2015 FISHING BOATS 2015 BOATS FISHING DOMINATE THE WATERS DOMINATE

For more information on our boats, to check out our videos, or to fi nd your nearest dealer, visit our Website at princecraft.com or call us at 1 800 395-8858

In Canada: Princecraft Boats Inc., A Brunswick Company, 725 Saint-Henri Street, Princeville () G6L 5C2 In the United States: Princecraft U.S., A Brunswick Company, 1st Tennessee Plaza Bldg., Suite 1700, 800 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37929 Princecraft factory-packaged boats are available with various horsepower Mercury® outboards. www.mercurymarine.com Special thanks to: Mercury Marine®, Rapala®, Coleman©, Cannon Downriggers. FRANCIS BOUILLON PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Dimensions, capacities, ratings, and additional specifi cations, plus complete warranty and service information, are available from your Princecraft dealer. Product The excitement of fi shing / 4 illustrations and data within this catalog are based upon information available at the time of publication. Not all accessories shown in pictures or described herein are standard equipment or even available as options. Specifi cation measurements are approximations and subject to variance. Because Princecraft is dedicated to constant product improvements, Princecraft reserves the right to make changes without prior notice or obligation. Not all model year boats may contain all of the features or meet the specifi cations described herein. Ask your Princecraft dealer for the most current product specifi cations prior to purchase. Some of the equipment shown separately or on products illustrated in this catalog may be optional at extra cost. Options and features are subject to change New Models without notice. Princecraft is a member in good standing of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) USA and Canada. All boats comply with Canadian Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. All Princecraft® boats are in compliance with NMMA’s Boat Certifi cation Program. Attwood™ is a registered trademark of Attwood Corporation. Clarion™ is a registered trademark FOR 2015 / 19 of Clarion Sales Corporation. Faria™ is a registered trademark of TG Faria, Inc. Pilot™ is a registered trademark of TG Faria, Inc. Flow-Rite™ is a registered trademark of Flow-Rite Controls. Lowrance® is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Marinco™ is a registered trademark of Marinco-AFI. McGill™ is a registered trademark of Emerson Electronics. Mercury®, Verado™, OptiMax® and SmartCraft™ are registered trademarks of Mercury Marine.

PRINCECRAFT FISHING BOATS IN THE BEGINNING…

President Donald Dubois Francis Bouillon – The excitement of fishing 04 Marketing Department Jean-Philippe Martin-Dubois Passing the torch 06 Stéphane DeBilly Carole Côté The northern adventure 08 Anik Martel Lily-Pier Morel H36 Aluminum 11 Concept and design absolu.ca Pro-Bass Canada – 20th anniversary 12 Research and writing Build your boat 14 absolu.ca Fishing with alligators Photography 16 absolu.ca Benoit Brühmüller Claude Denis A SHARED PLEASURE With the arrival of 2015, the festivities marking Princecraft’s 60th anniversary are coming to an end. Rather than thinking of the past however, we’re eagerly looking ahead to the new year, which is likely to be just as exciting as the last.

In fact you can feel the excitement at our offices and in our plants. We’re convinced that you’ll be delighted with our new models and the improvements we’ve made to so many of our boats. At Princecraft, we’re lucky to have a seasoned team of employees who have been putting their know-how and expertise to work for us for many years. We sincerely hope you’ll share our immense pride in our new products, because you’re the main reason our team works with such dedication and passion year after year.

Whether it’s the biggest catch of your life or big laughs with friends,

2015 we hope to continue sharing these wonderful moments on the water with you. After all, making you happy will always be our

PONTOONS AND DECK BOATS 2015 BOATS DECK AND PONTOONS number one priority! Remember to get a copy of the 2015 edition of the Pontoons DOMINATE THE WATERS DOMINATE

For more information on our boats, to check out our videos, or to fi nd your nearest dealer, visit our Website at and Deck Boats Happy fishing! princecraft.com or call us at 1 800 395-8858

