At the time of our founding - we're talking about the wild sixties - the German media landscape looked very different.The Internet did not existand television was still in the starting blocks. Radio, newspapers and magazines dominated the formation of opinion in the barely twenty-year-old Federal Republic.
Watersports journalism was characterised by the top dog YACHT from the traditional publishing house Delius Klasing (DK). With large circulation figures, the so-called "gentlemen sailors" determined what was en vogue on the water and what was not.
But the wind-driven wooden beauties of the lakes and seas were joined in the early sixties by theto the annoyance of many sailors more and more motorboats. Small ones at first,Outboard-powered wooden or inflatable boatsthen converted for water hiking, the formerLifeboats and later one or the otherin elegant mahoganymotor yachts - mostly one-offs for wealthy contemporaries with illustrious names.
For the seasoned sailing journalists at YACHT, this type of "water sport" was rather anathema; if at all, it was only covered in a few lines, after all, they didn't want to completely shirk their duty as chroniclers.
It was at this time that enterprising colleagues at Delius Klasing Verlag, namely the mastermind and legendary motoring journalistArthur Westruprecognised a completely new trend:
With the onset of mass motorisation and the associated first holiday trips by car, some contemporaries began toTrailersThey then used them to tow easily transportable boats - usually motorboats due to their shape and weight - to the nearest body of water.Fear of contact with noisy and smelly engines The driver at the time wasn't used to it anyway,picking up a spanner or oil can on the go.
These observations gave rise to the idea of theCar & Boat" magazine(still a heading in BOOTE today). To say it in advance: The hoped-forNo success. Magazine sellers sorted the title into the numerous car magazines, where it hardly sold at all, the sparse advertising customers simply couldn't do anything with this "hybrid" of car and motorboat magazine, and in the end the motoring journalists with their focus on the tin car had no idea what to do with it.too little knowledge from the maritime metier.
This only changed when a small group of Munich advertising specialists with an affinity for motorised water sportsa colourful and cheeky booklet called "Boats" onto the market. Due to a lack of financial resources, however, it was not able to survive for long and first moved to Krauskopf-Verlag, only to be bought up by media giant Delius Klasing.
Nevertheless: finally a concept that promised to work! In addition to the DK high-gloss flagship YACHT, there was obviously room for a "Magazine for leisure captains", as BOOTE was still called back then. The choice of words alone was an affront to the classic YACHT reader and therefore not "befitting".
Ramon Glieweexperienced YACHT editor with a penchant for the finer things in life, was commissioned to refloat YACHT's little sister ship, which from then on was to be known solely as BOOTE. Gliewe proved to be aStroke of luck for the publishing house. He developed the initial ideas of both founding lines, i.e. Westrup'stechnology-orientated "Auto & Boot" and the lifestyle upstart "Boote"a magazine that fitted perfectly into the late sixties.
An informal approach to technical topics, reports without any pretence of status, the courage to present a generous layout with lots of pictures and easy-to-understand texts, unimaginable for serious trade magazines at the time: this is how BOOTE was launched in mid-1967. Range of topics: small boats, no matter what type of drive -The main thing is to have fun on the water.
Scantily clad cover girls from now on posed on the imitation leather-covered seats of the plastic boats that had just come onto the market - unthinkable from today's perspective.
The team grew with the success. At the end of the 1970s, around ten years after the magazine was founded, two people entered the editorial arena who changed the look and direction of the magazine.for decades (although no one realised this at the time):Marianne NissenNDR radio journalist and passionate sailor, andRainer Bergmannsports journalist with a penchant for technology and an affinity for V8 engines.
While Nissen, daughter of the marine painter Arge Nissen, is dedicated to theOptics of the magazineand the "colourful themes", Bergmann threw himself into theJournalistic processing of technical issues. It soon became clear that the forthcoming 1980s demanded a different, new BOOTE magazine.
Gliewe's successor had barely been enthroned,decided the two thoroughbred journalists single-handedly, i.e. without asking the publisher, quote: "too much", for permission,to turn BOOTE into a thoroughbred motorboat magazine. The balancing act between sailors and motorboat drivers had to come to an end.
Problem: Who should manage the magazine? Pragmatic, as both of them still are today, theManagement position shared without further ado - Germany's smallest magazine with dual leadership was born. Both remained true to their passions. Nissen was in charge of the overarchingTravel and reportage topics and brought the necessary portion of "sailor's language" into the magazine, engine enthusiast Bergmann dedicated himself to the rapidly growingTechnology section with boat and engine tests, practical topics and the increasingly importantEquipment market.
