Fleming 78 | Leopard 53 PC | Superior Life Raft - 09/05/21

For mariners planning trans-oceanic adventures, the big question is how far will she go on a single load of fuel? To answer that important question we tested this vessel not once but twice to make sure our data took into account different conditions. Our test vessel was equipped with standard twin 1,550-hp MAN-V12 engines. Fleming offers options of twin 1,000-hp MAN-V8s or twin 800-hp MAN inline 6 engines. So, the first question an owner must answer is whether to have relatively small twin engines working hard or two large ones loping along. Find some answers here...  

Presenting a new twist on the concept of exploration yachts, Ocean Alexander offers the 27E as part of its new Explorer Series. With luxurious accommodations and the kind of engineering designed to withstand long voyages coupled with cruising ranges more than 2,000 nautical miles, everything is geared toward ensuring comfort and safety. More...  

The ‘R’ in GP1800R SVHO stands for “racing.” It’s powered by a supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke high-output Yamaha engine that delivers exhilarating performance. Add factory-installed, integrated stereo speakers for a clean, sleek look. More...  

Space, stability and efficiency are standard aboard the South African-built Leopard 53 PC. She is available in a three or four stateroom configuration and is powered by a pair of 370-hp Yanmar 8LV diesels that offer exciting cruising possibilities. More...  

In the U.S., there are no government or American Boat & Yacht Council requirements for life rafts aboard recreational boats destined for offshore passages. The result is predictably many boats that should have them, don’t. Interestingly, the rules in Europe are varied. In the UK, they are required for boats longer than 45’ (13.7 m); in France, boats going more than 6 nm offshore must have them; in Italy, boats going more than 12 nm offshore must have them and Spain requires SOLAS-approved life rafts for boats going more than 25 nm offshore. Virtually all boats more than 35’ (10.66 m) or so built in Europe have a special provision for their storage, whereas boats built in the U.S., not so much. Our guess is that most of the powerboats going to the Bahamas (over 53 nm from Florida), don’t carry them.  

Defender Industries carries a wide range of life rafts made by Superior Life-Saving Equipment, a family-owned business in North Carolina. The Superior Offshore Stream raft shown above is quite inexpensive and suitable for coastal and near island work. There is really no excuse for a boat owner who regularly goes offshore not having one. It is an important item of equipment, just like fire extinguishers and PFDs – only it signals you are planning on doing more with your boat than just bar-hopping. More...