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Sport Boating, Colorado Style Pick a lake or reservoir, hop aboard and go for it By Aaron Atwood Whether you are powerboating or wakeboarding, Colorado's arid climate lures nearly everyone to the lake in the hot summer months. The vessels you can choose for summer fun range from specialty wakeboarding boats to high-tech, gadget-decked fishing boats. Sea-Doo Long known for its personal watercraft (wave runners and jet skis), Sea-Doo got into the boating business more than a decade ago. Today, the company confidently produces some of the best family-friendly wakeboarding and recreational boats around. The new 230 Wake is the latest in Sea-Doo's line of sport boats designed with all the features to give even the most discerning boarder the ride of her life. The 510-horsepower Rotax engine is unique in that it has an internal jet propulsion. That means no prop to worry about when swimmers are behind the boat. The internal prop also puts the hull "on plane" - in position to reach its top speed - much faster than a traditional inboard/outboard configuration. "Sea-Doo sport boats are industry trendsetters by continuously offering boaters the benefits they crave such as [the] direct drive jet propulsion system," said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager of Sea-Doo's International division in a prepared statement. "Enhancing the boating experience by providing greater peace-of-mind, plus a pure adrenaline rush will ensure consumers turn good days into great days." The 230 Wake comes with a wake boost system, water-filled bags that empty and fill at the touch of a control to give the boat a larger or smaller wake. While the 230 Wake can seat up to 12, your comfort level likely hits its limits around six plus all the gear. At 23 feet, it can handle all your friends - just choose wisely when you decide how many to invite at once. The 230 Wake retails for about $56,000. Sea Ray If you just want a versatile boat, one built to cruise and play, Sea Ray has a line that's perfect for a little of everything. Sea Ray makes models that give owners choices. The Sundancer line is nothing if not versatile. The cruiser cabin design allows for extended overnight stays. The power and length make the boat capable of pulling skiers as well as just enjoying a long cruise on the open water. Think Sunday drives on melted ice. If you want to spend serious time on the water, the Sea Ray 240 Sundancer gives you everything you need to retreat to the serenity of Horsetooth Reservoir for the whole summer if you have the vacation time. The full galley and head make it a self-contained vacation vessel. Maple or cherry cabinetry and leather upholstery with options for seating and sleeping up to four provide comfort and practicality. This is a weekend getaway waiting to happen. The Sundancer retails around $65,000, which is an absolute bargain in the world of weekend cruisers. The pricing may have something to do with the economy according to Sea Ray CEO Dustan McCoy. "There is no sugarcoating it; the economic downturn has hit the marine market particularly hard, delivering the softest sales in 40 years," McCoy says in his open letter to the boating community. If you can take advantage of the deals, today is a great day to buy a sport boat. Tracker For the sportsmen in all of us, Tracker has led the field in fully equipped fishing boats built for America's reservoirs. The Pro Guide V-175 has an open bow and aluminum-hull that give it the ability to handle big, rough water such as you might find in Grand Lake or Blue Mesa Reservoir. Tracker's top-of-the-line bass boat, the Tournament V-18, is an 18-footer that can handle up to a 150-horsepower motor. Put one in and it just screams on this deep V hull. A trolling motor and two live wells give serious fishermen everything they need. Rod holders and tie downs along with storage compartments are designed for the fish frenzied by the fish frenzied. Pueblo Reservoir offers good bass fishing, as does Horsetooth near Fort Collins. The Tracker can handle even the high-mountain reservoirs like Taylor near Gunnison and Williams Creek near Pagosa Springs. Colorado's high mountains and arid plains give lake lovers opportunities to get out and ride. Riding in a boat built for you is a fine way to take the summer head on. Aaron Atwood is a contributing writer to Colorado Golf Magazine Find your boat at these Colorado dealers MarineMax Grand Junction Island Lake Marine & Sports, Inc. Cool Toys Marine
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