New Chaparral 23 Surf | Leopard 53 PC | Ocean Alexander 36L - 09/28/20
BoatTEST Newsletter September 28, 2020
New Captain’s Report
Chaparral 23 Surf:
New Lux Bowrider w/Merc Four S Drive
Chaparral designed the 23 Surf to combine the comforts and amenities of a high-end bowrider with a forward-facing sterndrive and wake-shaping equipment like Malibu Surf Gates and ballast to create a family-friendly wakesurfing boat. Unlike an inboard-powered boat, the trim-ability of the sterndrive makes the 23 Surf easier to drive for a boater who’s used to that type of propulsion. Our test boat was equipped with MerCruiser’s new Bravo Four S drive with forward-facing propellers. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Owner Interview
A Jet-Powered Huckins 56
The Huckins 56 combines the company’s Fairform Flyer bottom with twin jet drives.
When Bill Higgins built his Huckins 56, he decided to take a different approach to the propulsion system. Having grown up in boat yards, he saw firsthand the damage that groundings and strikes with submerged objects can cause on inboard shafts and rudders. He chose Huckins to build his dream boat because they build a custom boat, which incorporated the massive jet water pumps needed, plus it gives him the interior design and the traditional external styling he desired. This boat was built a number of years ago (but Huckins will still build a new one), and she proved herself over thousands of miles of cruising. Listen to why owner Higgins decided to have jet drives installed and why he picked Huckins to build his boat. See the Video...
Test Video
Mako 214 CC:
Built for Real-World Use
The Mako 214 CC’s stringer grid and hull.
On the right day, an owner will want to take a boat like the Mako 214 CC offshore to chase fish. To give him the confidence to make that run, Mako builds her with resin-infused laminates and a one-piece stringer grid that’s bonded to the hull. After the stringers are installed, closed-cell foam is injected to help dampen sound and vibration, and to give the boat basic flotation. The transom is made with a fiberglass-encapsulated 2” thick (5.08 cm) high-density composite core material and the hull-to-deck joint is chemically sealed and bonded, mechanically fastened every 6” (15.24 cm) with stainless-steel fasteners. More...
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Features Video
Ocean Alexander 36L:
High Standards for the High Seas
Ocean Alexander 36L. Photo by Forest Johnson
When building the 118’ (35.97 m) 36L tri-deck motoryacht, Ocean Alexander follows best practices for lamination, using resin-infused vacuum-bagging techniques to achieve a high glass-to-resin ratio. The manufacturer also uses cross-knit directional carbon fiber in high-stress areas for added structural integrity and longitudinal strength. Decks, bulkheads and overheads are supported by marine-grade aluminum beams. This helps prevent structural movement while underway, which eliminates long-term stress on the boat. More...
Features Video
Leopard 53 Powercat:
Benefits of a 2:1 Length-to-Beam Ratio
The Leopard 53 Powercat is designed to be a leading-edge cruising power catamaran. She has a spacious flying bridge which is ideal for sightseeing and entertaining. The cockpit and salon are on the same level. Combine that with her 25’2” (7.67 m) beam and it creates one of the largest gathering areas we’ve seen on a boat in this length. When she’s underway, the 53 Powercat has a wave-taming ride and superior range. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #24
The largest single type of fiberglass boat built these days is the center console – over 35,000 were sold last year. While they might seem simple and look all the same at a boat show, the fact is that they are all quite different. They are not cheap, and that is why buyers of them would be wise to watch our video “Buyer’s Guide to Center Consoles” narrated by Capt. Steve.
See Episode #24 See All Episodes
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