We can’t think of a better place to start our tutorial series on luxury yacht connoisseurship than aboard the Ferretti Group’s fine yachts. At the Palm Beach Boat Show – from March 24 to 27 – there will be no fewer than 11 of its yachts ranging from the 50’4” (15.3 m) Ferretti 500 to the 121’7” (37 m) Ferretti Navetta 37. In between are two other Ferrettis, two Wallys, three Pershings and two Rivas. All are high-style – and in the case of Wally, future-style – and all are built with best practices. We made a video of these boats at the Miami Boat Show, so now is your chance to see them and start episode #1 in our course in fine yacht connoisseurship. More...
At the Miami Boat Show, Boston Whaler introduced the world to its new 360 Outrage, a model that Capt. Steve has already tested. As he found in our test, she has some state-of-the-art technology including Mercury’s 600-hp V12 Verado outboards, a battery system that eliminates the need for a generator and a full Simrad electronics suite. For the other details from the Miami show, click here...
Because of Leopard Catamarans’ experience in chartering, its 53 Powercat is designed to ensure that onboard systems are easy to maintain. That’s not so easy in a catamaran where engine spaces are confined to a cat’s narrow hulls. Accessories like fuel-water separators and filters are positioned for good access. The same goes for plumbing valves, thru-hulls and bilge pumps. Hydraulic connections for the steering system are in each hull and the construction and rigging are certified to American Boat & Yacht Council and CE standards, according to the factory. More...
De Anza III is a stunning custom 65’ (19.81 m) motoryacht constructed with a hull of Alaskan yellow cedar and red cedar. Her transom, cabin top, forward mullions and air-intake systems have all been replaced and the teak decks have been refurbished. She has new Tecma heads and a new holding tank. She was repowered with twin Detroit Diesel 6V92TA diesels in the 1990s. Belowdecks, she has three cabins and three heads. More...
Le Boat is expanding its luxury houseboat ownership program to North America. The expansion of its boat ownership program will now include Canadian destinations as well as its existing eight European locations. The program has also added Canadian houseboat holidays. More...
We Find Smooth Shifting into 2nd Gear on Merc 600s
Mercury’s new 600-hp V12 Verado outboard is designed for large luxury yachts like the Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover. The twin contra-rotating props and two-speed transmissions enhance the boat’s versatility and efficiency. Accelerate slowly and the engines shift at 4200 rpm and about 21.2 mph. Firewall the throttles from a standing start and they’ll shift at 6300 rpm and 42 mph. Then the speeds start climbing to our max of 59.2 mph. More...
Cruisers Yachts’ 46 Cantius may have Euro styling, but she also has practical American ergonomics and her helm meets ABYC standards. We point this out simply because a number of brands sold in the U.S. do not meet those standards. Many European express boats have low overhead clearance at the helm that keeps a captain from standing up to drive. The 46 Cantius has 6’6” (1.98 m) of headroom at the helm. More...
Livewells are tricky to get right. One design flaw can be ruinous and few livewells out there have all the different features that add up to the ideal. For a live-bait angler, this can be of paramount importance. So, how does one tell if the livewell in a potential boat makes the grade? Here are 10 critical design elements and systems to look for in search of the ultimate livewell. More...
Even Optimist prams built in Europe will be banned from export to Russia under the new European sanctions.
In a fourth round of sanctions against Russia in response to "its brutal aggression against Ukraine and its people," the European Commission announced yesterday an export ban to Russia on luxury goods – including "yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports; rowing boats and canoes" as covered by the tariff code CN 8903 00 00. "These sanctions … have been coordinated with international partners, notably the United States," the statement said. More...
Sovereign Boat Club’s Robalo R317 located in Bradenton, Fla, was designed for entertaining, watersports and fishing. Comfortable ‘vista view’ seating with a power-adjustable aft lounge, an open cockpit and double swim platforms make this Robalo R317 family-friendly. Watch as Capt. Steve does a full test and inspection. Remember, this boat could be yours almost any time you want – if you’re a member of the Sovereign Boat Club. See more here...
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