Is GPS Doomed? | New Suzuki Outboards | Outer Reef 700 - 07/10/20
BoatTEST Newsletter July 10, 2020
Weekly Video Update
Is GPS Doomed?
In this week’s episode of BoatTEST Reports, Capt. Steve tells us about a chilling development in the world of satellite communication, where the FCC may be playing fast and loose with frequencies near those used by GPS. Certainly, the Pentagon thinks so. Also, Capt. Steve interviews Jeff Harris, COO of Iconic Marine Group, and gives us a peek at its future. And, as always there is much more including seamanship tips, and a look at the Fountaine-Pajot 40 cat powerboat. See it Now...
Episode #13 All BT REPORTS Episodes
Test Video
Outer Reef 700:
Well-Equipped Long-Range Cruiser
Outer Reef builds long-range cruising yachts designed to run primarily at displacement speeds and the 700 is the manufacturer’s most popular model. We’re told that the builder has more than 100 semi-displacement builds to its credit and it builds boats to client specifications, so much as is possible given the constraints of the molds and structural bulkheads. Our test model, Julianne, was commissioned by a repeat Outer Reef customer and is considered the most detailed and thoroughly equipped 700 to date. More...
Captain's Report
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3:
Pontoon Boat Ready for Serious Fishing
The Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3 combines fishing, cruising and performance in a complete package.
Many fishing pontoons share a similar layout with lounging and cruising amenities in the bow and the fishing chairs and maybe a livewell relegated to the stern. One benefit of a boat that measures 26’2” (7.98 m) long is that Sun Tracker’s designers could add more fishing features in the bow of the Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3. She has two fighting chairs fore and aft plus a new 16-gallon (60.57-L) livewell in the port bow. There’s also tackle storage forward to starboard plus a bait bucket in the stern. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Aviara AV32:
Aft Swim Deck, Built for a Party
From the purposeful bow to the rakish T-top (standard) to the wide swim platform, the Aviara AV32 will never be mistaken for another dayboat. The swim platform extends aft 3’10” (1.17 m), and it’s full beam. There’s also an electrically actuated swim step that comes out from beneath the platform, allowing the area to serve as a private beach, and has about 1,000-lb. (453.59 kg) capacity. The grab rail across the trailing edge of the platform is handy for swimmers to hang on to. She also has L-shaped seating fully forward that adds to her entertainment qualities. More...
Is a Boat Too Much for Your Budget?
70% of the Mercedes, BMW and Lexus automobiles on the road are leased, and for good reason – they are expensive and depreciate rapidly. Likewise, boat leasing makes more sense for many people than buying new – less cash down, lower monthly payments, no depreciation, no warranty concerns, and someone else takes care of the maintenance. A 25-day per year lease for our Pursuit DC266 in St. Petersburg, FL has a down payment of $9,585 with $585 monthly payments. (Fewer lease days are available.) Lease terms run from 1 to 4 years. Let us explain why boat leasing is the wave of the future, contact Mary Mohr at (813) 294-3066 | Mary@BoattestLEASING.com or visit our website.
BoattestLEASING Website Pursuit DC266 in St. Pete
Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly:
Flybridge w/Entertaining Amenities
This version of the 54 Cantius has a flybridge that is fully equipped with a wet bar, grill and refrigeration for full-service entertaining. The view from the upper helm is nearly unobstructed and the aft lounge wraps around a folding wood grain table. The aft seating is a U-shaped settee with bolster-like plush backrests extending all the way around. More...
Test Video
Boston Whaler 280 Outrage:
Fishing Boat for Exploring, Too
The latest model of the 280 Outrage was newly designed from the keel up, with a redesigned hull that includes a flat running pad that provides quicker times to plane less bow rise upon acceleration, and higher WOT speed. With the addition of a new chaise lounge seat forward of the console and opposing seating forward, it makes for an ideal gathering area for entertaining. With a pair of 300-hp Mercury Verado engines, she can reach a top speed of 49.6 knots. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
New Products
Suzuki Introduces New
115- and 140-hp Outboards
The DF115BG has drive-by-wire technology and other improvements.
Suzuki Marine has unveiled two new outboards, the DF115BG and the DF140BG. They are four-cylinder engines and the manufacturer says they use drive-by-wire technology. This simplifies rigging for the boatbuilder and makes the outboards more attractive candidates for re-power applications. More...
Picture of the Week
On the look out in Bradenton Beach, Florida.
We want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
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...
Watch the trailer...
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