In Canada: Princecraft Boats Inc., A Brunswick Company, 725 Saint-Henri Street, Princeville (Quebec) G6L 5C2 In the United States: Princecraft U.S., A Brunswick Company, 1st Tennessee Plaza Bldg., Suite 1700, 800 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37929 magalogue. Princecraft factory-packaged boats are available with various horsepower Mercury® outboards. www.mercurymarine.com Special thanks to: Mercury Marine®, Rapala®, Coleman©, Cannon Downriggers. FRANCIS BOUILLON PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Dimensions, capacities, ratings, and additional specifi cations, plus complete warranty and service information, are available from your The pleasure of pontoon boating / 4 Princecraft dealer. Product illustrations and data within this catalog are based upon information available at the time of publication. Not all accessories shown in pictures or described herein are standard equipment or even available as options. Specifi cation measurements are approximations and subject to variance. Because Princecraft is dedicated to constant product improvements, Princecraft reserves the right to make changes without prior notice or obligation. Not all model year boats may contain all of the features or meet the specifi cations described herein. Ask your Princecraft dealer for the most current product specifi cations prior to purchase. Some of the equipment shown separately or on products illustrated in this catalog may be optional at extra cost. New Models Options and features are subject to change without notice. Princecraft is a member in good standing of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) USA and Canada. All boats comply with Canadian Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. All Princecraft® boats are in compliance with NMMA’s Boat Certifi cation Program. Attwood™ is a registered trademark of Attwood FOR 2015 / 19 Corporation. Clarion™ is a registered trademark of Clarion Sales Corporation. Faria™ is a registered trademark of TG Faria, Inc. Pilot™ is a registered trademark of TG Faria, Inc. Flow-Rite™ is a registered trademark of Flow-Rite Controls. Lowrance® is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Marinco™ is a registered trademark of Marinco-AFI. McGill™ is a registered trademark of Emerson Electronics. Mercury®, MerCruiser®, Verado™, OptiMax® and SmartCraft™ are registered trademarks of Mercury Marine. PONTOONS

PRINCECRAFT AND DECK BOATS Donald Dubois, President

Visit our Website princecraft.com 1 800 395-8858 SUMMARY

Francis Bouillon – The excitement of fishing 04 Passing the torch 06 The northern adventure 08 H36 Aluminum 11 Pro-Bass Canada – 20th anniversary 12 04 Build your boat 14 Fishing with alligators 16

06 08

11 12 14

New Models for 2015 16 19

DOMINATE THE WATERS 3 FRANCIS BOUILLON – THE EXCITEMENT OF FISHING

FRANCIS BOUILLON : FROM THE ICE TO THE WATER

Francis Bouillon is a veteran hockey player with fifteen seasons in the under his belt, eleven with the and four with the . Approaching 40, with two beautiful children, Francis is increasingly aware of the importance of taking a break between his intense seasons on the ice. Fortunately, he’s found the perfect activity for relaxing with his family between games, training sessions, and trips away.

When you arrive at the Bouillon family’s lakefront cottage, with its zen-inducing views, you quickly understand why Francis goes there to unwind. Tied up at the dock on the lake’s tranquil waters are two magnificent Princecraft boats, one for fishing, the other for touring, but both for having a blast!

Francis hasn’t always been big on fishing. He considers himself to be a city boy, a real Montrealer despite his seasons in Nashville. “I never went boating when I was little, no one ever passed that passion on to me. In any case, I put so much energy into hockey that I don’t think I would have been interested. But when I bought the cottage, I developed a taste for the outdoors. I realized that I loved boating, and I didn’t want my children to miss out.”

With his Xpedition 200, Francis has found a great activity to share with his sons. In fact, the outdoor life seems to be much more natural for them than for him. Almost every weekend during the summer,

4 you’ll find the Bouillon family on the shores of Lake Saint-François in the Montérégie Region. As soon as they arrive from the city on Friday evening, the refrain is almost always the same: “Dad, can we go fishing this weekend? Please, please, please!” So on Saturday morning, the crew is up and out on the water early, fishing rods in hand.

