Integrel | Formula 380 SSC Outboard | Ocean Alexander 70E - 04/08/20
BoatTEST Newsletter April 8, 2020
Boating Leaders Call for Boat Loan Deferments
Boating Industry leaders are urging lenders to offer deferments so families can keep their boats.
In a joint opinion piece published yesterday, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) president Frank Hugelmeyer and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) president Matt Gruhn urged marine lenders to temporarily postpone boat-loan payments for those who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. More...
Sneak Peek
Formula 380 SSC Outboard:
A Dayboat That Sleeps Four
The Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover fills gap between the manufacturer’s 330/350 Crossover Bowriders and the larger 400/430 SSC and ASC models. The 380 SSC is available with outboard or stern drive power and continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin concept. For entertaining, the cockpit, helm deck and bow are all on the same level with connected SmartZone seating. The fiberglass hardtop has a full-width motorized glass sunroof. Belowdecks, there’s sleeping space for four plus a galley and enclosed head with private shower. More...
New Editor's Report
Integrel:
Advanced Generator Replacement Technology
Integrel’s Lithium ion batteries
Boating represents freedom to many, but for most boaters, freedom from the shore can feel more like camping because they don’t have the power for the comforts of home. Can’t sleep without air-conditioning? That may mean running the generator. Want to ditch the gas stove for an induction cooktop? Again, it’s time to fire up the genset.
Now there is a way to cut the cord and live independently with plenty of power for air conditioning, laptops, and appliances. It’s called “Integrel” and it connects directly to an inboard engine. More...
Test Video
Ocean Alexander 70E:
U.S.-Built Model Extends the Line
The 70E was the first in a series of smaller boats built in the U.S. for Ocean Alexander, which is well-known for its larger motoryachts. She measures 70’6” (21.49 m) long with an 18’2” (5.54 m) beam and is a smooth operator. Powered by twin 900-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1200, she runs a top speed of 26.7 knots at 2350 rpm. She burned 0.3 nmpg at multiple rpm settings down to 1750 rpm, where her best range was 327.4 nautical miles. Like other Ocean Alexanders we’ve tested, the 70E isn’t a light boat and her heft helps keep her comfortable when things get lumpy. We ran her with the Volvo Penta joystick for the majority of our test and, the boat responded well to operator input, whether making sweeping arcs or pulling into a slip. More...
Test Video
Axopar 28 Cabin:
A Clever Combo of Space and Features
The Axopar 28 Cabin is a low-profile boat that measures 30’1” (9.17 m) with a 9’8” (2.95 m) beam. Axopar uses smart design elements to deliver a cabin with 6’3” (1.91 m) of headroom and seats that convert into a double berth. Helm and companion seats hinge forward to access a sink and cooler. Forward on the front of the pilothouse is entry to a private head that has 2’1” (63.5 cm) of seated headroom on the porcelain toilet plus a sink with a pull-up faucet. Power is two 200-hp Mercury outboards and the twin-stepped bottom design performed admirably in assorted conditions. More...
Michigan Gov. Whitmer Unlocks Boating
During the State’s Lockdown
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer announced last Friday that recreational boating is in fact allowed under the statewide stay-at-home order. Earlier that day, a state police lieutenant inaccurately said that launching watercraft was banned under the governor’s edict – but she was quick to have him corrected. By using common sense and social distancing, the 500,000 (+/-) boat owners in Michigan will be able to enjoy their favorite sport this season. More...
Boat Leasing Offers Relief For Boat Owners
One of a family’s happiest moments is celebrating a good day on the water at sundown.
With a large percentage of American boat owners looking at a loss of income or unemployment, putting a late model boat in good condition into BoattestLEASING’s program may be the best solution for a tight budget. By leasing days of usage that a boat owner doesn’t want, BoattestLEASING is able to provide “found money” for boat owners from people who want to go boating, but don’t want the burden of loan payments. BoattestLEASINGhandles all of the details. More...
Weekly “BoatTEST Reports”
Goes “Live” on Facebook
This Thursday, April 9, at 8:00 PM EST, the first “BoatTEST Reports” weekly program will air with Capt. Steve hosting it from the comforts of his living room on Cape Cod. Everyone is invited to tune into BoatTEST’s Facebook channel to see it: https://www.facebook.com/boattestcom/
This week’s program will focus on how to stay safe and be socially distanced on your boat. Capt. Steve will report on what is going on around the country at marinas, launch ramps, state parks, beaches and cities. In order to make this information as all-inclusive as possible, we are asking all of BoatTEST Members to tell what is happening in your area so Capt. Steve can report on it.
Please send your report, pictures and any suggestions you have for staying safe on your boat to: [email protected], or submit here.
Tune in this Thursday, April 9, at 8:00 pm, EST: https://www.facebook.com/boattestcom/
Safe, Healthy Boating,
Wave of the Future
Send your pictures in that show “Safe, Healthy Family Boating” to [email protected]. Each week, we’ll pick a winner who will receive a coveted BoatTEST hat personally signed by Capt. Steve.
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