Under this leadership, BOOTE experienced an unprecedented boom.Boom. Circulation figures rose steadily, and the advertising revenue from the emerging motorboat industry provided a comfortable cushion on which to experiment. At that time completelycrazy ideas like the "BOOTE lock calendar" or the "BOOTE petrol station directory" saw the light of day in the journalistic world.
Nissen and Bergmann then took things to the extreme at the end of the 1980s when theyBOOTE Exclusive a magazine for theYachts beyond the 100-foot mark - was complete nonsense in the eyes of many contemporaries, including those at the top of the DK publishing house at the time. Initially planned as a special issueBEXas it is known among insiders, is now firmly established in the international maritime media landscape.
Back to BOOTE: Driven by the economic success of the eighties and ninetiesgrew the editorial team once again. The increasing specialisation in journalism demanded expert staff. Editors likeErich Bogadtke (Test & Technology) orJürgen Straßburger (Travel) and graphic designerCornelia Dautzenberg BOOTE gave a previously unprecedentedtechnical depthcombined with a fresh, modern design.
Hardly anyReader questionThe first time a question was asked by telephone, letter or fax remained unanswered - a constantly bubbling source of topics from which we still draw today. The scope of the magazine seemed to be growingno limits to know. From the initial 90 pages, it increased in part to more than200 pages on. In this way, almost everything to do with motorboats found its way into the magazine.
I also joined BOOTE as a young engineer in the early nineties. Nissen and Bergmann had decided to devoteElectronics and equipment a separate departmentto donate. It is thanks to her decision at the time that BOOTE established itself as an expert advisor in this area as well and continues to assist its readers not only in deciding on a boat, but also in choosing the right accessories.
Then, at the end of the nineties, an earthquake shook the media world. First timidly, then with irrepressible force, the abbreviation "www" for "World Wide Web" came to the attention of the magazine makers at Delius Klasing Verlag; the Internet was just around the corner.
What do you do with it, how do you deal with it? Can it really be that there is a trend away from printed magazines towards fast media consumption on the computer?
Once again, Nissen and Bergmann proved to be a congenial duo.
"That's what we're doing now. Moench, you know one programming language, that must be enough. Get your head round it.Delivery then next week."
With this brief and unfulfillable order from the editor-in-chief in my pocket, I travelled to the company headquarters in Bielefeld in 1995 and tried to convince a - fortunately very open-minded - publishing director of the advantages of a BOOTE Internet presence. To cut a long story short:The "delivery" of the Internet has been somewhat delayed, we are still working on it today - until further notice.
Finally, at the beginning of the 2000s - in my person and that of my friend and colleagueRalf Marquard -the third generation of editors-in-chief the BOOTE stage. But even we can only be a source of ideas, a dialogue partner and sometimes also the sidekick of a team of specialists, whom I would like to introduce to you on the following pages:
Gernot Apfelstedt
Department:_service_topics_news_insurance_WANTED
Type:_Last-Minute-Man
Favourite boat:_Rio 580 Cabin
After ten years of boat life for the editorial team, the "Rio" had had its day. In 1994, she was replaced as BOOTE's floating business card by a Nidelv 26 Classic (p. 43 above). When I joined BOOTE in 1996, she was in mourning. But I am sensitive to boats with an eventful history like the "Rio", the highlight of which was the "maiden voyage" through the "still-GDR" in mid-April 1990 - where she was marvelled at in many places as the first boat from the West. When our publisher offered her for sale in 2004, I jumped at the chance. Since then
since then, she has been enjoying her second life as the "Rubinette" (above).
Ingrid Bardenheuer
Department:_Reportage_Travel_News
Type:_Backgrounder
Favourite boat:_Yamarin 6230
We had the boat from 2003 to 2008, with a 150 hp two-stroke engine (Yamaha 150 HPDI). What did I like so much about the boat? The walkaround layout provides safety on deck and has something of "Abraham's bosom" about it. Workmanship: top gelcoat quality, high-quality fittings, clean finish - even in the cabin and storage compartments. Handling characteristics: superb. Especially in rough water. Space: amazingly generous on deck and in the cabin, sleeping facilities for two people. In short: I mourn the boat. It was a practical size, was good quality and was simply great fun. Why did we sell it? I ask myself the same question ... It was probably because I wanted more living space. Typical woman.
