Electric Frauscher Mirage 740 Air | Formula 380 SSC | Tahoe 1950 - 03/19/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 19, 2020
New Editor's Report
Frauscher Mirage 740 Air:
Torqeedo Electric Drive Runabout
The electric-drive Mirage 740 Air is positioned as a stylish — and nearly silent — superyacht tender that can carry six to and from shore and venture out from the mothership to explore. She’s also well-suited to lakes and inland waters where combustion engines aren’t allowed, or where owners of water-side cottages want to make a statement about their love of classic runabout design. She’s intended to operate where she can be plugged in and recharged regularly. Torqeedo’s Deep Blue power system combines a high-rpm 100 kW brushless inboard motor with twin BMW i3 Series, 40 kW batteries. The high-capacity lithium batteries are stacked one above the other in the engine compartment aft. The direct-drive motor has twice the power of previous models and is available for electric-power only, or in a hybrid configuration with a DC generator and an integrated onboard energy management system for longer-range cruising. More...
Boating: Now More Than Ever!
Enter the Family Boating Contest
Enter the Family Boating Content
With most sports events closed down, and as gatherings of groups are forbidden or discouraged, family units are coming together more than they have in decades - and for longer. But soon, the only fever most people will have is cabin fever. Our prediction is that this summer boating will be more popular than ever before, as boaters escape the cocoon and get out on the water. What better place for Mom and Dad to enjoy the kids and families to enjoy the outdoors than in a clean and safe environment, without the worry of infection? Anglers no longer able to visit the local snuggery will be using their boats day and night to catch fish and get out of the house. It won’t take long for non-boat owners to figure out that there are no crowds on the water. Day boating and overnighting will take on a whole new dynamic of freedom in a healthy environment.
Some of the fondest memories most boaters have of their families have been on the water. Please send us your favorite family photo, and we’ll run it in the newsletter and on BoatTEST.com’s website. First, second and third places will all win a coveted BoatTEST hat signed by Capt. Steve. More...
Test Video
Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover:
Multi-Mission Premium Sportboat
Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover
The Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover is a smaller version of the Formula 430 SSC that rocked the boating world a couple of years ago when she was introduced. She offers versatility in opportunities to enjoy the water plus the sleek lines of a performance boat, as well as the famous Formula build quality — and room to sleep four below. The large integrated swim platform has a removable stainless-steel rail that can function to secure multiple paddle boards. The platform also has an optional table to hold snacks and drinks. She’s available in both twin sterndrive and multiple-outboard configurations. We tested her with optional twin 520-hp MerCruiser B3XR JPS sterndrives, which pushed her to a top speed of 51.5 mph. Like all Formula’s, she comes finished in the owner’s choice of flawless paint colors protected with clearcoat. More...
Test Video
TAHOE® 1950:
Versatile Family-Oriented Deckboat
The Tahoe 1950 is designed for family fun, whether it’s swimming and snorkeling, tow sports, fishing or simply hanging out on a favorite lake or river. In deckboat style, she carries much of her 102" (259 cm) beam all the way to the bow, adding seating space forward and increasing the size of the bow swim-deck. A beach ladder provides easy access here. A fishing package is available, with swivel seats that fit on the bow and stern platforms, a bow-mount troller, livewell and sonar. The Powerglide hull design is aimed at quick planing, and it seems to do the job. Powered with a 150-hp Mercury FourStroke turning an 18” (45.72 cm) Enertia prop, she planed in 3.5 seconds, a plus for towing skiers. Her top speed was 49.6 mph. We consider her excellent value for lake and river use for a family on a budget. More...
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Boating Tips
How to Choose the
Right Anchor
The type of bottom is one of many factors that will dictate different choices of anchors.
There are several brands of anchors on the market. Each one is different in style and has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Check out our report on some new anchors and some old favorites to help decide which one to choose. More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
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...
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