You Can Tow It: Boats Under 2,000 Pounds

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For some, Summer is synonymous with hours spent out on the water. Many buyers hesitate to buy a boat for fear of needing a bigger vehicle to tow it. Several lightweight boats can be towed behind the average family SUV. Owning a heavy-duty pickup truck isn’t a prerequisite to boat ownership anymore. No matter what you like to do on the water, there’s a boat under 2,000 pounds for you.

2002 Citroen C5 HDI towing a boat | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Nitro Z18

This boat is loved amongst fishers for its lightweight and quick speed comes in at 1,700 lbs. The Nitro comes with a live well, swivel fishing seats, and non-skid mats to keep your footing sure. With a nice length of 18′ 8″ and seating for three other guests, this little bass boat is a breeze to tow and a joy to drive. You also get the three options for motors letting you fine-tune your enjoyment and weight limit.

Charger 210 Elite

Charger boats are known for their speed, and with this boat, they take it a step further. Heated seats, integrated GPS, sonar systems, an incredible competition-style live well, night vision camera, and storage for 24 fishing rods give this choice plenty of appeal. With a dry weight of 1,900 lbs, you can expect to have no issue pulling this beauty behind you. The Charger 210 Elite is a fisher’s dream.

The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk is ones of the best-appointed Boats under 2,000 pounds

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At 17’4″, this seven-seater is an excellent choice for a day on the water with some friends. Weighing 1,700 lbs, this boat is a nice easy tow. And it comes with its own galvanized trailer. The Boston Whaler also comes with a 25 gal secondary fuel tank for those long tours. Winning the Best Boat’s International Award, the Montauk is well suited for fishing or fast fun.

Avalon Catalina DRL 24

If you are in the market for a pontoon boat, the Avalon is one of the lighter choices. The Avalon has a dry weight that is just under 2,000 lbs. Being light has its benefits as this boat has great handling in rough conditions and large glassy bodies of water. You also have several choices of shade to enhance your party on the water. And if you are in the mood to go fast, the Avalon has an optional Wave Rider option.

Boats under 2,000 pounds don’t mean fewer passengers

If the last one didn’t float your boat, the Lowe SS210 might get you there. With a dry weight of 1,900 lbs, it’s a little lighter than the Avalon, and with a motor pushing 150 hp, it’s faster as well. All that coupled with seating for up to 13 passengers, extra plush seating, and storage every person you have a great boat you should have no trouble getting to the ramp.

Sweetwater 2086 BF

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The Sweetwater weighs a decent 1,816 lbs and has a variety of seating for all your passenger desires. Fishing seats, a round table for cards or a meal, and courtesy interior lighting are just a few amenities you get with this pontoon boat. You can choose more than eight optional packages when buying the Sweetwater, making it easy to customize to any taste.

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How Extreme Weather Impacts Electric Vehicles

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many families are making the switch to electric vehicles for a variety of reasons. Depending on where you live, using electricity to charge a vehicle could offset annual fuel costs. However, living in an area with extreme weather might negatively impact the benefits of the EV.

How does extreme weather affect electric cars?

An electric vehicle drives by three wind turbines at dawn | Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weather can impact how well your electric vehicle runs. It impacts the range of the EV and can make it unpredictable.

“Extreme weather – very hot or very cold – impacts range in EVs. The additional heating or cooling needed for passenger comfort requires more energy than more moderate temperatures would. Cold batteries also have greater resistance to charging and do not hold a charge as well.”  

U.S. Department of Energy,

Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory studied almost 10 million miles of data that the EV Project collected. The project concluded that weather could impact the range of plug-in electric vehicles by up to 25%.

For example, all-electric Nissan Leaf vehicles in Chicago during winter lost 26% of the range compared to those driven in Seattle during fall. It dropped from 81 miles to 60 miles. Chevy Volts driven in the Chicago area in winter lost 29% of the range than those driven in Chicago in the spring. It fell from 42 miles to 30 miles.

If you live in a place that experiences extreme weather, it is a good idea to take this into consideration.