Rainer Bergmann
Department:_Editor
Type:_Maker
Favourite boat:_Chris-Craft 32 Seaskiff
In the search for "my" boat, a problem arose at the time that was closely related to my position as editor-in-chief of this magazine at the time. In my dreams, I was already sailing one or two "favourite boats". But a new boat, bought from one of the shipyards under consideration, would have called me into question in the eyes of the readers as a neutral critic of the market. So what to do? This is where chance came to the rescue. While travelling along the Adriatic, we landed in Mali Losinj in what was then Yugoslavia. There I discovered a Chris-Craft 32-foot Seaskiff in a ship graveyard-like area, jacked up on land. My favourite boat. Straight away. Family-friendly layout with space, space, more space. The spontaneous purchase was followed by an elaborate and costly restoration, as is always the case when acquiring old pieces, rarities or antiques. My work on the dilapidated classic car, which was built in the USA in 1961, ultimately took almost a decade and a half. A time during which I mutated into a passionate classic car fan. But then, as a reward for my efforts, the old motor yacht with its clinkered hull and mahogany superstructure never looked more beautiful. But after many beautiful voyages, one last one ended dramatically and sadly. My favourite boat, the "Musta Kissa", is no longer alive (BOOTE 5/2014). She sank after a collision in the Elbe estuary. A total loss. And now? We now have a favourite boat again. Another oldie. Age is no defence against folly.
Erich Bogadtke
Department:_Boottest_Test & Technology
Type:_Calm down
Favourite boat:_Luna 26
For me, the 8 metre long Luna 26 is the best motor glider in the world. That is, of course, my subjective opinion. It impresses me with its excellent workmanship, equally good handling as a motorboat and foolproof sailing characteristics. If, like me, you don't know anything about sailing, it's just the thing. Real sailors, and I count myself among them, sometimes use the cockpit tent as a bedroom. There's always room for an air mattress. Apart from that, the design and workmanship of the Luna 26 can be compared with the legendary Coronets. They could do it, the Danes.
Ralf Marquard
Department:_Editor_in_chief_Boot_test_Test & Technology
Type:_Pedant
Favourite boatArriva 2552
The Arriva 2552 was my first powerboat, which I used to cruise across the Rhine in choppy water. At the time - a good 20 years ago - I was totally fascinated by the speed of around 50 knots and the way it flew over the waves with a subsequent soft entry. Even in fast bends, the hull travelled in soft circles without faltering. And the best thing was the sound, because the boat had an open exhaust system (still permitted at the time). A bubbling V8, the sound of which turns into a roaring screech as the engine speed increases: simply awesome - at least when you're sitting in the boat.
Peter Lässig
Department:_Boottest_Test & Technology
Type:_Expert
Favourite boat:_Pershing 54
For me, the Talon 18 is the epitome of fun. It is an adrenaline rush and ultimately the boat that brought me into contact with BOOTE and forms the cornerstone of our collaboration. However, a real "dream boat" for me is the Pershing 54, which has given me a real friend, Tilli Antonelli, founder and "The Brain" of Pershing. Like the Talon, the Pershing is an uncompromising but stylish "cruising machine". Fast boats are - if you'll forgive me - my passion.
Rüdiger Frank
Department:_Final Editorial
Type:_dudenfest
Favourite boat:_kayak
Now it's all coming out ... So far I've relied solely on muscle power on the water, and even my paddling skills can be improved. But after a year of BOOTE, I can well imagine a family trip with a charter licence. We'll talk again!
Torsten Moench
Department:_Editor_in_chief_accessories_topics
Type:_Impatient
Favourite boat:_Variant 600
In the course of my 40-year boating career, I have already
boats have come my way. Some privately, but by far the majority professionally. I can't give you an exact number, but it's probably well into three figures. Although there have been large, comfortable or even luxurious boats among them, in my private life I am always drawn back to my West German pocket cruiser, a 6-metre wooden Variant with an outboard motor from the GDR. I can't say whether it's the material, the classic lines or the wide range of possible uses. Often the mere sight or a fleeting touch of the mahogany hull is enough to renew my inner vow of loyalty to this little ship.
Bodo Müller
Department:_Travel
Type:_Freidenker
Favourite boat:_Azimuth 68 S
I have been working as a freelance journalist for BOOTE since 1990. In more than a quarter of a century, I have had the opportunity to drive well over a hundred different motorboats. It is difficult for me to name a clear favourite because it makes a big difference to me in which area I sail. On inland waterways, I favour a Linssen yacht. In tropical sea areas, I like travelling with a power cat from Robertson & Caine. The raciest boat I was allowed to sail was the 22 metre Azimut 68S. With 2 x 1350 hp, the Azimut can reach speeds of up to 34 knots and offers an indescribable sailing experience as well as plenty of living space at the highest level.
Susanne Stachelroth
Department:_ArtDirector
Type:_Creative
Favourite boat:_Ocean Master 640 Cabin
As an art director, hundreds of boats have crossed my desk and screen in recent years. I have seen countless deck layouts, cracks and interiors. The Ocean Master 640 Cabin immediately caught my eye. It is 6.30 metres long, 2.53 metres wide and weighs just 1050 kg.
