At the recent Palm Beach International Boat Show, Capt. Steve and Denison Yachting’s Jake Garber took a closer look at Hull No. 1 of the new Bertram 28XC, an outboard-powered dual-console. She has a 9’9” (2.95 m) beam and is equipped with a hullside door, a bar with a grill and a refrigerator and…well watch the video to find out. The price is given at the end of the video.
Those interested in owning hull #1 of the new Bertram 28XC, click here...
Test Video
Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran
Design Improves Performance and Looks
When Aquila decided it wanted to have more of a presence in the luxury yacht category with the 54 Yacht Power Catamaran, it made two rather drastic design departures. First, the company gave the yacht a more stylish profile. This in turn increased the waterline length, extending the running surface, improving flotation and giving the 54 more natural movement when underway. More...
Having trouble getting a demo ride in a boat you want to buy? When it comes to the Pursuit DC266, the Sovereign Boat Club has a solution – a test ride on our boat in St. Petersburg, FL. The charge is just $350 to cover the captain, fuel and washdown. It could be the best money you've ever spent. Find out what you like and don’t like and discover why it is so popular with SBC members. If you decide to join SBC, we’ll apply the $350 towards your new membership. By appointment only. Email: here or text/call: 727-200-3474.
Test Video
Yamaha 252SD
Drive-by-Wire, Start-by-Button
We praised Yamaha when it switched from cable control to drive-by-wire, but now the 252SD bowrider has been taken several steps farther. This permits push-button starting for the engines and in the lower right corner of the Connext touchscreen is an icon of the throttle levels. Touch it to switch from controlling the engines with two levers to running both off a single lever. Engine rpm are synchronized. Touch the icon again to engage DRiVE technology. There’s also Cruise and No-Wake modes. More...
Tige’s new Z3 wakesports boat has clever convertible seating to create numerous options for passengers to enjoy the action behind the boat or just hang out. The center walkway on top of the engine hatch can also transform and fill in the sunpad, creating a full-beam lounge area. Finally, the Alpha E3 Power Tower has board racks, lights, speakers and it lowers with the push of a button. Check it all out in this cool video. More...
Manitou Boats manufactures luxury performance pontoon boats and the XT series is available in four models that offer different seating configurations. Standard equipment on all of them includes a Bimini top with a power arm and LED lights, a Garmin GPSMap 743xs chartplotter, LED speakers, an 800-watt amplifier and a 10” (25.4 cm) subwoofer. Buyers can get twin outboards up to 900 hp total with digital vessel control and joystick operation. Custom build your XT boat at the Manitou website. More...
The flagship of Freeman Boatworks’ fleet of bluewater catamarans, the 42LR is an offshore fishing beast. She measures 42’ (12.8 m) long with an 11’9” (3.58 m) beam and can be powered by quad outboards up to Mercury Racing’s 450Rs. She carries 800 gallons (3,028.33 L) of fuel and Freeman estimates the 42LR’s cruise at 45 mph and .95 mpg. See the rest of the details at the Freeman Boatworks website. More...
In recent years, many shipyards have left behind the traditional design of inflatable boats, creating rigid hull inflatable boats (RIBs) with innovative features that stand out. A typical example is Tropida, a Greek manufacturer of RIBs whose boats have inventive, effective design elements in an aggressive line where the aerodynamics take priority. More...
Knowing what you need for batteries and how to use and take care of them can extend their life.
Batteries for marine use, whether engine-start or house batteries (deep-cycle), can mean the difference between blissful boating or an exercise in crisis management. This article takes a look at the technology and makeup of marine-battery systems. The objective is to help boat owners make informed decisions, understand what is happening to batteries on board, know when to consult a specialist marine electrician and what makes up the various battery technologies that affect their life and performance. More...
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.