New Cabo 41 | Chaparral 257 SSX OB | SeaVee 340Z - 03/16/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 16, 2020
New Features Video
Cabo 41:
Fully Equipped
Bluewater Express Fishboat
The Cabo 41 has a huge cockpit for her LOA, measuring 12’4” (3.76 m) wide by 10’9” (3.28 m) from the transom to the mezzanine seating. This, along with the 48-gallon (182 L) baitwell in the center of the transom and the tuna door to starboard just 8" (20 cm) off the waterline, indicates her mission. She’s a dedicated, fully equipped bluewater fishing machine. However, she’s built in a more compact footprint and at a far lower cost than the larger convertible goldplaters. The lower deck accommodations sleep four in air-conditioned comfort, including a queen berth in the bow master, and also includes a full galley and head with a separate shower. The tuna tower and controls in the test boat were optional, but we recommend it as it is actually higher than the flying bridge on a large convertible. The twin 715-hp Cummins QSM11s pushed her to a top speed of about 32 knots. We think she is an ideal boat as a step up from a large center console, or a step down from a large convertible. More...
Monte Carlo Yachts:
Its Story Begins with Design
Monte Carlo Yachts is one of the newest boatyards to enter the multi-million-dollar motoryacht market, but it quickly got traction because of its distinctive exterior that was intended to set it apart from all other motoryachts on the market. Indeed, once someone sees the MCY lines, they are hard to forget, much like Dali’s 1931 painting, The Persistence of Memory. Now, 12 years later, the Nuvolari-Lenard design has become iconic, and MCY’s are instantly recognizable all over the world. But there is much more to MCY’s yachts than unusual exterior lines. Their build time is among the fastest in the world due to its modern construction techniques. This gives the company a distinct advantage when an aging motoryacht buyer wants a boat quickly in which to enjoy the grandchildren, or to celebrate an important anniversary. MCY has made one of the best videos we have ever seen that explains the story of its build. Today, we start the first of a seven-part series that lets consumers in on the brand’s secret sauce. More...
New Editor's Report
SeaDek:
Enhance Any Boat with
PE/EVA Decking & Accessories
SeaDek makes foam based non-skid decking that is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment. SeaDek is made from UV-resistant closed-cell PE/EVA foam that will not absorb water and provides superior traction – wet or dry. Many builders now offer SeaDek on new boats because it is more comfortable than molded-in non-skid, looks great, protects the boat, and adds a measure of anti-fatigue insulation for bare feet. SeaDek can also be retrofit on practically any type of boat, from kayaks and wake boats to fishing and sailboats. More...
Test Video
Chaparral 257 SSX OB:
OB-Powered Bowrider w/Versatile Seating
The new Chaparral 257 SSX OB is the brand’s largest single-outboard-powered dayboat. Her cockpit offers a myraid of seating options, including the manufacturer's versatile aft lounge that can be set up with angled backrests or laid flat to create a sun pad. Because she has a deep cockpit, kids are secure both fore and aft. Our test boat was powered with a 300-hp Yamaha. She ran a top speed of 52.0 mph at 6000 rpm. Her best economical cruise came at 3500 rpm, where we ran 26.1 mph and burned 9.1 gph, which translated into 2.9 mpg and a range of 168 statute miles. More...
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Test Video
Yamaha VX Deluxe:
Less Weight, More Power, Better Performance
With the TR-1 engine, the Yamaha VX Deluxe has less weight, more power and better performance than earlier versions. She’s one of the company’s mid-level machines, but has all the features most riders will need. Included are tri-level seating for three, the RiDE system for easy low-speed maneuvering and safe, rapid stops from high speed, low-wake and cruise speed control. The molded NanoXcel hull is lighter but stronger than competitors, according to Yamaha. She also includes a reboarding ladder, and the aft deck is covered in Hydro-Turf composite for cool, safe footing. She went from 0 to 30 mph in 2.4 seconds, and top speed is in the low 50’s. (The company offers supercharged premium models for experienced riders who feel the need to go faster.) More...
Features Video
Absolute 47 Fly:
Bold Styling and a Practical Design
The Absolute 47 Fly embraces the new European design trend that maximizes interior room in the forward sections of the boat below, and makes the foredeck a functional entertaining venue. Her very full bow, nearly plumb, adds interior volume for the master en suite stateroom. She also has a VIP and a guest stateroom aft along with a second head. The horseshoe-shaped lounge on deck with a center table provides a large al-fresco entertainment and sunning area that can be shaded with the optional Bimini. The hydraulic swim platform is 4’9” (1.45 m) fore and aft, which is larger than many in class, providing added space to carry a dinghy or PWC. Fold-out steps deploy when the platform is lowered. More...
Test Video
SeaVee 340Z:
Triple Evinrude 300s Max the Troll
The SeaVee 340Z, equipped with triple 300-hp Evinrude G2s, is a formidable package for long-range bluewater fishing. The high-tech V8s turning 20” (50 cm) pitch four-blade props put the 11,811-lb. (5,367 kg) package on plane in 4.8 seconds and pushed her to a top speed of 57.9 mph. Note this is for a boat with a wind-resistant tower and upper control station, as well. Best cruise came in at 4000 rpm and 35.8 mph, at which she burned 31 gph for a range of 379 SM with the 364-gallon (1,377 L) fuel capacity. Just as importantly, at live bait trolling speed, 600 rpm and 3.5 mph, the three engines got 4.3 mpg – no 4-stroke engine can come close to her prodigious trolling range. The Evinrude ICON II Premium EST electronic shift and throttle control binnacle allows for easy hookup of multiple engines for repower. Her joystick costs from 1/2 to 1/5th of the cost of other joystick systems and should be a major consideration when selecting an engine brand for repower. More...
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