powerboat reports

NMMA: New powerboat sales normalizing

The  NMMA  reports new powerboat sales through Q1 2022 are showing signs of normalizing following two years of historic growth. In the first quarter, new powerboat retail sales totaled 54,000 units, down 20% compared to Q1 2021, while continuing to surpass pre-pandemic levels, up 20% from Q1 2019’s 45,000 units. 

“Not surprisingly, we’re seeing sales begin to stabilize following extraordinary growth in 2020 and 2021 as competition returns for consumer spending among goods and services that were in many ways inaccessible during COVID, such as travel, sporting events, concerts and other activities. In addition to new powerboat sales, we saw a normalizing of traffic to Discover Boating channels and in search activity across boating keywords in Q1. We expect boat sales this year to be healthy, on par with or above pre-pandemic levels, with forward order books strong as dealer inventory continues to catch up to meet record demand,” said Ellen Bradley, NMMA senior vice president. “This cautious optimism is measured given consumers’ continued interest in experiences, particularly outdoor recreation, economic indicators such as low unemployment and stable consumer confidence, and as we monitor downside impacts of inflation and stock market volatility on consumer sentiment.”

According to the NMMA’s latest  New Powerboat Registrations Report  through Q1 2022:

• New personal watercraft retail sales while down 30% through Q1 2022, were 34% above pre-pandemic Q1 2019.  
• New pontoon retail sales were down 12% through Q1 2022, while 49% above pre-pandemic Q1 2019.
• Retail sales of new wakesport boats were down 11% through Q1 2022, while 62% above pre-pandemic Q1 2019.
• New cruiser retail sales while down 17% through Q1 2022, were 17% above pre-pandemic Q1 2019.

Additional insights across NMMA member wholesale activity show recreational boat, engine and accessory manufacturers are working to balance inventory levels and fulfill retail orders while navigating ongoing supply chain challenges. Those supply chain challenges are expected to continue through 2022 .  According to NMMA’s  Monthly Shipment Report , wholesale shipments of new powerboats through Q1 2022 decreased 13% year over year; wholesale shipments of outboard engines increased 4.8%year over year; and wholesale shipments of trailers increased 37.9% year over year.

NMMA members can access the  New Powerboat Registrations Report  and  Monthly Shipment Report  on NMMA.org  here  or contact  [email protected]  for more information.

U.S. recreational boating industry by the numbers:

• New powerboat retail unit sales in 2021 reached approximately 300,000, the second time the industry reached that number in nearly 15 years (2020 and 2021).
• Annual U.S. marine industry expenditures of boats, marine products and services totaled $54 billion in 2021, up 9% from 2020.
• Part of what is fueling sales for the recreational boating industry is the uptick in first-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats, attracting a wider net of Americans. Data show 420,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market in 2021 – on par with 2020, a record year. First-time boat buyers accounted for 34% of boat sales in 2021.
• An estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year.
• Sixty-one percent of boaters have an annual household income of $75,000 or less.  Source – United States Coast Guard
• Ninety-five percent of boats on the water in the U.S. are less than 26 feet—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways.
• Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are American made.
• The recreational boating industry supports 691,149 American jobs (511,117 direct jobs and 180,032 indirect jobs) and 35,277 American businesses.
• Recreational boating and fishing are the number one contributor to the national outdoor recreation economy.
• Traditional outdoor recreation activities – such as boating, fishing, hiking, and RVing – are thriving, increasing their contributions to the overall outdoor recreation economy by 22%.

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2022 powerboat sales trends report available

The latest Powerboat Sales Trends report, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available.

Coming off extraordinary record demand in 2020 and 2021, as expected, sales of new traditional powerboats (outboard, inboard wake sport, inboard cruisers, sterndrive, jet) began a correction in 2022 with a normalizing of unit sales to pre-pandemic levels. This brought sales of new traditional powerboat units down 13.5% in 2022 to nearly 190,000 units. While the outboard, inboard and sterndrive categories saw declines, jet boat unit sales increased 39.4% or approximately 2,200 units. For more information, visit nmma.org/statistics .

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The PowerBoat Guide Blog

Tracking Today’s Fast-Paced Boating Market

Article Index

This page contains a list of PowerBoat Guide blog articles written during the past several years. Consisting of boat reviews, editor's comments and performance data, the articles offer an interesting — and hopefully useful — means of comparing  some of the most popular trawlers, motoryachts, cruisers and center consoles produced in recent years.

Did You Say Luxury? These Center Console Yachts Will Leave You Speechless

September, 2019

4 Top-Selling Carver Motoryachts That Are Always in Demand

April, 2019

Shootout 14: Back Cove 41 vs. Sabre 40/42 Salon

Shootout 13: Viking 64 Convertible vs. Hatteras 64 Convertible

Shootout 12: Viking 45 Convertible vs. Rampage 45 Convertible

Shootout 11: Tiara 50/53 Coupe vs. Carver C52 Coupe

Shootout 10: Azimut 55S vs. Sea Ray 540 Sundancer

Shootout 9: Sea Ray 52 Sundancer vs. Cruisers 520 Express

Shootout 8: Intrepid 407 Panacea vs. Pursuit S 408

Shootout 7: Boston 370 Outrage vs. Intrepid 370 Open

Shootout 6: Azimut 64 Fly vs. Sunseeker Manhattan 63 S

Shootout 5: Formula 350 CBR vs. Sea Ray 350 SLX

Shootout 4: Marquis 59 Flybridge vs. Meridian 580 Pilothouse

Shootout 3: Beneteau GT 46 vs. Prestige 460 S

Shootout 2: Cruisers 390 Express vs. Sea Ray 400 Sundancer

Shootout 1: Sabre 48 Salon vs. Hinckley Talaria 49

New Boat Depreciation: How NADA Compares 15 Popular Models

January 21, 2019

10 Top Selling Used Trawlers Under 40 Feet

February 28, 2018

What $250K Buys These Days in a Used Long Range Cruiser

February 1, 2018

15 Full Size Express Cruisers with the Right Stuff

May 15, 2017

10 Azimut Yachts that took  Italian Styling to the Next Level

April 15, 2017

10 Big Water Center Consoles With Family-Friendly Layouts

April 11, 2017

Eight Kingsize Bowriders Perfect for Cruising and Overnighting

March 30, 2017

Eight Sea Ray Sundancers that Crushed the Competition

March 26, 2017

10 Blue-Chip Hatteras  Yachts for the Wine and Cheese Crowd

March 1, 2017

Eight Badass Center Consoles Will Sink Your Bank Account

January 1, 2017

Eight Entry Level Motoryachts With Luxury Class Features

May 9, 2016

10 Popular Pre-Owned Cruisers You Can Buy for Under $100K

April 30, 2016

10 Nordhavn Trawlers for the Circle-the-Globe Crowd

April 22, 2016

Eight Classic Grand Banks Yachts That Will Never Grow Old

April 15, 2016

What $400K Buys These Days in a Late Model Convertible

April 7, 2016

12 Top Selling Downeast Yachts with Worldwide Appeal

March 31, 2016

Six Popular Midsize Motor Yachts You Can Buy Used Under $500K

March 17, 2016

Nine DeFever Yachts Perfect for Exploring the Pacific Northwest

March 10, 2016

Eight Affordable Older Moror Yachts that Make Great Liveaboards

March 4, 2016

The Midsize Convertible Market: Are These Eight Models the Last of the Breed?

