Boston Whaler 405 Conquest | Regal 38 XO | Neptunus 650 Express - 08/16/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 16, 2020
Most Popular Boats of the Week
Every week, BoatTEST publishes news items on about 25 boats and products. Readers have asked which ones are the most popular each day, so below you can find the answer.
See BoatTEST REPORTS Webcast
Subjects covered in this week's webcast are:
- Capt. Steve interviews Mary Paige, Chief Commander of U.S. Power Squadron
- How to Become an Expert Boater
- BoatTEST Highlights
- Scania 700 – 1,150-hp Diesels for the U.S.
- Boating News
Monday #1
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...
Tuesday #1
Aquila 44:
Important Improvements in Cat Hull Design
The Aquila 44’s bows have more buoyancy forward for a better ride and fuel efficiency.
When Aquila was launched by MarineMax, the designers of the 44 power cat wanted to use bulbous bows for increased fuel efficiency, speed and fore-and-aft stability. But, instead of the traditional bulbous shape, the bows were re-shaped with more of a V design. Also added were soft chines and spray rails. Of course, our test day was flat calm, but when we crossed our photo boat’s wakes, the 44 cut through them cleanly. More...
Wednesday #1
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...
Thursday #1
Mako 284 CC:
Greater Range w/4.6 L 300-hp Mercs
The new-age 4.6-liter V-8s make a proven performer even better.
The 284 CC has been a cornerstone of Mako’s center-console lineup since 2005. She has taken countless anglers offshore and brought them back safely. So how did the company improve on this model? It bolted a pair of Mercury’s new 4.6L V-8 Verado outboards to the stern. The electronically controlled engines improve the boat’s performance and the driver’s experience with digital shifting and the Joystick Piloting System. The new motors also extend the boat’s range by about 60 miles compared to old Verado 300s. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Friday #1
Neptunus 650 Express:
Built to Please and Cruise Offshore
The Neptunus 650 Express is a family cruising yacht that’s built to take serious offshore conditions. She’s certified to the CE Category A, the highest rating for offshore work. To enhance strength, the hull is built with Kevlar reinforcement across its entirety and the stringers for the engine mounts are made from Corecell A500 foam. Instead of making a mold with openings for the hullside windows, Neptunus builds the hull with aluminum frames extending from the center of the glass out to 3’ (.91 m), and around the opening port, making the frame stronger than the hull itself. The glass is 1” (2.54 cm) thick. She is a semi-custom build, which means buyers have great latitude in having the interior built for their individual needs. More...
BoattestLEASING
Don’t Miss the Rest of the Summer
Get your family out on the water this summer in St. Petersburg, FL on a 2020 27’ (8.2 m) Pursuit for as little as $377 per day, by chartering or leasing. Non-consecutive bare-boat charters begin at 10 days annually. BoattestLEASING will take care of everything – all in one, easy turnkey package. Find out more by contacting Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | gsweeney@BoattestLEASING.com.
Picture of the Day
Are you boating this weekend? Send in 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...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.