Every week, BoatTEST publishes news items on about 25 boats and products. Readers have asked which ones are the most popular each day, so below you can find the answer.
Monday #1
Axopar 22 T-Top
Affordable, Adventurous Day Boat
Finnish builder Axopar has expanded its 22’ (6.71 m) series with the 22 T-Top. She comes standard with a T-Top on an aluminum frame while the 22 Spyder has a more open configuration. She’s powered by a single outboard engine up to 200 hp and Axopar’s modular construction approach lets an owner customize the interior. For example, the 22 T-Top comes standard with a bench across the stern that can be upgraded to a horseshoe-shaped lounge around a table that can be lowered to create a sunpad. More...
Sea Ray’s SLX 400 OB’s spacious cockpit gets even more expansive when the side “swim terrace” (bulwark) is opened. Even if all the seats are taken, there’s space to work at the bar that includes a refrigerator, sink and available twin grills. Three individual forward-facing seats are on the front of the console and there’s still space for port and starboard seats around a table fully forward in the bow. More...
One way that the New Hampshire builder keeps the Eastern 248 Islander so affordable is that it doesn’t over-equip her, especially at the helm. There’s space for a 9” (22.86 cm) multifunction display and our test boat had two gauges, a tachometer and fuel level. When the time comes to add things like a depth sounder, the entire helm can be tilted aft for easy access. More...
The main salon of the 35R is breathtaking because of its 25'1" (7.64 m) beam and 7'1" (2.15 m) of headroom. A soffit within a soffit overhead treatment, both with indirect lighting, add to the effect.
The Ocean Alexander 35R is like a floating Manhattan triplex with three outdoor terraces overlooking Central Park. But there is one big difference – the 35R is a moveable feast. Ready for a new view? The penthouse and staff are ready, too – Portofino, Cannes, Puerto Cervo or Santorini. In all cases, the best views are from the 35R – a living diorama of the town and seascape. Let's peek inside...
Boston Whaler is known for updating its boats based on customer feedback and the 280 Vantage is a prime example. The new model is more than 2’ (.61 m) longer, 6” (15.24 cm) wider and more than 1,700 lbs. (771.11 kg) heavier than the model she replaced. She also has redesigned seats in the bow and a hardtop integrated into the windshield frame. For answering nature’s call, there’s 36” (91.44 cm) of headroom over the toilet seat, which is superior to the clearance in the 270’s console. More...
Nautical Ventures – with seven locations in Florida – carries 15 boat lines and has the World’s Largest Nautical Toy Store. In its digital showroom, there are hundreds of toys from 20 different companies that include everything from Flite Boards, inflatables and underwater Seabobs (see above) to toys you’ve never imagined. Many are inflatable and take up very little room on your boat. Kids will love them and parents will too. See what you’re missing. More...
From fires to floods, from heat waves to bitter cold snaps, climate change is making every type of extreme weather more common. The same phenomenon holds true for rogue waves — unpredictable bursts of water that tower far above every other wave in their vicinity.
Chemical engineers at MIT have created a new material that is stronger than steel, light as plastic and can be manufactured in large quantities, they say. These engineers hope the material could be used as a lightweight, durable coating for car parts or cell phones or as a building material for boats and bridges. More...
With sales progressing at a furious pace for the past two years, it only stands to reason that buyers are encountering the boat for sale by owner (FSBO) more than ever. Selling a vessel without using a broker can be attractive for one obvious reason. The seller avoids a potentially hefty commission fee. Who could be disparaged for attempting to save money? However, as is often the case, it’s not as simple as it may seem. More...
Many people look at the engine in their boat — especially a sterndrive or inboard — and see something that looks quite similar to the one in their car or truck. So, they naturally think that the same motor oil should be used. Wrong. Try running your car engine at 4500 RPM for several hours continuously and see what happens. Here’s what you need to know about marine engine oil. More...
There comes a time in every boater’s life when he/she is ready to move up to a luxurious large boat. That is what the Sovereign Boat Club is all about. A good example is the Regal 33 SAV located in St. Pete/Tierra Verde, FL. From day-boating to entertaining guests or even fishing and diving, this crossover boat checks many boxes. She's also ready to overnight up and down the coast. Eight members only. See BoatTEST’s video on this boat then find out about membership here…
Some or all of the content contained in this newsletter may be sponsored. BoatTEST makes all possible efforts to ensure all material that is published in this newsletter is true and accurate.