Chaparral 277 SSX | Jupiter Marine 43 SF | Prestige 520 - 08/30/19
BoatTEST Newsletter August 30, 2019
Test Video
Chaparral 277 SSX:
Bolder Redesign of a Large Bowrider
The Chaparral 277 SSX is an update and restyle of the company’s 27’ (8.22 m) bowrider, with a sleeker line, redesigned tower and bolder graphics. The transom lounge/seat is one of the best in class in our test captain’s judgment, easily converting from fore and aft upright seating to a chaise facing aft or a flat sun pad large that's enough for several to soak up the rays. The lounge and seating throughout have a premium feel thanks to tri-tone covering, embroidered logos, diamond stitching and multi-density foam padding. Twin bucket seats at the consoles swivel to face the cockpit at cocktail time. In virtually every way, she is a premium bowrider, without the high price tag. More...
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Editor's Report
Jupiter Marine 43 SF:
Jumbo Center Console w/Weekender Comforts
The Jupiter Marine 43 SF is designated as a center console sportfishing boat, but she has a whole lot of creature comforts that would make her a great weekender as well. The cabin has sleeping accommodations for two, a 10,000 BTU air-conditioner and 9 kW diesel generator, 24" (61 cm) LED TV with an AM/FM/CD/DVD stereo, an electric porcelain head, a shower, microwave and sink. There’s no skimping on fishing features, of course. The transom has a 90-gallon (341 L) livewell, one of the largest we’ve ever seen in a boat of this (or any) size. We haven't had the chance to test her yet, but she should be fast with the quad Yamaha 350 outboards -- stay tuned...
Test Video
Prestige 520:
A Well-Designed, Defogging Helm
The Prestige 520 has good utility, and we think it is also a good value. Note the two large automotive-style AC/heat vents built right into the panel, allowing the captain to control the air flow. Two large defogging vents are just forward to keep the windshield clear. A sliding door just abaft the double-wide helm seat gives the captain relatively quick access to the side decks for short-handed tie-ups. It also allows guests an exit to the side deck without crossing in front of the command station. Available joystick controls linked to the IPS drives at the main deck, flybridge helm and from the starboard side of the cockpit make docking a non-issue. More...
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Captain's Report
SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 20 DLX:
Competitively-Priced, Seats for 10
SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 20 DLX
Compact enough to tow but still spacious enough for a crew of 10, the competitively-priced SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 20 DLX is a good choice for large families needing lots of space but not large boat payments. She has seats for 10 while priced at $19,795 with a 40-hp Mercury FourStroke engine. This year’s model has new woven vinyl floor coverings that stay cool and are easy to clean. The Quick-Lift system on the 7' (2.1 m) Bimini makes raising and lowering the shade a one-person operation. More...
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Features Video
Hatteras GT 70:
Bluewater Convertible for All Seas
The Hatteras GT 70 is the right size convertible for a serious angler who wants to range far out into the Gulf Stream, across the Caribbean and in South American waters with excellent fishability and comfort that would be very hard to beat in any boat. The elevated mezzanine seating includes overhead AC vents to keep the team cool while trolling and an extra GPS/sonar so they can keep tabs on where they are fishing. Belowdecks, she has five staterooms and four heads. The unfinished teak exterior decks and cap rail mark her bluewater sportfishing mission, but everything inside is finished high-gloss teak with world-class joinery work. More...
Factory Video
Schaefer Yachts:
Custom Choices in a Production Yacht
Schaefer Yachts: Custom Choices in a Production Yacht
Schaefer Yachts are relatively light in weight but very solidly built in the factory at Florianopolis, on Brazil’s coast, thanks to foam coring and resin-infusion layup that result in void-free parts with a near perfect ratio of fiberglass to resin throughout. Various densities of foam coring are used in the hull, decks and overheads to maximize strength where needed and minimize weight where possible. Though Schaefer produces production yachts, most accommodations, layouts and features can be changed by special order to suit the customer. All of the upholstery is designed, computer-cut and sewn in house, giving the owners a broad choice of fabrics and seating arrangements. See our factory inspection here...
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