Although they sometimes use the family pontoon boat, Francis prefers his Xpedition for fishing. “It’s “I REALIZED THAT BEST DRAFT PICKS much more fun on a real fishing boat. After all, it’s I LOVED BOATING designed with fishing in mind. The boat has an electric IN LAKE SAINT-FRANÇOIS motor in front so when I see a hard-to-reach spot AND I DIDN’T WANT where fish are likely to lurk, I can go check it out. I’m MY CHILDREN BASS: “We often fish for bass with the kids. also really impressed with the boat’s storage capacity. Bass are fun because there are lots of them Even with several people onboard, everything can be TO MISS OUT.” and they make us fight a bit before reeling neatly cleared away, so everyone has enough space.” them in. The boys are sometimes disappointed The hockey pro speaks from experience: On his to have to return them to the water. ‘We can’t former fishing boat, rods were always underfoot, and eat those, dad?’” his children kept tripping on them. With everything safely stored, the three of them can better enjoy WALLEYE: “Walleye are my favorite! I’ve learned the 20 ft. of space because they’re not constantly about a few walleye spots from friendly anglers stepping on each other’s toes. at the Port Lewis Marina, for which I act as spokesperson. We’ve brought a few walleye “Lake Saint-François is fun for touring, but for fishing home, and my boys are happy to be able it’s fantastic, it’s probably the only time my kids are to eat those.” quiet. I love it. We often spend the day testing various techniques. I’m learning all the time. Folks are nice, STURGEON: “We’ve been fishing here for two they give us tips, which I appreciate since I’m just or three years and I just found out that there a beginner. As a family activity, it’s really a keeper. are sturgeon in the lake. We’ll try fishing them My boys adore fishing.” soon, and I’ll let you know what happens next year.”

“AS A FAMILY ACTIVITY, IT’S A REAL KEEPER. MY BOYS ADORE FISHING.”

* Read more about Francis Bouillon’s new passion in the 2015 EDITION OF THE PONTOONS AND DECK BOATS MAGALOGUE.

DOMINATE THE WATERS 5 PASSING THE TORCH

FISHING: FROM FATHER…

FISHING IS A FAMILY FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION on. He keeps more up to date and passes on the AFFAIR AT THE BYRNS Fishing just comes naturally to Norman. Back when information to me.” HOUSE. NORMAN he was still barely as tall as the family boat, he used AND HIS SON KENNY to go fishing for walleye with his dad and granddad PRINCECRAFT FOR LIFE HAVE BEEN WORKING on Lake Saint-François in the Appalachians. He Norman remembers his first experience with TOGETHER FOR SEVEN gradually learned the basics of what would later a Princecraft. He made his fishing tournament debut YEARS HOSTING become his trade. “My dad used to tell me not to talk with the Pro Series 142 he bought in 1986, and he’s AND HANDLING THE while fishing so as not to scare the fish, and now never looked back. Norman is a loyal Princecraft TECHNICAL SIDE OF I love teasing him about how I earn my living talking owner: his relationship with the brand dates back THE BONNE PÊCHE TV while I fish!” more than 20 years, and is still going strong. “What SHOW, BROADCAST I love about Princecraft is that it just keeps getting BY RDS. As for Norman’s son Kenny, he also caught the fishing better and better every year. I’ve never regretted /// WHICH OF THE TWO OF YOU IS MORE ADVENTUROUS? /// bug early on. Not surprising with a dedicated angler buying any of my Princecraft boats.” for a father, whose “work” consisted of leading fishing tours across Quebec! After impressing onlookers with his accurate marksmanship and natural dexterity with a fishing rod at the ripe old age of … TO SON eight, Kenny wondered if one day maybe he could Following in his father’s footsteps, Kenny is a follow in his father’s footsteps. Now at age 27, Kenny Princecraft man through and through. He says that can boast that he has the best job in the world— the Xpedition 200 SC he uses for the Bonne pêche filming, collaborating, travelling, and fishing with his show is a real “fishing machine.” “Everything has father and, in his own way, transmitting his passion been well thought out, and it shows. The wider fore to anglers of all ages in the province. and aft platforms provide plenty of room for both of us. The livewells are within easy reach and the THE TEAM COMES FIRST spacious storage compartments allow us to carry our Like father, like son? Yes and no! Although they’re equipment without damaging it.” both driven by the same passion, Norman and Kenny know that they each have their own take Personally, Kenny can’t see himself doing any other on it, and it’s just as well. In fact, they complement job, and Norman agrees. “Even when we’re not each other. “My dad taught me to have confidence filming the show, we still fish. We’re completely in myself when practicing my sport, and above all nuts about it! Every morning, we watch the weather to remain true to myself,” says Kenny. “I learn a lot reports and imagine ourselves on our boat, looking from my son,” adds Norman. “Kenny knows way for the best spots and fine tuning our techniques, more than I do about the technical aspects of the continuing to share our passion for fishing as long boats, equipment, fishing rods, and reels and so as possible.”

6 A MATTER OF PERCEPTION

We had fun asking Kenny and Norman a few questions. Their answers are surprising, and sometimes they didn’t agree!

