New Absolute 62 Fly | Aviara AV32 | Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 - 01/20/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 20, 2020
New Test Video
Absolute 62 Fly:
Right-Sized for the Owner/Operator
The Absolute 62 Fly welcomes the owner/operator moving up from a smaller yacht, as well as those who might want to step down a bit from larger yachts and their required crews and other expenses. She can readily be operated by an experienced owner, with the flybridge controls to port, the main deck controls to starboard and a third control station, including the Volvo Penta joystick, bow and stern thrusters and engine start-stop controls on the aft deck. The pantographic door adjacent the main deck helm gives the skipper a clear view of the entire starboard side of the yacht. The controls are positioned within reach while standing in the doorway, as well as when seated in the plush high-back seats. (For those who might want a crew, at least part time, there’s an en suite for two aft.) See our full test here...
Test Video
Aviara AV32:
European Style, American Engineering & Muscle
The Aviara AV32 has the styling panache and luxury features of a premium European harbor-runner, but she’s built in the USA by Mastercraft, a company with a 50-year legacy. Under the hood, she’s bristling with American muscle for those choosing the 380-hp twin Ilmor engine and drive package. The engines feature closed-loop cooling, including the exhaust manifolds. All the maintenance checks are easily accessed up front. The powered engine hatch opens far wider than many, allowing owners to show off the powder-coat paint of the trademark blue valve covers. The outdrives are overbuilt by Yanmar for their diesel engines so durability is a strong suite, and have hydraulic cone clutches for quiet and smooth operation. The 6.0-liter V8s pushed her to a top speed of 54.9 mph in our tests. She’s also available in an outboard version with options to twin 350-hp Mercury Verados. More...
Test Video
Shallow Sport 25 X3:
Evinrude G2 300 Made for Skinny Water
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 is a good match for a dedicated flats fishing boat like the Shallow Sport 25 X3 — thanks in part to the dual water pickups in the lower unit that allow the engine to be raised high on the included hydraulic jackplate without losing water pressure to the powerhead. On the model we tested, an anti-cavitation plate (shown above) was added to the standard plate on the engine, allowing the engine to be raised high enough to maintain a 6" (0.5 cm) draft — while on plane. A rig capable of operating in so little depth can often reach fishing areas off limits to conventional boats as well as crossing shallow bars with little concern for running aground. More...
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Test Video
BENETEAU Gran Turismo 50:
Riding on Air for More Speed, Efficiency
The Air Step 2® hull of the Gran Turismo 50 forms small steps under the hull designed to introduce air between the water and the bottom to reduce friction. These chevroned steps increase speed while reducing energy consumption. The second generation of Air Step® is marked by a considerable increase in the volume of air inflow beneath the hull. Air Step®2 technology is now compatible with IPS engines, thanks to the research carried out by BENETEAU in close collaboration with the staff at Volvo — the water intakes for engines and the generator are now placed just ahead of the step. More...
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Test Video
TRACKER® Targa V-19 WT:
All-Welded Aluminum DC w/20-Degree Deadrise
The Targa V-19 WT has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom, a rarity in production-built aluminum fishing boats. That, combined with her 35-degree forward entry and a package weight of 4,651 lbs. (2,110 kg), should give her a smooth ride in choppy waters of the northern walleye lakes for which she’s designed. The hard chines help with quick planing. Powered with the optional Mercury 225-hp Pro XS turning a 19" (48 cm) pitch propeller, she got on plane in 2.6 seconds. Top speed was 53.5 mph. White River Marine Group, the parent company, is the largest builder of aluminum boats in the world, allowing economies of scale that are passed along to the consumer in pricing. Base price is $33,695 including a 150-hp Mercury XL FourStroke, Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance Hook 7 sonar/GPS and tandem axle trailer. More...
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Boating Tips
The Value of Local Knowledge
‘Local knowledge’ means different things to different people, so treat it with caution.
Previous experience of going into a harbor is always useful. It can make life a lot easier as far as the navigation is concerned because you know what you are going into. But can you rely on the local knowledge of that harbor from another member of the crew? Are you prepared to hand over the navigation to someone who declares that they have previous experience of the harbor when it is a new place for you to visit? 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
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- 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.
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