At 36’1” (11 m) long with a 16’10” (5.1 m) beam, the Fountaine Pajot MY4.S is designed to be a power catamaran that a couple can comfortably cruise at speeds around 20 knots. Powered by twin 250-hp Yanmar diesels, our test boat topped out at 21.4 knots. Back off to 14.5 knots and 2800 rpm and she’ll cover 339.9 nautical miles. Because she’s an express with a low bridge clearance of 12’5” (3.78 m), she could be a good candidate for plying the canals of Europe or making the Great Loop. More...
The new Formula 387 Center Console Fish (foreground) and Center Console Sport share a twin-stepped 41’2” (12.55 m) long hull with a 12’ (3.66 m) beam. Power is twin or triple Mercury outboards.
Formula Boats has expanded its offerings with a new series of center consoles. The company says the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS) are the “logical succession to Formula’s Crossover family.” During the world premiere of the new models at the Miami Boat Show yesterday, Formula president Scott Porter said, “The center console space is large and growing, plus Formula’s reputation for building leading quality boats from 24’ to 50’ (7.3 m to 15.24 m) will allow us to jump in and invite inquiries from very serious center console clients. We feel that center consoles are a perfect complement to our great bowrider, CBR, SSC and ASC day boat product models we offer today.” More...
At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Capt. Steve checked out Scania’s 13- and 16-liter diesels. The engines have 30% parts commonality and the cylinder heads are individual instead of being one large, heavy cast piece — a big plus for maintenance. Next, Scania uses a standing cylinder liner that is thinner than conventional style, which the company says translates to cooler operation and better fuel economy. Click to learn more...
Test Video
Fleming 58
Twin Engines Enhance Utility
Fleming’s 58 is designed for a cruising couple that plans to venture anywhere in the world remaining on board for months at a time or even longer. She offers much more boat than the Fleming 55 with an overall length of 62’9” (19.13 m) compared to 55’9” (16.99 m) and 30% more displacement. She carries 45% more fuel — 1,450 gallons (5,488 L) compared to 1,000 gallons (3,785 L) for the 55. Because she’s powered by twin 800-hp MAN engines, she can hit a top speed of 20.2 knots. At displacement speeds of 7 and 8 knots, the twin engines are actually more fuel-efficient than a single in a similar displacement boat. More...
One reason why marine air-conditioning systems fed by raw water suddenly shut down is that the water lines get clogged by barnacle growth. ElectroSea is a system designed to keep those lines clear. It consists of a control head and what ElectroSea calls the ClearCell.
Hear what Capt. Steve and some real-world users had to say about it. Visit our exhibit at the Miami Boat Show at Herald Plaza booth HP 560. More...
After establishing five good boats on the Florida West Coast, Sovereign Boat Club is looking for five more good boats in Southeast Florida. Be sure to see us at the BoatTEST booth at the Herald Plaza venue – Booth HP 404 in the air-conditioned tent – at the Miami Boat Show or contact us at gsweeney@sovereignboatclub.com / 727-200-3474. Just say uncle sent you.
See us in Miami in the Big Tent.
Quick Peek Video
Omnisense Thermal Imaging Camera
New Durable Night Vision Cameras
Capt. Steve got a first look at the Omnisense System’s Thermal Imaging Camera at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Among his favorite features was the optically-ground crystal lens that should provide clear imagery day or night. The housing is finished in Awlgrip, which should help durability and it connects to most multifunction displays with a single cable. To see the rest of the highlights, click here...
At Mount Gay, the title of Master Blender is a sacred one. Held by only four people over the past 40 years. Today, it’s Trudiann Branker, our first female master blender. Her refined palate, expertise and passion for our rums are palpable. The pot still — a true mark of rum-making, producing intense aromatics and flavor from double distillation. For more information...
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Buying Advice
10 Common Boat Buying Mistakes
People who are new to boating should think carefully about how they are going to use a boat and who in the family will use it this year and in the future. Be aware of 2-footitis that can be expensive, so if you can afford it, go bigger now. 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.