New Blazer Bay 1900 | Schaefer Yachts 580 | Beneteau Antares 23 - 01/10/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 10, 2020
New Test Video
Blazer Bay 1900:
New 3-Cyl. Evinrude is Fuel-Efficient
The Evinrude 115 E-TEC G2 115 H.O. turning a 19” (48 cm) pitch RX3 propeller proved a good match for the 1,400-pound (635 kg) hull of the Blazer Bay 1900. She got on plane in just 3.5 seconds. The direct-injected three-cylinder gets impressive fuel economy at trolling speeds. We recorded 14.8 mpg at a 650-rpm idle and 3 mph, 11.1 mpg at 1000 rpm and 4.5 mph. Best cruise was at 3500 rpm and 27.5 mph, at which she got 5.8 mpg. WOT speed was 42.6 mph. Single-tube rigging thanks to the all-digital controls presents a clean, snag-free transom area. More...
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Test Video
Aquila 36:
Multi-Mission Cat w/En Suite
Accommodations for 4
The Aquila 36 powered by twin Mercury Verado 350 outboards provides dayboat performance and plenty of on-deck space to host a party afloat, plus comfortable en suite accommodations for four. In our test runs, she got on plane in 3.0 seconds, which is not surprising since catamaran hulls typically plane rapidly. Top speed was 40.1 mph, while best cruise was at 3500 rpm and 17.7 mph, at which she got 1.2 mpg. Slow her down to 1000 rpm displacement speed, as you might to make a long crossing between islands, and she got 2.1 mpg for a range of better than 660 statute miles with her 356-gallon (1,350 L) fuel capacity. Noise levels at the helm are very low with these 4-stroke outboards, just 81 dBa at 3500 rpm and 61 dBa at 1000 rpm. More...
Test Video
Schaefer Yachts 580:
Joystick Steering from Idle to WOT
The Schaefer Yachts 580 is best known for being the first production yacht with no steering wheel on the main deck helm. She’s controlled from idle to WOT via the joystick linked to the twin Volvo Penta IPS800 diesels. We were also impressed with her full-featured leather-upholstered, diamond-stitched helm seat. It slides fore and aft, up and down and tilts. With access to nearly all operational controls on the arm rests, the captain rarely needs to stand to access any of the functions on the console. Throttle and shift are on the left along with the trim tab controls. On the right are the controls for the 20” (50.8 cm) nav screens along with the joystick. While the Volvo Penta system is well-known for intuitive docking, the joystick converts for steering at speed at the touch of a button. A tap on the stick adjusts course 1 degree and a twist by 5 degrees. Holding the stick hard over allows a sharper turn than is available with conventional steering. See how it works here...
Test Video
BENETEAU Antares 23:
Every Family’s (Weekend) Cruiser
The Antares 23 is a (weekend) cruiser that makes smart use of the available space within her 9’1” (2.76 m) beam. The port side seat has a reversible back so that it also functions for access to the booth-style dinette, or a companion seat facing forward. The helm seat is mounted on a hinged base that allows it to tilt forward to provide additional counterspace when the galley is being used. The refrigerator is just below and the optional grill is just aft of the sink. More...
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Test Video
TAHOE 500 TS:
Quick-Planing, Easy-Trailering Bowrider
A boat that gets on plane quickly is a big help in tow sports, and there are few that do it faster than the 19’10” (6.05 m) Tahoe 500 TS bowrider. The POWERGLIDE II hull assists in the quick time-to-plane, with broad reversed chines, multiple strakes and a 16-degree deadrise at the transom. She’s easily trailerable with a package weight of 3,978 lbs. (1,804 kg). Her length on the trailer is just 21’8” (6.6 m) thanks to the swing-away trailer tongue, allowing her to fit inside most garages. She’s competitively priced at $30,995 with the base 200-hp MerCruiser and single-axle trailer. More...
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Boating Tips
Regular Generator
Maintenance Tips
Basic Boating Tips from Boston Whaler: Generator Maintenance
The generator is one of the most expensive items on some boats, and also one of the more complicated. Here are some tips from Doug Wolf, Customer Relations Coordinator for Boston Whaler aboard a 345 Conquest, on keeping your generator well-maintained and doing its job every time you go aboard. See the video for additional tips...
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