February 29, 2016

Eight Popular Long Range Cruisers with Full Displacement Hulls

February 24, 2016

Today's Monster Center Console Scene — It Starts at 40 Feet!

February 17, 2016     

10 Great Pre-Owned Center Consoles You Can Buy for Under $50K

February 9, 2016

Eight Affordable Used Trawlers Perfect for Coastal Cruising

January 15, 2016

Reality Check: What $50,000 Buys in a Used Sea Ray Cruiser

January 8, 2016

Brokerage Shootout: Today's Million Dollar Sea Ray Market

December 19, 2015

Six Classic Hatteras Convertibles from the 1980s

December 1, 2015

Specifications, floorplans, reviews & resale values for 1,200 current & out-of-production motor yachts trawlers, center consoles & family cruisers, 26'–75'

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Best Power Boats of 2024: Review and Buying Guide

BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 40

FOUR WINNS VISTA 255

For experienced and beginner boaters, nothing is more irresistible than the experience of cruising the open water aboard a powerful watercraft. The cool breeze and splash of water on the face, the foamy waves that trail the boat as it cuts through the water, and the sheer ecstasy that comes from steering a boat are all too strong to resist.

However, you need a good quality powerboat to experience all of these and more. For this reason, we have written this guide to show you five of the very best powerboats available on the market. Beyond that, you will find everything you need to know about choosing a good-quality boat and the category that best suits you. But before we get into all of that, let’s take a look at what powerboats are, albeit briefly.

What is a Power Boat?

Powerboat is a broad term that describes different categories of boats with engines. It can be a small boat for fishing or a larger one that can accommodate an entire family for long-distance cruises. The term even covers high-performance boats with every amenity a modern watercraft can have. Powerboats come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and they are best suited to different uses.

That’s about all the lessons on powerboats you’ll find in this article.

Considering the numerous options, it can be an uphill task to choose just one, especially if it is your first boat. Thankfully, you are reading this guide, which means that you should be able to select the perfect watercraft that matches your needs in a few minutes from now.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the best power boats and what to look for when buying one.

The XO 250 is fabricated from a 5083 marine-grade aluminum hull, making it lightweight and extremely durable. There is a lot of attention to detail in this boat, with neat internal lines that allow for plenty of built-in features.

It comes with a shock-absorbing bucket seat, and all the instruments and switches are conveniently located. The seating position is sited perfectly and gives clear visibility over the bow without the need to stand while helming fast.

The XO 250 features a 12V drawer fridge, an optional radar arch, a big plotter and sounder, and the bow has four beautifully molded lockers. The battery switch and stainless fuel tank are easy to access.

The XO 250 is the perfect powerboat for you if you want a watercraft that combines seakeeping, practicality, and style.

• LOA: 24 ft 6 in
• Beam: 7 ft 4 in
• Displacement: 551 lbs (no engine)
• Power options: 150 HP to 320 HP
• Fuel capacity: 50 gallons
• RCD category: C for 8

Check here for current listings of XO 250 .

 Yachtworld  →

• Safe and practical
• Rapid performance
• Solid build
• Low planing speed and flat transition to plane
• Excellent handling and seakeeping
• The rear bench seat has no option for replacement

AXOPAR 28 TT

If you want a powerboat that is distinctively solid like German cars, perhaps the Axopar 28 TT will be your best option. The GPR-built boat has an aggressive and radical styling.

The typical Scandinavian craft has a deck and cockpit areas that are designed extensively in G2 Flexiteek. Rock-solid guard rails top the high bulwarks moving forward. Even in out-of-sight places like the anchor locker is superbly finished without the slightest compromise that is often the norm in such hidden areas.

Under the double sun pad of the Axopar 28 TT is a carefully hidden double berth that can be accessed through the aft bench seat. So if you need to spend the night somewhere tranquil, you will find enough room to accommodate even the largest couples.

The forward seating area can be converted into a second sunbathing spot to complement the aft sun pad. The boat also has a large bathing platform that can comfortably accommodate a semi-deflated inflatable craft.

• LOA: 28 ft 2 in
• Beam: 9 ft 3 in
• Transom deadrise angle: 22 degrees
• Displacement: 3,725 lbs (no engine)
• Power options: 150 Hp to 350 HP
• Fuel capacity: 57 gallons

Check here for Axopar 28 TT listings .

 Boats  →

• Great protection from harsh weather
• Speedy performance
• Movement on deck is easy
• Many items on the rather long list of extras ought to have been included as standard items
• Options list contains only one engine manufacturer

From the French yard comes the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 – a 40-footer that seeks to do things slightly different from the norm.

This powerboat comes with a regimented standard layout, including a chaise longue forward to port, a wet bar opposite a cockpit that has a C-shaped dinette right behind it, and a double helm to starboard located at both sides of the central companionway.

There is a central double berth in the forward cabin below, a saloon located in the middle with galley and head on the one hand and dinette on the other, and a center cabin that comes with two berths.

The boat is extremely lightweight without feeling that way. The hull is designed to take punishment without flinching one bit. There is plenty of room and seats in the cockpit.

• Length: 41 ft 2 in
• Beam: 12 ft 8 in
• Fuel capacity: 143 gallons
• Draught: 3 ft 7 in
• Displacement: 16,975 lbs

Check here for current prices and listings .

• Attractive and stylish design
• Performance with twin 300 HP engines is very high
• Unique and effective layout
• Great value
• Good seakeeping
• Only one windscreen wiper
• The finish is below premium level
• The storage in mid-cabin is slightly compromised

The Four Winns Vista 255 is a capable weekender for a couple or small family. Although it a fairly fast and efficient boat, it is not designed to be a sports boat, making it an excellent choice for easy cruising for the weekend.

It is worth noting that the cockpit is well elevated, especially considering its size. This means you will have excellent visibility, whether standing or seating. There is a convertible sunbed/back seat set up in the cockpit. This set up features a tilting backrest that can turn the spot into a seat facing aft so that you can watch skiers, swimmers, and anything that catches your interest.

