Following yesterday’s news on the 8.5% inflation rate and the fact that many major financial institutions are now predicting a recession, it is natural for buyers to ponder the best time to purchase a boat. Should it be now before boat prices go even higher or is it better to wait for softness in the market and get a better deal? BoatTEST answers these questions and makes a long-term forecast about boat pricing. More...
Crossovers had already been invented, but it took the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover to show what the new type of vessel could really be. The “All Sport” part of the Formula 430 ASC is covered in the boat’s cockpit where the manufacturer places “Action Stations,” including a bait-prep area with a 52-gallon (197-liter) livewell, that can be turned into dive-tank storage with drop-in frames. A stainless-steel rail across the stern has an upholstered padded bolster and six rod holders. The extended swim platform can also be customized with paddleboard racks. A tow pylon makes her ready for wakeboarding. The “crossover” part is covered with comfortable gathering areas under the hardtop and in the large accommodations below. More...
Everglades 273CC is built with RAMCAP construction for a solid ride and she’ll float level when swamped. She is a premium boat, which means her construction, finish-work, details and amenities are done right. For those who want to chase bonefish in the bays, she draws 18” (45.72 cm). More...
The 2020 Astondoa 66 Fly, Lebrada, couples sportiness with elegance in a motoryacht that’s fast and has inviting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. She’s a good choice for an experienced owner/operator to handle and is lightly used with 390 hours on the twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350s. Highlights include a Seakeeper 9 that was purchased in February and has two years of warranty remaining, a hydraulic swim platform, a 21.5 kW Onan generator and a Garmin electronics suite. More...
The Soel Senses 48 runs on two 142 kWh batteries recharged with solar energy, powering twin 100 kW electric motors. A bit of simple math makes it easy to calculate her range. (Soel Yachts).
Let’s put this common measurement to use as applied to electrically-powered boats. You are transferring electric power to mechanical power to move your boat and they are measured in the same units. To get all of the benefits of a 10kW electric motor you need to have a battery with a voltage and amperage that can supply at least 10 kW — 10,000 watts. More...
Every year we always have the same problem: "How can I clean my RIB without damaging its tubes’ surface?" Here is a tutorial for the restoration of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB). It starts with the basics. More...
The Turanor PlanetSolar early on during its circumnavigation.
Using solar is green. It is renewable, available anywhere, durable, eco-friendly, cost-effective, easy to install, utilizes lower voltage and saves energy. It is becoming more popular on boats from trailerable boats to larger motoryacht. Here is what you should look out for when going down the solar road. More...
Yesterday the White House announced that E15 fuel would be made available this summer, which should sell for about $.10 less per gallon. According to BoatU.S., fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol — is prohibited by federal law for use in boat engines and voids many engine warranties.
Ethanol in gasoline is a problem for boats because of phase separation. Ethanol has also been known to be corrosive to metal fuel tanks and engine components.
Spring Commissioning
Pre-Season Checklist for Cable Steering
A quick inspection of an outboard cable steering system in the Spring can make for a more enjoyable season.
When the weather warms up and it’s time to hit the water again, you want to do everything in your power to ensure a smooth start to the boating season and trouble-free time on the water. That includes your outboard-powered boat’s steering system. More...
Four-legged first mates are welcome aboard at the Sovereign Boat Club because we know that dogs are part of the family too. Take advantage of all the dog beaches and pet-friendly shoreside restaurants you can visit by boat in Tampa Bay. Limited memberships are available at the Sovereign Boat Club. More...
Photo Of The Day
"A bucket-list moment: we towed our boat from KY to the Keys."
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.
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