I don't need a lot of comfort to go travelling on a boat. I prefer it smaller. The Ocean Master 640 Cabin has a small cabin that is cosy and bright thanks to the relatively large hatch in the ceiling. The cabin superstructure is very flat and merges with the deck towards the front, so that it blends in beautifully with the deck layout. With its size and weight, the Ocean Master 640 Cabin can still be trailered with a suitable car. And so it could be trailered to the many beautiful destinations that I have on my desk every day - that would be a dream.
Morten Strauch
Department:_Photographer
Type:_North light
Favourite boat:_Paragon 25
As a photographer, I can largely only judge a test boat by its appearance and my gut feeling. One that has left a lasting impression on me is the Paragon 25, which I photographed on the Swedish coast. The cool, functional design and the resulting seaworthiness inspired me. I like boats with offshore qualities that can also be used in adverse weather conditions and cut a "bella figura".
Jürgen Strassburger
Department:_Reportage and travel_Reader questions
Type:_changing lexicon
Favourite boat:_Nidelv 26 Classic
My favourite boat is called "Troll" and is a Nidelv 26 Classic HT. HT means hardtop, and the fixed roof has indeed proved its worth in wind and weather over the years. We've been "together" for 23 years now and have filled 17 logbooks together. There have been plenty of minor mishaps, but never a breakdown that would have jeopardised the crew or the boat.
boat at any time. You, dear readers, have been able to read and follow many of our joint explorations and experiences in BOOTE since 1994. "Troll" is powered by a Volvo Penta TMD 22, which currently has almost exactly 3000 operating hours under its belt. We have travelled around 36,000 km or 19,438 nm inland and under the keel. And there's more to come ...
Christian Tiedt
Department:_Reportage and Travel_News_Website
Type:_Allrounder
Favourite boat:_Targa 44
I like the idea of being comparatively safe "outside" with a sports boat, even in storms and hail. No wonder the boats are also used professionally. For me, however, this typical Scandinavian quality means that here in the north of Europe you can explore areas where you have to venture out over open water for a longer distance. In addition, there is plenty of power and - in my opinion - a really well thought-out (and equally seaworthy) interior.
Ulli Tauber-Dallach
Department:_graphic
Type:_Turbo
Favourite boat:_Knierim Excalibur, 50 Performance Cruiser
Yes, that's a sailing boat! I'm neither a motorboater nor a sailor - but I've definitely spent my best hours of complete "detachment" and distraction in the deep blue of the oceans and pink light of the sunsets on our friends' sailing boat. Reason enough to declare the Knierim Excalibur my favourite boat.
Dieter Wanke
Department_Test & Technology_Reportages
Type:_Eloquent
Favourite boat:_Saver MG 710
It's in the nature of things that I have a different favourite boat for each area. On the North Sea coast, that might be a trawler, but if I wanted to travel the world's oceans again, my favourite boat would have two hulls and a mast. Now I live in the centre of Germany, surrounded by the central waterways of the Rhine and Main. A fast, transportable speedboat that doesn't need a fixed mooring is the perfect choice. Last year, I was very impressed by the new Saver MG 710. The boat was combined with a Suzuki DF 200, which harmonised perfectly with the RIB. In addition to the easy handling and the very harmonious running characteristics, I was particularly impressed by the fun and speed of the boat, which has a speed of almost 42 knots, as well as the good workmanship.
Manfred Welkamer
Department:_Meckerecke_Werkstatt_Messen
Type:_Problem solver
Favourite boat:_Bertram 38
I like fighters. That also applies to boats, of course. The Bertram 38 is a very special kind of "fighter". During a crossing of the Bay of Biscay, this boat saved my life more than once. The sea behaviour is superb and even under the most difficult conditions it can be given a school grade of 1+. The technology and installations work reliably, and the layout and the typical American "way of life", which this boat embodies like no other, make the Bertram my personal number one.
Katharina Wist
DepartmentEditorial assistant
Type:_good fairy
Favourite boat:_Cigarette 41' AMG
I want fun, I step on the gas. Fast, sporty boats like the Cigarette 41' are my passion. I imagine gliding across the water at almost 90 knots to be breathtaking in the truest sense of the word. If the boat also offers good comfort and safety, my (boating) world is in order.
Felix Wemheuer
Department:_BOOTE-TV_Social Media and Website
Type:_curious
Favourite boatElling E6
If I had the necessary change, my choice would be the Elling E6. I like fast displacement boats and I would like to have the freedom to go to Canada or the USA on my own keel instead of the Baltic Sea. In our test in issue 11/2016, we found a range of 2225 nm plus reserve - perfect!
Torsten Moench
Editor in Chief BOOTE
