New CL Yachts CLB72 | Orca Pushes Boat | Sea Ray SLX 400 OB - 07/12/21

New Test Video

CL Yachts CLB72

Motoryacht for Adventurous Owners

Designed by Apollonio Naval Architecture, the CL Yachts CLB72 is a 76’11” (23.44 m) motoryacht that has an open plan with social zones. The manufacturer says she was designed for “a yachting family with a heart for adventure.” CL Yachts tells us that virtually every buyer to date has been an owner/operator who plans to take the family on long passages to far-reaching destinations. In addition to fully equipped upper and lower helms, she has docking stations on each side of the aft deck. Belowdecks, she sleeps eight with crew accommodations for two. More...

Test Video

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36

Outboards Enhance Handling

Powered by twin 300-hp Mercury 4.6-liter V-8 outboards, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 exhibits good handling characteristics and a solid feel in myriad conditions. The engines are mounted a foot (30.48 cm) abaft the swim platform, which gives the boat a balanced feel and accentuates the levering effect of the outboards. Once the boat is on plane, a driver should wait until she builds speed and then bring up the engine trim. The spray will move aft from alongside the helm to the stern quarters, indicating the most efficient trim position.

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Test Video

Sea Ray SLX 400 OB

Base Power Packs a Punch

It’s rare that we get to test a boat like the Sea Ray SLX 400 OB with the base power, but the triple 300-hp outboards from Mercury are the new 4.6-liter V8s while the 350-hp upgrades are supercharged 2.6-liter V6s and the old saying that there’s no replacement for displacement could apply for our test boat. The added torque that comes with the extra displacement was evident in the positive throttle response. Our test boat planed in 4.8 seconds, hit 20 mph in six seconds and made it to 30 in less than 10 seconds. The joystick made short work of dockside maneuvers. More...

Test Video

Alumacraft Competitor 205

Built for Rugged Work

Whether a boat has a steering wheel or a tiller like the Competitor 205, Alumacraft builds them all the same. It starts with one-piece construction with a seamless hull that the company says ensures proper placement of the one-piece hardened center keel. Full-length double plating provides protection all the way to the transom and reduces sound and vibration. The all-aluminum transom is lighter and stronger than a wood version. Finally, the hull and transom are protected in an automotive-quality base coat and clear coat that is more resistant to fading and damage from run-ins with the dock. More...

Boating Tips

Orca Pushes Boat Like a Toy

A family in Washington state was enjoying a day on the water when a large orca decided to pay a visit. Did it just want to say hello or was there more to this close encounter? More...

Sovereign Boat Club's "Share the Wealth" Program

The concept of Sovereign Boat Club is quite simply to share the wealth. It’s a win-win for everyone! A limit of 8 members pay a fraction of a boat’s cost to a boat owner who has already bought a premium boat. Each party is sharing what he can afford and the benefit for both is the affordable premium boat usage. Annual memberships in five premium boats ranging from 27’ to 35’ (8.2 m to 10.6 m) are now available in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

Photo Of The Day

"On the Erie Canal during our Great Loop adventure."

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