When we tested the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS, we had one of those memorable days that served up real-world conditions in the form of 4’ to 6’ (1.21m to 1.82 m) seas. On one hand, the seas kept us from getting the optimum numbers for speed and efficiency. On the other, we got to experience the boat in a less-than-ideal environment, which is what most people would rather see anyway. Let’s just say Capt. Steve came away impressed. Click to find out what he liked the most.

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Windy’s SR44 SX is a Euro-styled yacht designed to serve many roles from superyacht tender, regatta chase boat, family cruiser or weekender. She’s available in three models and all ride on the company’s monohedron hull that has a sharp keel, entry and chines. She’s available with sterndrive, outboard or IPS power and our test model had Mercury’s new 600-hp V12 Verados. After our experience at the helm, it would be tough to convince us that these aren’t the best propulsion system for the application thanks to their torque, twin contra-rotating props and two-speed transmissions. More...  

Crossovers had already been invented, but it took the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover to show what the new type of vessel could really be. The “All Sport” part of the Formula 430 ASC is covered in the boat’s cockpit where the manufacturer places “Action Stations,” including a bait-prep area with a 52-gallon (197-liter) livewell, that can be turned into dive-tank storage with drop-in frames. A stainless-steel rail across the stern has an upholstered padded bolster and six rod holders. The extended swim platform can also be customized with paddleboard racks. A tow pylon makes her ready for wakeboarding.  The “crossover” part is covered with comfortable gathering areas under the hardtop and in the large accommodations below. More...  

The numbers by each data point in the chart above are the amount of inches the test boat advanced with each revolution of the respective props. For example, at 3500 RPM, the Sharrow prop (in blue) advances 14.15” (35.9 cm) per revolution compared to 8.61” (21.86 cm) for the conventional prop. The Sharrow prop is more efficient and has a greater range at cruising speeds. See this informative video that puts Sharrow’s new technology in its historical perspective and explains the importance of prop slip. More...  

For those ready for something special with European elan but made in America, the Aviara AV36 should be investigated. She was conceived by the design team at parent MasterCraft, who are no strangers to lux –– but the Aviara is not for kids. The AV36 is a gentleman’s day boat designed to pamper the most discerning of yachtsmen and women. She’s definitely not for everyone. Check out her price, which may be a surprise. More...  

We all know that if humanity is to save the planet for our grandchildren, we must stop burning fossil fuels. Electric-powered cars will be ubiquitous eight years from now. As that happens, regulations on boat engines are sure to follow. It has already started in Amsterdam – and guess what? It has created a whole new industry there with lots of new jobs.

Sooner or later, you will have to learn a whole new lexicon of terms, such as Newton meters, joules, coulombs, and calories, so we all might as well start now. Thanks to Jeff Butler, editor of Plugboats.com, we will be running a 10-part course covering the basics of electric propulsion in boats. So as not to overload our members with homework, we will present you with just one installment a day. Pay attention, please, because there will be a quiz at the end. More...  

Gyroscopic stabilizers come in two power modes, AC or DC. While they were in the past strictly something to be installed on a larger cruiser, thanks to companies like Tohmei, Seakeeper and Quick, there are now DC (Directo Current) gyros compact and light enough to be suitable for trailerable boats. In this article, we focus on models that are suited to smaller boats where space and weight can be an issue. More...  

Following this week's news on the 8.5% inflation rate and the fact that many major financial institutions are now predicting a recession, it is natural for buyers to ponder the best time to purchase a boat. Should it be now before boat prices go even higher or is it better to wait for softness in the market and get a better deal? BoatTEST answers these questions and makes a long-term forecast about boat pricing.

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Most bar crossing advice pontificates on the right and wrong ways of completing the task, what to look for, what to do and where to go. But none of that prepares a captain for the real thing — out there among the waves and soup — on a “big” day. More...  

Boat manufacturers vary in the way they present their models’ lengths. It often has more to do with marketing than accuracy. We looked at 12 different but similarly “sized” fiberglass cabin boats to find out just how much they vary. More...  

This 27-footer (8.2 m) is a great starter boat in the SBC fleet – which has now grown to 10 boats. Membership includes a free basic boating course and hands-on training by a licensed captain. She’s a good family boat and kids will love tubing, swimming and beaching watersports. She comfortably seats 10 adults and is fully equipped with chartplotter, electric toilet, joystick, anchor windlass and sun awnings. Now is the time to reserve your membership for a free month. Contact Greg Sweeney for a free trial: 727-200-3474 or by email here...