Why range matters more than speed in three very different boats.

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BoatTEST - On The Water Newsletter

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RAD Outboard Motors

When in Africa, Reliability Matters

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WHEN HELP IS FAR On the Chobe River in southern Africa, boats operate far from fuel docks, parts warehouses, or technicians. That's why Pangolin Photo Safaris chose RAD 40-kW electric outboards to power its 104' luxury houseboat. Find out how this 40-kW outboard can power a 60-ton houseboat, and see its 180-degree lower unit steering.

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Scout 670 LXS

World's Largest Outboard boat

Scout670LXS

OUTBOARD, AMPLIFIED Debuting as the largest outboard-powered recreational boat yet, the Scout 670 LXS pairs five Mercury Verado V12s with a fuel capacity of 1,500 gallons. Her layout favors open circulation, a glass dash spanning both consoles, and multiple deck levels that separate running, lounging, and entertaining without feeling compartmentalized. There's nothing quite like her ont he water.

EXPLORE THE DETAILS

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Question 

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which one must keep clear of the other?

A. The one that sounds the first whistle signal
B. The one to windward
C. The one with the wind closest abeam
D. The one to leeward

Greenline 58 Fly Hybrid

The Payoff is in Miles

Greenline 58 Fly Hybrid

DIESEL, THEN ELECTRIC Many 58-footers chase speed. This one prioritizes operating options. The Greenline 58 Fly’s hybrid setup puts an electric motor-generator between engine and transmission and backs it with lithium batteries and solar input. Run diesel to recharge, switch to electric to move quietly, and repeat. In the video  test report, that cycling is what produces the long-range numbers.

SEE THE HYBRID IN ACTION
Promote Your Used Vessel

Chaparral 28 Surf

Speed and  Endurance

Chaparral 28 Surf Combined

SURF ALL DAY Tested with a 430-hp Volvo Penta V8 Forward Drive, the Chaparral 28 Surf topped out at 48.3 mph and cruised most efficiently at 31.3 mph burning 11.9 gph. At surf speeds around 9–10 mph, endurance stretched past 11 hours. The numbers show a boat designed to spend full days shaping wakes, not short sessions.

WATCH HER RUN

Axopar 38: A New Platform

Building forward from the 37

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EVOLUTION, NOT REPLACEMENT The Axopar 38 is the brand’s most substantial update since the 37, building on a platform with nearly 3,000 boats delivered worldwide. Debuting at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 as the 38 XC Cross Cabin, she introduces a new hull focused on balance and predictable handling across a wide speed range, along with increased modularity and more usable social spaces designed for regular, year-round boating rather than show use.

SEE WHAT'S NEW

The Art of Anchoring

Learn How to Sleep at Night

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ANCHORING DONE RIGHT  Have you ever stayed awake at night worried about your anchor holding? This piece breaks down what actually keeps a boat secure, from scope ratios and swing room to snubbers and bottom conditions. Clear, methodical guidance explains why dragging happens and how to avoid it, so you can sleep well for the night.

MASTER THE TECHNIQUE

Tech Tuesday

Making Money with an Outboard

Outboard overhaul

VALUE IN PAINT This video shows how a rough-looking outboard cowling can be turned into something buyers trust. Step by step, it covers prep, sanding, paint, clear coat, and decals, including mistakes and fixes along the way. The takeaway is simple: cosmetic work that looks original can raise resale value and shorten time on the market.

WATCH THE TRANSFORMATION

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US Coast Guard Captain's License

Practice Question - Answer 

B) The one to windward

The windward vessel keeps clear because she has better ability to keep clear. The leeward vessel may have sails blocking her view, so the rules place the burden on the boat that can see and react more easily.

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