The galley is equipped with a microwave and a small fridge, with enough room to accommodate a bigger fridge. Opposite the galley is the main cabin with a 6 ft 3-inches headroom. There is a full head complete with a shower, toilet, and sink. The convertible double bed/dinette is positioned diagonally. The mid-cabin has a queen-sized bed.

This stylish craft is a beamy boat, meaning it will retain its stability even when the crew moves about. The steering is considerably quick and very responsive.

• LOA: 25 ft 1 in
• Beam: 8 ft 3 in
• Draught: 2 ft 9 in
• Transom deadrise angle: 17 degrees
• Displacement: 6,194 lbs (with engine)
• Power options: 240 Hp to 300 HP
• Fuel capacity: 58 gallons

See here for Four Winns Vista 255 listings .

• A fast and efficient boat
• Quick and easy steering
• Excellent cockpit
• Quick and easy access engine
• Plenty of hull colors to choose from
• Impractical galley design
• Some couples may find the forward double berth too small
• Might not be tough enough to handle rough weather for long periods
• Too many extras, many of which should ideally be standard items

CRANCHI Z35

The Cranchi Z35 is a rare breed that falls in the mid-range sports-cruisers category. It is designed to have an open, sun-soaked cockpit with two spacious cockpits and twin diesel.

If you want a powerboat that will shine on a sunny day, this boat with a sociable cockpit will fit the bill. It has quite an impressive accommodation below decks. The well-proportioned cabins are built to have abundant storage and sleeping spaces to host adults for a few days or more.

The saloon has smart detailing and excellent headroom, too. The galley comes with plenty of storage, including cupboards and lockers that are lined in smooth GRP. The railings on the deck feature triple fender baskets on both sides of the foredeck. The guest cabin berth is large and has an infill cushion that transforms from a twin into a double berth.

• Length: 37 ft 11 in
• Beam: 11 ft 6 in
• Draught: 2 ft 11 in
• Fuel capacity: 131 gallons
• Water capacity: 42 gallons
• Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D4 260 HP
• Top speed: 34 knots

Check here for listings .

• Adequate space below decks
• Brilliant cockpit
• Attractive styling
• Punchy performance
• Good detailing and finish
• Helm seat might be uncomfortable
• Glare off the dash
• Tight engine room access

What to Look for In a Power Boat – Buying Guide

You have three choices when it comes to buying a powerboat (or any boat for that matter). These include a custom-made boat, a brand new boat, and a used one (in good condition). Whatever your choice, there are a few fundamental considerations that you shouldn’t compromise on, as they will determine whether or not you will enjoy your investment.

The following are the important things to consider.

• Engine accessibility : How easy is it to access the engine? Choose a boat with a readily accessible engine area to make it easy to reach the battery and check fluid levels.
• Visibility: According to Rule 15 of the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules, all powered vessels must keep out of the way of boats approaching from the starboard. The problem is that visibility isn’t always good from the helm station of some boats. And if you can’t see your forward starboard quadrant, you might collide with an oncoming boat or run into some problems. So make sure you choose a powerboat that provides adequate visibility from the helm. As much as possible, avoid boats with obstructions caused by permanent fixtures, windshield mullions, hardtop supports, bulkheads, and overhead brows.
• Electronic needs : This is pretty straightforward. You want to choose a boat that has enough space for your entire electronics packages such as radar/chart plotter overlay, marine radio , radio tester, and a Wi-Fi and cellular range booster.
• Customization : Owning a boat means having the ability to customize it or include upgrades. For this reason, it is best to choose one that offers flexible customization options. For example, can you add or detach furniture? Can you make an upgrade to the galley?

It is also helpful if you read reviews from boaters who already purchased the type of powerboat you intend to buy. There are a good number of online boating forums where you can find useful first-hand information from boat owners. Are they pleased with the specific model you want? What are their concerns and complaints?

Here’s one more thing to consider. If you are buying a new boat or dealing with a manufacturer, find out if they have a comprehensive after-sales service. You want to choose a manufacturer that will continue to maintain a one-on-one relationship and an open communication channel with clients.

If you are in the market for a powerboat for cruising with your family, consider one with comfortable cabin space. For boating in the tropics or hot regions, you will need a boat with air conditioning systems.  Consider ample seating, too, because cruising with family and friends is a lot more fun and enjoyable when everyone has a comfortable place to sit and relax on the deck.

If what you want is a powerboat for offshore fishing, consider a boat with angler-friendly storage. A spacious deck where you can cast unhindered is equally important, too. Pay attention to the hull design, as a deep V-shaped hull cuts better through rough waters. Lastly, consider getting a fuel-efficient powerboat for offshore fishing, as this will reduce expenses on fuel.

Choosing the Right Power Boat

Having a list of the best power boats and knowing what makes a good one will not be of much help if you can’t make up your mind on which type to get. As you probably already know, these boats come in a wide variety with a vast range of hull forms, construction materials, and plenty of options in terms of propulsion and power.

To help you decide on which powerboat is right for you, we’ve outlined some of the more common types and their best use. This is not a comprehensive list, though, and that’s because powerboats encompass so many boat types from the small 12-footer tender to the ocean-crossing crawler and every other thing in between. So, we’ve left out some categories such as hovercrafts, personal watercraft, and catamarans.

Essentially, we’ve cut down the list to include rapid monohulls that are a great starting point for any beginner boater looking for the best power boats that suit their needs.

1. Bowriders

A bowrider is a great choice if you want a powerboat with a compact platform and adequate lounging space upfront. The open bows make them particularly suitable for frolicking on sunny days.

Although bowriders have come to be known with a traditional shape that features tapered forward lines, other options that present a whole lot of newer and spacious formats are now available. The space ahead of the helm in the traditional bowrider is quite tight. To allow for more internal seating room, newer versions have beams that are further forward, but the trade-off is a little bit of the sporting ability and aesthetic appeal of the traditional shape.

A classic traditional bowrider is the Sea Ray 190 SPX , while newer formats include Bayliner Element XR7 and Interboat Neo 7.

Here are a few things to look for in a bowrider that can perform excellently well in water sports:

• Extra cockpit seating
• Powerful inboard engines
• Automated throttle
• Wakeboard towers
• Wake-tweaking devices (e.g., fins, and ballast tanks)

2. Cabin Style Power Cruisers

If accommodation is topmost in the things you want in a powerboat, the cabin style power cruisers might be your best bet.

These powerboats fall into two broad categories:

• The sporty craft – small design with compact cabins in the bow.
• The people carrier – broader and more spacious designs with an emphasis on comfy accommodation rather than performance.

