New Absolute 47 Fly | Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 H.O. | Grady-White Fisherman 236 - 02/04/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 4, 2020
New Test Video
Absolute 47 Fly:
Bold Design, Spacious Interior Spaces
Many Absolute models display a level of boldness in exterior design that makes them immediately identifiable, but the new Absolute 47 Fly goes one better with a blunt, almost bull-nosed style up front that will make her unmistakable. The nearly plumb bow, wide beam carried forward, and high foredeck houses a large forward master cabin below. A double berth here is angled from the starboard side to the center of the cabin, creating a single level on three sides of the bed. Very large hullside windows make this area more open and airy than most in class, by far. It's easier to make up the berth and to get in and out with this design. Massive use of glass amidships along with a cutout in the bulwark also opens up the salon and galley areas. She looks different, but we suggest boaters get used to it, because this is the design trend coming out of Europe. Once inside, the advantages become apparent. See our first look at this innovative yacht here...
World Premiere of the Riviera 505 SUV
at the Miami Yacht Show
The world premiere of the Riviera 505 SUV will be at the Miami Yacht Show on Feb. 13-17. She’s a single-level vessel with excellent blue-water fishing and voyaging capability and the added dimension of a real mezzanine, an “aft deck” just ahead of the cockpit. It’s a wining, dining and relaxing space offering full sun protection as needed, but two sliding sun roofs open it up to provide airflow and sunshine when desired. This design provides the best of two worlds – a cockpit for fishing and all manner of watersports, as well as a raised “aft deck” for entertaining like a motoryacht. Riviera will also display the latest examples of their 575 SUV, 545 SUV, 6000 Sport Yacht, 4800 Sport Yacht Series II, 39 Open Flybridge and the classic Belize 66 Daybridge. Location is IWS Ramp B, Slips 80, 80A - 80F.
For a VIP boarding pass to view Riviera's models on display at the show, click here...
Review Video
Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 H.O.:
Stratified Combustion Maximizes Fuel Economy
Stratified combustion, using only a small portion of the firing chamber and a miniscule amount of atomized fuel, allows the Evinrude E-TEC G2 115 H.O. engine to run at low rpm with extremely low fuel use, well below that in all 4-stroke engines. Particularly for engines used long hours for low-speed trolling, as in walleye fishing, this is a big advantage. The NMMA says that 40% of a boat’s time is spent at idle, so that is why the Evinrude’s low fuel consumption there is so important. Typically in our tests, the 3-cylinder 115 H.O. engine gets from 15 mpg to 18 mpg. This is double or triple the mileage of 4-stroke engines at idle. The Evinrude E-TEC G2s also have the lowest emissions of all outboard engines, according to the EPA. The 3-cylinder design is among the lighter engines in class at 390 lbs. (177 kg), despite the additional components for oil delivery, with the tank under the cowl and digital power steering hidden away in the mid-section. A new tiller-version is also available. More...
Test Video
Grady-White Fisherman 236:
Dual-Use Center Console
The Grady-White Fisherman 236 offers space for up to 10 passengers thanks to a flip-down transom bench along with swing-out backrests forward, creating chaise-style seating, in addition to the usual locations at the helm and just ahead of the console. When in fishing mode, there is adequate cockpit space and good clearance for anglers to move around and chase fish from bow to stern when necessary. She displays the usual Grady fishing amenities plus the hull designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, which many anglers consider her most distinguishing feature. More...
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 338 Bowrider:
Ready to Party or to Overnight
In our opinion, there are few bowriders in class that have the gravitas of the the Cruisers Yachts 338 Bowrider’s XL version. She has an asymmetrical design that has C-shaped seating for six up front, rather than the conventional layout of a chaise on either side. There’s plenty of space for the portable table, which turns this area into a spot for lunch, or cocktails at sundown. Another distinguishing feature is the compact cabin hidden in the console. It has a convertible seating area that can overnight two, a standup head/shower, and an available microwave, TV and A/C. Special editions in battleship gray or cherry add even more pizazz. She is one of the most luxurious bowriders in class. See the full test here...
Test Video
Yamaha EXR:
Performance, Eye-Appeal & Rider Comfort
The Yamaha EXR is the top-of-the-line in the Yamaha EX series, powered with a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke TR-1 High Output Yamaha engine. A high-performance intake and an extended jet nozzle improve propulsion capabilities. The hull is molded via the company’s exclusive NanoXcel 2 composite technology, reducing weight by some 60 lbs. (27 kg), compared to fiberglass designs in class. The RiDE trigger enables the rider to go from forward to neutral to reverse with one pull of the throttle, resulting in faster and safer deceleration as well as controllable reversing and docking. Top speed in company tests was 54.0 mph. Check out all the features...
Boating Tips
What You Should Know About Escape Hatches
The only thing worse than needing to use a forward stateroom escape hatch is discovering that it is too small, or that it’s too high to reach. The ABYC has set some standards so that boats have forward escape hatches of a certain size – but that is all. We advise portly boaters to make sure their girth is within ABYC specs, and that there is a ladder or some other way to reach the hatch in an emergency, something that is not required, but should be. More...
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
- Archived videos and tests
- Boat-to-boat comparisons
- BoatTEST’s Seamanship Library
- New Boat Maintenance Log (coming soon)
- Ask a Question Feature
- Free invitations to VIP events
- Free tickets to select boat shows
To log into our new website, simply click on the login button that appears in the upper righthand corner of every page. This will also keep your information secure.
LOG IN HERE...
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