Belize 66 Daybridge | Regal 38 XO | Grady-White Gulfstream 232 - 08/12/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 12, 2020
Features Video
Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge:
A Helm Captains Will Appreciate
The Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge’s flying bridge helm.
In our opinion, given the choice, most captains would want to run a flying bridge motoryacht like the Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge from the upper helm. The flying bridge helm on our test boat was centrally positioned and the consoles are covered in soft-touch vinyl. Twin Garmin 21” (53.34 cm) multifunction displays flank a pair of Volvo Penta tachometers with built-in digital readouts. To starboard, there’s a third 17” (43.18 cm) Garmin display that includes cameras for the bow, stern and engine room and just to the right of that is the C-Zone digital switching panel. The captain and two companions travel in Selto high-backed captain’s chairs that adjust fore and aft and recline. The captain can lean back and relax by running the boat with the Volvo Penta joystick that’s within reach with his left hand. Behind the joystick is a panel that lets him manipulate the Garmin screens. More...
Captain's Report
Manitou 25 Legacy SHP:
Best in Class Tri-Toon Handling Design
The triple-pontoon boat Manitou 25 Legacy SHP has more running surface area than most pontoon boats, which makes made it that much more impressive that our tests. Our test boat was on plane in less than 3 seconds and she reached 20 mph in less than a second later. There are runabouts that have more aerodynamic efficiency that can’t claim these numbers, which is a credit to Manitou’s Super High Performance (SHP) design package. It includes outer tubes that have diameters of 23” (58.4 cm) and a center one that’s 27” (68.6 cm) round. The center pontoon is also 5” (12.7 cm) lower in the water. All the pontoons have lifting strakes welded on each side to help with the holeshot. More...
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Test Video
Regal 38 XO:
Outboard Flexibility in a Cabin Cruiser
One of the things that many boating families enjoy is pulling up to a sandbar to enjoy an afternoon playing on the beach and in the shallow water. There aren’t many 38’ (11.58 m) cruisers that offer the ability to pull this off, but Regal’s 38 XO has it because she’s powered by outboards. Stick her nose up on the sand and trim out the motors and everyone’s happy. Even with the engines down, her draft is 38” (.97 m), so she could also be a good choice for owners who live or boat in a coastal area with tidal swings. More...
Test Video
Grady-White Gulfstream 232:
A Proven Walkaround
Grady-White’s Gulfstream 232 has endured the test of time because she remains one of the few true walkarounds in this size range. A 9’3” (2.82 m) beam gives the cockpit 56 sq. ft (5.2 sq. m) of space to fight a fish or just hang out with the family. Her tempered glass windshield and raised foredeck provide protection from the elements. To get the day’s catch home, the Gulfstream 232 has two fish boxes, one that can be found aft with a 297-quart (281.07-L) capacity and another that can carry 265 quarts (250.78 L) and is located right behind the captain’s chair. Finally, for versatility, owners can choose between single and twin outboards up to a maximum of 400 hp. More...
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Don’t Miss the Rest of the Summer
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Captain's Report
Imtra Side-Power Vector Fin Stabilizers:
Curved for Better Performance
Side-Power is best known for its bow and stern thrusters, but are also well established in the stabilization category and more specifically with its patented Vector Fin™ style, curved stabilizers. Fins work best on a boat with longer roll periods, and the larger the boat, the longer it takes to roll. Straight fins have been used traditionally, but Vector Fins are curved about 36 to 53 degrees upward. The curve angle plus a boat’s deadrise combine to direct the stabilizing force more vertically, which better prevents roll, according to the maker. More...
Boating Business
New Boat Sales Continue to Surge
Three months after sales dipped in April, they peaked for the year in July.
Marine dealers continued to experience unprecedented demand in July, with 84 percent of those responding to the monthly Pulse Report survey saying they had experienced retail growth for the month. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #17
If you missed the new BoatTEST Reports last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #17 included an interview with Stuart Halley, General Manager of Mercury Racing, new launches and product demonstrations, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
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Picture of the Day
The beach is a great place to keep your distance.
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Expert Boating
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