How to Tie a Bowline | New Schaefer 400 OB | Sailfish 245 DC - 08/07/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 7, 2020
Weekly Video Report
New Engines, Boats, Products,
Plus Seamanship How-To
This week’s video webcast of boating news from around the world features new boats of all sizes and types, plus new product demonstrations and an in-depth look at Mercury Racing’s new 450-Hp supercharged V-8 outboard engine, and much more. See it NOW...
Test Video
Schaefer Yachts 400:
Choose Sterndrives or Outboards
We tested the Schaefer Yachts 400 as a sterndrive model in 2019 and were impressed by her handling and the versatility that comes with the 300-hp Volvo Penta DuoProp drives and Lenco electric trim tabs. For the 2021 model year, the Brazilian manufacturer has upgraded the 400 as the 400 Sport. She will still be offered with sterndrives, but now buyers can choose triple 300-hp Mercury Verados as shown here. Schaefer is offering the 400 Sport at a special $399,000 price and look for a BoatTEST.com evaluation in the future. More...
Test Video
Ranger VX1888 WT:
Customizable Aluminum Fishboat
The VX1888 WT is the flagship of Ranger’s aluminum multi-species lineup and she borrows many design cues from the company’s fiberglass Reata series. For fishing, the VX1888 WT comes with a 70-pound thrust Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance electronics and a livewell. She’s rare because an owner can choose between Yamaha and Mercury outboards and among fishfinders from Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance. That’s the benefit of being an independent builder. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Features Video
Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht:
Ready For Offshore Cruising
When we tested the Outer Reef 610 Motoryacht, we had the opportunity to do so in 20- to 25-knot winds and 3’ (.91 m) to 5’ (1.52 m) seas, which, in our opinion, was perfect. This gave us an idea of how she would fare during a long stint at sea. When we headed out the inlet, as other boats turned back, the 610 Motoryacht charged through the waves and felt rock solid. When we returned to the slip, the winds were still blowing, which gave our captain the opportunity to see how she would feel around the docks. Even in 25-knot gusts, her displacement kept the 610 Motoryacht planted in the water and her powerful bow and stern thrusters made docking precise and easy. More...
Test Video
Sailfish 245 DC:
Adapts for Fishing or Cruising
The Sailfish 245 DC’s cockpit is a study in the versatility that this manufacturer builds into this dual-console boat. It measures 80” (2.03 m) across by 36” (.91 m) with all the seats folded away. There are coaming pads on the gunwales and across the stern so a couple of anglers could fight fish when the bite is on. After the fishing is done, standard seats fold out of the transom and inboard from the port gunwale. If more seating capacity is needed, an owner can update by adding a foldout bench in the starboard side too. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
BoattestLEASING
Swim with the Manatees this Winter
There is nothing quite like swimming with the Manatees in Crystal River, Florida. Create a winter vacation you and your family will remember forever by chartering a Pursuit DC266 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Overnight cruising is permitted up and down the coast, and fishing trips out as far as 100 miles. Minimum bare-boat charters start at 10 days – they do not have to be consecutive. Expert fishing guides, and licensed captains are available. All charters include full boat-operation orientation. For more information, contact Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | gsweeney@BoattestLEASING.com
Professional Fishing
Champion Crowned at Bassmaster Event
on Lake Champlain
Professional bass angler Brandon Palaniuk weighed in with 21 lbs., 6 ounces (9.7 kg) of fish on the final day of the Bassmaster Elite, which was held from July 30 - August 2 on Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y., winning the tournament with a total of 80 lbs., 1 ounce (36.34 kg). More...
Seamanship
How to Tie a Bowline
The bowline is quite possibly the most used knot in a boater’s repertoire. It can be used in a variety of situations and once mastered, it almost always holds. In this straightforward instructional video, Capt. Steve teaches us how to tie the famous bowline. Oh, and by the way, so no one looks like a landlubber, it’s pronounced “bow-lin.” More...
Picture of the Day
Are you planning to go boating this weekend with your extended family? Send us your photos!
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...
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