Diesel Repowering | Fleming 58 | Galeon 560 Sky - 12/18/20

BoatTEST Newsletter December 18, 2020 

Test Video

Alumacraft Bay Coastal 20:

Everyman’s Coastal Skiff

One thing we like about the sport of boating is that there is a new boat that nearly everyone can afford. We say buy the largest boat you can afford, and if that is a 20’ (6.1 m) aluminum skiff, more power to you! The affordable Alumacraft Bay Coastal 20 is just such a boat. At the 20’s helm, there’s a two-person bench that makes it more comfortable to sit during a run between fishing spots. Outboard on each side are two jump seats with fold-down backrests. When it’s time to fish, remove two pins that hold the driver’s seat in place and it folds forward to open up the aft casting deck that’s covered in SeaDek mat and measures 86” (218.44 cm) wide by 35” (88.9 cm) fore to aft.

More...

Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request

 

Boating: The Next 2 Years

We wind up this year’s Weekly BoatTEST Reports videos with an interview with Brunswick’s CEO predicting the next couple of years of boating activity. Then, we'll take a look at the affordable Alumacraft Competitor FSX 185, see the first video of Cruisers Yachts’ 42 GLS Crossover, check out Chaparral’s 23 Surf in action, and get a look at Everglades’s only dual console – the 340DC – and Absolute’s new 50 Fly. As always, there is news and a quiz for serious captains. See it Now...

 

Repowering

Out with the Old (DDA 12v71TI),

In with the New (Volvo Penta D16 MH)

Upper left, a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke 12V71 that has seen better days and right, a new 850-hp Volvo Penta D16.

Volvo Penta recently introduced a new version of its in-line 6-cylinder, 16.1 liter D16 diesel engine. The D16 was first introduced in 2004, and the latest version has been updated with twin turbochargers with wastegates to increase output from 600 metric horsepower to 850 for continuous duty and heavy-duty applications. The engine could be a great candidate for repowering convertibles and motoryachts that were powered by old Detroit Diesel inboards that have been around since before World War II. Find out how you can be the proud owner of a large quality-built vessel with a new, reliable emissions-compliant diesel that doesn’t drip oil. More...

 

Test Video

Fleming Yachts 58:

Benefits of Twin Engines

Fleming Yachts models including the 58 defy conventional trawler logic because they have two main engines instead of a single, which some people think is more fuel efficient. But our tests show this is not so in this case. At a displacement speed of 8.7 knots, our test engines were just as efficient, or more so, than a single diesel or even two small engines in a similar displacement boat. Powered by twin MAN 800s in our test turning 1000 rpm, she went that speed with a theoretical range of 1,793 nm with a 10% fuel reserve.

More...

 

Test Video

Galeon 560 Sky:

A “Skydeck” for a Sleek Look

One downside to some flying bridge yachts is the top hamper that keeps them from getting under some bridges in Europe, and their rather bulky appearance to the eye of Europeans accustomed to the shapes like a Lamborghini. With its 560 Sky, Galeon Yachts has created a sleek-looking motoryacht that can be a coupe-style express when the weather demands. Then, when the sun is out, with the push of a button, a sliding carbon-fiber cover opens to expose what the manufacturer calls a “Skydeck,” with wraparound seating, a wetbar and full helm station plus seating for guests.

More...

 

New Launch Video

New Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover

Formula Boats introduced its new flagship, the 500 Super Sport Crossover (SSC). She’s powered by five Mercury outboards up to 2,250 hp total and the first one will hit the water in February 2021. She has many of the features that have made the SSC series so popular including having all seven gathering areas on the same level from bow to stern and overnighting capabilities with a full cabin belowdecks.

More...

 

Product Review

IMTRA Side-Power Stabilizers

IMTRA tells us its Side-Power curved Vector Fin stabilizers work with a boat’s deadrise to direct the stabilizing force more vertically than a straight fin. This makes them up to 50% more effective at reducing a boat’s tendency to roll, the company says. The Vector Fins curve approximately 36 to 53 degrees upward and are available in six sizes.

More...

 

Test Video

Axopar 37 Sun-Top:

Lighter, Narrower, Faster

Because the Axopar 37 Sun-Top is lighter and narrower than a center-console of a similar length, she enjoys performance advantages with the same power, in the case of our test boat, twin 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards. A premium center console would be 6’ to nearly 2’ wider. than the 37 Sun-Top’s 10’10” (3.3 m). A typical center console also displaces 3,000 to 4,000 lbs. (1,363 to 1,818 kg) more. 13,400 lbs. (6,079 kg) while the 37 Sun-Top weighs 7,910 lbs. (3,588 kg), a 41% difference. Our test boat hit a top speed of 57.1 mph while best cruise was recorded at 3500 rpm and 28.9 mph, where she burned 1.6 mpg and had a range of 280 miles.

More...

 

Photo of the Day

Fido wants to join in on the fun.

We – and our 160,000 newsletter readers – want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.

Email Us

 

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...

 

Limited Memberships Available to Sovereign Boat Club,

Our New, Premium Boat Club!

Get access to premium boats. We've launched in the West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida areas.

Get Access

Premium boat owners and boat dealers: join and earn.

 

BoatTEST.com, LLC

203-323-9900

[email protected]

All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material that 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.