New Boston Whaler 325 Conquest | Sirena 64 | Robalo 206 Cayman - 03/18/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 18, 2020
New Test Video
Boston Whaler 325 Conquest:
Seaworthy Express Sleeps 4
We tested the new Boston Whaler 325 Conquest with twin Mercury Verado 350s, which produced a top speed of 48.6 mph turning 17” (43 cm) pitch Enertia props. (If you have to have a 50-mph boat, twin Mercury 400s are optional.) She planed at just over 12 mph, which is a big advantage when you have to slow down to handle rough seas offshore, where this boat is well designed to operate. At 4000 rpm and 28.8 mph, she burned 22 gph for a range of about 350 SM — crossings to the Bahamas from Florida ports would be no issue. The fully-enclosed bow not only turns her into a pocket weekender with a cabin and accommodations for four below, but also makes her much more seaworthy than open-bow center consoles of similar size. Like all Whalers, she promises level flotation if swamped. This is a major new development from Whaler and offers boaters excellent functionality in an easily-manageable sized boat. More...
Features Video
Sirena Yachts 64:
Post-Modern Design
Plus Old-World Craftsmanship
The Sirena 64, built in Bursa, Turkey, shows old-world care and craftsmanship in the abundant matched-grain woodworking found throughout. The exterior of this German Frers design displays lots of vertical lines, giving a post-modern feel that also adds to interior volumes. The massive front deck lounging and dining area is large enough for a dozen or more guests, with added al fresco entertainment areas on the flying bridge and the aft deck. When it comes to cruising, she’s ready for extended operation at displacement speeds. Range at 9.5 knots with the twin 1000-hp Caterpillar engines is about 940 NM. She’s equipped for operation by an experienced cruising couple, with ZF joysticks on the flybridge and main deck helms, plus bow and stern thrusters to make low-speed maneuvering intuitive. Below decks are accommodations for six, with all three staterooms featuring large windows and en-suite heads. More...
Test Video
Robalo 206 Cayman:
Fuel-Friendly Bayboat w/10” Draft
The Robalo 206 Cayman has an exceptionally shallow draft for a bayboat of her size, just 10” (25 cm) with the lower unit trimmed up, which almost puts her into the flats boat category. At a rigged weight of about 3,460 lbs. (1,569 kg), she’s easily poled or navigated via bow-mount trolling motor, also easy to trailer behind mid-size vehicles. Yet, she has enough freeboard and bow flair to cross big, open bays safely in reasonable weather and to slip outside the inlet on the right days for a go at tarpon or king mackerel. She ran well on an economical 150-hp Yamaha outboard, with a time to plane of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 45.4 mph. At 3500 rpm and 24.7 mph, she got 4.8 mpg for a range of 218 SM. More...
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Safety Tips
How to Prepare for Emergencies
In the event of a true emergency on the water, calmer heads need to prevail. Creating a course of action in advance will make all the difference. Have a plan for various scenarios prior to departure and discuss them with all aboard. Once you’ve practiced, it will be easier to take the right steps and avoid any panic setting in. More...
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