Honda Marine prepares for major presence at the all-new Johannesburg Boat Show

There’s much excitement bounding through Honda Marine both at head office and throughout their Southern African dealer network with the imminent arrival of the eagerly awaited Chaparral and Robalo imported boats from the USA which will be premiered at the all-new Johannesburg Boat Show. Be sure to visit the Honda Marine stand at the show that takes place at SA’s top exhibition venue, the EXPO Centre at Nasrec from 24-26 August 2012.

Best ‘Mooring Stand’ for Honda Marine at the Durban International Boat Show

Clinton Lambert & Leshzek Lotze from Honda Marine SA with the Durban Boat Show 'Best Mooring' Stand Award

A great effort from the Honda Marine team with dealers attending from Durban, Pinetown, Port Shepstone, St Francis, Sodwana, Randburg and Kya Sands, together with a strong representation of exclusive Honda Marine boat manufacturers in the form of Avalanche sports and pontoon boats, Raptor offshore fishing cats, Falcon and Conqueror RIBS, earned Honda Marine the prestigious best ‘Mooring Stand’ award.

Honda Marine SA and its dealers had a major presence at the Durban Boat Show

With 7 boats in the water available for test, a floating carousel and jetty area covered in Honda Marine regalia and portable shades, 4 beautiful promotions ladies, the recipe for success was in place right from the start. For all 3 days of the show, the Honda Marine stand attracted a huge amount of visitors, spurred on by those entering the Honda Honwave BF5HP Competition while others took a ride in the demo boats.

Eventual Winner of the Competiton was Mr Rob Allsop who received his prize from Craig Wilson, the Dealer Principal of Honda Marine Durban.

Craig Wilson with Durban Boat Show Honwave/ Honda 5HP Competition Winner Rob Allsop

Best overall result was that interest in Honda Marine 4-stroke technology remains at an all time high as preparations are put into motion for the next major outing at the Johannesburg Boat Show.

Thanks to the Honda Marine Promotion Ladies...

BOATING TIP FOR THE MONTH

Understanding the Danger of Propeller Strikes (courtesy of BoatSafe.com)
 Did you know?

• A typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second.
• A typical recreational propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one tenth of a second.
• Most propeller accidents CAN be prevented!

What Can You Do?

1. Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at ALL times. If the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will shut off.
2. Assign a passenger to keep watch around the propeller area of your boat when people are in the water.

Safety Tips

• Before starting your engine, walk to the stern and look in the water to make certain there is no one near your propeller (people near the propeller may not be visible from the helm).
• Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engine(s) are running – even at idle and in neutral your propeller may continue to spin.
• Educate passengers about the location and danger of the propeller(s).
• Call attention to the potential dangers of the propeller to any of your crew who may be going into the water to swim, ski, tube etc.
• Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
• Take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or tubers.
• Never permit passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, or other locations where they might fall overboard.
• Children should be watched carefully while onboard.
• Establish clear rules for swim platform use, boarding ladders, and seating (if possible, passengers should remain seated at all times).
• If someone falls overboard, STOP! Then slowly turn the boat around, and keep the person in sight as you approach. Assign a passenger to continuously monitor the person in the water. Turn your engine off FIRST and then bring the person to safety.
• NEVER reverse your boat to pick someone up out of the water. If necessary, go around again.

Chaparral 244 Xtreme: Making Waves in a Big Way (courtesy of BoatTEST.com)

Chaparral 224XTREME

Who would have thought that a company known for making luxury sportboats and small cruisers could ever have a chance in the ski/wakeboard market? But that’s exactly what happened when Chaparral came out with its Xtreme line-up. The 244 Xtreme has both a deep-V bottom and ballast bags which together can make a huge wake.  Then, there is Xtreme’s striking styling.  Make no mistake about it, Chaparral is not just kidding with its intention of competing in this highly specialized market.

To read the whole review on the Chaparral 244 Xtreme click on the link:http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?ID=2718