Baja Offers Killer Poker Run Dealer

Poker run entry fees are getting higher and higher—we’re talking $1,000 and beyond per boat at some events. But Baja Marine is doing something to “ease the pain” for its customers. At select Poker Runs America runs this summer, Baja will cover half the entry for Baja powerboat owners. That means, for example, that the fee for the Connecticut/Long Island Run in Saybrook, Conn., will cost Baja owners $375 as opposed to the full price of $750. That’s a killer dealer, any way you look at it. The full story on the deal with all the contact information is on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/baja-marine-poker-runs-america-deal.

Cigarette Goes Yachting

Plenty of go-fast powerboat builders have tried to penetrate the mid-size performance-yacht market, but they haven’t had much luck. Now Cigarette Racing Team is getting into the game with its 55’ Cigarette Super Yacht. Manufactured in Turkey under Cigarette’s close supervision, the resin-infused 55-footer has two staterooms and a small cabin, an amazing galley and saloon, and a cockpit area built for entertaining. With a pair of 1,000-hp diesel engines, the yacht reportedly cruises at 52 mph and can top 60 mph. But will it attract buyers beyond existing Cigarette customers? Don’t bet against it. Get the exclusive first look on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/cigarette-55-super-yacht

Outboard Expert Offers Cures to Honda Outboard Problem

When it comes to four-stroke outboard engines, Honda is a dominant player with an outstanding reputation for reliability and smooth operation. Last year, the builder went to fuel injection with its popular BF90 engine, but there are still plenty of carbureted BF90 offerings in the field. Reliable as they are, those outboards can have a “bogging” problem. Outboard Expert Charles Plueddeman explains why—and what you can do about it. Check it out at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/outboard-expert-honda-bf90-bog-cure

Skater Catamaran Earns Raves and Award from Powerboat Magazine

High-performance catamarans just don’t get any better than the Skater cat line from Douglas Marine. Peter Hledin and the fine crew at the Douglas, Mich., plant continue to set the bar when it comes to craftsmanship and performance. The Skater 40 Super Sport is the latest example of their impeccable handiwork, and the 40-footer dazzled the demanding test team at Powerboat magazine. The custom-built model, which featured an elegant flat deck and ran 156 mph, even earned the magazine’s 2007 Offshore Catamaran of the Year award. Check out the review on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/powerboat-skater-40-catamaran-review

Cigarette Takes Boat of the Year Honor from Powerboat

The name “Cigarette” has become synonymous with go-fast boats—it’s almost a generic term. But the truth is that Cigarette is an actual brand, and that every Cigarette is custom-built so that no two are exactly alike. This year’s winner of Powerboat magazine’s Custom Offshore V-bottom of the Year award is the Cigarette 42X. If you didn’t catch the review of this exquisite, 100-mph V-bottom because you don’t subscribe to the magazine or missed it on the newsstand, worry not. The complete story is on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/cigarette-42x-review-powerboat

Exclusive Suzuki DF 25 V-Twin Outboard Review

You have to love the broad coverage of Charles Pluddeman’s “Outboard Expert” weekly column. One week, he’s talking about Suzuki’s new 250-hp high performance outboard engine, the next he’s testing the builder’s DF 25 V-Twin model. Somehow, the mainstream marine media completely missed this unique 25-hp model, which introduced by Suzuki more than a year ago. But Plueddeman, as always, is on it. He’s not just interested in the “big stuff”—he’s completely dialed into the small-outboard market. Check out the DF 25 review at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/suzuki-df25-review-outboard-expert.