Find out how much boat prices are going up in 2026 and why

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BoatTEST - On The Water Newsletter

Hello Boater

Boston Whaler 240 Vantage

Refining a Proven Concept

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DESIGNED BY FEEDBACK Boston Whaler refined the 240 Vantage using owner feedback from the 230. The result is a dual-console layout aimed at family entertaining and watersports, fishing, and day cruising without locking into a single mission. With a single 350-hp Mercury Verado, she keeps the package simple and straightforward.

EXPLORE THE FULL TEST

For Those Who Want More than a Walkthrough

View CL Yachts' Latest Models in Florida

CLB72

SPEED WITH SHELTER CL Yachts is offering private, by-appointment viewings in Florida for the CLB72 and CLB65. These one-on-one sessions are designed for buyers who want time to assess layout, sightlines, and finish details without the noise or pace of a major boat show. Appointments are scheduled in advance and tailored to individual interests. BoatTEST co-founder, Jeff Hammond has been to CL's factory several times and attests to their high-quality build, and value for money.    

BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Questions 

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels of less than what length may not impede the passage of other vessels which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway?

A. 10 meters
B. 20 meters
C. 30 meters
D. 40 meters

BoatTEST Featured Pre-Owned Vessels

Pre-Owned Yacht Spotlight: 

2016 Sea Ray 510 Fly

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SYSTEMS AND FEATURES This 2016 Sea Ray 510 Fly, KOKOMO, is powered by twin Cummins QSC 600-hp diesels with approximately 780 hours and has a Cummins Onan 17-kW generator with about 1,300 hours. She has been professionally managed by Yacht Assist for five years, with pods serviced in October 2024 and more than $80,000 in documented maintenance and upgrades completed within the last six months.

 

FULL LISTING & PRICE
Promote Your Used Vessel

Medical transport without limits or fine print

MEDJET: Get All the Way Home

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GO THE DISTANCE Most travel insurance transports patients to the nearest acceptable facility. Medjet works differently. If a member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, Medjet arranges air medical transport to the hospital of the member’s choice in their home country. There are no deductibles, no claim forms, and no lifetime caps on transport costs, regardless of medical necessity.

SEE HOW MEDJET WORKS
BoatTEST VIP Membership

Tariffs, pricing pressure, and timing

Should You Buy in 2026? 

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PRICE PRESSURE AHEAD Boat prices are rising again, but not for the reasons many buyers assume. In this Len’s Cove video, Sean explains how tariffs on materials and components are pushing 2026 model prices up by about 3 to 4 percent, even without direct boat import tariffs. He also breaks down how new boat pricing affects used values, depreciation, and whether waiting actually saves money.

HOW PRICES REALLY MOVE

Running Sharrow Props on a Charter

What Holds Up Day After Day

Sharrow-Capt-Bryan-Foley

DAILY RELIABILITY Charter captain Bryan Foley runs trips in Florida conditions, so economy matters. In this video, he explains why he was skeptical of Sharrow Propellers and what changed his mind after running one on his own boat. Foley describes improved grip in hard turns, smoother acceleration, and more control at speed, based on real charter use rather than testing or marketing claims. 

WATCH A WORKING CAPTAIN
Life is Better on the Water
AndyFelix19Jan-1

Smiles all around as three generations enjoy their Sea Hunt 25 SE

on the Gordon River in Naples, Florida.

Want to see your best "Life is Better on a Boat" moments shared with fellow enthusiasts around the globe? Send us your incredible photos and we'll showcase them worldwide!

 

PLEASE INCLUDE WHERE YOU ARE AND THE TYPE OF BOAT

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

⚓

US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Question - Answer 

B) 20 meters

Under Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), vessels less than 20 meters in length are specifically required not to impede the passage of vessels that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. 

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Questions? Drop us a line: editorial@boattest.com

 

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