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
Solace 415 CS
Rare Fish: A Diesel-Powered CC
The Solace 415 CS is a new center console powered by twin Volvo Penta D6-440 diesels with Aquamatic sterndrives rather than the usual multiple outboards. Having the engines under the deck allows for a spacious cockpit and a huge aft lounge with power recline. And, the diesel engines boost range significantly. Watch Capt. Steve's quick peek of the 415 CS here...
The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 OB is powered by triple Mercury 300-hp Verado outboards with joystick piloting, VesselView link and mobile app, Autopilot, Skyhook, sport exhaust and Active Trim. Brunswick recently acquired Navico and the SIMRAD Evo 3S displays integrate all the boat’s systems in multifunction displays. She’s also pre-rigged for an optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizer. More...
The Eastern 248 Islander is designed and equipped for three- or even four-season cruising. She comes standard with an enclosure for the pilothouse, with two sliding windows on the side and forward glass that opens all the way to horizontal for ventilation. She has a broad sweet-spot for most efficient cruise with the single 150-hp Yamaha outboard, anywhere between 2500 and 5000 rpm, allowing the skipper to adjust speed for the most comfortable ride. More...
Since we originally tested the sea-kindly Sailfish 320 CC in 2016, the company has redesigned the helm, console and hardtop, but we were happy to see them retain the storage in the top of the console. We don’t see this on many boats and the compartments beneath the hinged — and gasketed — acrylic top provide space for car keys, wallets, sunblock and, of course, smartphones. The phones can be charged there thanks to USB ports. The first time we saw this innovation was on a Sailfish, and while there have been copycats, none are as deep as this one. More...
Hinckley Yacht’s new 35 is the company’s first outboard-powered model. She measures 38’8” (11.79 m) with an 11’ (3.35 m) beam and draws only 34” (86.36 cm) with the twin 350-hp Mercurys trimmed up. Hinckley commissioned Michael Peters Yacht Design for the bottom design. Capt. Steve was impressed with the ripple-free clarity of the Clear View single-piece windshield. To see what else he liked, click here...
Over the course of two days, BoatTEST’s captains tested a pair of Sharrow props and a pair of Yamaha Saltwater Series II props on a World Cat 325 DC. Here is a video of those tests...
You’ve probably read “Its deep-V hull has a smooth, dry ride” a thousand times over in brochures and marketing materials. The biggest problem with this marketing talk isn’t that this boat or that one isn't particularly smooth nor very dry. No boat is perfectly so and we have to look at these traits comparatively. The problem is that virtually every boat out there other than jon boats are marketed and sold as deep-Vs. Even when they certainly are not. More...
Mr. Zarco says he has always gotten top dollar for his used Formula boats because they are so well maintained.
If you built boats for a living, as a customer would you rather have a family doctor or a trial lawyer who specializes in business litigation? In the case of Formula Boats, it’s happy to have a Miami trial lawyer, particularly one on his 14th Formula. As careful as Formula is to build the highest quality, safest and most trouble-free boats, the equipment in them is not immune to trouble in the harsh marine environment. It is for that reason that this builder – alone in class – pays for a Vessel Vanguard subscription for every boat it builds. And, Robert Zarco, Esq. is happy to have it. Find out why in this Vessel Vanguard video...
#4
Sunreef Yachts' New
100 Sunreef Power Catamaran
Sunreef Yachts has unveiled photos and details of its 100 Sunreef Power, the company’s largest power catamaran to date. Hull Number One has a striking hull finished in dark gray and rose gold on the top hamper and with burnt orange upholstery on the outdoor furniture.
Shark researchers have a strong understanding of the great white shark’s migration patterns up and down the Atlantic coast. They analyze the movements of 48 white sharks tagged off Massachusetts and in other areas along the East Coast. Find out where these creatures are lurking – you’ll be surprised. More...
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