New Galeon 560 Sky | Rinker 270 EX | How to Stop Rolling - 01/13/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 13, 2020
New Test Video
Galeon 560 SKY:
Flying Bridge Utility, Express Cruiser Style
For those who enjoy the utility and superior visibility from a flying bridge as well as the stylish lines of an express cruiser, the Galeon 560 SKY combines the two with an upper deck that can “disappear” at the touch of a button under the sliding composite laminate roof. She also has a sliding sunroof forward, as can be seen in the image above. In the open position, the bridge offers many of the features of a conventional flybridge. She has a wraparound L seat with storage underneath, a wet bar with an optional refrigerator and a fully-featured helm station with another three forward-facing seats. The starboard front seat has a reversible back so it can convert from forward to aft facing. A small collapsible plexi windscreen is just ahead, and the entire console is collapsible and conceals at the push of a button to accommodate the carbon fiber Skydeck cover. This is the only boat we know of that has this remarkable feature. More...
Test Video
Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover:
Luxury-Grade Sport Utility
w/Twin Sterndrive Power
Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover
The Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover is a smaller version of the 430 SSC that heralded a sea-change in design thinking in class. She keeps all of the important attributes and functionality of the 430, but is slightly smaller, and therefore less expensive. She has a luxurious cabin for weekending, roomy bowrider seating forward and a full-sized, fully-usable swim platform uncluttered by the jumbo outboards that are now so popular in boats of this size. We tested her with twin 520-hp MerCruiser Racing V8s with Bravo 3 drives turning dual counter-rotating propellers, which pushed the double-stepped design to a top speed of 51.5 mph. Best cruise was at 4000 rpm and 38.7 mph, where she got 0.8 mpg. Our test model had the optional hydraulic swim platform addition (which we recommend), which increases the length of the platform by 2' (0.6 m), adding utility as well as providing an easy spot to haul and launch water toys. Racks are available to carry SUPs here, and the standup cocktail table seen in the photo is also a useful option. More...
Captain's Report
Rinker 270 EX:
Trailerable Express Ready for
Dayboating, Overnights
The Rinker 270 EX is a pocket express cruiser with a weight of just over 7,000 lbs. (3,217 kg) dry and a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m), making her trailerable behind full-sized tow vehicles. This is a primary reason for choosing a pocket cruiser – they have a considerable cruising range using I-95. There are only a few boats built in the pocket cruiser class, so interested parties should take a look at this one. The cockpit has space for entertaining and includes a refreshment center to port with a sink and space for a cooler underneath. Below, she has a galley, dinette, head and convertible accommodations for four. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Boston Whaler 250 Outrage:
Ergo-Friendly for Anglers & the Family
Getting past the console while working a big fish can be a challenge in some center consoles, but that’s not the case in the Boston Whaler 250 Outrage. She has a full 17” (43 cm) wide passage space on each side, thanks in large part to the integrated supports for the standard hardtop as well as to the 9’ (2.7 m) beam. The design also looks much better than the exposed aluminum tubing that's found on many in class, which is a cheaper way of building. Whaler does not cheap-out on anything, and its boats are among the best engineered vessels in class. She has full bolsters from bow to stern and toe rails aft. The deluxe leaning post shown here includes a second 30-gallon (113.5 L) aerated livewell in addition to the standard well in the port corner of the transom. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
SUN TRACKER SPORTFISH 22 XP3:
Partying Up Front, Fishing Aft
There’s lots of space up front for the family to party and relax aboard the Sportfish 22 XP3. Aft, she has a pair of swiveling fishing seats, a livewell with a lift-out bait bucket, rod racks, tool rack and locking rod storage. Note the size of the forward deck, which has room for the trolling motor, and room to handle dock lines. Like virtually all pontoon boats, there is no dedicated provision for an anchor. She can be fitted with a trolling motor up front for serious fishing outings, and the aft chairs can be moved forward as needed. The STOW-MORE settees have lift-up backs that greatly increase the stowage capacity. The 9-foot (2.7 m) Bimini is standard, easily raised and lowered by one person with the QUICKLIFT handle. She rides on three 26” (66 cm) pontoons with lifting strakes. See our report for test results. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Boating Tips
7 Ways to Stop Rock & Roll
Engineers all over the world are working on making the ride on large yachts more comfortable than ever before. The result is some interesting new products as well as improvements of the old systems. As riding comfort replaces the need for every more speed among the new generation of boaters, we’ll all be hearing more about these systems. More...
New Login Procedures.
New BoatTEST Website: New Login Required
Home page for the new BoatTEST website.
Most regular BoatTEST Members know that we have a new website with larger pictures, new functionality and easier to read Captain’s Reports. We are now requiring a password to access many of the important features of the site, such as —
- Pricing Information
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