Whichever option that appeals to you, you need to consider convertible furniture to create more sleeping room. A galley at the top means more accommodation below deck. On the flip side, a cabin style powerboat with the galley below the decks creates more space at the sun deck for seating. So, make sure to choose an option that suits your accommodation needs.

Here’s a quick tip: if you are thinking of buying a cabin style powerboat as your first boat, you don’t have to break the bank to get a massive boat, even if you can. It is best to start with a smaller and cheaper option that is more efficient and manageable.

You would have learned how to operate a boat better and with more confidence in a short while. And using it for a season, you would be able to say for sure what shape and size work best for you.

Some of the best power boats fall in the category of hard-hulled planing crafts with built-in inflatable collars. These are particularly suited for water sports, fishing, lounging, diving, and load carrying.

In the end, your intended usage, price, and size will determine what type of RIBS you buy, but it is important to note some of the options. RIBS constructed from Hypalon are last longer but are more expensive than PVC-constructed tubes. Your driving style will also come into play when you consider seating features, which include traditional jockey seats, leaning posts, benches, and impact-mitigation seats.

The power option depends a lot on the type of boater you consider yourself to be. So, before you choose a fit-out and hull shape , think about how you would typically use a powerboat.

4. Center Console Powerboats

When it comes to versatility, center console powerboats take the lead. You can use them for angling or even for taking your family on long smooth rides.

Select one with less built-in furniture and an emptier deck if these type of boats appeal to you. This way, you can add the furniture that matches your needs the most. Many center console powerboats have less weight due to the inclusion of only basic facilities, which means they cost a lot less than other options. Also, they generally tend to have greater running efficiency and more agile handling because they weigh less.

5. Sport Yacht

Sport yachts are the best power boats for traveling long distances. They are faster and sleeker than traditional yachts but come with spacious cabins for overnight and extended stays. If you intend to entertain guests, this category of powerboats would be your best option. They combine luxury and performance.

For those who want to be the party, consider getting one of these powerboats that come with a full galley or one with the option for convenient upgrades to modern kitchen facilities such as a good-quality boat grill .

6. Walkaround Fisher

Lastly, there’s the Walkaround Fisher category for those who prefer a “hybrid” powerboat of some sort. If you want a powerboat that does a bit of everything, consider getting a Walkaround Fisher. A good choice would be the compact Trophy 2152 Walkaround with a small cabin for fishing and water sports.

Choosing a powerboat can be quite daunting considering all the options available, but you don’t have to settle for less than what you want. You can be sure that there’s a boat out there that matches your need no matter what it is. Do not compromise on the features that work well for you. Study the boats on this list, and you’re sure to find one that suits you.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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Powerboat Reports Guide to Powerboat Gear: Take the Guesswork Out of Gear Buying (Gear Guide) Paperback – Bargain Price, December 1, 2006

• Print length 288 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lyons Press
• Publication date December 1, 2006
• Dimensions 9.14 x 7.52 x 0.66 inches
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From the back cover, about the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008SM32P2
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Press; 1st edition (December 1, 2006)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.28 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.14 x 7.52 x 0.66 inches

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Field Reports: Snake River powerboat reservations begin

From staff reports

Powerboat enthusiasts can begin reserving their permits for the Snake River in Hells Canyon for the year.

Reservations for the permits became available last Friday, according to a news release from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. They are available on recreation.gov and can be made over the phone by calling (877) 444-6777 through Oct. 31.

Permits are required for powerboats on the wild and scenic section of the Snake year-round. During the primary season – from the Friday before Memorial Day through Sept. 10 – boaters must apply for the permits online. During the rest of the season, permits can be self-issued at Hells Canyon Creek boat launch, Pittsburg Landing and Cache Creek.

Glacier National Park begins fire management plan update

Glacier National Park is beginning work on an update to its long-term fire management plan.

The park announced in a news release that it was opening public scoping for an environmental assessment of the plan update. The public can read the scoping newsletter and weigh in on the plan at parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=61&projectID=121694&documentID=135127 .

Glacier’s fire management plan was last updated in 2003. The release said an update is needed to make sure the park’s guidelines are consistent with current conditions and National Park Service guidance.

The proposed plan is meant to build a framework and provide guidance for managing all wildfires in the park. It would also guide the use of prescribed fire and other fuel treatments meant to reduce hazardous fuel loading.

Fishing films to be shown

in Sandpoint

Anglers in North Idaho looking for a dose of fishing to cure cabin fever are in luck.

The Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding its 2024 Fly Fishing Film Festival on Friday, featuring films from the annual Fly Fishing Film Tour.

The event will be held at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 . Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for youth.

The film tour travels around the country each year and was shown last week at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane.

Comcast expands broadband to more people in Spokane County

Comcast expanded broadband service to 13,928 additional homes and 862 businesses in Washington, including major projects in Spokane County.

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Boating Shoes for Spring and Summer

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MasterCraft Celebrates International Women’s Day With Fourth Annual ‘Let Her Rip’ Campaign

Female-focused campaign empowers women and inspires boating confidence; includes mentorship from MasterCraft athletes Meagan Ethell, Ashley Kidd, Alexa Score, and Ali Garcia.

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Boat Test: 2024 Bennington S20 Swingback SPS

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Boat Test: 2024 Highfield Sport 800

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• Boat Maintenance

Off-the-Shelf Marine Toolkits

None of these sets will meet all your needs, but we can recommend the seafit deluxe boatyard and sears craftsman, which have higher-quality tools than the rest. either could serve as the basis of a more inclusive kit that you should develop on your own..

There was very little time to do the basic outfitting of the 22-foot Twin-Vee powerboat that Practical Sailor shared with Powerboat Reports last summer. (Good, seaworthy powerboats with sizeable four-stroke engines come in handy sometimes, especially for testing anchors, instruments, distress signals, nav lights… and for getting from one test site to another in a hurry.)

The outfitting process consisted of about 10 minutes of sprinting down the aisles at the local West Marine store, tossing items into a shopping cart. (There’s a TV show that features idiocy like that on a regular basis.)

We tossed in enough items to make the boat legal (flare kit, etc.) dockable (fenders and docklines) and anchorable. As we rounded the end of one aisle on two wheels, we spied a selection of toolkits, cleverly placed to catch the eye, just as they had. So we grabbed one of those, too.

Fast forward to a chilly fall night when the Powerboat Reports editor was out researching fish. On the way home, the all-around white navigation light on the Twin-Vee went out. Loosening and tightening the base of the pole upon which the light is mounted had solved the problem before, but this time it was stuck and couldn’t be unscrewed by hand.

