Newsletter Archive

Grand Banks 85 | Leopard 53 PC | Hatteras GT45X Open - 07/25/21

BoatTEST Newsletter July 25, 2021

Most Popular News Items of the Week

Every week, BoatTEST publishes news items on about 25 boats and products. Readers have asked which ones are the most popular each day, so below you can find the answer.

 

Monday #1

Grand Banks 85

Next Generation Motoryacht

After a successful sea trial of the company’s new 85’ (25.91 m) motoryacht in the Far East, Grand Banks CEO Mark Richards and crew have released the interior details for the new model. Each GB85 will be built to an individual owner’s specifications based on the yacht’s open plan. She’s available with an open flying bridge or enclosed skylounge. She can be powered with twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350s or MAN 1300-hp V8 shaft drives. More...  

 

Tuesday #1

Yamaha Boat Accessories

Customize the On-Water Experience

Yamaha has partnered with some of the leading accessories companies to offer a variety of add-ons to enhance a boatowner’s experience. From a stainless-steel Magma grill that mounts on the transom to a custom Wet Sounds Stereo system to an innovative canvas rack for water toys on the T-top. Capt. Steve explains some of the accessories in a video. More...  

 

Wednesday #1

Formula 350 Sun Sport

Extended Platform a Worthwhile Upgrade

Formula’s 350 Sun Sport is a boat targeted at owners who want to enjoy watersports with family and friends. We can’t imagine this 35’ (10.67 m) crossover not being equipped with the optional extended swim platform. It comes with an aft-facing sunlounge that measures 4’ x 5’ (1.22 m 1.52 m), a water-level boarding ladder tucker under the center and a heavy-duty rail that encircles the entire platform. It’s a “faux teak beach” for hanging out and lots of swimming. More...  

 

Thursday #1

Leopard 53 PC

Wide Beam Carried to the Flying Bridge

The Leopard 53 Powercat is a tri-deck power catamaran that can stay close to home to entertain or head out on a longer passage. Regardless of the length of the cruise, passengers are likely to spend lots of time on the 53 Powercat’s flying bridge. Aft to port, there’s a large sunpad and just ahead, a horseshoe-shaped lounge wraps around a table. The helm is to starboard with yet another forward-facing lounge opposite. A hardtop protects the guests from the sun’s rays but lets sea breezes blow through. More...  

 

Friday #1

Hatteras GT45X Open

Trending Now

Over the last 10 years or so, many owners of the huge battlewagons have been downsizing, giving up their room and cruising advantages for a capable day boat for tournament fishing. The Hatteras 45 is a good example of that trend. She is one of the most popular boats in class with our BoatTEST audience, so let’s take a look.

 

The Hatteras GT45X is built in four different versions, including the GT45X Open shown above. All of them can be fitted with twin Seakeeper 6 stabilizers and all have a painted hull as standard. They also all come with a pair of 835-hp CAT C12.9 diesel inboards and can be upgraded to 985-hp engines.  With the upgraded power, our test boat hit a top speed of 36.1 knots at 2280 rpm. We found best cruise at 26.2 knots and 1750 rpm, where she had a range of 330.6 nautical miles. 

 

For those who missed the announcement several months ago, Hatteras is now owned by White River Marine Group, a division of Bass Pro Shops. More...

 

Photo Of The Day

Bowe and Lou on the boat 2

"Bowe and Lou are enjoying a ride in Treasure Island, FL."

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