Belize 66 Daybridge | Galeon 485 HTS | Ground Effect Boats - 06/15/21
BoatTEST Newsletter June 15, 2021
Features Video
Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge
Elegant Flying Bridge Motoryacht
Riviera Yachts started the Belize line to appeal to experienced cruisers who appreciate custom craftsmanship. On the line’s flagship 66 Daybridge seen here, we expect that the owner and guests will spend time on the flying bridge whenever possible. Abaft the centrally positioned upper helm, the flying bridge has a lounge to starboard that can seat at least six. There’s additional seating opposite plus a full bar. There’ll be one cruising New England waters this summer, so keep an eye open for her. More...
Test Video
Galeon 485 HTS
Sleek and Hits the Right Numbers
The Galeon 485 HTS is 49’2” (14.98 m) LOA and has a beam of 13’11” (4.25 m). At 47” (120 cm) her draft is among the most shoal among her peers. This is an advantage for an owner who wants to park the boat in front of his waterfront home and not worry about a moon tide. Additionally, the 485 displaces 30,975 lbs. (14,050 kg) which is close to at least three other boats in class with similar build quality, which is high. Galeon is known for its innovations, some of which can be found on this vessel. More...
Test Video
Brabus Marine Shadow 900 ST
Make the Bold Statement
Brabus is a company that takes luxury automobiles to extravagant levels and the company’s marine division gives the same treatment to a boat that begins life as a 38’5” (11.73 m) Axopar twin-stepped performance boat. She’s powered by twin Mercury Racing 450Rs and the boat and engines get the royal touch with custom graphics. Hull color choices include Platinum Grey, White Grey, Glacier Blue and camouflage and the cockpit and cabin can be adorned in Brabus Red, Cappucino, Sunrise or Sapphire upholstery. A limited-edition Shadow 900 Black Ops edition comes exclusively in Gunmetal Grey with red upholstery and only 37 models will be so packaged. More...
Coming Soon
New Pre-Owned Boat Newsletter
Exclusively for BoatTEST Members
This Friday, BoatTEST will publish its first used-boat newsletter that will inform our members on an exclusive basis of good new boats that are available for sale, both from dealers or brokers, as well as from other BoatTEST Members. Friday Edition will be sent to 125,000 BoatTEST members in North America and to another 45,000 Members worldwide. It offers its members, and boat brokers alike, a low-cost way to find buyers in the market now.
Closing Date: Today at 5 pm EST.
Test Video
Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300
Large Aft Deck Enhances Utility
Because owners of personal watercraft use them for more than just blasting around, Sea-Doo gave its 11'4" (3.45 m) GTX Limited 300 a large aft platform that can be used by a person standing to fish or sitting to strap on a wakeboard. With Sea-Doo’s Q-Link system, a cooler, gas can or other gear can be secured on the platform. To improve stability, the hull is an inch (2.54 cm) wider than its predecessor and the saddle sits as much as 3" (7.62 cm) lower in the water. It also has wider footwells. More...
Boating Business
Fairline Yachts Acquired by Investment Group
Hanover acquired Fairline from RiverRock, another investment fund that had control of the yacht manufacturer since July of last year, according to International Boating Industry.
Fairline Yachts, which is based in the United Kingdom, has been acquired by the British private-equity group, Hanover Investors, through the Hanover Active Equity Fund II. Details of the purchase have not been disclosed. Hanover acquired Fairline from RiverRock, another investment fund that had control of the yacht manufacturer since July of last year, according to International Boating Industry.
New Technology
Ground Effect Boats
Futuristic Half Boat, Half Plane
A yard in La Rochelle, France, is building a range of wing-shaped catamarans that use aerodynamics as well as hydrodynamics to improve the boat’s overall efficiency. The boats are known as Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels or A2Vs and they’re capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots with improved fuel economy. More...
Outboard Buyers' Guide
Mercury 500 SeaPro Alternative to Diesel
Mercury’s 500 SeaPro is a viable alternative to a 500-hp inboard or sterndrive for a commercial application. It displaces 7.6 liters so it has the torque to push heavy loads. The new outboard also weighs 1,260 lbs. (571 kg) and that’s about 500 lbs. (226.8 kg) less than the closest diesel inboard rated at the same hp. When it comes to maintenance, it’s a lot easier to stand behind a boat and work on an outboard and overall replacement time is much quicker.
"Life isn't a Matter of Milestones, but of Moments."
– Rose Kennedy
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a drink with friends in the early evening along the Florida coast. Imagine entertaining on a premium boat that you can be proud of. Affordable annual memberships in five premium boats ranging from 27’ to 35’ (8.2 m to 10.6 m) are now available in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.
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