2-Speed OB Automatic Tranny | Sea Ray SPX 190 | Formula 430 ASC - 03/11/21
BoatTEST Newsletter March 11, 2021
Test Video
Palm Beach 70:
Strong Performance w/Inboards
We’ve raved about the cruise performance and handling of the Palm Beach 70. She’s offered with inboards turning straight shafts or IPS pods, and while the company says most buyers have gone with Volvo Penta IPS pod propulsion, presumably for their low-speed maneuverability, we were more than impressed with her handling around the docks with inboards. Reason being, the twin Volvo Penta 1,000-hp inboards combine with a Twin Disc joystick that links the main engines with the bow and stern thrusters to provide total command around the dock for less cost than the pod option. The extra power also gives the Palm Beach 70 a top speed that exceeds 30 knots. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SPX 190:
Value-Oriented Family Bowrider
The SPX line from Sea Ray represents a more affordable series that maintains the company’s heritage as a builder of family boats. The SPX 190 is the smallest in that lineup and she’s available in two upgrade packages, the Elite and Elite Plus that combined provide a boatload of amenities. Clearly, Sea Ray doesn’t think small equates to spartan. She’s also offered in either a sterndrive or outboard version. More...
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Video Interview Part #3
The New 600-hp Merc V12 Verado’s
2-Speed Automatic Transmission
In large cruisers, the Achilles heel of gas inboards has always been their lack of torque to get the boats up on plane and staying there at reasonable rpm and fuel consumption. That is why they have typically been powered with high-torque twin diesel engines.
To develop more torque, Mercury engineers have designed a 12-cylinder 7.6L engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission that has a first gear with nearly a 20% lower ratio to amplify the engine’s torque to the dual prop lower unit. Today’s interview with Mercury Marine President Chris Drees gets into the subject of torque and how the V12s have performed on 48’ to 50’ (14.63 to 15.24 m) cruisers. See it Now...
Features Video
Formula 430 ASC:
Pick a Sport, She's Ready
Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC)
With the 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC), Formula took the “all” part quite seriously, creating what the manufacturer calls Action Stations in the aft part of the cockpit. There’s a bait-prep station with tackle storage and a 52-gallon (197-liter) livewell. Drop-in frames can turn the livewell into secure storage for up to four dive tanks. A stainless-steel rail just ahead of the outboards has an upholstered, padded bolster with six rod holders and on each side are stainless-steel rails that retract and lock in place to make the area more secure. The extended swim platform can also be customized with paddleboard racks and a table at standing height can be erected when it’s time for some dockside cocktails. Now, if the stern gets this much attention, wait till we move inside. More...
Test Video
Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT:
Making a Good Value Better
The Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT already comes standard with everything an angler would want including a 90-hp Mercury outboard, a trolling motor, a Lowrance Hook-4x fishfinder and movable fishing seats. New for 2021 are an upgraded tempered safety-glass section of the walk-thru windshield, an in-deck center storage compartment, a standard battery charger, six flip-up cleats including two at amidships and an improved Diamond Coat 2.0 finish on the standard single-axle trailer. More...
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Photo of the Day
"Boating on our Canal leading to Michigan’s Lake Saint Clair."
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Regal 33 SAV/St. Pete Robalo R317/Bradenton
EdgeWater 370CC/West Palm Beach Pursuit DC266/St. Pete
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