It’s hard to believe that Fairline Yachts’ new Targa 45 GT is only 45’ (13.71 m) long. The main salon is large because it doesn’t have to fight for space with an aft galley, which is all the rage these days. Rather, the galley and formal dining area are below, amidships, as seen in the inset. This area separates the master stateroom aft and the VIP forward. Both have en suite heads with separate showers. Outside there is plenty of room to play, but that’s another story. More...
Sailfish Boats is one of a few manufacturers to offer its mid-sized center console, the 242 CC, with single or twin outboards totaling 300 hp. Twin 150-hp Mercury Verados weigh 455 lbs. (206 kg) each (910 lbs./412 kg in total) while a single 300 tips the scales at 600 lbs. (272 kg). Twin Yamaha 150s check in at 478 lbs. (217 kg) each (956 lbs./434 kg total) and the F300 is listed at 551 lbs. (250 kg). Offsetting the added weight of the twins is the fact that the boat is faster with them, despite the increase in weight, and will burn about the same amount of fuel – sometimes even less – at cruise than the single. More...
The Grand Banks 54 is a flying-bridge model that hit a top speed of 29 knots during our tests. She's powered by twin 725-hp Volvo Penta D11 engines with straight shafts. Advanced construction techniques and materials such as carbon fiber help keep the weight and the CG low, which also improves handling and the ride. Her flattish bottom sections aft make her efficient and more stable. More...
Sweet Pea is a 31’ (9.4 m) Ranger Tugs R31-CB powered up an upgraded 2018 Volvo Penta D260 single diesel engine that has 570 hours on it. She’s been well maintained and has fresh bottom paint, sacrificial anodes and had a recent service completed by Coastal Marine. Highlights include three helm stations, Garmin chartplotters, autopilot and VHF, bow and stern thrusters and an inflatable tender with a 2.5 hp Suzuki outboard on Weaver davits. More...
We always say that the smallest, cheapest boat is the best value. Lowe says its new Bay 22 can take anglers fishing almost anywhere. We’d say anywhere in protected water within reason. Her open plan provides plenty of space for fishing in fresh or saltwater. Her center console is designed to give a captain a clear view so he/she can avoid obstacles in skinny water. Ice down the catch in the large cooler built into her foredeck. Check out our video from the Miami Boat Show. More...
When it comes to learning the basics of the “Rules of the Water,” the first thing a new operator needs to learn is which side of the boat is port and which is starboard. When the driver of the boat is facing forward, port is the left and starboard is the right. To learn five other essential rules of the water, click for the video...
Seamanship
10 Tips for Safe Operation of RIBs Offshore
There is nothing more exciting than the time when we take our place at the helm, our hand pushing the throttle. Through our general euphoria, however, we should not forget that the sea is unpredictable and it can easily become threatening. Before each trip, in addition to making sure our boat and engines are in excellent operating order, we should keep in mind some important parameters that will help us to minimize the possibility of facing unpleasant situations. More...
With the latest round of funding, X Shore says it will be able to build two boats per day by year’s end.
X Shore, the Swedish electric-boat manufacturer, has raised more than $50m (SEK 500m) of new capital in its latest funding round, which was oversubscribed in a day, we're told. In addition to further investments from existing owners, board members and management, new investors include Peter Carlsson, founder and CEO of Swedish battery developer Northvolt. More...
Sovereign Boat Club’s latest addition to its growing fleet is an Everglades 235CC. This is a fisherman’s dream, but also a good boat for family outings. All of SBC’s vessels are permitted to go up to 50 miles offshore, which means she can get to the grouper and red snapper fishing grounds. Best of all, she has the lowest annual dues of any boat in the SBC fleet — and is based in Tampa Bay ready for action. More...
Photo Of The Day
Aunt Pat with our captain’s helpers Bella and Sophie
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.