KENNY NORMAN

/// IN THREE WORDS, DESCRIBE THE FATHER AND SON FISHING EXPERIENCE: ///

Mentor, fun, healthy competition That’s four… Sharing, fun, and family

/// WHO IS MORE PATIENT? ///

My father. When he’s chosen his spot, he tends to stay Definitely Kenny. I’ll move to another location if the fish there for a long time. I like to move around. aren’t biting as much as I like.

/// WHICH OF THE TWO OF YOU IS MORE ADVENTUROUS? ///

I am, and at a 100 miles an hour! Kenny is afraid when Norman. He has more experience, so he always tries I’m at the helm. I go fast, but I don’t take unnecessary to go farther and push our limits. risks. I just want to know the limits of my boat, and how far I can push it.

/// WHEN THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL ON THE WATER, WHO LOSES HIS TEMPER FIRST? ///

I’d say we’re about equal on that one. We have the Kenny. I must admit that I did in the past, but I’ve gotten same personality. That’s what people tell us anyway. older and wiser (laugh). I’ve changed!

/// WHO HAS CAUGHT THE BIGGEST FISH? ///

Kenny caught a nine-and-a-half-foot sturgeon on the Me. An eight-foot white sturgeon weighing in at Fraser River in British Columbia. I’ve never fished that 300 pounds. species though, so I can still beat him. (laugh)

WAS THE STURGEON EIGHT FEET OR NINE AND HALF FEET LONG? WHO’S RIGHT? IRREFUTABLE PROOF THAT EVERYTHING IS A MATTER OF PERCEPTION—EVEN WHEN IT COMES TO FISH SIZE!

DOMINATE THE WATERS 7 INTERVIEW

THE NORTHERN ADVENTURE OF JOCELYN DÉMÉTRÉ

When a fishing tale starts in Afghanistan and ends in Canada’s far north, you know it’s going to be a good one. This is the moving story of a soldier and avid fisher who sees wide open spaces as a source of great adventure.

8 “THIS IS THE LAND WHERE THE SUN NEVER SETS”

Jocelyn Démétré is in the middle of the desert on his second peace mission in Afghanistan when he learns that his request to be transferred to Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters in Yellowknife has been accepted. He is ecstatic. His dream of fishing, tranquillity, and the beauties of nature is about to come true. One thing’s for sure—he’s gonna need a Princecraft. Jocelyn grabs the satellite phone at his Afghan base camp and buys the Princecraft he’s always wanted, the Sport 172. A fabulous fishing story is about to begin in the land of the midnight sun.

Following in the footsteps of the first explorers who wandered the Northwest Territories in 1771, Jocelyn arrives in Yellowknife on the shores of Great Slave Lake. Jocelyn has been dreaming of exploring the lake with his wife and three kids for a long time. Great Slave Lake is a big body of water, more than 28,000 km2 in area. The locals examine his boat, perplexed. “For this lake you need a boat that’s at least 20 ft., you won’t go far with a 17 footer,” says a well-meaning Yellowknifer. But Jocelyn is stubborn and when he decides on something, it’s rare that he changes his mind. He launches his “too small” Princecraft, and the magic happens.

/read more on page 10

DOMINATE THE WATERS 9 INTERVIEW

It’s been four seasons now that Jocelyn’s Visitors can’t get enough of the lake and its been proving that strength and durability gigantic trophy fish. Just ask Daniel Gilbert, are more important than size. Because who works with TV host and well-known his Princecraft Sport 172 is so light, it’s angler Norman Byrns. Or ask Kenny Byrns, very easy on the gas, which means he can Norman’s son. Both Daniel and Kenny went travel farther than the “too big” 20 footers fishing on Great Slave Lake with Jocelyn crisscrossing the lake. Plus, his Princecraft’s this summer. GEOGRAPHY aluminum hull and riveted construction make it perfect for landing on islands and GREAT negotiating shoals. Thanks to his boat’s agility, Jocelyn has found fishing spots that SLAVE LAKE very few others can reach. / Northwest Territories FISHING UNDER / Surface area: THE MIDNIGHT SUN 28,568 km2

Summers are short north of the 60th parallel. Deepest water body in That’s why Jocelyn takes full advantage of North America (614 m) the eight weeks of good weather and warm temperatures the region offers to share his Among the 10 biggest passion with as many visitors as possible. “Daniel and Kenny had a great time here. lakes in the world Kenny broke his fishing record of 22 pounds by catching a 32 pound trout.” But Jocelyn laughs at the thought that such a great pro wasn’t able to beat the record of his 15 year old daughter, Béatrice, who caught a monster weighing almost 35 pounds last year. (Since respect for wildlife is all- important, Béatrice released the fish back into the water once the requisite photo was taken.) But it’s Jocelyn who holds the all-time record, with a fish weighing almost 40 pounds caught only a few days before Daniel and Kenny came to visit.

