Grand Banks 60 | Cruisers 50 Cantius | Sea Ray SDX 250 OB - 08/20/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 20, 2020
Features Video
Grand Banks 60:
Performance Belies Traditional Look
Grand Banks says that when its 60’ (18.29 m) semi-displacement hull bottom was tank-tested in Australia, the result was the best-performing monohull less than 100’ (30.48 m) long that the facility had ever evaluated. Her low center of gravity and the 19’2” beam (5.85 m) add to the stability. Advanced construction is hidden behind her planked appearance and includes infused carbon fiber above the waterline. Below, her hull is resin-infused E-glass with Gurit closed-cell foam core. With twin 900-hp Volvo Pentas, she tops 30 knots, according to the builder. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SDX 250 OB:
Seating for 14 w/Ease of Movement
The darker brown areas show the intended flow pattern from stern to bow.
When Sea Ray designed the SDX 250 OB, the company married a flared topside that extends the boat’s beam farther forward, with higher freeboard than we see on the lower-priced deckboats. There are many things that set apart the SDX 250 OB, but 3 major things are worthy of note: 1) The passageway forward is to port, not down the centerline. 2) This arrangement permits a larger head compartment below with cushions that are large enough for a child to take a nap. 3) The bow seating is fore and aft, permitting 4 adults to comfortably sit facing each other with a table between. See our video and read our detailed report about other features. More...
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Video
Princeton Tec Flashlights
are Bright and Well-Designed
Princeton Tec makes premium flashlights.
For serious boaters, a flashlight is more than something to buy at the dollar store and toss in the glove box. Princeton Tec makes a series of flashlights ranging from 420 to 500 lumens. They have LED bulbs, large on/off switches that can be manipulated with gloved hands, and there’s even a hands-free model that the user wears on his head. Click here to see the light.
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius:
Well Thought-Out for Service
Technicians will appreciate the planning that went into the 50 Cantius’ engine room.
Every boat needs service and wise operators will check the engine room and fluids before every outing. On the 50 Cantius, Cruisers Yachts laid out the engine compartment with handy maintenance access in mind. A hatch in the aft deck opens to provide entry and there’s good space between the engines. Clearly labeled battery switches are in easy reach at the foot of the ladder and all the circuit breakers are nearby. Racor fuel filters are front and center ahead on the forward bulkhead and there’s ample space for replacing the elements and other service. A Reverso oil changing unit is at the left. An example of the extra steps Cruisers Yachts takes, the fuel system was equipped with Algae-X polishers in line before the filters, something we often don’t see. More...
Test Video
Tiara Sport 38 LS:
Outboards for the Chosen Few
Twin Seven Marine 527s are a good choice for this application.
By equipping the Tiara Sport 38 LS with twin Seven Marine outboards fitted with Volvo Penta DuoProp lower units, the manufacturer gives owners the bottom-end torque they want for docking and the efficiency and versatility of outboards. Going with twin Seven Marine engines instead of triple lower-horsepower units simplifies the rigging and the number of moving parts. The power-to-weight ratio is similar to smaller engines at around 21 lbs. (9.5 kg) per hp, but the two Seven Marine engines with DuoProps have one important advantage over triple 350s – 12 propeller blades compared to 9 if the triples were spinning three-blade wheels. Of course, none of this comes cheap, and the 7 Marine outboards are only for a select few owners. More...
Boating News
MasterCraft Acquires
Manufacturing Facility for Aviara
The Aviara AV36 is available with outboards or sterndrives.
Demand has been so strong for the new Aviara brand with its modern Euro dayboat styling – with blunt bow and open transom – that its mother company is buying a plant dedicated to this brand. MasterCraft Boat Company has entered into an agreement to purchase the former Sea Ray plant in Merritt Island, Florida. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #18
If you missed the new BoatTEST Reports last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #18 included an interview with Mary Paige, Chief Commander of U.S. Power Squadrons, how to become an expert boater, plus new launches and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
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Boating with Dad on the Chesapeake Bay!
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