Monte Carlo Yachts 96 | Leopard 53 Cat | Sailfish 272 CC - 07/22/21

New Editor's Report

Standard Horizon HX210

Affordable Handheld VHF

The Standard Horizon HX210 is a 6-watt compact floating marine handheld VHF radio that floats and has an IPX7 waterproof rating of 3.3’ (1 m) for up to 30 minutes. Safety experts recommend that even small craft should have an alternative form of communication than a cellphone when heading out on the water. The HX210 could be a smart choice for a variety of boaters. More...

Features Video

Monte Carlo Yachts 96

Motoryacht w/Lux Accommodations

Monte Carlo Yachts partnered with the Italian naval architecture firm Nuvolari-Lenard on the design of its 96 motoryacht and the designers’ input is felt throughout this vessel. The master stateroom is forward on the main deck, spacious, which is to be expected, but an overhead that is 6’7” (2 m) with a huge skylight and large windows add to the airy, luxurious feel. The view from the vanity/desk at left took our breath away (something that’s not easy to do). More...

Features Video

Leopard 53 Powercat

Wide Beam Carried to the Flying Bridge

The Leopard 53 Powercat is a tri-deck power catamaran that can stay close to home to entertain or head out on a longer passage. Regardless of the length of the cruise, passengers are likely to spend lots of time on the 53 Powercat’s flying bridge. Aft to port, there’s a large sunpad and just ahead, a horseshoe-shaped lounge wraps around a table. The helm is to starboard with yet another forward-facing lounge opposite. A hardtop protects the guests from the sun’s rays but lets sea breezes blow through. More...

Test Video

Sailfish 272 CC

Maintenance Access Comes Standard

The 272 CC has the deep cockpit for which the builder is known and the variable-degree deadrise bottom design that we have written about. Then we looked at the folding seat in the stern. It raises on twin stainless-steel gas struts to provide access to the mechanical accessories including the fuel filters, bilge pumps and other gear. More...

Captain's Report

Ranger 622FS Pro

Add Trim Tabs or Interceptors

At 22’10” (6.95 m) long, Ranger’s 622FS Pro is a fiberglass multi-species boat that is bound to find itself in some windy, bumpy conditions. To help a driver settle the ride in the rough, Ranger integrated trim-tab slots into the bottom at the stern. They are designed to accommodate conventional electric tabs or Zipwake auto-adjusting interceptors. More...

Pre-Owned Spotlight

2020 Southport 33 DC

Almost New and Ready

This lightly used 2020 Southport 33 DC is designed and equipped to stand up to real offshore fishing, but the interior design elements also make her convenient for coastal cruising and entertaining. More...

Eight Bells

Bruce Kirby, Designer of the Laser

Bruce Kirby in middle age.

Sailing legend Bruce Kirby passed away on July 18. He was 92 years of age. Kirby was known around the world as the designer of the Laser, which captured the imagination of would-be sailors because it was low-priced, fast and could be carried on a car’s rooftop. Tens of thousands of sailors got their introduction to sailing on the Laser and more than 220,000 of them were made over the years. But long before he created the Laser, he was a three-time Olympic sailor for Canada, before moving to the United States, where he lived most of his later life in Rowayton, CT. More...

Cruising Destinations

Discover Louisiana and Mississippi

Along the Louisiana-Mississippi coastline, there’s a hum that has nothing to do with barges, drilling rigs or signal horns. The musical notes, rustle of wildlife in the swamps and the whispers of generations long past create a vibration in the area. The coast along the Gulf of Mexico has a rich history from the time of Native Americans, French and Spanish settlements and the impact of hurricanes and it needs to be experienced firsthand. More...

"There's no such thing as a natural-born pilot."

– Chuck Yeager

You’re never too old to learn how to handle a boat. That’s why some people join the Sovereign Boat Club, where our USCG-licensed captains make boater education our first priority. Every member learns how to dock the boat, the rules of the road, how to operate the boat, how to trim, how to anchor plus a dozen other skills – and it’s all free. Mom and 18+-year-old family members included. Annual memberships in premium boats ranging from 27’ to 33’ (8.2 m to 10 m) are now available in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

Good Boating Idea Of The Day

Clever use of space – It’s always good to see how a builder utilizes space and thinks outside the box. Here, Hatteras finds a way to store 48 rods in what would otherwise be dead space. Below and alongside is tackle storage and space for the reels. Very clever. 

Share your good boating idea photo and the “Best Boating Idea” of the week wins a BoatTEST hat signed by none other than Capt. Steve! 

Photo Of The Day

"Lily waits for her morning ride on Lake Winnipesaukee in this Boston Whaler 330 Outrage."

Share your boating photos with us!