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
Azimut Verve 42
When Romance is in the Air
Capt. Steve got a first look at the Azimut Verve 42 at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and found it a venue for romance by day or all night long. Included is an aft power table that drops down flush to become part of the deck by day. More...
Michele Maggi has spent decades working on marine engines, their installations and selection. In 2014, he developed the first E-Motion diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system on a San Lorenzo 106’ (32.31 m) motoryacht. The company now offers parallel and serial hybrid systems, cutting fuel use and delivering extended quiet propulsion. Maggi explained how his system works to Capt. Steve in this video from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. More...
There is probably no boat model that BoatTEST has tested more often or in more configurations than the Formula 37 PC. That is because it is one of Formula’s most popular models and the company is constantly testing new configurations of engines and drives to reach its peak efficiency.
Currently, Formula offers buyers of the 37 Performance Cruiser gas sterndrives or Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Twin 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG HO ECT sterndrives have the fastest top speed, hitting 46.5 mph during our most recent test of this model. A buyer more interested in covering longer distances on a tank of fuel will most likely opt for twin 340-hp Volvo Penta IPS 450s pairing diesel engines with pod drives, which in our tests yielded a range (with a 10% reserve) of 295 statute miles at 28.6 mph. This compares with the 147-statute-mile range with the twin big-block gas engines that travel at 30 mph at best cruise. More...
Capt. Steve checked out some noteworthy features of the Cobalt R8 (27’10”/8.48 m) and the R4 (24’3”/7.39 m) at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The company, noted for building premium-class boats, includes many standard features that would be extras on other brands. The R8 includes a sliding sunshade and a lounger that converts from standard seating configuration to a sun pad or rumble seat. Learn more here...
No boat should go offshore without a damage control kit. BoatTEST recommends that you make one up yourself with carefully selected items and have it all in a single container easy at hand. Or, you can order a SeaKits damage control kit that has virtually everything you might need to quickly tackle a breach and stem the flow of water. This kit has been vetted by boating experts and is available at respected safety and seamanship outlets such as Landfall Navigation or from the company. See Capt. Steve's video...
Boats powered by inboards or sterndrives need to have their engine rooms inspected regularly to make sure everything is properly maintained and in good operating condition. This process requires certain safety equipment and tools and one of the most important things is to establish a routine. Check out these protocols from ABYC Master Technician Steve D’Antonio. More...
One of the worst spots to be in as a boater is riding down a wave, losing steering and seeing the stern start to swing out. Boaters may have to run in following seas when returning from an offshore excursion, but follow these tips and you’ll get back to shore safely.
In most lithium-ion batteries, small lithium-ion cells from 3.2V to 3.8V are connected in a daisy chain of dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cells. These are what power the Tesla automobile.
Vision Marine Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR), the maker of the E-Vision™ 180-hp outboard electric motor, announced it has partnered with Octillion Power Systems to develop a customized, high-voltage 35 KW high-density battery exclusively for use within the recreational boating market. Under the terms of the agreement, Octillion will manufacture a new advanced electric battery system to power VMT’s E-Motion™ outboard powertrain. More...
After previewing her at the Cannes Yachting Festival, Finland’s Axopar Boats has unveiled its new flagship, the Axopar 45. The company calls the new model the “pinnacle of Axopar pedigree and DNA.” She was designed with customer input and will be available in five configurations. More...
When you’re looking at a boat and trying to figure out if it will meet your angling expectations, a close inspection of the livewell or livewells is certainly in order. Many anglers enjoy fishing with live bait, but some livewells barely function better than a bucket of water. How will you know if the one you’re looking at is top-notch, or barely worthy of debate? More...
Some or all of the content contained in this newsletter may be sponsored. BoatTEST makes all possible efforts to ensure all material that is published in this newsletter is true and accurate.