“This is the land where the sun never sets. Jocelyn is getting set to retire from the In the summer, we have more than 20 hours Canadian Armed Forces this year. He’s of daylight, which means we can go on long looking forward to showing off his northern fishing trips. Since night never falls to tell us home full time. He has every intention to stop fishing, we basically fish till we drop. of sharing his passion by taking people That’s the real adventure of the Northwest on safari-style expeditions, combining Territories.” And when Jocelyn and his guests wilderness camping, troll fishing, and become too tired to fish, they land on one exploring. “My Princecraft and I tackle of Great Slave Lake’s many islands to enjoy summer at 100 miles an hour here. We come the pink and orange sky typical of these back tired and sore, but with a satisfied smile northern regions. on our lips—it’s all part of the experience here in Yellowknife.”

10 PRINCECRAFT AND

H36 is simply the best marine-grade aluminum alloy there is, and only Princecraft is able to offer it. Thanks to the state-of-the-art equipment and high level of precision required to manufacture it, H36 is 25% stronger and more durable than any other alloy on the water. That’s why Princecraft hulls and pontoons are unbeatable for withstanding bumps and dents—and why no one can resist the charms of a Princecraft for long.

candles for Mercury Marine

IN A NUTSHELL Since 1939, Mercury Marine has become the world’s top supplier of boat motors thanks to the power and reliability of its products. It all started when its founder Carl E. Kiekhaefer demonstrated the courage and vision to buy a small bankrupt plant containing 300 defective outboard motors in 1939. ARCHIVE IMAGES He rolled up his sleeves, rebuilt the motors to contemporary standards, and then promptly sold them PHOTO OF CARL E. KIEKHAEFER to the distributor who had turned them down several months before. The following year, Mercury PHOTOS OF 1939 MOTORS received more than 16,000 individual orders. By always striving to improve, Mercury Marine has become an internationally recognized company with more than 5,400 employees. More than 4,200 distributors and manufacturers worldwide use Mercury Marine motors, and Princecraft is one of them.

DOMINATE THE WATERS 11 PRO-BASS CANADA – 20TH ANNIVERSARY

THE PRO 150 MAX TOURNAMENT: A MUST-ATTEND EVENT!

PRO-BASS CANADA, is way more than just anglers, boats, and big catches. It’s a community of dedicated people that promotes bass fishing wherever it goes. And when Pro-Bass Canada comes to town, there’s no shortage of action!

/ 1987 / 2002 / 2007 / 2010 / 2014

Guy Bibeau founds Princecraft teams up Since some events are To extend the Pro-Bass In 2014 more than Bass Québec to offer with Pro-Bass Québec— organized in Ontario experience to more 34 boats took part Quebec anglers the a natural partnership. and the association anglers, Pro-Bass Canada in the PRO 150 MAX same enjoyment Both organizations enjoy is now attracting opens a new category for competitions, known he experienced at a great reputation and competitors from boats fitted with motors for their seamless tournaments organized can now offer fishing fans a number of other of 150 HP or less. The organization and by East Coast Pro-Bass, even more memorable Canadian provinces, objective is to open up friendly atmosphere. an American organization times on the water. Pro-Bass Québec sport fishing so that even well known to fishing becomes Pro-Bass more anglers can take enthusiasts across Canada. The name part in the excitement North America. Bass change is well received of the tournament. It’s Québec later becomes given the scope of the a big success right from Pro-Bass Québec. organization’s activities the start, with 15 boats outside Quebec. participating in the first Pro-Bass Classic!

