of Year" Award

Marquis 40 Sport Coupe Receives "Best of Year" Award from

Peter Janssen, Editorial Director of MotorBoating magazine (left) presents the Best of Year award to Robert VanGrunsven, President of Marquis Yachts.

THE NEW AZIMUT 58

THE NEW AZIMUT 58

The new Azimut 58 Flybridge developed and built in the Azimut Yachts yards in Avigliana has been presented in at the Genoa International Boat Show.

A tribute to the sea, the element from which every form draws life. This is the thought that gave rise to the creative idea behind the new Azimut 58: ample flanks from which large spaces take shape in which to live a direct relationship with the sea. Generous volumes whose forms reflect the waves of the sea.

The Azimut 58 Flybridge, designed by Stefano Righini, reflects in the sea–green color, dedicated to the first model, the beauty of the nature of islands and atolls and diffuses in the interiors of the saloon the luminosity of the external panoramas through huge expanses of glass and the new rectangular panoramic windows of the master cabin, for the first time openable. The large, square bow, a flybridge that unites the dining area with the sun deck in a rational way: distinctive features of the external volumes that ensure maximum comfort and pleasure of onboard life.

Interlux introduces a new antifouling, Pacifica

Interlux introduces a new antifouling, Pacifica

Vice President for Marketing Bob Donat said “In responding to many customer requests, particularly in Southern California,
Interlux is proud to introduce Pacifica. Pacifica is a new antifouling that provides an alternative to boat owners,
boatyards and those in the boating community looking for a copper free antifouling paint to reduce copper accumulation.
Pacifica does not contain copper and uses a controlled biocide release mechanism to combat fouling.

Pacifica erodes away over time but is tough enough to hold up to regular cleanings if necessary. What’s
more, Pacifica meets the most stringent VOC regulations in California. Boatyards will love the fast dry
properties of Pacifica which allow boats to be painted and launched the same day.”

Monterey Boats broadens warranty coverage

Monterey broadens warranty coverage

Monterey Boats of Williston, Fla., is offering a limited lifetime warranty program to meet what it calls consumer demand for more comprehensive coverage.

The program is called MVP — “most valuable protection.”

“People are really starting to count their warranties,” said Lou Vazquez, director of marketing and dealer development, in a telephone interview.

Vazquez says consumers are demanding the same all-inclusive coverage they get from auto manufacturers."