Fairline Yachts has always produced well-built boats, but the company has stepped up its game with the fit-and-finish. We have recently tested and inspected the new Squadron 68 flying bridge motoryacht. We can report that she is second to none and world-class. Our glossmeter recorded 92 and 94 out of 100 on walnut tables and cabinets. When two pieces of wood meet, good luck finding the joint. There are curves everywhere and they literally define the brand as it moves forward. Couple the styling with designer Alberto Mancini’s open concept and layout and we think this boat is compelling. More...
Clockwise from the upper left: Trojan Yachts, Pacemaker, Bertram Yachts and Tollycraft. All went out of business because of the 10% luxury tax. Of these, only Bertram could be resurrected and is a shell of its former self.
On November 5, 1990, the U.S. Congress took careful aim at the boating industry with a 10% luxury tax on new boats costing more than $100k and fired. Before the law was repealed more than 2 1/2 years later, no fewer than eight major builders had gone out of business. The rest were on life support. By 1999, at least six more had thrown in the towel. The whole category of the business was so weakened that in the years to follow, at least nine more builders of large boats died a merciful death. More...
Pardo Yachts says its E60 “interprets a new design philosophy” for the Italian builder. She has expedition looks and is intended to cover long distances with low fuel consumption. There’s a continuity between the interior and exterior gathering areas, which makes the E60 a candidate for hosting dockside parties during a stopover on a long cruise. Get all the details at the Pardo website and make sure to check out the E60 video. More...
Regular readers know BoatTEST’s Sovereign Boat Club has a Robalo R317 in its fleet and it is sold out with memberships. These boats are now being sold new for $242,000. The R247 is the brand’s next smallest dual console. She's a full 7’ (1.13 m) shorter with 9” (22 cm) less beam – at almost half the cost at $127,000. So we advise consumers to think carefully as to how, where and with how many people this boat will be used. For those who are only going to be boating with family in protected water, the smaller boat will be hard to resist. More...
Flux Marine makes electric outboards ranging from 40 to 100 hp.
Flux Marine, a developer of all-electric outboard motors and battery systems for watercraft, announced that it has raised $15.5 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by Ocean Zero LLC. Flux Marine will leverage the new funding to expand manufacturing, recruit additional talent and continue to develop technologies. More...
One of the most important factors affecting the performance of a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RIB) is the mounting height of the outboard engine(s). The mounting height depends on many factors, the most important of which are the type of hull, the propeller and its distance from the bottom of the transom and the boat’s intended use. More...
Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley has led the city to invest in all-electric ferries as a solution to downtown traffic gridlock.
Annapolis’ mayor and city council are looking at electric ferries as a potential solution to downtown gridlock in the city. In addition to an electric boat, the city’s 100% Electric Mobility Plan would include money for electric buses and trolleys. Finding the funding is the next hurdle. More...
Tucked away in the Salt Creek Marina District just a short walk from downtown St. Petersburg, you'll find the Sovereign Boat Club's Everglades 235CC available to members only.
The Everglades 235CC is powered by a 300-hp Yamaha with digital steering and trim tabs. She'll run 40 mph comfortably across chop. A livewell, fold-down stern seating and a portable ice chest are some of the features. The helm has a chartplotter with GPS and a depth sounder. All of this helps make this setup an affordable boating option. Contact Greg Sweeney at 727-200-3474 or by email.
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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