Twenty-four-foot (7.32 m) center consoles are the most popular size CC on the market — but being able to experience one before you buy is not so easy. We encourage you to take a test ride in Sovereign Boat Club’s Everglades 235 CC, which is one of the best in class. Use it as a benchmark when deciding what brand and model to buy. The 235 CC is in St. Pete and a test drive costs only $350 to cover the captain, fuel and washdown – it could be the best money you ever spent. By appointment only. Email: here or text/call: 727.200.3474
Most Popular Boats of the Week
Every week, BoatTEST publishes news items on about 25 boats and products. Readers have asked which ones are the most popular each day, so below you can find the answer.
Monday #1
Boston Whaler 420 Outrage
Fully-Loaded 1,800 HP Fishing Machine
The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition includes upgraded upholstery and finishes, teak trim and graphics that are sure to grab attention at the docks. She’s powered by three 600-hp Mercury V12 Verados color-matched to the hull. She planed in 5.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 42.4 mph, while best cruise was at 25.6 mph where she had a range of 359 statute miles. See full details
Hatteras’ GT59 is obviously designed primarily for offshore big-game fishing with the speed, comfort and luxury that tournament anglers want. With power provided by twin 1,900 CAT C-32 engines, she hits 40 knots and when backed off to 2000 rpm and 33.9 knots, she has a range of 325.3 nautical miles. She also has the widest beam in class, a plus when trolling or drift-fishing in the trough. More...
The new Greenline OceanClass 68 is the largest production hybrid yacht ever built. Greenline’s Hybrid Drive or H-Drive consists of two diesel engines and a pair of Mahle electric motors with an integrated generator. The motor is installed between the diesel engines and the gearbox. The captain can run on the diesel engines or push a button and switch to full electric mode for silent, emission-free operation.
Beneteau’s Gran Turismo 45 is a 48’6” (14.78 m) express-style yacht that can play the role of sleek entertaining platform and plush weekender as well. Features include a sunroof and side windows that open to bring in fresh air, a garage for an 8’ (2.44 m) tender, 24,000 BTU air conditioning, a grill on the transom and bow sunpad with a small shade. The galley is on the accommodations deck and owners can choose two or three staterooms. More...
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...
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...
Insurance for your boat can be a huge value when that unexpected disaster takes place. Be sure you’re keeping up your end of the bargain with proper maintenance and dockage or the insurance company may not want to pay up. Check out these reminders on how to make that insurance adjuster happy should the time ever come when you meet him face to face. More...
This video, made by the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) Discover Boating program, provides five tips for new boaters who are shopping for their pride and joy at a boat show. The first — and most important — recommendation is to set a budget. Click to learn the next four. More...
Sharrow props on triple 300-hp engines during company testing in 2021.
Sharrow Marine CEO Greg Sharrow announced today that he is now signing dealers to sell his revolutionary props. The program is ideal for dealers selling outboard boats and engines to a clientele who want peak performance for their vessels. The SS Sharrow props will retail for $5,000 each and will be designed for specific outboard engine brands and models. Details of the dealer program were not made public. Interested parties should contact Sharrow Marine or visit the company’s display at the Miami Boat Show at the convention center. Visit Sharrow Marine’s website...
The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File (IASF) investigated 137 alleged shark-human interactions worldwide in 2021. ISAF confirmed 73 unprovoked shark bites on humans and 39 provoked bites. Why anyone would want to provoke a shark is beyond us, but find out more here...
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...
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.