Grand Banks 54 | Affordable Antares 9 | PWC Accident Video - 08/10/21

Test Video

Grand Banks 54

A Goldilocks Size for a Couple

A friend of ours who is a veteran yachtsman, both power and sail, both small boat and Feadship, recently ordered a Grand Banks 54.  He and his wife will cruise from Maine to the Bahamas and everywhere in between. That’s something they’ve done over the years in all manner of vessels and each trip is a new adventure. They stop in and visit with old friends along the way. And 54’ (16.45 m) is a size they like. She's easy for a couple to handle, but roomy enough for their kids and grandkids on special occasions. It will probably be a boat they’ll keep for a while – once they get it 14 months from now. More...

Test Video

Beneteau Antares 9

Return of the Cabin Cruiser

Boat designs go in and out of fashion just like bell bottom pants and narrow neckties. Back in the 1950s and early '60s, there were 25’ to 30’ (7.62 m to 9.1 m) wood cabin cruisers powered by “high-horsepower” 60-hp outboard engines. Guess what?  People liked them, had great adventures and nobody complained about the speed. So, to our mind, the 29’6” (8.99 m) Antares 9 is a little like back to the future but with fiberglass and higher horsepower engines. The 1950s were a time when families did activities together, sort of like these days. It’s great to get away, go cruising and be able to pay for it on a union man’s salary. The Antares 9 starts at about $175k with twin 200 Mercs and will end up being under $200k once some options are owned and she’s fitted out. More...

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Axopar 37 Sun Top

Fast and Efficient

In addition to making her stand out from the crowd, the Axopar 37 Sun Top’s unusual design brings some advantages. She measures 36’9” (11.2 m) long with a beam of 10’10” (3.3 m). That’s a foot narrower than most center consoles of the same length, allowing her to have less weight – 10,213 lbs. (4,632 kg) as tested. While most of those wider boats have triple outboards, the 37 Sun Top only needs two. With a pair of 350-hp Mercury Verados, we hit a top speed of 57.1 mph. The camo costs extra. More...

Electric Foil Boat Wins Monaco Challenge

Candela’s C-7 foiling electric boat was the class of the fleet in the sprint race at the Monaco event.

Sweden’s Candela Boats C-7 hydrofoiling electric boat took top honors at the YCM International Speed Record Race in Monaco in July, beating 14 other electric boats in a 253-yard sprint race, averaging 27.055 knots. Second went to Dinsdale Watersport, which ran more than 24 knots. The Dutch entry, Sunflare Solar Team, harnessed the sun’s power to run an average speed of nearly 20 knots and claim third place. More...

Boating Tip

How to Install a USB Port

If a family wants the kids to spend time on the boat, mom and dad better figure out how to install some USB chargers.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a boat owner that couldn’t use a new or additional USB charger outlet, particularly in light of the increased use of smartphones and tablets for navigation. Most boats have a standard 12 VDC outlet (allowing you to insert a USB charge adapter), however, the contacts can be unreliable aboard a bouncing boat, and the protruding adapter is prone to snagging. A dedicated USB socket is a much better alternative. Here’s how to enjoy a few hours on your boat while adding a convenience that everyone can appreciate. More...

Safety Tips

When Common Sense Isn't So Common

A security camera caught an accident about to happen.  A PWC has just circled in front of a planing express cruiser. This is a little like a car racing a train to a RR crossing, with the predictable result. Roll 'em...

Up a Lazy River into Tampa's Past

Not all boating adventures have to be to the beach or offshore. Exploring rivers and bays will give you a new perspective on the place where you live. SBC can put those experiences in your life at an affordable price in a premium boat. Annual memberships in boats ranging from 27’ to 33’ (8.2 m to 10 m) are now available in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

Photo Of The Day

"Jasper's Bay Day – through Kemah Channel and Galveston Bay."

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