How to Tie a Clove Hitch | Ocean Alexander 90R | Formula 40 PC - 08/18/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 18, 2020
Features Video
Formula 40 Performance Cruiser:
IPS Wheels and G5 Style
Formula 40 Performance Cruiser
On its 40 Performance Cruiser, Formula offers plenty of options, plus the Formula Flex program, that ensures an owner can make a personal statement. Further, the custom painted hull pioneered by Formula has a high gloss that is hard to equal. And, the paint eliminates gel coat oxidation and keeps the boat looking like new for the better part of a decade, in most cases. Below, the amenities, joinery and upholstery are what one would expect to find in a G5. The IPS drives and joystick come standard. More...
Captain's Report
Manitou 23 Encore SR VP:
Affordable Performance Tri-Toon
Manitou’s 23 Encore SR VP features a bottom design derived from the company’s patented V-Toon Technology. VP stands for Value Performance and has a 27” diameter (68.58 cm) center pontoon equipped with lifting strakes that’s mounted 5 ¼” (13.35 cm) lower than the 23” (58 cm) outboard pontoons. The result of this design is that the Encore SR VP banks into turns like a runabout. The VP is designed for a single outboard up to 150 hp. Manitou is a premium builder, but this model has a competitive price. More...
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New Launch
Highfield Boats Announces New Sport RIB Line
The SP520 is one of 11 new sport models from Highfield Boats.
Highfield Boats, which manufacturers aluminum rigid hull inflatable boats (RIBs), is launching the Sport collection for the 2021 model year. The new models could be a choice for yacht owners in search of a tender or used as a primary boat. More...
Test Video
Sailfish 290 CC:
Premium Build and Good Value
Sailfish builds the 290 CC with methods and materials that inspire confidence in her crew when they head offshore and enhance the boat’s value. First, is her freeboard, which is a couple of inches higher than the norm. The company keeps the composite hulls in the mold for four days to allow for complete curing. Keels are reinforced with Kevlar and carbon fiber is used in the transverse deck supports. (We have checked both in the factory.) Livewells and lockers are molded directly into the boat. The result of all of this is increased stiffness, improved resistance to loading, and longevity. And, her price is competitive. More...
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Test Video
Ocean Alexander 90R:
A Worthwhile Skylounge Upgrade
The Ocean Alexander 90R comes standard with an open flying bridge, but an owner can upgrade to the enclosed skylounge like the one on our test boat seen above. Outside, aft, where the boat deck would often be, this 90R is designed for serious entertaining with two lounges that wrap around tables, plus a full wet bar with four stools, a grill, sink and refrigerators. Stainless-steel framed glass doors provide extra-wide entry to the upper salon that has a full lounge, a glass table, bar to starboard and a helm. Regular readers know we like a skylounge on boats of this size because they add so much more utility at a relatively low up-charge. And, a boat this length can carry the added top hamper in proper proportion. More...
Video
How to Tie a Clove Hitch
The clove hitch should be in every mariner’s arsenal.
Any boater who needs to tie his or her boat to a piling, or a fender line around a railing, should know how to tie a clove hitch. It’s one of the most basic, but effective knots and one of the easiest to tie. Click here to learn how it's done.
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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Picture of the Week
Relaxing on the boat on Choctawhatchee Bay, near Niceville, FL.
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
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They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
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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...
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