MTI (Marine Technology, Inc.) has announced a new V-bottom center-console race boat that will be introduced in 2012.  Many believe that MTI, located in Wentzville, Missouri, is the top builder of offshore catamarans in the world, but they are also known for outstanding V-bottom designs.  The new boat will feature a 6-person seating arrangement behind the center console as well as an air conditioned cabin.  Power options on the new boat will range from 3 to 5 outboard engines.

To get a feeling for what MIT’s powerboats are capable of, view this popular YouTube video showing Turbine Marine’s MTI raceboat, powered by two Appache Attack helicopter engines, reach speeds in excess of 200 mph.  Turbine Marine and MTI paired previously on the Miss Geico power catamaran, one of the world’s fastest racing boats.

If you’re wondering what to get for the mariner in your life this holiday season, you might want to check into Sea Tow. This is one gift that will keep on giving throughout the year. This nationwide marine assistance program for recreational boaters provides access to a network of nearly 1,000 captains, crew and support staff who are ready to help at a moment’s notice. New and experience boaters alike will appreciate the security that comes with knowing that assistance is available in case of engine failure or other mishap.

In addition to emergency assistance, Sea Tow membership includes a host of other benefits. For complete program details and pricing information, visit the Sea Tow website.

Australian boat manufacturer Seawind recently unveiled the Venturer 44, a long-range power cat that is equally suited for weekend cruising or long range voyages.  Launched at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on Australia’s Gold Coast, the Venturer 44 has already attracted plenty of interest in the international boating community. 

Established in 1982, Seawind is the largest builder of power and sail catamarans in Australia.  They also make the Venturer 38, an ideal vessel for family cruising.

Read more about the Venturer line of power catamarans on the official Seawind website.

E-SeaRider boating beanbags are a great solution when you’re faced with a shortage of seating on your boat. These upscale beanbag armchairs feature marine-grade vinyl and guarantee a comfortable ride.

Because these beanbag boat seats offer back and neck support, they can provide an added level of comfort and protection for the constant pounding motion of the boat. The manufacturer claims that these chairs will allow your boat to go faster since you will be subject to less pounding.

A wide variety of shapes and colors are available and ordering can be done online or by phone. Find out more about these practical boat beanbags on the E-SeaRider website.

Horizon has launched its first Horizon PC58, a luxury power catamaran that features the latest technological advancements. The PC58 offers a 20-knot cruising speed and easy maneuverability thanks to its ZF Fly-by-Wire SteerCommand System and ZF Joystick Maneuvering System. The layout features several interior and exterior entertainment areas and three en-suite staterooms. The cockpit includes a teak deck and flybridge.

This new power cat is constructed using the patented SCRIMP resin infused system that Horizon uses on all its yachts, providing a lighter and stronger structure.

You can read more about the PC58 on the official Horizon website. The Horizon PC58 will make her debut October 27-31 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is preparing to host the 52nd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 27-31, 2011. This is the type of event that gives Fort Lauderdale its reputation as one of the yachting capitals of the world. This year’s show will cover over 3 million square feet of exhibit space in six locations, with a transportation network of bush shuttles, riverboats and water taxis helping show attendees get from one place to another. Some of the boats and sea vessels that will be on display include cabin cruisers, catamarans, motor yachts, inflatables, ski boat, skiffs and higher performance boats. And of course there will be some superyachts.

Some of the special attractions of the show include Hook the Future Kid Fishing Clinics, the Blue Wild Dive Show and IGFA’s School of Sportfishing.

For more information, visit the official Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show website.

There are certain basic boating skills and safety procedures that everyone who spends time on a boat should know. In a worst-case scenario, the boat’s captain could be incapacitated and someone else will have to take control. Would you know what to do?

Here are some of the things that every crew member should know how to do.

• How to abandon ship in case of fire or other emergency. This includes knowing the location of lifejackets and fire extinguishers and how to use them.

• How to activate and operate the radio.

• How to start and stop the engine.

• How to use the take the controls and perform simple maneuvers.

• What to do if someone goes overboard.

For more detail about what you should know as a crew member and how to get trained, visit the Motor Boating magazine website.

The blogosphere was filled with tales about a mysterious golden superyacht this summer, said to be the most expensive yacht ever constructed. We have to admit that we found the story fascinating and featured it in one of our posts.

The History Supreme was purported to be a superyacht valued at either $5 or $6 billion. The 100-ft yacht was said to be plated with 100,000 kg of gold and platinum. The owner was reported to be a Malaysian businessman who chose to remain anonymous.

The credibility of the story was boosted by the fact that it was featured on the website of Stuart Hughes, a “renowned UK luxury goods designer.” Now the New Zealand Herald reports that the story has been exposed as a hoax by Motorboat Monthly and other publications. One of the arguments against the story is that the amount of gold said to be on the yacht is about three times the amount held by Malaysia’s central bank. Another argument is that all that gold would make the boat would be too heavy to float!

The “photos” of the yacht were apparently lifted from the Baia Yachts website and picture another boat altogether.

The M2-60 power cat combines the highest levels of luxury and performance. This catamaran yacht, which was introduced in 2007, pioneers the use of sophisticated lightweight materials, including a carbon epoxy composite that delivers twice the strength at half the weight of other composites. The M2-60′s top speed of 40 knots can outrun even the worst weather conditions while offering fuel efficiency that is 20-60% greater than comparable vessels.

The M2-60 is equipped with top-of-the-line high tech Ray marine electronics. Its interior features handcrafted elegance and the most exclusive brands of appliances.

M2 Motor Yachts is a company with a multinational tradition, with design offices in Canada, manufacturing in South Africa and marketing in the U.S. Read more about the M2-60 on the M2 Motor Yachts website and see the M2-60 in action in the water in this YouTube video.

The PDQ 34 has a history as one of the most popular power catamarans in North America. It was followed up by the PDQ 41, which made its debut in 2006. One of the most unique features of the PDQ 41 is a master suite on the bridge deck level with windows on all sides. The PDQ 41 also boasts a large flying bridge area that resembles the bridge on a much larger yacht.

The PDQ 41 offers a balance between speed and fuel economy. At a cruising speed of 17-18 knots, approximately 10 gallons of fuel are consumed per hour. Top speed is 24-25 knots.

Read more about the PRQ 41 on the PDQ Yachts website.