Chris-Craft 28 | Scout 305 LXF | Princess 62 + 5 More Must-See Boats - 10/28/21

Capt. Steve and the BoatTEST team are at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

The Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show is happening now and it has more than 700 boats new and used on display. BoatTEST’s crew will be taking the measure of many of these vessels, both large and small, in the next five days. You can help us by letting us know which boats you'd like to have us test and inspect as only we can.

Below are several boats that we will be visiting during the show. Please take a look at the ones that interest you and if you would like us to test that boat, please let us know. If you do not see here the boat you have your eye on then let us know the brand and model. We'll try to test these boats as soon as possible.

See You on the Water,

Capt. Steve Larivee

Ferretti's 850 Motoryacht

Has Lines That Will Last

When it comes to exterior lines, Ferretti has always taken a more restrained approach compared to some other Euro builders. The company has matched that measured approach with the video it made to show the different aspects of the boat — and it’s a welcome departure from the razzle-dazzle, quick cut after quick cut boat videos that actually show little of what serious buyers of multi-million-dollar yachts want to see. So, we recommend Ferretti’s video on the 850...

Tiara 34 LX

OB Dual-Console Dayboat

There are several videos and lots of good information on Tiara’s website about the company’s 34 LX. But what caught our eye were tests conducted by the folks at Tiara of the boat powered by twin 300-hp and twin 400-hp Mercury outboards. Our experience is that Tiara takes pains to be conservative with its test numbers. For example, both tests were conducted with 100% fuel and water, something few builders do. Our advice to anyone considering this boat is to spend some time studying these charts with an eye to matching one’s use to the appropriate horsepower engines. More...

Scout 305 LXF

Yahama 2x 300s vs Mercury 2x 300s

As the engine companies make exclusive arrangements with more and more builders, there are precious few that will rig boats for more than one brand. Scout has posted on its website the results of its tests with twin Yamaha 300-hp outboards, twin Mercury 300s and twin Mercury 400s. The interesting thing was that the two engine brands' 300s were pretty similar across the RPM range in terms of performance, except speed at best cruise. Check it out...

Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT

Seeking Perfection

If we had to give an award for marine upholstery work, we’d have to give it to Chris-Craft. And if we have to give an award for fiberglass finish work in a production boat, again, it would have to go to Chris-Craft, which is now a division of Winnebago. In order to get the compound curves, tumblehome and other exquisite glasswork Chris-Craft produces molds are made to go in molds. Typically, Chris-Craft boats are made of more different molds than any boat in class. It's one of the biggest reasons the boats are expensive, but for many with a keen nautical eye, the price is worth it. See her now...

Smoker Craft

3-Boat Affordable Aluminum Phantom Series

Smoker Craft has dozens of affordable aluminum boats from 16’ (4.87 m) to more than 20’ (6 m) designed for anglers of multiple species in North America. Above is one of three Phantom Series aluminum fishing boats that range from 18’ to 20’ (5.48 m to 6 m) with the deadrise at the transom going from 16 to 20-degrees powered by outboards from 150 to 250 hp. Check out Smoker Craft’s Video and see the specifications for all three boats.

Hinckley Sport Boat 40c

Is Full of Surprises

When the name Hinckley comes up most people we know think of its Downeast Picnic Boats, but there is much more to Hinckley’s line. Each year, the company builds 20 to 30 boats and seems to have little interest in producing more. The Sport Boat 40c seen above is a good example of Hinckley’s breadth. The 40c can be powered with inboard or outboard engines. The model seen here has options from triple 300 Mercs to twin 600 Mercs. Learn more on the builder’s website.

Princess Yachts F62

A Solid Motoryacht for Cruising/Entertaining

Princess Yachts has a reputation for putting the emphasis on quality, functionality and seaworthiness, rather than on flashy exteriors and bling. The F62 is a standout. With her flybridge dining area and salon surrounded by large glass windows and accommodations for six in three en suite staterooms (with crew quarters aft), she is a capable coastal and near-island cruiser. Visit the builder’s website for more.

Test Video

Boston Whaler 280 Vantage

Sovereign Boat Club Approved

When Boston Whaler decided to replace the 270 Vantage with the new 280, the company started with a fresh sheet of paper and customer input. The new model is more than 2’ (.61 m) longer, 6” (15.24 cm) wider and more than 1,700 lbs. (771.11 kg) heavier. Whaler’s engineers and designers fixed the shortcomings of the 270. The new 280 Vantage checks a lot of boxes for us. First, regular readers know we like dual consoles because they are family-friendly with comfortable seating behind the protection of the windshield. Second, they make excellent cruising boats and while hard-core fishermen think they are a compromise, with an able mate at the helm they work just fine. Third, their cockpit can be buttoned up for three-season use and to get out of the rain. To find out more about this boat click here...

Correction

Azimut Verve 42 Redux

WOT Speed 51.7 MPH

A member of Michael Peters design staff dropped us a note yesterday to point out that we had made a mistake in reporting the top speed of the Azimut Verve 42 powered by triple Mercury Racing 450s. The speed published on Azimut’s website is 45 knots or 51.7 mph.  We apologize to Azimut. For those that missed our item yesterday, now’s your chance to visit Azimut’s website and learn all about this new vessel.

Outboard Engine Buyers' Guide

Mercury 450R

Mercury 450R vs. Yamaha 425 XTO

When Mercury Racing introduced its 4.6-liter supercharged 450R, the Fond du Lac company was taking dead aim at Yamaha’s 5.6-liter 425-hp outboard that had dominated the lucrative large center console market for years in twin, triple and quad installations. Each engine has its pros and cons. To find out what they are, consult with our Outboard Engine Buyers' Guide. More...

Electronic Accessories

2021 NMEA Awards

Marine Camera: Teledyne/FLIR M364C

Featuring a high-definition, low-light camera and one of the most advanced FLIR thermal imaging cores, the Teledyne/FLIR M364C provides a high level of awareness on the water, particularly at night. The camera uses multispectral imaging to deliver FLIR Color Thermal Vision (CTV) technology. It convinced the judges in the Marine Camera category of the National Marine Electronics Association’s (NMEA) 2021 Awards program when they named the M364C the winner. More...

Nautical History Part I

Presidents on Yachts

From Secret Surgeries to Watergate

FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt entertain King George VI and the Queen aboard the Presidential Yacht.

There is a storied history of Presidents on Yachts — including some secrets hidden from the general public. Perhaps the most inflammatory was a hush-hush meeting President Lincoln had with envoys from the Confederacy aboard a steam, side paddleboat named the River Queen in 1865. When his cabinet later learned Honest Abe hadn’t told them he planned to meet with representatives of the enemy, it caused a scandal because his political enemies said he was trying to negotiate a peace deal instead of unconditional surrender. More...

Endless Summers in Florida

In Florida, summer lasts all year. Kids love boating and the water. Have fun making memories and take advantage of endless summers in Florida with an affordable membership in any of our available boats. Choose from either an Everglades 235CC, Robalo R317, Regal 33 SAV, Pursuit DC 266 in the Tampa/St Pete area or an Edgewater 370CC in Riviera Beach on the East Coast. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

Photo Of The Day

"Getting ready for a father/son boat ride." 

Share your boating photos with us!