Motoryachts Could Be Legislated Out of Existence | Sharrow Props Available Now - 01/15/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 15, 2020
New Emissions Standards Will
Kill Motoryachts over 79’
New diesel emissions standards promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that take effect Jan. 1, 2021, will make motoryachts over 79’ (24 m) both cost-prohibitive and virtually impossible to reasonably build. The equipment currently needed to achieve the new standards is so cumbersome and complicated that it is nearly impossible to get it into motoryachts from 79’ (24 m) to about 130’ (46 m), we are told by builders and engine makers. Engine makers are working on a more compact and practical system, but one is several years away, they say.
The result of this IMO ruling will effectively kill all large motoryacht building by companies such as Viking, Hatteras, Burger, Ocean Alexander, Hargrave, Azimut, Ferretti, Princess, Sunseeker, Monte Carlo Yachts, Cheoy Lee, Sirena, Outer Reef, Nordhavn, Majesty and many others around the world. The result is that thousands of craftsmen and shop personnel will be thrown out of work in the U.S. and overseas. Further, the cessation of the construction of these boats – even if it is for only a few years – will kill this class of motoryachts for the foreseeable future as companies, or their big boat divisions, will close.
This is almost exactly what happened in 1990 when Congress passed a 10% luxury tax on new boats sold in the U.S. Virtually the whole fiberglass boat industry was brought to its knees, and dozens of builders went out of business. Thousands of working people lost their jobs. Further, so much damage was done to the brands that survived that they were never the same, even though the tax was repealed two years later. American consumers are still paying for that political folly.
Pat Healey, the CEO of Viking Yachts, is spearheading the movement to get the IMO emission regulations delayed until the engine companies have perfected systems that can be reasonably installed. He is looking for support in his efforts to get the IMO to reconsider its decision, and he needs the help of everyone possible. We urge you to contact him so that he can marshal your thoughts about this important jobs and boating industry issue and deliver your messages to the IMO powers that be. Write to him c/o: [email protected]. To find out more about this issue and the details of why current technology can’t reasonably comply with IMO standards, click here...
Sharrow Marine Props
Are Now Available
A Sharrow Marine prop being carved out of a solid aluminum billet.
The Sharrow Propeller™ is now available to consumers and is available in aluminum and stainless-steel which will fit most outboards and sterndrives between 100-hp - 430-hp. Instructions for selecting the correct pitch and diameter for your boat/motor configuration can be found at https://www.sharrowmarine.com.
Now, boat owners who want the latest in high technology for optimum performance can have one made specifically for most applications. The prop – either aluminum or stainless-steel – will be custom-made by a 5-axis router out of a solid billet of aluminum or stainless-steel. This process will make sure that the diameter and pitch meet each application. The props come with a special protection plan.
BoatTEST did extensive testing on this prop last August and September and can verify the claims of Sharrow Marine. The prop is remarkably more fuel efficient and faster than conventional props at virtually all RPM settings. It is particularly more fuel efficient at idle and trolling speeds, where boats typically spend 40% of their operating engine hours. Read our full report...
Order a Sharrow Marine Prop Here
Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 42 Cantius:
Express Cruiser Built to Last
Cruisers Yachts builds the 42 Cantius with resin-infusion as opposed to traditional open molding. This results in even resin saturation, minimal weight and better overall strength. A vinyl ester barrier coat protects against water intrusion that can lead to osmotic blistering. The hull bottom, sides, and deck are cored, except in areas where thru-hull fittings are positioned. Stringers and bulkheads are configured to minimize unsupported areas and liners provide additional support and structural rigidity. The hull and deck attach in a shoebox-lid-style joint, chemically sealed and mechanically fastened approximately every 3” (7.62 cm) with stainless steel hardware. All deck hardware is installed with aluminum backing plates. Overall, she’s built to provide many years of dependable and safe service. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SPX 230:
Nimble, Sporty & Stylish
Our BoatTEST team found the Sea Ray SPX 230 to be a nimble, sporty package with seating for up to 13, comparable to a pontoon or deckboat. But she has the eye-appeal and handling of a sport boat, not the look of something granny would want. We repeatedly pushed her hard in turns and she had no tendency to dig in, slide out or ventilate the prop. She has the same hull as the Sea Ray SLX, so handling is the same as the more expensive luxury model. We tested the package with the standard 250-hp MerCruiser MPI but optioned with the dual prop Bravo III drive. She got on plane in 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 43.0 mph. For those who want more, she’s also available with the 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge:
Sportfisher w/Flybridge Salon
The Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge has the bones of a sportfisher, but provides all the comforts of a “salon in the sky” with the fully-enclosed bridge, including a wet bar complete with bottle holders and stemware for guests who want to keep the captain company. There’s a dinette and added seating up front adjacent the helm, where a pair of Pompanette Platinum Series seats welcome the operator and an observer. The area is fully air-conditioned and heated, but a sliding sunroof, side windows, a sliding aft door and a swing-up aft window can give it the same open-air feel as an open bridge when the weather is right. There’s no main deck helm, opening up the forward end of the house for a spacious salon/dining area with a stunning view all around. A second helm is available aft on the bridge for those who will use the 57 for serious bluewater fishing. More...
Test Video
Yamaha FX HO:
Feature-Rich PWC w/RiDE Control System
The FX HO is a feature-rich, three-person watercraft with the largest hull offered by Yamaha. She features an innovative digital control system called RiDE, in which the right trigger controls forward speed and the left controls reverse and deceleration. Powered by the proven Yamaha 1.8 Liter 4-stroke, electronically fuel injected marine engine, driving a 155 mm high-pressure jet pump unit. The engine is easily accessed under the main seat with plenty of room all around, making maintenance hassle-free. Some of her key features include the Yamaha security system and the premium dash panel. More...
Test Video
NITRO® Z18:
Largest-Selling Bass Boat Brand
The Z18 has all the accessories needed for fun fishing or competition bass angling in local or regional tournaments, yet she’s priced at thousands less than some models only slightly larger. Little wonder that Nitro is the largest selling fiberglass bass boat on the market. The base package with 150-hp Mercury FourStroke, single axle trailer, Minn Kota Maxxum 24-volt trolling motor and Lowrance Hook2 5 sonar GPS is $31,995. We tested her with a Mercury Pro XS FourStroke 175 turning a 23" (58 cm) pitch Fury prop, which put her on plane in 4.2 seconds and pushed her to a top speed of 62.5 mph. Package weight is 3,200 lbs. (1,451 kg), which means she can be towed by mid-size vehicles. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
New Login Procedures.
New BoatTEST Website: New Login Required
Home page for the new BoatTEST website.
Most regular BoatTEST Members know that we have a new website with larger pictures, new functionality and easier to read Captain’s Reports. We are now requiring a password to access many of the important features of the site, such as —
- Pricing Information
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