So he stopped the boat and grabbed the $40 West Marine toolkit (model #290058) we had plucked impulsively from the shelf. Its 10″ Channellock-style (or tongue-and-groove) pliers seemed like a good match for the job, but they failed miserably. Every time he tried to clasp the pole’s base and rotate it, the pliers unlocked, and the adjustable jaw slid out of place. This caused a certain amount of frustration in our colleague, and we were just as glad we weren’t there to see it. However, we’ve had enough experience ourselves with these pre-packaged toolkits to think poorly of them. Despite their handy molded plastic boxes, we’ve found the tools themselves to be of poor quality—sometimes made of pot metal, almost always rust-prone, and rarely adequate, by themselves, for the job at hand.

Clearly it’s unwise to be complacent about the mere presence of a toolkit on board. We knew better ourselves—we just never got around to beefing up the arsenal. Moreover, quality and reliability count, especially on the water where that one pair of pliers may be the only thing that can get you out of a jam.

We got wondering whether there were any good pre-packaged marine toolkits commonly available, and for what price. Here’s what we found out.

What We Tested We scanned the marine catalogs and the Web, and came up with a group of 11 pre-packaged sets of tools ranging from $25 to $100. West Marine’s private label and Seafit kits are supplied by Allied Tools of Sylmar, CA, while BoatU.S. carries the Great Neck line. Two of the kits appeared to be nearly identical (our West Marine set and the Great Neck MS36), except for the color of their cases, their screwdriver handles, and the size of the adjustable wrench and pliers.

Pre-packaged kits offer two main advantages: rapid acquisition of a lot of new tools, and a low unit price compared to buying them individually or buying a high-quality tool set from a company like Snap-On or Mac. Another plus is the toolbox itself, which protects the tools and keeps them organized (most cases hold each tool individually in molded-in recessed locations).

The big drawback of these sets is obvious: The tools are cheap. While they may do the same job as a higher-quality tool in many instances, their subpar materials and finish will eventually lead to failure.

One key difference between the average home or shop tool set and one used on a boat is operating in an environment that’s more corrosive. Although various claims of rust resistance appear on several of the boxes our sets came in, only one told us how that extra resistance was gained: the stainless steel set from West Marine. As we examined these toolkits, it became clear that the term “marine” really had to do with tool selection—not corrosion resistance. Some of the larger sets include tape measures, electrical fuses and continuity testers, ignition files, utility knives, wire, wire terminals, and battery terminal brushes.

Unless otherwise specified, the tools we tested are not made of stainless steel; alloy formulas are not provided, and given the price of the tools, we didn’t attempt to determine alloy content. Suffice it to say that if they’re not stainless, and you don’t oil them (and maybe transfer them to a moisture-proof box), they’ll begin to rust the minute you put them aboard.

The distributors of the sets try to impress you with high tool counts. Don’t pay too much attention to this, except in a relative sense, since marketers give the same weight to, say, a wrench and a tiny piece of wire. In many cases we found the actual count was less than the advertised quantity. For example, we counted only 30 pieces in the Great Neck 36-piece tool set.

How We Tested We first examined the fitted plastic cases that house each tool set. Many of the tools fell out when we opened the cases, so we handled and examined those first, paying particular attention to their finish. The volume of tools (nominally 1,016) precluded item–by–item use, but we checked the action of pliers, cutters and ratchets, and tested the usefulness of holders of small tools such as Allen wrenches and hex bits. Tools embodying novel approaches to traditional functions were tested for usefulness. Samples of the wrenches and sockets were used in a number of repair activities.

Craftsman 38-Piece Tool Set #941785. The Craftsman brand is almost universally familiar in the US, and many of us own Craftsman tools passed down from relatives. The tools are made domestically. Sears & Roebuck still guarantees free replacement “forever” at any of its stores.

This general-purpose set weighs 9 lbs. and includes a securely fastening plastic case with carrying handle. These were the highest-quality tools in the evaluation, and although the 38-piece set costs as much as the 149-piece Seafit Deluxe Boatyard set, in this case quality counts for a lot.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 9 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/16″-3/4″ • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 10mm-18mm • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 6″ long • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 11 Screwdrivers: 4 slotted (1/8″-1/4″), 4 Phillips (#0-#3), 3 Torx (T10, T15, T20) • 1 Offset combination screwdriver (#3 Phillips and 1/4″ slotted) • 1 Keyring screwdriver (4 sizes, slotted) • 1 Pliers, slip-joint • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, w/cutter jaws • 1 Adjustable wrench, 8″ (Crescent style) • 1 Adjustable pliers, 9″ (Channellock style)

Great Neck 36-Piece Mariner’s Tool Set #MS36. Great Neck has been in the US tool market for quite a while, but this tool set is made in China. It is warranted for the lifetime of the purchaser against failing to “give … complete satisfaction,” but the sales receipt must be furnished along with a claim.

The fitted plastic case is yellow and features a gasket to resist water. Most of the cavities identify in raised letters the tool or size that fits in them. The case lacks a carrying handle.

The set, which is “for powerboats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and trailer maintenance and repair,” weighs about 7 lbs.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 7 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 3/8″-3/4″ • 7 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 10mm-19mm • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 6″ long • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Universal joint, 3/8″ drive • 1 Sparkplug gapping tool • 1 Box-cutter w/5 replacement blades • 1 Roll electrical tape, 30′ length • 1 Electrical continuity checker • 1 Tire gauge • 1 Wire brush • 2 Screwdrivers: slotted (3/16″), Phillips (#2) • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, w/cutter jaws • 1 Adjustable wrench, 10″ (Crescent style) • 1 Adjustable pliers, 7″ (Channellock style)

Great Neck 65-Piece Mariner’s Tool Set #MS65. See comments on the 36-piece set; exceptions are that this case has a built-in carrying handle and is black. A lot of Allen wrenches are provided, but since they are fixed to a keyring by their long end, only the short end is available for use. The set weighs 6 lbs.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 3/8″-3/4″ • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 10mm-22mm • 1 Adapter, 3/8″ drive to 1/4″ drive • 8 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 5/32″-3/8″ • 8 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 4mm-9mm • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 6″ long • 1 Sparkplug socket, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ • 1 Spinner handle, 1/4″ drive • 3 Screwdrivers: 2 slotted (1/4″), 1 Phillips #2 • 6 Combination box/open-end wrenches, 3/8″-11/16″ • 1 Pliers, slip-joint • 1 Pliers, needle-nose w/cutter jaws • 15 Allen wrenches (on keyring): 7 standard (1/16″-7/32″), 8 metric (1.5mm-6mm)