How to maximize your EV range

RELATED: Tesla Model Y: What Is the Range for This Electric Vehicle?

The Department of Energy has a few tips for those trying to maximize the range of an electric vehicle. The first step is to read the owner’s manual. Since vehicles are different across the board, reading the owner’s manual might give extra insight.

If possible, cut down on the use of “accessories.” This means air conditioning, heating systems, and entertainment systems. It is also a good idea to forgo carrying heavy cargo, both on the roof and inside the cargo area.

Oftentimes, EVs will come with an economy mode that can help maximize range. It was also suggested that pre-heating or cooling the EV before a trip might help. If the cabin is warmed or cooled prior to unplugging, it will preserve energy.

Hard braking and faster speeds use more energy. Regenerative braking helps recover energy from the forward motion of the vehicle, which helps conserve energy. Going over 50 miles per hour can also use extra energy.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy says, “Non-engine losses such as wind resistance and drag, braking, and rolling resistance can account for up to a 45% decrease in efficiency for heavy-duty vehicles.” Heavy-duty vehicles do not make up most electric vehicles on the road, but it is an interesting statistic.

The good news is that range is improving overall

RELATED: How Many Years Will an Electric Vehicle Last?

Things are improving every day. EV automakers are working on ways to make ranges increase. According Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in 2011, there were three different all-electric vehicle models. With a full charge, the range of these vehicles was between 63 and 94 miles.

By the time 2018 rolled around, the amount of all-electric vehicle models increased to 14. For the 2018 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Coupe, the range was 58 miles. The Tesla Model S 100D had a maximum of 335 miles. The median range for an electric vehicle increased by 52 miles, from 73 to 125 miles.

In 2021, those changes are happening even more rapidly. So while weather impacts EV range, automakers are working on it.

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The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm We Want Can’t Be Bought In the US

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Alfa Romeo has had a rough run in the US. Since its return in 2008, it has been met with enthusiasm by the few hardcore Alfa fans. But mostly general enthusiasts have passed on all Alfas including the Giulia sedans. And that is partly due to Alfa’s old bugaboo of reliability-or rather, the lack of. But now the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm super sedans could change that if they were sold in the US.

Alfa just launched the Giulia GTA and GTAm super sedans

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan | Stellantis

This week it finally launched the much-anticipated Giulia GTA and GTAm super sedans. But not in the US-only in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Alfa plans on building only 500 numbered editions of the super sedan. 

While performance and looks make it great right out of the gate, the price makes it a non-starter. The GTA is $211,000 while the GTAm is a bit richer at $217,000. You get a lot of sedan with these two models, but not for a price north of $200K. 

There are perks that come with GTA and GTAm sedan ownership

front shot of red Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm sedan
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan | Stellantis

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There are perks that come with ownership, so let’s run down exactly what you get and then you be the judge on if it is worth it. Buyers of either model get a special Bell helmet, a car cover, and “dedicated services” from Alfa. For GTAm owners, you also receive full Alpinestars racing apparel. 

The new GTA is lighter than regular Alfa Quadrifoglio sedans by 220 lbs. Some of that weight reduction is from the use of carbon fiber. New 20-inch center-lock wheels and Michelin Cup 2 tires help in both the looks and performance departments. Suspension mods give it a wider track than non-GTA models. 

For those that need it a large rear wing can be adjusted, and an active front spoiler aid in handling. The front spoiler has the capability of being extended up to 40mm. A half-cage comes with the GTAm which also necessitates eliminating the rear seats. There are also moldings inside for holding helmets

The go-fast gear and weight reduction add to the GTA’s increased horsepower

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan rear 3/4 view
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan | Stellantis

Sabelt six-point seat belts are part of the deal. Side and rear windows are made from polycarbonate which also reduces weight.  All of this go-fast gear and weight reduction add to the increased horsepower.

The twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 pumps out 532 hp through an Akrapovic centrally-mounted titanium exhaust system. A new ECU tune is also part of the deal. Redesigned rods and pistons along with improved cooling system air circulation finish off the mods. 

