New Garmin ECHOMAP UHD Series | Absolute Navetta 73 | Formula 400 SSC - 04/01/20
BoatTEST Newsletter April 1, 2020
New Editor's Report
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD Series:
Merging GPS w/ Ultra High Def Sonar
It looks like the design team at Garmin had no intention of resting on its laurels with the Chirp and ECHOMAP Ultra High Definition (UHD) series introduced nearly five years ago. That combination of GPS mapping and Chirp Sonar improved fishfinders for recreational fisherman. Chirp’s multi-frequency signals sharpened imaging to where it could identify individual fish. Now, several new scanning sonar technologies Garmin labels as ClearVu and SideVu have been added to help anglers see what is below, around, and in front of the boat. All three sonars have their purpose and can be displayed individually or in combination side by side in split screen fashion. More...
Test Video
Absolute Navetta 73:
Luxurious Max Cube LRC
The Absolute Navetta 73 is a distance cruiser built to take on ocean travel with style, comfort, and user-friendly technology. She’s primarily designed for long ranges at displacement speeds, but the twin 1000-hp Volvo Penta IPS drives can push her to a speed of 23 knots when necessary. While she has crew quarters, an experienced couple would be comfortable cruising the boat alone. The Boening monitoring system keeps a watchful eye on all systems from multiple locations throughout the yacht, and joysticks on the aft deck ensure easy docking. Kevlar and carbon fiber are used above the deck level to maintain strength, minimize weight and keep the center of gravity low. She has large entertainment areas on the bow, flying bridge, aft deck and salon. Below, she offers four en suite staterooms. More...
Test Video
Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover:
Fine Fit-n-Finish w/ Performance
Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover
The 400 SSC continues the evolution of Formula’s Super Sport Crossover series that was started several years ago with the game-changing 430 SSC. The new 400 SSC tops 61 mph and planes in less than 5 seconds with power provided by quad 350-hp Mercury Verados. Her twin-step bottom with 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom provides the ride and handling we expect from a Formula. But, the most important aspect of this of the 400 is her luxurious accommodations on deck and below. By setting the quads back so far, Formula has created a watersports platform second to none among outboard powered boats in class. More...
Maine Extends Deadlines for
Boating/Fishing Licenses
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife announced that it will allow boaters to operate without a 2020 registration until April 30. Earlier this month, the organization extended the requirement for a state fishing license to the same date.
Maine boat registrations typically expire at the end of the calendar year. Trailer registrations, however, operate like those for a car, so it’s up to the owner to keep the trailer current. The state did remind boaters that registrations can be renewed online, but not all towns in Maine have signed up with the internet vendor.
Maintaining Access. While other states have been forced to shut down launch ramps because of irresponsible behavior by some members of the boating public, Maine realized the importance of recreational boating and fishing as beneficial ways to spend time outdoors while practicing social distancing.
Test Video
Chaparral 300 OSX:
Distinctive Bow Seating w/Advantages
The Chaparral 300 OSX has a notable bowrider design that separates it from most boats in class. Rather than the usual two narrow chaise-type seats on each side, there’s a single broad seat facing forward, with enough space for three adults to stretch out. There’s also seating for two more up front and a filler cushion. A side-mount table could make this a good spot for lunch. Below decks is a cozy cabin with enclosed head. This outboard-powered dayboat is a dual-console with the helm on the centerline and companion seat to starboard. Performance was strong with the twin Yamaha F300s pushing her 57.0 mph. More...
Norwegian Company Launches
150-hp Electric Outboard
Norwegian Company Launches 150-hp Electric Outboard
Evoy, a company based in Florø, Norway, has introduced a 150-hp electric outboard that it hopes to put into production later this year. The company says the prototype was tested extensively, and last summer it set an “unofficial” world speed record for electrically powered boats of just over 63.3 mph (55 knots). The manufacturer received financial backing for the motor’s development from Innovation Norway and the goal is to have it available for sale in the first quarter of 2021.
Polar Cruising. One of the first applications for the motor will be to power 30 Zodiac MilPro MK5 rigid hull inflatables on vessels owned by a Norwegian cruise company, Hurtigruten. Evoy said it has received interest from many “polar cruising” companies. The MilPro MK5 is the vessel of choice for lifeboats for the polar region.
Equivalent Power. The prototype motor has a powerhead that produces power equal to a 150-hp gas motor and has a custom-designed lower unit. Evoy says its mission is to eliminate emissions from boats. The company makes electrically based inboard propulsion systems rated for up to 800 hp for commercial boats from 20’ to 40’.
For more information, click here.
2020 Pursuit DC266 for Lease
This 2020 Pursuit DC266 is currently available for lease in St. Petersburg, Florida. Click here for more info on this boat...
When we announced BoattestLEASING in mid-January, we were overwhelmed with the response. Then — just a month later — the world changed. Boat leasing turned from being a good idea for early adapters, into a necessity for many boaters who want to get on the water — or keep their boats.
By sharing boat expenses among owners and leaseholders, boating — despite the tough times ahead — can be affordable.
Please Lease My Boat. BoattestLEASING is an excellent solution for boat owners of late-model vessels who need financial help because of a severe drop in income due to our current financial crisis. BoattestLEASING will manage your boat, if it meets our criteria, and lease it to people in your locale who can’t afford, or don’t want the huge expense and hassles of owning a boat. You pick the number of usage days you want to keep (average annual usage days in the U.S. is 25), and we will advertise the rest to the local market. Income you receive will be “found money” to help cover your costs related to the boat. Leases run from 1 to 4 years. For more info, see below.
I Want a Low-Cost Lease. BoattestLEASING is currently vetting boats all over the country, then leasing them on behalf of their owners at fair and affordable rates — below the cost of renting in most cases. The down payments are much smaller than for buying a boat, and monthly payments are far less as well – and typically include all expenses except fuel. You may lease for as few as 10 days per year. Lease terms: 1 to 4 years. For more info, see below.
For more information, call: 727-200-3474, or...
I Have a Boat to Lease I Want to Lease a Boat
Safe, Healthy Boating,
Wave of the Future
Send your pictures in that show “Safe, Healthy Family Boating” to [email protected]. Each week, we’ll pick a winner who will receive a coveted BoatTEST hat personally signed by Capt. Steve.
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