Great Neck 125-Piece Mariner’s Tool Set #MS125. Unlike the two other Great Neck kits, this one is made in Taiwan. It has a built-in carrying handle and features six fasteners to hold it shut. The set weighs 10 lbs.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 10 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 3/8″-13/16″ • 1 Adapter, 3/8″ drive to 1/4″ drive • 8 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 5/32″-1/2″ • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 3″ long • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Universal joint, 3/8″ drive • 1 Coupler, 1/4″ drive, for 1/4″ hex bits • 22 Hex bits: 3 slotted (1/8″-1/4″), 4 Phillips (#0-#3), 4 Posidrive (#0-#3), 4 Allen (3/32″-3/16″), 7 Torx (T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40) • 1 Spinner handle, 1/4″ drive • 1 Sparkplug gapping tool • 1 Feeler gauge set • 1 Measuring tape, 16′ x 3/4″ • 2 Offset screwdrivers: 3/16″ & Phillips #1, 1/4″ & Phillips #2 • 1 Box cutter • 2 Screwdrivers: slotted (1/4″), Phillips (#2) • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, w/cutter jaws • 1 Adjustable wrench, 10″ (Crescent style) • 1 Adjustable pliers, 10″ (Channellock style) • 1 Electrical continuity tester • 1 Crimping tool, 9″ • 1 Hacksaw blade w/handle • 4 Allen wrenches (1/8″-5/16″) • 6 Combination box/open-end wrenches (5/16″-5/8″) • 1 Wire brush • 40 Spade lugs for wire: 4 insulated, 36 non-insulated • 11 Cable ties

Great Neck 300-Piece Mariner’s Tool Set #MS300. This kit has a built-in carrying handle and features matching swing-out doors that also hold tools. A drawer that recesses into the bottom of the case holds electrical connectors. The set weighs 12 lbs. and when open has a footprint of 26½” x 18″. The case smelled strongly of rubber and did a very poor job of holding its 300 tools securely.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 1 Ratchet spin disk • 6 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 12-point, 7/16″-3/4″ • 9 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 12-point, 9mm-19mm • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 3″ long • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Adapter, 3/8″ drive to 1/4″ drive • 9 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 3/16″-1/2″ • 9 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 4mm-10mm • 1 Magnetic screwdriver handle for 1/4″ hex bits, w/holder for 6 bits • 26 hex bits in 2 bit-holders, 1/4″ drive: 5 slotted(1/8″-1/4″), 5 Phillips (#0-#2), 5 Torx (T10, T15, T20), 6 Allen (5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″, 4mm-6mm), 3 Posidrive (#0-#2), 2 Robertson (#1, #2) • 1 Adapter, 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ socket • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 3/8″-5/8″ • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 10mm-17mm • 2 Screwdrivers, 3″ blades: 1/8″ slotted and Phillips #3 • 1 Needle-nose pliers • 1 Diagonal cutters • 1 Wrench, adjustable, (Crescent style) • 20 Allen wrenches, mixed inch/metric sizes, on metal ring • 1 Wire crimper/stripper • 1 Electrical continuity tester • 149 Electrical terminals and connectors • 8 Fuses, automotive type • 1 Roll of electrical tape, 3/4″ x 30′ • 25 Cable ties, nylon • 1 Wire brush • 1 Ignition file • 8 Ignition wrenches • 1 Box cutter w/5 replacement blades • 1 Tire gauge

Seachoice Chrome Vanadium 76-Piece Marine Tool Set #50-7986. Made in Taiwan, this set weighs 13 lbs. and offers a better level of chrome plating on wrenches and socket parts than many of the other sets made overseas. Its plastic case with carrying handle should be beefier, however, and would profit from locks on each end in addition to the two in the front.

The set is unusual in that it has a 1/2″ socket set rather than the usual 3/8″ and 1/4″, and includes a large pair of locking pliers in the style of Vise-Grips, and a hammer—the only kit to include one. There’s no mention of warranty on the box, but the Seachoice website says its products are warranted (for the original customer) against defects of materials or workmanship for one year.

The Seachoice tools are, indeed, well-chosen, and the kit seems to us a good value.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 1/2″ drive • 13 Sockets, 1/2″ drive, 6-point, 5/16″-15/16″ • 2 Socket extensions, 1/2″ drive: 5″ and 10″ long • 1 Sliding T-handle, 1/2″ drive, 10″ long • 1 Sparkplug socket, 1/2″ drive, 6-point, 13/16″ • 1 Universal joint, 1/2″ drive • 6 Allen wrenches: 1/8″–38″ (in fold–out holder; only long end available for use) • 1 Battery brush • 1 Feeler gauge set, 0.020mm–0.030mm • 8 Combination box/open–end wrenches, 5/16″–3/4″ • 5 Screwdrivers: 2 Phillips (two #2, #3), 3 Slotted (1/4″, 3/8″) • 1 Locking pliers, Vise-Grip style • 1 Adjustable pliers, Channellock style • 30 Spade lugs for wire • 1 Crimping tool • 1 Continuity tester • 1 Hammer

Seafit Stowaway 27-Piece Tool Set #1829076. Marketed by West Marine as “ideal for boat maintenance and repairs,” this has a fair selection of tools for a fair price, but it would hardly be called basic, much less ideal. It carries a lifetime warranty that excludes normal wear and tear.

The set, which comes with a soft zippered synthetic case and weighs about 2 lbs., is made in China. Our set included identical hex-bit screwdrivers, which was probably a packaging error since the photo on the box shows one Phillips and one slotted.

• 1 Hex-bit driver with magnetic retainer • 10 Hex driver bits: 3 Phillips (#1-3), 3 slotted (1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″), 4 Torx (T10, T15, T20, T30) • 1 Hex bit with 1/4″ socket adapter • 9 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point: 3/16″-1/2″ • 1 Adjustable wrench, 6″ (Crescent style) • 1 Pliers, slip-joint • 1 Pocket knife w/case, 11-function, stainless steel • 1 Electrical continuity tester • 1 Roll of PVC electrical tape, 30′ • 1 Tire gauge

Seafit 149-Piece Deluxe Boatyard Tool Set #1983840. This set is described as a “Premium set for the serious boater.” It is shipped with all of its tools held in position by a temporary clear plastic lid held in place by a dozen sheet-metal screws.

Unlike the other anonymous Seafit tools in this test, many items bear the name “Allied,” although the tools originate in China and Taiwan. The set commendably limits its scope of functions chiefly to the turning of fasteners, such as nuts, bolts and screws. The kit has 137 legitimate tools, plus 12 non-tool items (6 plastic holders for hex-bits and Allen wrenches, 5 spare blades for the box cutter and the case itself).

