New Grand Banks 60 | New Brabus Shadow 500 by Axopar | Schaefer Yachts 400 - 02/28/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 28, 2020
New Features Video
Grand Banks 60:
Lighter, Stronger & LRC
We have been waiting a long time for the Grand Banks 60, and when she finally arrived, she did not disappoint. Clearly designed to maintain the much-admired classic lines of the brand, we think that she is possibly the best Grand Banks ever built. Gone are many of the quirky details that former Grand Banks boats often had. Under the skin she has been re-engineered to make her lighter, stronger and more stable than previous models. The twin 900-hp Volvo D13s and tankage are carefully placed to keep the entire waterline length in the water both at displacement speed and on a semi-plane, contributing to efficiency and ride quality. The low center of gravity and the 19’2” (5.85 m) beam add to her stability. The tankage is a single, full-beam 1,530-gallon (5,800 L) tank sitting athwartships ahead of the engines, which is enough to give her range in excess of 1,200 NM at 10 knots. The superstructure is lightweight carbon-fiber, and the joinery is Burmese teak with veneers in some areas to keep the weight down without sacrificing the impressive flow and beauty of the woodworking. Below the waterline, the hull is resin-infused e-glass with a Gurit closed cell foam core. More...
New Captain's Report
Brabus Shadow 500 by Axopar:
Fast, Tough Lux-Class CC
Axopar builds boats that are not only instantly recognizable but also thrilling to drive. They deliver a fast rough-water ride that’s almost unmatched in the industry. Brabus customizes luxury performance cars that raise the bar on excellence and style. The two combined to produce the Brabus Shadow 500 by Axopar, with impressive results according to our test crew. She’s available in bold color schemes, including Platinum Gray, White Gray, and Glacier Blue on the hull, and either Brabus Red (seen in the photo) or Brabus Cappuccino upholstery. The upgraded seating includes square-stitched heavy-gauge vinyl over multi-density foam, with carbon fiber accent strips throughout. The Axopar is a dagger-shaped hull, narrow at the bow, tapering outward to a 9’8” (2.95 m) maximum beam aft, and rides on a double-stepped hull with a 20-degree deadrise at the transom. This all contributes to her 50-knot WOT capabilities with twin 250-hp Mercury Verados as well as the very smooth ride in choppy seas. Learn more here...
America's Boating Club:
Boater Education Made Easy
America's Boating Club: Boater Education Made Easy
With over 350 squadrons around the nation and some 24,000 members, there’s likely to be an America’s Boating Club near you. The squadrons offer boating education that makes boating easier, safer and more fun. Instruction is available in the classroom, on the water or online, allowing you to set your own schedule. Whether you’re a landlubber just buying your first boat or a seasoned skipper ready to increase your know-how of some more arcane topics like celestial navigation (remember, GPS can break down!) the club has reasonably-priced courses that can increase your skills and your confidence. See the details here...
Features Video
Schaefer Yachts 400:
A Sleek Express for Weekending
The Schaefer Yachts 400 provides an interesting combination of protection from sun and wind, with the availability of an al fresco feel throughout on the main deck when wanted. The large sunroof opens the area up to light and ventilation at a touch. The elevated helm position allows the captain to stand and drive with his head above the windshield when desired. The center console seat has space for two, and the chaise to port offers a relaxing spot to read or chat with the captain. Below, she has a master at the bow, with a separate door to the day head to make it en suite. There’s also a guest cabin for two. With the twin Volvo Penta D4-300s matched to DuoProp sterndrives powering our test boat, we reached a top speed of 34.3 knots at 3500 rpm. Best economic cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 27.2 knots. At that speed, the 22.0 gph fuel burn translated into 1.2 nmpg and a range of 234.6 NM. More...
Test Video
TRACKER® PRO TEAM™ 195 TXW:
Welded Aluminum Bass Boat
with 57.9 MPH WOT
The Pro Team 195 TXW comes loaded with most of the fishing features found on fiberglass bass boats that cost nearly twice her base price of $25,795, including a 115 Mercury FourStroke and trailer. The all-welded aluminum hull promises greater durability and easier towability than fiberglass models. The package, including the trailer, weighs just 2,628 lbs. (1,192 kg), making her easily towable behind mid-size vehicles. Standard equipment includes a Lowrance® HOOK2 5 Combo swivel color fishfinder and a Minn Kota 55-pound-thrust trolling motor, plus an aerated livewell, locking rod boxes, two swiveling fishing seats and more. The baked-on powder-coat paint, finished off with a clear coat, should stay new-looking for years. Performance is good with the optional Mercury 150-hp Mercury FourStroke, with a top speed of 57.9 mph. More...
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Test Video
Fountain 43NX:
High-Performance Luxury Dayboat
Fountain is a name familiar to performance boat enthusiasts. Former world champion powerboat racer Reggie Fountain founded the company in 1979, and it has now produced some 10,000 hulls. Though Fountain retired a while back, new management has dedicated itself to producing boats that are among the most luxurious in class. The new breed of Fountains are generally regarded as having far better fit-and-finish than before. The new NX series is aimed at the growing luxury dayboat market — although she has overnight capabilities. The Fountain 43NX can handle up to quad Mercury 400R outboards, enough to truly blow the hair back, while the oversize console hides a full berth, standup head and shower and mini-galley, with A/C available via a 5kW generator. On deck is a full-size open-air galley with several refrigerated drawers. More...
Boating Tips
High-Speed Boat Handling
Most bass boats and many smaller boats do not require bringing the trim down in high-speed turns.
Speed is part of the thrill of owning a boat. But, being in control of your boat at a high speed is a learned skill that requires a cautious approach. There's more to going fast in a boat than shoving the throttle down. More...
Expert Boating
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