New Absolute Navetta 68 | New Aviara AV36 | MJM Yachts 35z - 02/14/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 14, 2020
New Features Video
Absolute Navetta 68:
Thoughtful Features Inside and Out
Yachting is all about fun in the sun, but it’s easy to get too much of a good thing. The Absolute Navetta 68, an eye-catching Italian build, provides optional shade over the large bow lounge, as shown in the photo. She also has a power-shade extension of the hardtop on the flying bridge, which has an integrated sliding sunroof. At the aft deck is a vertical shade tracked into the support stanchions to protect the broad couch across the transom. The full bow not only provides lots of relaxation space up front, but also adds to the space available for the second master en suite below decks — the bath is in the bow. She sleeps eight guests and has quarters for two crew aft. An interesting feature is the magnetic wine glass set provided with each yacht — they not only stay upright and safe on their metal cabinet shelf, but also on the magnetized surface of the dining table, which has a metallic underlayment. Thoughtful touches like this are found throughout the yacht. See our walkthrough here...
New Test Video
Aviara AV36:
Fully-Loaded U.S.-Built Dayboat
The Aviara AV36 is a lux-class U.S. built dayboat with clean, angular European styling. She includes premium standard features like the Garmin multifunction display at the helm, refrigerated cup coolers adjacent the captain’s seat, Cool-Feel vinyl seating throughout, a large hardtop shading the cockpit, SeaDek flooring and Klipsch stereo speakers. Below is a compact cabin with a single berth, microwave and standup head. She’s available in both twin sterndrive and multiple-outboard configurations. We tested her with triple Mercury Verado 300s, which produced a top speed of 55.8 mph. Best cruise was at 33.7 mph, at which she got 1.0 mpg for a range of about 209 SM. Her 0 to 20 mph time was 5.1 seconds, and our test captain reported minimal bow rise on acceleration. More...
Test Video
MJM Yachts 35z:
Downeaster Dayboat w/Outboard Power
Downeasters are classic yachts loved by cruising couples both for their iconic style and their sea-kindly hulls — but not many would claim rapid passages among their virtues. Unless, of course, we’re talking about the MJM 35z, which is a speedy outboard-powered maverick in a world of relatively slow inboard and sterndrive diesels. The “Z” designation is for Doug Zurn, who designed the outboard configuration of what was previously only a sterndrive or IPS drive boat. Twin 350 Mercury Verados put her on plane in 4.0 seconds and pushed her to a top speed of 47.0 mph in our tests. Slowed down to a more in-character speed of 12.2 mph at 2500 rpm, she burned 8 gph for a range of 343 statute miles. Best on-plane cruise was at 4000 rpm and 28.2 mph, at which she used 20.5 gph. Below, her seating areas and galley are carefully crafted in cherry, and the bow dinette converts to sleep two. More...
Test Video
Boston Whaler 230 Outrage:
Sizable Cockpit for Fishing or Parties
The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage has more room and more features that make the transition between hard fishing and soft cruising days with the family. Her re-designed hull brings better handling to a boat that was already a proven coastal performer. The cockpit provides plenty of room, and there is a 16-gallon (60.6 L) livewell on the port side transom, keeping closer to the action and freeing up space. Safety is enhanced with 25” (64 cm) of cockpit depth, and courtesy lights are strategically placed throughout. More...
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Captain's Report
Sailfish 320 Express:
Walkaround w/Comfort &
Sea-keeping Capabilities
The Sailfish 320 Express Walk Around is built on the same Variable Deadrise Stepped hull as the proven Sailfish CC, but she includes convertible accommodation space for five below, including a single berth amidships, a compact galley and a wet head. Add the hardtop, windshield and back curtain and she becomes a pilothouse weekender, which makes her much drier and safer in sloppy weather and converts her to a three-season boat. Construction includes an all-composite transom, carbon fiber deck and Kevlar laminated into the hull, ensuring strength without excess weight. Steps up to the wide, flush side decks make access to the bow easier when chasing a fish or handling lines, and the high rails add security when walking forward. More...
Boat-Buying Tips
10 Common
Boat-Buying Mistakes
Owning a boat has its pitfalls, but knowing them is half of the battle. Knowledge is boat-buying power. Before going out to look at boats, read a list of 10 mistakes for boat buyers to avoid. More...
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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 —
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