The tools generally have a better finish and a higher degree of polish. In a few instances, a higher degree of design sophistication is present as well. The Leverench is a good example of this. This adjustable wrench’s grip increases as more leverage is applied to the handle. Its spring-loaded jaws also maintain contact with the fastener to allow ratcheting.

Both sockets and box wrenches are designed to apply their force to the flat sides of nuts instead of the weaker corners, similar to the Flank Drive feature developed by Snap-On. Open-end wrenches are designed to provide a limited ratcheting function.

The Uni-Fit adjustable wrench provides a duplicate size for many sockets and wrenches where nut and bolt are the same size. All of these features make the tool set more useful than those that don’t have them.

This set is marketed by West Marine. It carries a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. It comes with a fold-out plastic case with carrying handle (and better retention of tools than most), has a footprint when open of 28″ x 18½” and weighs about 17 lbs.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive, w/quick-release feature • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 3″ long • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/16″-3/4″ • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 9mm-19mm • 1 Adapter, 3/8″ drive to 1/4″ drive • 12 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 5/32″-9/16″ • 12 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 4mm-13mm • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Magnetic screwdriver handle for 1/4″ hex bits • 1 Magnetic screwdriver extension for 1/4″ hex bits, 2″ length (can also be chucked in drill) • 28 hex bits in 4 bit-holders, 1/4″ drive: 7 slotted (1/8″-5/16″), 3 square (S1-S3), 8 Phillips (#0, #0, #1, #1, #2, #2, #3,#3), 7 Torx (T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40), 3 Posidrive (#1-#3) • 2 Adapters, 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ socket • 10 Hex bits, long (can also be chucked in drill), 1/4″: 5 slotted (1/8″-5/16″), 4 Phillips (#0-#3), 1 adapter, 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ socket • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 3/8″-5/8″ • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 10mm-15mm • 1 Leverench adjustable wrench, 8″ long, fits 3/8″-11/16″ and 10mm-18mm (see text) • 1 Uni-Fit adjustable wrench, 7½” long, fits 1/4″-3/4″ (6mm-19mm) (see text) • 3 Screwdrivers: 1 slotted (1/4″) and 2 Phillips (#1, #2) • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, 8″ long w/cutting jaws • 1 Diagonal cutters, 6″ long • 24 Allen wrenches in 2 holders: 12 standard (0.035″-3/16″), 12 metric (0.9mm-6mm) • 1 Box cutter w/replacement blades

Seafit 159-Piece Tool Set #329443. Positioned as “ideal for power, sail, personal watercraft and trailer maintenance,” this set is marketed by West Marine. It carries a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship… if returned to the importer. Country of origin is not indicated.

Surprisingly, quality and design features were of a significantly lower order than the Seafit 149-piece set. The set comes with a plastic case with carrying handle and weighs about 10 lbs.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 1 Ratchet spin disk • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 3″ long • 6 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 3/8″-11/16″ • 8 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 9mm-17mm • 1 Adapter, 3/8″ drive to 1/4″ drive • 9 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 5/32″-1/2″ • 11 Sockets, 1/4″ drive, 6-point, 4mm-12mm • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Magnetic screwdriver handle for 1/4″ hex bits • 31 Hex bits in 2 bit-holders, 1/4″ drive: 5 slotted (1/8″-1/4″), 4 Phillips (#0-#3), 6 Torx (T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30), 5 Allen (1/8″-1/4″), 5 Allen (4mm-7mm), 3 Posidrive (#1-#3), 3 Clutch (1/8″-1/4″) • 1 Adapter, 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ socket • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 3/8″-5/8″ • 5 Wrenches, box/open-end, 10mm-15mm • 1 Wrench, adjustable, 6″ long (Crescent style) • 18 Ignition wrenches, assorted sizes • 1 Ignition wrench • 16 Allen wrenches in 2 holders: 8 standard (1/16″-1/4″), 8 metric (1.5mm-6mm) • 2 Screwdrivers, 3″ blade: 1/8″ slotted and Phillips #0 • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, 5″ long w/cutting jaws • 1 Diagonal cutters, 5″ long • 1 Electrical crimper/stripper • 26 Wire terminals, in box • 1 Electrical continuity tester • 1 Feeler-gauge set • 1 Tire gauge • 1 Wire brush

West Marine Marine Tool Set #290058. This is the set we bought for our test boat. Described as including “the basic tools needed for motor, electrical and trailer maintenance and repair,” its contents are said to be “forged, tempered, and thickly chrome-plated to resist corrosion.”

The pliers that we mentioned earlier have been stowed in the helm console for six months, with two or three forays out into the weather. They’ve never been cared-for. They’ve developed a few rust spots, which, around here, means they’ve resisted corrosion pretty well.

To further enhance its qualification for marine use, the set comes with a compact “watertight, floating storage case” made of blue polyethylene. We tried spraying it with a garden hose for a few seconds to test its watertight claim. It failed—water came right inside. In addition, the case won’t open so that each of its halves lies flat —a surprisingly annoying characteristic. The case has a tendency to come apart, too, if you put too much pressure on it when open.

Although it lacks a carrying handle, each of its slots has the name of the tool that belongs there. The 30-piece set, which weighs 7 lbs., is made in Taiwan and carries a limited lifetime warranty by West Marine.

• 1 Socket driver, ratcheting, 3/8″ drive • 14 Sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 3/8″-3/4″ and 10mm-19mm • 1 Socket extension, 3/8″ drive, 6″ long • 2 Sparkplug sockets, 3/8″ drive, 6-point, 5/8″ and 13/16″ • 1 Universal joint, 3/8″ drive • 1 Electrical tape, 30′ roll • 1 Box-cutter w/replacement blades • 1 Sparkplug gapping tool • 1 Adjustable pliers, Channellock style • 1 Adjustable wrench, Crescent style, 8″ long • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, 6″ long w/cutting jaws • 1 Tire gauge • 1 Wire brush • 2 Screwdrivers: Phillips #2 and 3/16″ slotted • 1 Continuity tester

West Marine Deluxe Stainless Steel Tool Set #1828946. This 11-piece set, “designed for the boater’s needs,” features the only stainless tools of the 11 sets evaluated. We need hardly remind most readers that the term “stainless” in this context means it takes somewhat longer to rust than non-stainless steel and thus still requires protection from the elements. To compensate for the lack of sockets or wrenches, the set offers four gripping tools and four screwdrivers. It is made in China, carries a limited lifetime warranty that excludes normal wear and tear, and comes with a fitted plastic case that closes securely but lacks a carrying handle. Weight is about 6 lbs.

