No boat should go offshore without a damage control kit. BoatTEST recommends that you make one up yourself with carefully selected items and have it all in a single container easy at hand. Or, you can order a SeaKits damage control kit that has virtually everything you might need to quickly tackle a breach and stem the flow of water. This kit has been vetted by boating experts and is available at respected safety and seamanship outlets such as Landfall Navigation or from the company. See Capt. Steve's video...
With a tested weight under 5,000 lbs. (2,267.96kg), the Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless is easily trailerable with a mid-size SUV, yet she’s rated to carry up to 8 aboard. With a single 250-hp Mercury XL V8 four-stroke outboard she hit a top speed of 47.0 mph, while best cruise was at 25.7 mph and 3500 rpm, where she got 3.8 mpg for a range of 270 statute miles. More...
Hatteras, now part of the Bass Pro Shops empire, packs many big-boat features into a relatively compact offshore fishing package in the GT45X Open. She has mezzanine seating overlooking the broad cockpit, Palm Beach style helm and an optional tower for fishing. She’s easier on fuel than a big sportfish design and requires minimal crew. See her here...
The Spanish builder of the Astondoa 66 Flybridge places the salon and aft deck on the same level, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor gathering areas. For flexibility, galley location is optional — either on the main deck or the accommodations level. Additionally, there’s a full galley on the flying bridge, so this is a motoryacht for the owner who likes to entertain. More...
When you’re looking at a boat and trying to figure out if it will meet your angling expectations, a close inspection of the livewell or livewells is certainly in order. Many anglers enjoy fishing with live bait, but some livewells barely function better than a bucket of water. How will you know if the one you’re looking at is top-notch, or barely worthy of debate? More...
A yacht sinking is never a laughing matter. This week’s edition of the Broncos Guru shows a yacht sinking off Brazil. One takeaway is that more often than not, nearby boaters will pitch in to help when they can. No one panicked and the crews of the two boats worked together to make sure everyone got off the sinking vessel before she went down. But, if you were aboard, could you have saved her? See it here...
There comes a time in every boater’s life when he/she are ready to move up to a luxurious large boat. That is what the Sovereign Boat Club is all about. It is a step up from small boats and clubs swarming with newbie members. A good example is the Regal 33 SAV located in St. Pete/Tierra Verde, FL. She has what it takes to fulfill most peoples’ boating dreams. From day-boating to entertaining guests, and even fishing and diving, this crossover boat checks a lot of boxes, to overnighting up and down the coast, she’s ready. Eight members only. Snowbird seasonal memberships are available. See BoatTEST's video on this boat...then find out about membership here...
Photo Of The Day
A snow-covered anchorage and cozy fire in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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