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BoatTEST - On The Water Newsletter

Hello Boater

Silent Yachts SY80 

Quiet Miles, Big Spaces 

Silent-SY80-24m-deck-5-9-25_1

POWER WITHOUT NOISE  In the wake of her smaller sibling's recent all-solar powered crossing of the Atlantic, the SY80 Silent Yachts’ offers a  a much larger yacht with the same potential. Her broad beam allows generous deck space, multiple owner layout options, and a high-capacity electric system backed by an extensive solar array. She is designed for extended time underway or at anchor with consistent, quiet operation.

STEP ABOARD THE SY80
COMPARE TO OTHER BOATS

Formula 387 CCF

Making a Center Console "Family Friendly"

Formula 387 CCF

2 TAKES,  BOTH "FAMILY FRIENDLY" For years, center console builders have been saying their boats were "family friendly" -- something that often meant they had added a fold-down transom seat. With the introduction of the 387 CCF and CCS, Formula gave the industry a master class in what "family friendly" really could mean if taken seriously. Take a look at our report and use these two boats as a benchmark for what a "family freindly" boat can be. 

WATCH OUR CAPTAIN'S REVIEW

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Questions 

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel equipped with operational radar?

A. She must use this equipment to obtain early warning of risk of collision.
B. The use of radar excuses a vessel from the need of a look-out.
C. The radar equipment is only required to be used in restricted visibility.
D. The safe speed of such a vessel will likely be greater than that of vessels without radar.

stpetersburg-boat show

St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show

Kicking Off 2026 Afloat

St Petes Boat Show

SEASON STARTS HERE The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show is where the 2026 season really begins. Downtown docks fill with boats, tents fill with gear, and builders show what they’re leading with this year. For anyone planning time on the water this winter, walking this show helps sort signal from noise quickly.

GET SHOW ACCESS
Promote Your Used Vessel

Ramp Stress, Reduced

Timing Over Throttle

Boat Trailer aluminum 2_0

NEUTRAL IS YOUR FRIEND Most ramp problems come down to pace, positioning, and patience. This short video focuses on the moments that matter most when loading onto a trailer, especially how to stay lined up and in control without rushing. Worth a watch before the next busy weekend launch.

LOAD IT RIGHT
BoatTEST VIP Membership

Seasoning the Chesapeake

A Regional Ritual

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ROOTED ON THE BAY From busy fish markets to family-run spice rooms, this piece looks at how two well-known seafood seasonings grew alongside Chesapeake boating culture. The stories behind them say as much about the people and the water as they do about what ends up on the crabs when the steam starts rolling.

READ THE FULL STORY

Boomershines Great Loop Adventures EP 76

Island Time Ashore

Boomershines Ep 76

BOAT LIFE PAUSES Mackinac Island has a way of resetting the pace. This stop blends boat handling, long crossings, and an unexpected shift into old-school island formality. From dockside problem-solving to horse-drawn streets and historic landmarks, the Boomershines find that stepping away from the water can be just as memorable as time aboard.

WATCH THE EPISODE
Life is Better on the Water
Newport Beach New years Eve Bill Conrad

Ringing in the New Year the right way, together on the water in Newport Beach

Want to see your best "Life is Better on a Boat" moments shared with fellow enthusiasts around the globe? Send us your incredible photos and we'll showcase them worldwide!

 

PLEASE INCLUDE WHERE YOU ARE AND THE TYPE OF BOAT

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Question - Answer 

A) She must use this equipment to obtain early warning of risk of collision.

A vessel equipped with working radar is expected to actively use it to detect other vessels early and identify potential collision risks, rather than relying only on sight or assuming the equipment is optional.

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Questions? Drop us a line: editorial@boattest.com

 

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