An Affordable Life Raft | Zodiac Goes Electric | Crash Videos - 09/03/21
BoatTEST Newsletter September 3, 2021
New Editor's Report
Superior Offshore Stream Life Raft
Affordable and Necessary
In the U.S., there are no government or American Boat & Yacht Council requirements for life rafts aboard recreational boats destined for offshore passages. The result is predictably many boats that should have them, don’t. Interestingly, the rules in Europe are varied. In the UK, they are required for boats longer than 45’ (13.7 m); in France, boats going more than 6 nm offshore must have them; in Italy, boats going more than 12 nm offshore must have them and Spain requires SOLAS-approved life rafts for boats going more than 25 nm offshore. Virtually all boats more than 35’ (10.66 m) or so built in Europe have a special provision for their storage, whereas boats built in the U.S., not so much. Our guess is that most of the powerboats going to the Bahamas (over 53 nm from Florida), don’t carry them.
Defender Industries carries a wide range of life rafts made by Superior Life-Saving Equipment, a family-owned business in North Carolina. The Superior Offshore Stream raft shown above is quite inexpensive and suitable for coastal and near island work. There is really no excuse for a boat owner who regularly goes offshore not having one. It is an important item of equipment, just like fire extinguishers and PFDs – only it signals you are planning on doing more with your boat than just bar-hopping. More...
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 338 OB
Comfortable Below and Elegant on Deck
The Cruisers Yachts 338 OB was one of the first bowriders to have comfortable accommodations below and then became the Oconto, Wisconsin’s first outboard-powered boat. The company always seems to be back-ordered on this model and one of the reasons is the model’s compelling gelcoat colors. Our test boat was jet black and she looks mean on the water. But the cherry-red and gun-metal gray models also turn heads. The design has held up well over the years and we think she’ll be in style for years to come – particularly in the outboard versions. Our test boat had a pair of 250-hp Mercury Verados. More...
Test Video
Regal 42 FXO
A Sport Yacht with Pizazz
With an overall length of 44’ (13.41 m) and a 13’ (3.96 m) beam to work with, Regal’s 42 FXO possesses the kind of space for two full staterooms and a second head option. Performance is courtesy of triple Yamaha 425-hp outboards making her not only a fast cruiser but one that can easily be beached at a favorite spot. More...
Test Video
Boston Whaler 280 Vantage
Living Up to the Legend
Boston Whaler’s 280 Vantage lives up to the high bar set by its predecessors in the series and sets benchmark standards for the dual console configuration in this size. Whether chasing tight lines or day-tripping with family and friends, convertible seating will accommodate those activities. This Whaler unsinkable hull can be powered by twin V8 Mercury 250- or 300-hp AMS outboards or a pair of 350- or 400-hp Verados. More...
Equipment Review
The 7 "Best" Stereo Components
The Marine Electronics Journal is the publication of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) and once a year, it asks electronics manufacturers what is their “Best and Brightest” product in category. It may not be the newest or the most advanced, but overall they consider it a star. Find out which stereo systems fit the bill. More...
Where Common Sense Isn't So Common
This week, the Broncos Guru has sent us a new collection of entertaining videos showing boaters making common mistakes because they left their common sense at the dock. More...
“Today, You Have 100% of Your Life Left, Don’t Waste It.”
– Tom Landry
What are you waiting for? Boating adventures are the most memorable moments in life for most people. And now, thanks to SBC, the moments are affordable. Annual memberships in boats ranging from 27’ to 33’ (8.2 m to 10 m) are now available in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.
Photo Of The Day
"Watching a freighter approach the Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Fla."
Share your boating photos with us!
Thanks for following us!
We'll See You On The Water.
BoatTEST.com, 8A Halidon Ave, Newport, RI 02840