MCY 66 | Robalo 206 | Cruisers 50 Cantius - 07/01/20
BoatTEST Newsletter July 1, 2020
Features Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 66:
Flying Bridge Designed to Entertain
The MCY 66’s wide-open flying bridge area is the result of smart design and materials selection.
Not only does the Monte Carlo Yachts 66 have one of the largest flying bridges in class, the feeling of openness is enhanced by the use of some smart material and color choices in the hardtop’s construction. The largely cantilevered hardtop is fabricated with carbon fiber and with pylon supports of the same material. By painting the hardtop structure black, it does not reflect as much light as it would in another color and seems to almost disappear at a casual glance. By extending the bridge back to the transom, more space above is created for entertaining, and the aft deck becomes fully covered. More...
New Product
Mercury Introduces Safety and Security System
1st Mate includes a mobile app that lets an owner keep an eye on his boat from afar.
Mercury Marine yesterday announced full compatibility of all Mercury SmartCraft capable engines with the new 1st Mate Safety and Security System. The technology consists of an intelligent hub, a set of wearable products and a mobile device app that integrate with a boat's propulsion systems to provide potentially lifesaving safety features and to help secure property. Its three main features are: a boater overboard monitoring and alert system; distress messaging capability: and deterrence against theft of the boat and/or its engine(s). More...
Test Video
Robalo 206 Cayman:
Bay Boat Designed to Multitask
The Robalo 206 Cayman is designed to appeal to anglers who want a bay boat that is a couple notches above budget-priced models in class, but remains a good value. With a draft of 25” (63.5 cm) with the outboard down, she can get in close to structures or shore. Her extended V-plane bottom limits bow rise when accelerating and the aggressive hull flare keeps occupants dry during a choppy run to the next fishing spot. More...
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Test Video
Formula 270 Bowrider:
430-hp Ilmor w/Rugged Lower Unit
Formula Boats offers its premium 270 BR with a long list of engines including three rated at 430 hp. We tested with the Ilmor Marine MV8 6.2L One Drive, which has a 5-year, 500-hour warranty and sets the boat’s price at $196,880. Go with the MerCruiser 430-hp 8.2 MAG Bravo 3 and the price goes up to $198,640, while the Volvo Penta V8-430CE 6.2L Duoprop EVC sets the number at $199,090. Perhaps the biggest difference between the Ilmor package and the others is its One Drive lower unit that is made by Yanmar and was designed for the high torque of diesel engines. Plus, Ilmor’s 5-year warranty program is longer or more comprehensive than the others. More...
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius:
Express Yacht w/ Open Layout
Cruisers Yachts found the right blend of large windows, headroom at the helm and a sporty profile on the 50 Cantius. The salon has a spacious feel and the transition between the aft cockpit and the interior is seamless. The centrally positioned galley can serve either gathering area. At the helm, a captain can stand up while driving. Belowdecks, she can sleep as many as six. More...
Boat Buying Tips
All Boat Rails are Not the Same
There’s more to rails than just bolting them to the deck.
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have a few standards for proper installation of rails on boats. In this boat buying tip, Capt. Steve looks at requirements for rail heights on deck and on the flying bridge, and hand holds in the salon and belowdecks. More...
International News
US-Mexico-Canada Agreement
Goes Into Effect July 1
The new agreement should make it easier for cross-border shipment of boats
within North America.
The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be implemented July 1, bringing with it subtle changes for companies — including boat manufacturers — shipping goods among the three countries. Rules of origin requirements related to the manufacture of recreational marine engines, boats and equipment remain mostly the same as they were under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This includes a stipulation that at least 60% of boat and engine materials must be made in North America to qualify for tariff exemption.
The biggest change under USMCA is in the documentation required to claim preferential tariff treatment. Certifications can be added to an invoice or other document, or submitted electronically with an electronic or digital signature. Additionally, the certification can be completed by the importer, exporter or producer of the goods. Requirements for express shipments of products valued at less than $2,500 have also been reduced.
This is all good news for boating consumers in North America.
Boating News of the Week: Episode #12
If you missed BoatTEST's video news of the week webcast last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #12 included a recap of the Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show, an interview with Total Marine, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
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