The new Riviera 645 SUV is a rugged offshore vessel, but she is also designed for day-boat entertaining close to home. She has a teak-decked bow with an expansive C-shaped lounge that can be protected with an optional sunshade. There is one large entertainment area aft, thanks to a sliding glass bulkhead that joins the aft deck with the salon. And the standard hydraulic swim platform extends this area even further, with removable guard rails providing extra security. More...
The Chaparral 247 SSX Black Edition rides on the company’s Extended V-plane bottom. It adds buoyancy to the stern by extending the running surface past the transom to the trailing edge of the swim platform for lower bow rise and faster hole shots. The design also keeps the stern from dropping in sharp turns and provides lift to keep the boat riding level even in less-than-ideal conditions. It also extends the effective LOA for increased stability. More...
Stidd helm seats are found on many of the top brands in larger express cruisers, convertibles and motoryachts, as well as on military and commercial vessels. Available in single or doublewide sizes with high and low backrests, Stidd seats offer folding footrests, armrests and many custom features including full power adjustment. Because the company founders had a background in ergonomics and rehabilitative medicine, the seats are approved by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons as well as physical therapists. For those going to the Miami Boat Show, be sure to visit Stidd's exhibit. More...
The UK’s Pearl Yachts recently announced a $50m order book. The company says that by early February, 20 units of the new Pearl 62 had been sold along with six units of the new Pearl 72 ahead of its launch at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival in September. More...
Capt. Steve will be at the Miami Boat Show from Feb. 16 to 20 at the BoatTEST booth – HP 404 – in a tent at the Herald Plaza show venue. He is available for free consultations by appointment only. After viewing the boats – or before – come get the good captain’s opinion and guidance. Sign up for an appointment here...
The Cape Cod Shipbuilders’ Mercury 15 is a sloop ideal for teaching kids to sail without breaking the budget. The Sparkman & Stevens design is 15’ (4.57 m) long with a 5’5’ (1.65 m) beam and can be built with a centerboard or a fixed keel. The centerboard version can be launched and rigged at a ramp with the optional trailer. She has a deep cockpit and the seats in both versions create air tanks to keep the boat afloat if the cockpit fills with water. More...
BoatTEST is inviting its members who will be at the Miami Boat Show to a “Meet the Presidents” party being attended by some of the most outstanding CEOs of American and International boat building. The location is at a Miami Beach private residence. Cocktails and canapes will be served along with live Cuban music. A limited number of tickets is available, so reserve yours now. $75 each, max two per order. More...
Once you’ve chosen a VHF radio, selected an antenna, planned out the installation and assembled all of the necessary tools and required installation items (wiring, connectors, etc.) it’s time to get down to business. Here’s some guidance and tips to consider. More...
Selling 1,000 yachts a year is no walk in the park. In this BoatTEST interview, CEO Bob Denison explains how his firm Denison Yachting handles buyers and sellers. More...
This week, the Broncos Guru takes a look riding a Sea-Doo Spark across a frozen lake plus an assortment of attempted launches gone wrong and right. More...
Would You Buy a $400,000 Car Without a Test Drive?
Sovereign Boat Club has two Regal 33 SAVs available in St. Pete for a test drive.
The amazing thing about the world we now live in is that thousands of people are buying boats costing nearly half a million dollars or more without so much as a test drive. What’s wrong with this picture? Sovereign Boat Club has two Regal 33 SAVs available for a test drive. There are not many boats like it and it is the most popular boat among SBC members. Find out why. Test drives are available for $500 to cover captain, fuel, cleaning, etc. It could be the best money you ever spent. By appointment only. Email: gsweeney@sovereignboatclub.com. Text/call: 727.200.3474
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"The last boating day of the season in Louisville, KY."
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