Draco D27 | Absolute 62 Fly | Riviera 505 SUV - 07/20/20
BoatTEST Newsletter July 20, 2020
New Captain's Report
Draco D27:
Scandinavian Runabout w/Retro Echoes
The Draco D27 is a retro-styled runabout bowrider with convertible aft seating in the cockpit and one of the largest bow seating areas in class. She’s powered by a single outboard up to 400 hp and her plumb bow and sharp entry mean the D27 should be able to cut through chop handily. She has a decidedly Scandinavian look and feel. This brand is new to the American market and should appeal to people who spend their summers on lakes and coastal locations who want a boat that is not the same-old, same old, with enduring styling and is something different. More...
Test Video
Absolute 62 Fly:
Motoryacht w/ 3 En Suites
With the 62 Fly, Absolute designed a yacht to attract experienced boat owners who want to move up in size and quality. She has three staterooms with en suite heads (something unusual) including a full-beam master with a berth on the centerline. On all decks, large windows are intended to flood the galley, dinette, salon and cabins with natural light. The openness is enhanced by ample headroom throughout the motoryacht. The hull was designed for Volvo Penta’s IPS 950 pods, according to the builder. More...
Test Video
Chaparral 347 SSX:
A Luxury Crossover Bowrider
The Chaparral 347 SSX should appeal to owners moving both up and down in their boating careers. For folks who want to downsize from a larger cruiser, but who still cling to the idea of an occasional overnight on the boat, her cabin which can sleep a couple, might fill the bill. For those stepping up to a larger bowrider, she’s a twin-engine day boat with the size and freeboard to handle big lakes and go coastal, with an introduction to overnighting. More...
Test Video
Riviera 505 SUV:
Versatile Express Sleeps 6
Looking at the Riviera 505 SUV’s sporty-looking profile, one might be surprised to learn that belowdecks she is very much a motoryacht with a layout that includes a full-beam master stateroom with a walk-in closet and private head, plus a VIP cabin with similar accommodations in the bow. There’s room for two more in a guest cabin. On the main deck, a mezzanine provides a sheltered outdoor area for relaxing under the protection of the extended hardtop. She is called an SUV – sport utility vehicle – because she can handle almost any owner requirement. More...
Test Video
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX:
Real Value in a Pontoon Boat
At a nationally advertised price of $17,395 with a trailer and a 40-hp Mercury outboard, Sun Tracker’s Bass Buggy 18 DLX is one of the few boats that still falls under the $1,000 per foot yardstick that people used to judge a boat’s value. She actually measures 20’ (6.1 m) and her standard equipment list includes a new-for-2020 9’ (2.74 m) color-keyed Bimini top with the Quicklift deployment system, two livewells, bow and stern fishing positions and more. More...
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BoattestLEASING
New Axopar 28 Cabin Ready
for Florida Beaches
BoattestLEASING’s 2020 Axopar 28 Cabin, Brabus Edition, is available for lease or charter in Ft. Myers, FL at the Gulf Star Marina. This 2020, state-of-the-art vessel seats five people in her air-conditioned cabin, which has a table for lunch and can be converted into a double bed. She has a wet bar aft and seating for 4 both fore and aft. Her electric flush head is accessed from the bow. BoatTEST has tested the boat offshore in rough conditions and finds her handling exceptional. Lease terms are from 1 to 4 years. Bare-boat charters are by the year and can be on non-consecutive days, with a minimum of ten. BoatTEST members are urged to contact our Leasing/Charter sales office before the boat is advertised to the general public. Call Mary Mohr at (813) 294-3066 | Mary@BoattestLEASING.com.
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Boating Safety
Electric Shock Blamed for Arizona Drownings
Officials who investigated the boat and marina where two brothers died at Lake Pleasant in Arizona on the weekend of July 12 determined that the boat had an electrical system that wasn’t compatible with the marina’s. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #14
If you missed the new BoatTEST Reports last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #14 included an interview Oyster Harbors Marine, seamanship and safety advice, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
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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...
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