12 / ARRIVAL / ANCHORS / RETURN / THE BOOTY AWEIGH TO PORT 5:00 a.m. Dawn over 5:00 p.m. The weighing Lake Saint-Louis is 6:15 a.m. Liette Laroche, 3:30 p.m. The is finished, and we have perfect. Near the marina President and Secretary- competitors come down a clear winner. First prize in Lachine on Montreal Treasurer of Pro-Bass off their clouds and goes to Ronald Centen Island, more than 60 Canada is about to give back to earth. Some and Mike Léger, with anglers survey the the official start signal. faces indicate that the a total of 18.42 pounds. horizon. The hot rays Liette is the woman at fishing has been good, The top ten receive of the rising sun reflect the helm of the Pro- while other show some prizes ranging from off their boats, ready to Bass tournament. She’s disappointment, but all $150 to $1,500. For the head out on the water. known for her frankness agree that the day was rest… well, there’s always Thirty-four teams are and openness, but it’s tough going. The blazing next year. However, competing, two people above all the pleasure sun and higher than almost all the anglers are per boat, all with more she takes in being part usual water level caused also registered for the than a few tricks up their of such a great gang that the larger fish to take “lunkers” category, which sleeves. Throughout comes through from refuge at the bottom of gives top honors to those the day they’ll try to the first time you meet the lake. However, when who catch the biggest fish outcompete each other her. After all, with this the catches are officially of the tournament. For using ingenuity and type of tournament, you weighed, it seems that the winners—even more technique to win top come for the people as some competitors have prizes! Tired from their honors. With everyone much as for the fishing! been luckier or savvier long day but satisfied back in port, each team’s Standing five-feet tall, than others. with their experience, the catch of five live bass with an impish smile anglers can now relax. will be proof of their and twinkling eyes, 3:45 p.m. Amid the After-tournament time tremendous effort, Liette makes everyone frenzy and excitement of is a great opportunity and who knows, may want to come back year the return to port, a siren to share and compare even bring tremendous after year. blares marking the end techniques and tricks. But rewards. of the competition. The after a day in the hot sun, 6:30 a.m. The anglers good news is that all the everyone will probably receive their last teams have gotten back turn in early. instructions. Motors in time for the weighing, ready, hands on throttles, because latecomers the teams anxiously suffer a that wait for their number shaves a half pound per to be called so they can minute of delay off their finally head out for nine final catch weight. hours of excitement on Lake Saint-Louis, where strategy and technique is the name of the game. For more information on upcoming Pro-Bass Canada events, go to www.probasscanada.com

You can also see the complete list of events powered by Princecraft at www.princecraft.com

DOMINATE THE WATERS 13 BUILD YOUR BOAT

FUN ON THE WATER NEW IN JUST A FEW CLICKS! Did you know that you can now build your very own Princecraft boat from bow to stern in the comfort INTERACTIVE of your own home? Our new interactive module allows you to customize your boat to your specific needs and budget. So go ahead and have some fun exploring all the amazing possibilities Princecraft MODULE has to offer!

14 STEP 1 / STEP 2 / STEP 3 / NAVIGATING BUILDING CHOOSING YOUR THE WEBSITE YOUR BOAT OPTIONS

First go to princecraft.com—You’ll have You’ve dropped anchor at princecraft.com/ We’re betting that you’ll spend most as much fun cruising through the Website build-your-boat and you now have an of your time on this step given the wide as on your favorite body of water. Start ocean of options to choose from. Afraid selection of tempting options that will by creating an account to access a variety of getting lost? Don’t worry, we’ll give you appeal to all your senses. What about of exclusive information. step-by-step instructions and guide you price? Don’t worry, the cost of each option to the model that best meets your needs. is clearly indicated so you can adjust, Then get ready to be propelled into a world remove, or replace options throughout of unparalleled power as you select the the process to help you stay on budget. size of the motor that will be roaring behind your boat. Are you a speed demon or is pleasure-boating more your thing?

STEP 4 / VIEWING YOUR BOAT AND PRICE ESTIMATE STEP 5 / Your cruise through the various configuration steps for your new LIVING YOUR Princecraft is already at an end. You can DREAM now see your new dream boat and the final price estimate. With just a few clicks, Dominate the waters throughout JUST TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER you’ve brought a long-cherished project the boating season in the and build the boat of your dreams. to fruition. And your Princecraft boat is Princecraft of your dreams! even more affordable than ever thanks princecraft.com/ to a range of financing options. Visit your nearest dealer and meet our experts! build-your-boat

DOMINATE THE WATERS 15 TRAVEL

FISHING WITH ALLIGATORS

Garry Welch, fishing pro and CEO of Pro-Bass Canada, has explored more than his share of waterways in his nearly 60 years of boating. In 2013 his thirst for adventure gave him the opportunity to test the mettle of his Princecraft—and have the best fishing experience of his life. One cold morning in February, this inveterate thrill seeker headed off to Clewiston, Florida, to explore Lake Okeechobee.

