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Newsletter Archive

Chaparral 26 Surf | Greenline 45 Fly Hybrid-Ready | How Not to Launch - 10/08/21

BoatTEST Newsletter October 8, 2021

 

Features Video

 Monte Carlo Yachts 76

Cantilevered Hardtop is a Cool Design

On the Monte Carlo Yachts 76, the company focused on creating better views from the flying bridge. A good example is the carbon-fiber hardtop on the flying bridge, which is cantilevered from the aft slanting pilaster. It has a retractable fabric sunroof that opens up the area and the lighter weight makes it all happen and keeps the CG lower. The minimal outboard supports provide near 360-degree unobstructed views. The flying bridge is also one the largest in class.

More...

 

Captain's Report

Chaparral 26 Surf

Surf, Cruise, Party, Relax

Capt. Steve checks out the Mercury Forward Drive engine which has counter-rotating  Bravo 4 S dual props. The six blades of this lower unit give the Chaparral 26 Surf a remarkable grip on the water, something that conventional wakeboats with a single straight shaft drive and a 3-bladed prop can’t equal. We wonder what the good captain is thinking about? Possibly that the engine’s forward-facing running gear creates much more utility for bowriders compared to both one-trick ponies and outboard-powered boats. That’s an important consideration before writing out a big check. More...

 

Boating Business

7 New Rivieras = 560 Containers

As you read this, the freighter above is slowly making its way from Brisbane, Australia, to the port of Miami with seven Rivieras aboard. This is the company’s largest-ever single shipment to the United States. Five of the boats will be among the 10 models showcased by Riviera at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to be held on October 27-31. More...

 

Boating Safety

Best Safety and Survival Devices for 2021

An EPIRB or personal locator beacon can take the search out of search and rescue.

Historically, among the last equipment on boaters’ lists to buy are devices that can save their lives and those of their passengers. In most cases, the reason is simply that capsizing at sea and treading water for who knows how long is uncomfortable to think about — and besides "that will never happen to me.” More...

 

Test Video

Greenline 45 Fly

Bottom Matched to Propulsion

For the 51’1’ (15.57 m) 45 Fly, Greenline Yachts provides two different bottom configurations. A tunnel design accommodates the inboard propulsion system which can be lined up in tandem with an electric motor/generator, while a non-tunnel V-bottom is used for Volvo Penta IPS pod drives. We tested with twin 370-hp Yanmar diesels with V-drive inboards and hit a top speed of 23 knots at 3750 rpm. We recorded best cruise at 3200 rpm and 18.5 knots, where she can cover 245.1 nautical miles. Slow down to 6.3 knots and the 45 Fly’s range increases to 1,118 nautical miles. She can go 20 nm at 5 knots on her batteries. More...

 

Outboard Engine Buyers' Guide

Mercury's Amped-Up 250 Verado

The BoatTEST Outboard Engine Buyer’s Guide has 12 models rated at 250 hp from six manufacturers. Each has its own pluses and minuses, but if an engine that pumps out more than 100 amps is a priority, then the Mercury 250 Verado stands alone. To see who ranks second, click here...

 

Cruising Destinations

The Wonders of Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

The beauty and inspiration of this national treasure must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Many families love camping, especially in one of our country’s many national parks. These facilities exist in an estimated 100 countries around the world, including our island neighbors to the east, The Bahamas. More...

 

Boat Crash Videos

Launch Ramp Follies

This week we have another episode from the Broncos Guru, compiling a week’s worth of boating mishaps that are as instructive as they are funny. At least most boaters can laugh at their neighbors, if not themselves. More...

 

5 Premium Boats Ready for Adventure

Most new boats are sold out and for some brands, that means until 2023. But the Sovereign Boat Club can provide a premium boat for you this season while you wait. Don’t miss a day of boating because at SBC you don’t have to wait. Locations: St. Petersburg, Bradenton and Riviera Beach, Fla. Learn more at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

 

Photo Of The Day

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"Boating on Table Rock Lake in Missouri on one of the last days of the season."

Share your boating photos with us! 

 

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