The new Fairline Squadron 68 is sized for an owner/operator. Her five-blade props had plenty of bite for maneuvering around the docks. A light touch on the thrusters was all that was needed to maintain control. We tested the Fairline Squadron 68 with the standard twin 1,150-hp CAT C-18s, topping out at 30 knots. There was no “best cruise” because her range increased linearly as Capt. Steve reduced the throttle. At 23.3 knots, she was tuning 2000 RPM for a range of 267 nautical miles. At 10 knots, a comfortable delivery speed, she can cover 715 nautical miles. But, perhaps the most important aspect of the new Squadron 68 is her world-class fit and finish inside. Fairline has upped its game. Watch our videos and you’ll see what we mean. More...
Bill Deertz owns a 52’ (15.85 m) Kadey-Krogen long-distance cruiser and he and his wife spend about six months each year aboard. When they purchased the boat, it was already set up with Vessel Vanguard PRO, a subscription-based vessel-maintaining and monitoring service. A trawler has many complex systems and when an owner subscribes to Vessel Vanguard PRO, all the manuals for every piece of equipment are uploaded so they can be accessed by a laptop, smartphone or tablet. It’s peace of mind at the owner’s fingertips. More...
Chaparral’s 347 SSX is designed to appeal to two types of boaters. On one hand, she’s made to appeal to owners of smaller bowriders who want to step up to a bigger day boat with overnighting capabilities. On the other hand, the 347 SSX should attract cruisers who want to move down to a more practical boat that can still provide the amenities for an occasional overnight stay. More...
Everglades offers its 335CC with twin 425-hp Yamaha XTO Offshore outboards as well as a pair of 400-hp Mercury Verados. Yamaha lists the lightest version of the XTO Offshore at 952 lbs. (432 kg), while the lightest 400 Verado is 668 lbs. (303 kg). A couple of quick calculations show us that a single Yamaha XTO Offshore has a weight-to-power ratio of 2.24 lbs./hp, while the number drops to 1.67 lbs./hp with the Mercury. Double that for twins. The Yamahas will likely have the better bottom end because they are V-8s while the Mercurys have supercharged six-cylinder powerheads. It would be interesting to see the Mercurys’ fuel consumption numbers because they’ll be working harder to push the boat. More...
With start-up companies all over the world jumping into the electric outboard business, many are finding out that it is easier said (i.e., making a prototype), than becoming a viable business. Many macro issues must fall into place, such as government regulations, availability of high-speed charging at marinas and the public’s acceptance of a new way to go boating where the emphasis is on sustainability not speed. Capt. Steve had the rare opportunity this winter to experience the 180-hp electric outboard from Vision Marine Technologies and to interview the company’s CEO, Alex Mongeon.
There’s no type of boat more complicated or expensive than a large motoryacht. Making a buying mistake here can literally cost you a million dollars or more. Our detailed Buyer’s Guide tells you how to avoid making a costly mistake. More...
Sweden’s Nimbus Group echoed reports of strong boat demand across its markets in Europe and the US.
For the first quarter of 2022 ending March 31, Swedish boatbuilder Nimbus reported a sales increase of just over 46%. The company said it was a particularly strong result for what is normally a seasonally weak quarter. More...
Anyone who’s ever participated in a poker run or fun run knows that the start can be rather intense. So imagine being the crew in this lead boat in the water as 25 speeding vessels come roaring down on them. Pucker up boys. More...
The Axopar 28 Cabin is one of the hottest boats on the U.S. market. It’s a dayboat with an open cabin that can seat five people for lunch and sleep two. Forward she has a table with seating and aft are two seats and a wet bar. Watch Capt Steve’s review of the Axopar 28 here. Then reach out to SBC’s GM Greg Sweeney to learn more about membership in this remarkable boat in Tarpon Springs, FL. Contact him at 727-200-3474 or email here...
Photo Of The Day
"A Little Night Music" by Forest Johnson
To learn more about Forest or to order a print of this image, clickhere.
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