New Evinrude Power Tiller | Hatteras Battlewagons | Everglades 253CC - 03/10/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 10, 2020
New Review Video
Evinrude Power Tiller:
Power Steering Plus Digital Shift & Throttle
Evinrude is the first in the industry to offer a tiller model with power steering and digital shift and throttle, which are all included in their 150 E-TEC G2 Power Tiller three-cylinder outboards. We tested a 150 on a 2020 Alumacraft Competitor 205, a popular aluminum boat for anglers who like to troll for walleyes. Many prefer a tiller outboard since they can sit at the transom alongside the trolling rods while maintaining steering and speed control. Our test team found the engine can be steered with fingertip pressure, eliminating fatigue from long use. The digital throttle provides very predictable acceleration with no surges as sometimes results from mechanical throttle control. The TouchTroll system allows rpm to be adjusted up or down in 50-rpm increments to achieve the perfect trolling speed, and throttle tension is adjustable. The iTrim feature automatically sets the most efficient running attitude based on rpm, but can be manually over-ridden. The tiller handle adjusts for right- or left-hand operation, and can be tilted up for standing operation. More...
New Editor's Report
Hatteras Battlewagons:
40-Knot Speeds Loaded for Big Game
Arguably the best example of the modern offshore battlewagon is Hatteras Yachts’ series of five GT convertibles. They range in length from 45' to 70' (13.72 m to 21.34 m), and feature at least two operating stations, a large cockpit and dedicated tackle storage for serious angling. The luxurious salons, fully equipped galleys and belowdeck accommodations rival those found on high-end offshore motoryachts. The GT Series share many features including convex, modified-V hull bottoms that have variable deadrise angles and the Carolina Flare that helps give the boats their signature look. Propellers that are custom designed for each boat spin in deep tunnels for maximum performance and efficiency. The tunnels also let the boats draw less water than competitive boats. The Hatteras Hatt/CON system gives the captain touchscreen control and monitoring of every system from screens located throughout the boat. It can also be downloaded to a smartphone, a computer or a tablet. Big twin CAT diesels provide every model with speeds to 40 knots. More...
Test Video
Everglades 253CC:
Added Security in a Premium-Class CC
Like all from the builder, the Everglades 253CC is noted for its solid feel in choppy seas and for the builder’s printed insurance of level flotation if swamped. A huge plus for those who fish regularly far offshore. These features result from a construction method known as Rapid Molded Core Assembly, or RAMCAP. Rather than injecting foam between the inner and outer hull as most builders do, Everglades molds high-density 6-lb. (2.7 kg) foam and places it in exact positions between the hull and liner, then bonds them together with fiberglass and resin under vacuum. This provides a strong, rigid hull with sound and vibration dampening qualities as well as the desired flotation – even though boats over 20' (6 m) in length are not required to have it. The 253CC is also loaded with standard features that are optional on most in the genre, including a hardtop with lights, stereo speakers, rocket launchers, power windshield with wiper, fresh water washdown, chaise seatbacks for the bow and premium-class bolstered helm seats. More...
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Editor's Report
Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon:
Maxed-Out Wakesports Boat
Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon
With seating for 16, the Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon is a maxed-out premium-class wakesports boat with an impressive powerplant to match its bold design: the PCM XR7 550-hp 6.2 L supercharged inboard. The engine not only provides the power needed to haul lots of water sports fans, she’s reportedly the most fuel-efficient in class. The boat displays inventive engineering and design both below the water and above, with a hull form and accessories designed to make waves configurable to wakesurfers’ or wakeboarders’ preference. The Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS) with Hydro-Plate allows adjusting the wake to the preference of any rider, aids in getting up on plane, and automatically optimizing the running attitude of the boat. She can take on up to 2,220 lbs. (998 kg) of water ballast, which is considerably more than many in the class, to build towering wakes that are ideal for surfing. More...
Test Video
Barletta L25U:
Fully-Loaded Tri-toon w/47.2 MPH Top Speed
The Barletta L25U is a lux-class pontoon boat with many standard features that are options on most, including the premium stereo system from Hertz, which is known for providing top-shelf motorcycle audio designed to provide great sound in an open, windy environment. She has plush carpet with vibration-reduction underlayment and plush seating available in various layouts, all covered in extra HD vinyl. She’s also the only pontoon boat we’ve seen with built-in hideaway pet bowls tucked under the helm platform. Twin power-Bimini’s are an available option. Built with .090 aluminum, the pontoon tubes are chambered and feature heavy duty baffles, heavy-duty splash fins, nosecone, and full-length solid extruded keels. We tested a tri-toon version with a 300-hp Mercury Verado with an 18” (45.72 cm) pitch propeller, which pushed her to a top speed of 47.2 mph. With a loaded weight of 5,550 lbs. (2,517 kg), it can be towed by most half-ton pickups or full-sized SUVs. More...
Test Video
Azimut Atlantis 51:
Al Fresco Feel in a Comfortable Salon
The main deck of the Azimut Atlantis 51 includes a seating and dining area with the style and function of a main salon, though it’s fully open to the aft deck in standard express style. The large sliding sunroof and opening windows give the area an al fresco feel, and the upholstery is weatherproof Batyline. There’s a wet bar to starboard, plus a refrigerator/freezer. A grill is tucked into the transom, and this entire assembly opens to a large dinghy garage. She also has a full galley below decks as well as a second salon and dining area. The ensuite master is at the bow, and two guest suites are amidships. Twin 600-hp Volvo Penta IPS800s pushed her to a top speed of 32.7 knots in our tests. More...
Boating Tips
Watch Your Step
The concept of a stepped hull is nothing new, however with the modern age being what it is, radically functional shapes and designs are appearing. And when considering a new boat model, one very important question the manufacturers ask is: “What are you designing the boat to do?” The answer will dictate the step of the hull. More...
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