From the helm August 2009

The team at TrailerBoat have been extremely busy in recent weeks putting together the first “new look” edition, and I am sure you’re going to like what you see.

First, we make a flying visit to Townsville and bag out on reef fish and barra, while Rick Huckstepp then rolls out the first article in a five-part series outlining how to get the most out of your sounder and GPS units.

Next, it’s off to the Sydney International Boat Show to check out all the new arrivals and latest Australian-built boats and goodies. And while the show might have been slightly smaller than previous years (exhibitor numbers), visitor figures were up and many were prepared to spend up big.

Those readers who already have entries in our “Win a Webster 4.9 Twinfisher Competition” can read all about the prize boat as Geoff Middleton puts it through its paces at Inverloch. We also try out the Malibu Wakesetter VLX so make sure you check out the great photos that accompany this boat test.

Aussie-built Force Boats is on the front page with the all new Force 24B. It’s a massive bowrider with more than enough power to match her striking good looks. Other tests include Polycraft boats, Rolco ski and wakeboats, and five other new boats destined for release onto the Aussie market.

All the regular columns are there and there’s a new feature we’ve called “The Chandlery” – you’ll find six pages devoted entirely to the many boating and fishing bits and pieces on the market.

Enjoy the read.

Ian Macrae,

Editor at Large