Affordable Downeast Cruisers | New Swan 98 | New Formula 24 - 07/24/20
BoatTEST Newsletter July 24, 2020
Weekly Video Update
Affordable Downeast-Style Cruisers
We have long wondered what a boat would cost if she was basic and Spartan but built with all of the important seakeeping aspects done right. This week, we find out part of the answer as Capt. Steve interviews Greg Hopkins, the COO of Eastern Boats, which builds boats from 18’ to 30’ (5.4 to 9.1 m) that are tens of thousands of dollars less than similar vessels that are aimed at the carriage-trade market. In the same program, we take a quick look at the opposite end of the boating spectrum when we get aboard the Palm Beach 55, which rests at the top of her premium class. See It Now...
New Launch
New Nautor Swan 98’ Sailboat
The new Swan 98-footer will be available in cruising and racing versions.
The first Nautor Swan 98’ (30 m) sailboat was introduced last week during a virtual press conference. The Finnish manufacturer’s Maxi line now ranges from 65’ to 131’ (20 to 40 m) and all were designed by Germán Frers, who has designed for the builder for more than 30 years. More...
Test Video
Tracker Targa V-19 WT:
Multi-Species Boat Built to Last
Tracker Boats has a long history building quality, affordable aluminum boats and the V-19 WT is representative of that. It’s built with all welded seams, bulkheads, stringers, transoms and gunwales. Tracker says the 5052-aluminum alloy is .125 mm (.004”) thick and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Decks are pressure-treated, marine-grade plywood that also carries a lifetime warranty against rot and they’re covered in fishing-friendly marine-grade carpeting. Between the hull and deck, Tracker fills every void with expanding foam that adds stiffness and quiets the ride. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius:
Genteel Cruising for 2 Couples
The Cruisers 46 Cantius has a VIP stateroom fit for an owner.
Cruisers Yachts took a less-is-more approach to the belowdecks plan on the 46 Cantius. Rather than try to cram three staterooms into the express yacht, designers opted for two, large private cabins with en suite heads. There’s no better way to make a guest couple feel comfortable — and welcome — than to provide quarters and amenities that are equal to those for the owner including a private head with a separate shower. The VIP is one of the best we’ve seen in class. More...
Test Video
Formula 240 Bowrider:
Save $15K and Go Faster
When we tested the Formula 240 Bowrider, she was powered by a 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG Bravo III sterndrive, and we recorded a top speed of 53.6 mph. With a 350-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo III, Formula tested a different 240BR at 54.5 mph. Why is this important? Because the 6.2-liter engine package saves an owner approximately $15,420 over the larger engine. It’s also lighter by about 260 lbs. (118 kg.) so it has a better power-to-weight ratio. Best cruise with the 430-hp engine came at 3000 rpm where she got 2.92 mpg and had a range of 157 statute miles. In Formula’s test, the numbers at 3000 rpm were 3.48 mpg and 188 statute miles. More...
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Test Video
Ocean Alexander 70E:
4 Staterooms for 3 Generations
The Ocean Alexander 70E is designed to be an owner/operated motoryacht with features like Volvo Penta IPS pod drives with joysticks, fin stabilizers, a CZone monitoring system with iPad Interface, a hydraulic swim platform and more. To make her attractive to a cruising family, she has four staterooms on the accommodations deck, which means she can sleep up to eight, not something always found in a yacht in this size range. For those who like to entertain, she is a veritable floating waterfront terrace, with fore and aft decks and her large flying bridge all ready for outside parties. More...
BoattestLEASING
Which Would You Rather Lease?
With the Mercedes, you can go back and forth to work, drive to the grocery store, and showoff to your neighbors. With the Pursuit, you can spend 25 days a year in a premium boat enjoying the good life out in the salt air with family and friends. Which moments are you more likely to remember and cherish – driving the car or driving the boat? Which experience is better for the soul? Which vehicle teaches your children or grandchildren the joys of fishing and watersports in pristine waters, and building self-confidence? Leases run from 1 to 4 years. Let us explain why boat leasing is the wave of the future: contact Mary Mohr at (813) 294-3066 | Mary@BoattestLEASING.com.
BoattestLEASING Website Pursuit DC266 in St. Pete
Interview
Total Marine’s Tom Caruso
Speaks for the Industry
In this short video, Captain Steve interviews Tom Caruso, president of Total Marine, which has three locations on the East Coast. The dealership handles boats as large as Fairline and as small as Fountains. Tom’s frank opinions of how the boat business is changing underscore how boat buyers are increasingly approaching the process. The difference between traditional boat shows and the recent Steelpointe “Invitation Only” show illustrate an important sea-change for the industry. Hear Tom articulate what nearly every boat builder is thinking but is afraid to say. See the video...
Picture of the Week
Are you planning on boating this weekend? Be sure to send us your photos!
We want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.
Based on the feedback we've been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course, it's clearly not only for beginners but for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available... period. Order your 4-disc box set...
Watch the trailer...
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