• 1 Adjustable wrench, 8″ (Crescent style) • 1 Adjustable pliers, 10″ (Channellock style) • 1 Pliers, needle-nose, w/cutter jaws • 1 Pliers, slip-joint • 4 Screwdrivers: 2 Phillips (#1-#2), 2 slotted (3/16″, 1/4″) • 2 Wire brushes • 1 Scissors

Conclusion For sheer quality and projected durability, the Craftsman set is the clear winner. It would be a good starter set, augmented by others from that extensive line. As a rule, higher quality is cheaper in the long run because it does the job better and lasts much longer than something bought on price tag alone. That’s true up to the point when you drop a Craftsman-quality tool over the side. Thus, we also liked the Seafit 149-piece Deluxe Boatyard Set—because its tools are of a generally high quality, and you get a lot of them for a decent price. We have no track record for Allied Tools, but West Marine does offer a “No Hassles Satisfaction Guaranteed” warranty with no time limit. All the rest of the tool sets appear to be of lower quality.

To reiterate an earlier note: Don’t be impressed with seemingly high tool counts. Many of the sets try to cover too wide a span of uses, and the counts are often padded with expendable items. Also, fitted cases were generally disappointing and shouldn’t weigh much in a buying decision. This is true especially for the larger cases, which are merely specialized shipping cartons. The tools themselves will likely end up in a more conventional toolbox.

Regardless of the contents of these sets, any choice of tools will depend on what type of boat you have and what gear you have aboard. It will also depend on your skills, and on the amount of space you have to stow them.

By far the best approach is to develop your kit after studying what you might need on your particular boat (see sidebar below). That way you’ll select only those tools you actually need. No harm in using one of these pre-packaged kits as the basis of a full set—just remember that none will do the job alone.

Contacts— Allied Tools, 13207 Bradley Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342; 818/364-2333; www.alliedtools.com/ . BoatU.S. (carries Great Neck), 800 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 23304; 800/937-2628; www.boatus.com/ . Great Neck, 165 East 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501; 516/746-5352; www.greatnecksaw.com/ . Seachoice Products, 3131 N. Andrews Avenue Ext., Pompano Beach, FL 33064; 954/581-1188; www.seachoice.com . Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Craftsman): visit your local store or www.sears.com . West Marine & Seafit (made by Allied), 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076; 800/BOATING; www.westmarine.com .

Also With This Article Click here to view “Value Guide: Toolkits.” Click here to view “Toolkit Targeting.”

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Westmarine stainless does not seem to be available anymore.

I can’t find Seafit anywhere. Does it still exist?

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New Boat Sales Dip Below Pre-Pandemic Levels through July

The NMMA reports new powerboat sales year-to-date were at 187,000 units through July, down 18 percent from the same period in 2021. While overall new powerboat sales decreased 11 percent compared to January through July in  pre-pandemic 2019, several categories continue to outpace pre-pandemic YTD sales levels, including new pontoons, wake sport boats and yachts. “In the first seven months of the year, new boat sales have dipped below our 2019 pace demonstrating that the combination of economic uncertainty and the expected return of competition for consumers’ attention are starting to show their impact,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “This is not unique to boating as most industries are experiencing pressures as inflation, a volatile stock market and talk of a global recession have grown. NMMA will be working to keep boating top of mind for consumers and the business community through the industry’s Discover Boating efforts, including boat shows launching this January. Now is the time to closely manage pipelines, credit availability, and consumer demand and lean into customer engagement and marketing following record interest the past two years. And, while we proceed cautiously, when looking across the 20-year trend-line, 2022 is expected to be a healthy year for our industry.” Through July, new powerboat categories outpacing YTD sales compared to pre-pandemic levels included: 

• New pontoon unit sales were down 13 percent YTD compared to the same period in 2021, while 3 percent above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.
• Unit sales of new wake sport boats were down 11 percent YTD compared to the same period in 2021, while 16 percent above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.
• New yacht unit sales YTD were flat with the same period in 2021, while 16 percent above pre-pandemic Jan.-July 2019.

Data tracked on a rolling 12-month basis in NMMA’s latest New Powerboat Registrations Report through July 2022 includes:

• New powerboat sales were down 16.7 percent (R12M YOY) compared to the previous 12 months.
• All new powerboat categories saw sales decline on a R12M basis through July.

NMMA member wholesale activity shows certain segments still working against supply chain constraints to balance inventory. According to NMMA’s Monthly Shipment Report :

• Wholesale shipments of new powerboats through July 2022 decreased 6 percent year over year.
• Wholesale shipments of outboard engines increased 6 percent year over year.
• Notably, the wholesale retail ratio through July for freshwater fishing boats, personal watercraft, and wake sport boat categories indicates improved product availability compared to earlier in the boating season.

Noted Bradley, “While the persistent supply chain turbulence and challenges are far from ideal, they have prevented us from overproducing as some other industry sectors did throughout the past two years. Marine dealer inventories remain fairly lean signaling that pipelines are still being refilled, leaving the industry in a healthier position than past slowdowns in recent history.” NMMA members can access the New Powerboat Registrations Report and Monthly Shipment Report on NMMA.org here or contact [email protected] for more information. U.S. recreational boating industry by the numbers:

• New powerboat retail unit sales in 2021 reached approximately 300,000, the second time the industry reached that number in nearly 15 years (2020 and 2021).
• Annual U.S. marine industry expenditures of boats, marine products and services totaled $56.6 billion in 2021, up 9 percent from 2020.
• Part of what is fueling sales for the recreational boating industry is the uptick in first-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats, attracting a wider net of Americans. Data show 420,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market in 2021 – on par with 2020, a record year. First-time boat buyers accounted for 34 percent of boat sales in 2021.
• An estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year.
• Sixty-one percent of boaters have an annual household income of $75,000 or less. Source – United States Coast Guard
• Ninety-five percent of boats on the water in the U.S. are less than 26 feet—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways.
• Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are American made.
• The recreational boating industry supports 691,149 American jobs (511,117 direct jobs and 180,032 indirect jobs) and 35,277 American businesses.
• Traditional outdoor recreation activities – such as boating, fishing, hiking, and RVing – are thriving, increasing their contributions to the overall outdoor recreation economy by 22%.

Russia's Nuclear Deterrent Command Center Imperiled by Winter Freeze—Report

A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has been imperiled by power outages that have impacted more than one-quarter of the region's cities amid freezing temperatures, a Russian Telegram channel has reported.

The VChK-OGPU outlet, which purports to have inside information from Russian security forces, reported that the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings—part of the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the country's Aerospace Forces—near Solnechnogorsk in Moscow is without power.

It serves as the space forces early warning network against potential ballistic missile attacks.

The development comes as Russians are reported to be suffering from power outages in their homes in the Moscow region caused by technical issues at plants amid subzero temperatures.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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