Boston Whaler 405 Conquest | Aviara AV36 | Monte Carlo 105 - 08/10/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 10, 2020
Test Video
Sea Ray SDX 290:
9’ Beam Deckboat, Seats 17
Her floorplan shows how far forward the 290 SDX’s beam extends.
There’s an old saying that one’s circle of friends expands exponentially after he purchases a boat. If he already has a bunch of amigos, the Sea Ray SDX 290 deckboat might be the solution. She has the space to seat 17 people, thanks to Sea Ray carrying her 9’ (2.74 m) beam as far forward as possible. Plus, she has the amenities and a wide, unencumbered swim platform to launch any manner of watersports. She’s also a lot better looking and a much better sea boat than a pontoon boat of the same length. More...
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Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 105:
Beamy, But Light/Sleek, But Roomy
The flagship of the Monte Carlo Yachts line, the 105 is a megayacht designed to turn heads wherever she goes. This sleek, raised pilothouse motoryacht has a full beam master stateroom a few steps down from the main deck forward, with the expansive his and hers head even farther forward in the bow. Her 23’4” (7.12 m) beam is one of the widest in class, which further enhances her big-boat feel. She’s also built light but strong with 8,800 lbs. (3,991.61 kg) of Kevlar and carbon fiber and her decks are supported by 1,760 lbs. (800 kg) of aluminum beams. Monte Carlo says that combining these materials with vacuum infused lamination and proprietary coring make the MCY 105 15% lighter than competitive models. More...
New Model
Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175-185:
New Aluminum Multispecies Boats
Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175-185
Alumacraft Boats has introduced two new aluminum multispecies boats – the FSX 175 and 185. Powered by Mercury outboards, they are at once both a multispecies boat and a fish-and-ski model, ready to keep family and friends busy with watersports. We like this multi-function boat because she provides better ROI for the owner and, perhaps, at resale time, is easier to move. Being aluminum, she's lighter and more economical to tow. More...
Test Video
Aviara AV36:
Choose Sterndrive or Outboard
Aviara’s AV36 is one of the few boats in class to offer consumers a choice of sterndrive or outboard power. The manufacturer says the difference in weight between the choices is about 950 lbs. (430.91 kg) with the sterndrive being the heavier. Aviara also offers her with a choice between twin or triple Mercury outboards. The Mercury 300-hp and 400-hp Verado have the same specifications and the lightest version is listed at 668 lbs. (303 kg). Looking at the power-to-weight ratio, twin 400s would be 1.67 lbs. (.76 kg) per horsepower while triple 300s would be 2.22. The triples would likely have the edge in holeshot and possibly top speed, but the twin 400s should be more fuel efficient. More...
Features Video
Boston Whaler 405 Conquest:
2 Joysticks are Better Than 1
With the second joystick to port, a captain can dock the 405 Conquest from either side.
The 405 Conquest is the flagship of the Boston Whaler fleet and at 41’4” (12.6 m) with a 13’6” beam (4.11 m) and a bridge clearance of 14’2” (4.32 m), she’s a lot of boat. That’s especially true when the wind is blowing and a captain is trying to pull into a tight slip. The boat is equipped with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting System at the helm, but what if the captain wants a better look at things on the opposite side of the boat from the starboard helm? Voila, a second joystick, folds up out of the port console, making it easier to pull in port-side to a dock or pier. This small feature greatly enhances the 405 Conquest’s ease of operation. More...
BoattestLEASING
Which Would You Rather Lease?
With the Mercedes, you can go back and forth to work, drive to the grocery store, and show it off 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? Which vehicle teaches your children or grandchildren the joys of fishing and watersports in pristine waters? Let us explain why boat leasing is the wave of the future: contact Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | gsweeney@BoattestLEASING.com.
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
Skiing and boating on Lake Tenkiller on a hot, summer day.
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