Grand Banks 60 | Sea Ray 270 SDX | Manitou 22 Aurora VP - 07/08/20
BoatTEST Newsletter July 8, 2020
Features Video
Grand Banks 60:
Iconic Long-Range Cruiser w/Classic Lines
Grand Banks 60 – Capt. Steve admires the lowering storage cabinet.
The Grand Banks 60 represents the next generation of long-range cruising yachts from the manufacturer that, to a large degree, started the whole concept in the 1960s. But the GB 60 is not your father’s Grand Banks. The old GBs were low tech on purpose, but the GB 60 is high-tech on purpose. She’s built with a focus on efficiency, strength and a low center of gravity. In the interior, the craftsmanship adheres to the level of excellence for which Grand Banks is known, and there are some innovative touches. For example, in the galley, her designers used the high overhead (7’5” / 2.26 m) for storage cabinets, and with a push a button, it all lowers. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SDX 270:
Deck Boat w/ Extra Social Space
At 27’2” (8.28 m) long, the Sea Ray SDX 270 is one of the largest deckboats in her class. She’s yacht certified with a passenger capacity of 15 people, yet she still retains a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m), which means she can be towed without a permit. Sea Ray created a spacious feel in the cockpit and bow by narrowing the gunwales and carrying her beam as far forward as possible. This created more interior space and results in the cockpit seats being 42” (106.68 cm) apart. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Captain's Report
Grady-White Canyon 456:
A Worthy Alternative to Convertibles
Grady-White created the Canyon 456 for an owner who wants a premium alternative to traditional sportfishing convertibles. With her quad Yamaha outboards, the Canyon 456 is faster and more efficient, and the engines come with a 5-year warranty. With Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick with Set Point, she’s also easier to handle and dock. Then, there is her luxurious cabin with cozy seating and stand-up head. The Canyon 456 offers all of the fish-fighting utility of a battlewagon with creature comforts – all for a lot less money than a convertible. More...
Editor's Report
Fjord 52 Open:
Luxury in a Huge Dayboat/Cruiser
It could be argued that the Fjord 52 Open creates its own class of boat. Design-wise, she could be called an open dayboat because of her super-sized cockpit with convertible lounges and a foredeck with sunpads for three. But, she also has two cabins below with double berths and can be ordered with an optional tender garage, much like an express cruiser. One thing everyone will agree on is that she takes luxury to the next level. More...
Captain's Report
Manitou 22 Aurora VP:
Premium Performance Pontoon Boat
Manitou designed the 22 Aurora VP for a pontoon boater who knows what he/she wants and, more importantly, what he/she doesn’t want. She has the performance-oriented triple pontoons that give the boat runabout-like speeds and handling that enhance versatility. Manitou outfits the boat with a solid list of standards, but keeps expensive options off the 22 Aurora VP, which helps keep the price down. She is a premium build at a reasonable price. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Is a Boat Too Much for Your Budget?
Pursuit DC266 Dual Console for lease in St. Petersburg. Fl.
Boat ownership may not be for everybody because of its high cost, but BoattestLEASING’s program puts premium 2020 boats within the budget of many more people. By leasing a luxury boat for only the days you want to use it, you pay only the boat’s cost for those days – just a fraction of the boat’s cost if owned for 365 days a year. Leases start at 10 days per year. Lease terms run from 1 to 4 years. Down payments start as low as $3,995 with $385 in monthly payments. For more information, contact Mary Mohr at (813) 294-3066 | Mary@BoattestLEASING.com or visit our website.
BoattestLEASING Website Pursuit DC266 in St. Pete
Seamanship
How to be Courteous w/Docklines
Coiling dock lines is a good way to eliminate tripping hazards and it’s common courtesy.
Good seamanship, and good boating etiquette, starts on the dock. In this short video, Capt. Steve discusses the correct — and courteous — way to handle dock lines. They improve the safety of the marina or yacht club and help keep friends with the neighbors. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #12
If you missed BoatTEST's video news of the week webcast last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #12 included a recap of the Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show, an interview with Total Marine, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
See Episode #12 See All Episodes
Picture of the Week
This group went boating on the San Vicinte reservoir in Southern California.
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...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.