Fairline Targa 65 GT | Aquila 44 | Formula 310 Bowrider - 08/11/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 11, 2020
Features Video
Aquila 44:
Important Improvements in Cat Hull Design
The Aquila 44’s bows have more buoyancy forward for a better ride and fuel efficiency.
When Aquila was launched by MarineMax, the designers of the 44 power cat wanted to use bulbous bows for increased fuel efficiency, speed and fore-and-aft stability. But, instead of the traditional bulbous shape, the bows were re-shaped with more of a V design. Also added were soft chines and spray rails. Of course, our test day was flat calm, but when we crossed our photo boat’s wakes, the 44 cut through them cleanly. More...
Features Video
Fairline Targa 65 GT:
Sleek Express Sleeps 10
The Targa 65 GT’s master stateroom has an open, airy feel.
It’s not often that we see a 65’4” (19.91 m) express yacht that can sleep 10, but the Fairline Targa 65 GT can be configured with an optional four-cabin layout belowdecks, plus crew quarters with twin berths. Most American owners won’t want a captain for this vessel when cruising, so she can bed-down even a large extended family. Grandkids will love the crew quarters. In this layout, the master has an en suite head and the remaining three cabins share the two forward heads. If the three-cabin layout is chosen, each stateroom has its own head, plus there’s a day head as well. More...
Improving Access
US Sailing Aims for Diversity
The leadership forum will feature some of the best-known minority sailors from around the nation.
When Ayme Sinclair sails competitively, she knows there aren’t a lot of people on the water who look like her. Sinclair discovered sailing four years ago, and she now is looking to expand the sport’s traditional “blue blazer” reach.
“I had a moment where I was just really unhappy, and the idea that I was able to come out every Wednesday night and sail with my teammates was like my one place of happiness,” Sinclair says in a YouTube video discussing her project, Sweet Caroline, which is designed to draw more women and people of color to sailing. More...
Test Video
Formula 310 Bowrider:
Formula Flex, Plus an Outboard Bracket
Even with the outboards, the swim platform on the 310 Bowrider has usable space.
On the outboard version of its 310 Bowrider, Formula opted to install the twin engines on an Armstrong bracket instead of bolting them directly to the swim platform. This was smart for a couple of reasons. First, it leaves the platform basically intact with the same space as the stern drive model. It’s easy to pass between the transom and the engines. Second, it effectively lengthens the boat’s running surface because the outboards are mounted farther aft. This gives them greater trim leverage and should improve all-around performance. As part of Formula Flex, the motors are painted to match the hullsides. More...
Test Video
Triton 20 TrX:
72 MPH WOT w/10” Jackplate
The Triton 20 TrX is a tournament-level bass boat that, when it leaves the dealership, is ready to head straight to the ramp to catch fish. She comes standard with a custom tandem-axle trailer and is equipped with Lowrance HDS fishfinders at the bow and helm, a Power Pole Blade Series shallow anchor and a Minn Kota Fortrex 45” trolling motor with 112 lbs. of thrust. Powered by a 250-hp Mercury Pro XS four-stroke outboard mounted on a 10” jack plate, the 20 TrX hit a top speed of 73 mph and planed in 3.4 seconds in our tests. More...
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Review Video
Shurhold Ultimate One Bucket System:
The Ultimate Cleaning Assistant
The kit has everything a boater needs to keep his pride and joy clean.
It’s easy to tell when someone who has actually cleaned a boat puts together a kit to facilitate the chore. The Shurhold Ultimate One Bucket System not only has all the products needed for the job, it also has some smart accessories. First, the Bucket Base ensures that it won’t tip over. Next, the Bucket Caddy holds all the cleaning products. Third, and perhaps best, the Bucket Grate, elevates the sponge and brush above the grit and stones that fall through. Now, the sponge can’t pick up a stone and scratch up a boat’s finish. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #17
If you missed the new BoatTEST Reports last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #17 included an interview with Stuart Halley, General Manager of Mercury Racing, new launches and product demonstrations, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
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