Of course there was no way he was leaving his boat behind. Although some people opt to rent a boat at their destination, he prefers to take his Hudson DLX SC with him, towing it on his sturdy Princecraft trailer. When he arrived in Florida, Garry was glad he had made that decision. “At Okeechobee your boat had better be in perfect condition because come morning, you’re putting it in the water with some 300 other boats. If you have a problem with your motor, that’s just too bad, you miss your turn,” recounts Garry. With his Hudson DLX SC, he had no trouble passing the technical inspections. Even though the boat had just been towed 3,000 km, its mechanics were reliable and in good condition.

16 KING OF THE JUNGLE

Boating on Lake Okeechobee is not for everyone. Garry quickly realized how complex the area is. With huge expanses of floating vegetation, countless islands, and winding channels, the lake presents an exotic décor that can be tough to navigate. “It’s like a jungle,” he tells us. “You venture into the channels without really knowing what’s at the other end. Sometimes you meet other boats Lake Okeechobee in southeastern Florida is a favorite in very narrow channels and you have to figure out how to get past. spot for American anglers. Perhaps it’s because Other times the water depth can be tricky. You can quickly find of its huge size, or maybe the fact that it’s teeming yourself in swampy waters where your boat can get stuck.” Garry was with fish. One thing’s certain, it’s well named. Oki able to manoeuver through this jungle with ease, however. “I love is a Native American word meaning water and chobi Princecraft boats because they’re designed for the real life situations simply means big. that adventurous anglers face. You can go anywhere and you know the boat can handle it.” Lake Okeechobee boasts 1,900 km2 of channels, islets, floating islands, and rushes and grass Adventurous, Garry? I guess you have to be to travel to the southern stretching as far as the eye can see. The lake may U.S. without a net to fish lakes swarming with bass. Lake Okeechobee be huge, but it’s also surprisingly shallow. An average is definitely challenging. The floating vegetation can be very dense depth of only nine feet separates the bottom of and you need to use two-ounce weights to get through it. The fishing your boat from the lake bed. It’s a breathtaking is strenuous, but really satisfying. “The fish are usually hunted by environment and a very special ecosystem. You’ll see alligators. It’s amazing how easy it is to catch them, in fact. The bass some amazing wildlife on Lake Okeechobee, where almost never got away,” Garry remembers with a smile. alligators, herons, and bald eagles thrive and hunt for prey.

AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP The shores of this vast reservoir of water and bass have been developed to accommodate hundreds The Internet offers very little information on Lake Okeechobee. of fishing boats every day. But Lake Okeechobee Only a few amateur videos are available on YouTube. Garry proudly still offers moments of absolute tranquility as you told us that he planned his trip by reading comments from fellow navigate the thousands of peaceful, winding channels. travelers on his extensive Facebook network. However, he advises less experienced anglers to hire one of the numerous friendly guides in the region when fishing Lake Okeechobee. Clewiston and its surrounding area offer lots of accommodation options: hotels, motels, camp grounds, and mobile homes fully equipped for fishing enthusiasts. Garry was so thrilled with his adventure that he’s sure to return in the coming months. In fact, Lake Okeechobee piqued his curiosity and he feels that it still holds many surprises for him.

Garry will turn 61 this year, just like Princecraft. A coincidence? Probably, but there are two things that Garry does firmly believe in— fishing and the boat that has enabled him to experience his greatest adventures, his Hudson DLX SC.

DOMINATE THE WATERS 17 NEW FOR 2015

THE

SERIES ADAPTS TO YOUR EVERY NEED!

You have to see the profile of this fantastic boat to fully appreciate its ingenuity. By lowering the lateral lines to the aft of the boat, the R&D team has achieved perfection on the water while preserving what pleasure boaters really love, namely Princecraft’s European look. The stern is trimmed down to provide a bigger area in the fore section and more storage space at the deck level. Storage for what? Seats, the top, and all your gear of course. Want to switch from water skiing to fishing? Convert your boat into the perfect fishing machine in a snap by retracting the roof and folding down the jump seats into the deck to create a huge platform.

DISCOVER THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF THE XPERIENCE SERIES ON PAGE 34 OR ON PRINCECRAFT.COM/XPERIENCE.

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