The GTA’s 0-62 mph times come in at 3.6 seconds

green Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan | Stellantis

With the new Launch Control system, 0-62 mph times come in at 3.6 seconds. The performance and added features all sound great-especially if you lust for a fast Italian sedan. But not $200,000 worth of great. 

Whether the GTA and GTAm come to the US isn’t really the question. The question should be will Alfa be able to sell the intended 500 it says will be built? If so, then maybe Alfa should do a similar program with all of its models to help spur sales and line the Stellantis coffers. 

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan rear wing
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA sedan | Stellantis

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The Subaru Takata Airbag Recall Is Officially Live

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The most recent Subaru Takata airbag recall, which Kelly Blue Book reports has been an ongoing recall issue for the brand, is officially live. The problem with Takata airbags is an industry-wide concern. In fact, it has affected vehicles across the board––including Subaru.

Subaru logo at a car dealer | Yichuan Cao/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A letter to owners of recalled Subaru vehicles

Subaru just published a letter to owners of the affected Subaru models on the Subaru website. The first line of the letter addresses the elephant in the room. This is a brand that stands for safety. Its reputation for delivering safe family vehicles is a huge part of the brand’s identity.

“Dear Owners,
Safety has been, and always will be, the driving force within every Subaru – from engineering to real-world results. It is one of the reasons you and your family have put trust in our brand, and we want to assure you that you’ve made the right choice.”

Subaru

It’s not surprising that Subaru’s corporate customer relations department chose to address the issue in this way. In fact, it’s easy to imagine the heartfelt video montage, a kind and reassuring voice reading the letter aloud. In the letter, it’s clear that Subaru wants owners of affected vehicles to understand that the problem is with the airbag unit. It does not necessarily diminish the integrity of the affected vehicles.

The recalled vehicles are having problems with airbag inflators supplied by Takata. In fact, Subaru calls this airbag inflator recall the “largest recall in automotive history.” In addition, the letter covers the fact that the recall only affects the passenger-side airbag inflator.

Takata airbag inflator recall

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Subaru carefully addresses the issue in the letter. The Takata airbag inflator recall is a problem with the Takata airbag inflator itself. However, the brand still extends free repairs for the problem.

Subaru writes, “This recall only relates to the passenger-side front airbag inflator in certain Subaru vehicles and does not affect our driver-side front airbags, which were not equipped with a Takata inflator.” Here, is where the brand specifies that the issue is with the Takata airbag inflator.

The brand also gives instructions for how to deal with the issue until owners can get their vehicle for repairs. Subaru says, “if your vehicle requires this recall repair, we recommend that occupants not use the front-passenger seat until the repair has been performed.”

Subaru’s resolve

a green subaru outback with bikes on top climbing a forested hill
Subaru Outback | Subaru

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Marching to its own beat on the marketing drum, Subaru makes a promise. The brand “resolves” to work on the airbag inflator issues “until all affected Subaru vehicles have been repaired.

What does this mean? Subaru will notify owners of the open recalls. Owners of affected vehicles will schedule repair service at no cost with their local dealer. If Subaru owners want to learn more about their specific vehicle, Subaru suggests they lookup the VIN.

Keeping trust with owners of vehicles affected by the airbag inflator recall

However, there are supply issues. This recall affects so many vehicles in the industry. That may limit the airbag replacement availability as well as appointment openings. However, the brand reassures owners that the problem see resolution in a “timely” manner.

RELATED: Recall Alert: Ford Recall Affects 661,000 Explorer SUVs

In fact, after reading through the letter and other reassurance on this recall update it’s easy to feel the brand cares. Care and trust are as much in the tone of this address to Subaru owners as in the commercials that give viewers the warm fuzzies as they watch families grow and dogs hit the road to join in the memory-making. Regardless of the NHTSA recall, Subaru still feels like a trustworthy brand, committed to righting the wrong and getting its customers safely back on the road.

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