Long Beach to Catalina Offshore Power Festival

Take a few small-but-impressive shows and combine them into one two-day extravaganza—that’s what you’ll get at the Long Beach to Catalina Power Festival July 19-22 in Long Beach, Calif. Sponsored by Powerboat magazine, the festival starts on Thursday with a party at the Yardhouse restaurant, followed by “Kids’ Day” on Friday. On Saturday, there’s the Catalina Water Ski Race, which always lives up to its billing as “the world’s greatest water ski race.” Come Sunday, personal watercraft will race from Long Beach to Catalina Island and back. Later that day, offshore performance boats will tackle the same roundtrip course in the Rum Run offshore race. The full story, as well as links to the event website and Powerboat magazine, is on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/powerboat-magazine-catalina-festival.

New Mercury Marine Outboards

You’d think that Mercury Marine could take a break from releasing new models this year. After all, the outboard engine manufacturer unveiled a couple of new offerings in February, most notably the 300-hp Verado supercharged four-stroke model. But it’s the middle of the model year, and Mercury Marine is at it again with 175- and 250-hp outboards in its two-stroke OptiMax line and performance enhancements in the Verado and lower-output, naturally aspirated four-stroke series. Check it out in the latest installment of “The Outboard Expert” on boats.com at www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/outboard-expert-mercury-model-updates

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