New Hatteras GT45X Open | New Heyday WT-Surf | Robalo R302 - 02/25/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 25, 2020
New Features Video
Hatteras GT45X Open:
Compact Battlewagon for Big Game Fishing
The Hatteras GT45X has all the bluewater fishability of a much larger sportfish battlewagon, but in a smaller, more-moderately-priced package. She’s easier on fuel, less costly to dock and insure, and she won't require a paid crew to keep her shipshape. She’s also more agile when it comes to chasing offshore heavyweights like bluefins and blue or black marlin. The cockpit is all about the action, with a large centered baitwell with a viewing window on the transom, a tuna door on the starboard side, and the natural teak caprail and deck ready to take whatever the fish and the sea throw at it. The aft-facing mezzanine seats are just right for rod-watchers, and the reinforced deck can secure a rocket launcher or fighting chair. There’s adequate room in front of and behind the fighting chair for crew to assist an angler in the heat of action. We tested a model with a full tuna tower, powered by the optional 985-hp Cat C-12.9s, which topped out at 36.1 knots. At a trolling speed of 600 rpm and 6.7 knots, she used just 4 gph, allowing many hours of pulling baits without much impact on range. More...
New Editor's Report
Heyday WT-Surf:
An Affordable Wakeboat
Heyday is a relatively new brand that was started by the father and son team of John and Ben Dorton (ex-Mastercraft folks) who quickly sold it to Brunswick, which placed it under the Bayliner umbrella. The concept is to provide an affordable wakeboat in a market that is dominated by expensive boats that are full of amenities and lavishly built. The result is a boat that is Spartan by comparison, that is intended to appeal to people who want good wake, lots of interior room for friends, and loud tunes at a relatively low price. Heyday has introduced its WT-Surf wakeboat for 2020 with a special shape in its hull design that generates waves without need for expensive tabs or flaps found on many high-end wakeboats, according to the company. The company says that its hull shape displaces more water into a wave, contributing to height, curl or push, and a better wave-pocket. The hull design has a wide, angled stern, with rounded corners and trademarked 'bailing strakes.' We have not tested the boat, but we offer a full report with plenty of images. More...
Test Video
Hampton Yachts 650:
Premium Build for the
Experienced Cruising Couple
The Hampton Yachts 650 is well-designed for the experienced cruising couple who appreciate superior interior fit, finish and materials as well as dependable operational features. The raised pilot house includes a dinette large enough for four, allowing guests to join the captain for coffee while underway. There’s beautifully finished African Makore cherry cabinetry with solid wood trim throughout this area as well as in the salon and the entire accommodations level. Just aft, the full galley includes granite countertops built on an aluminum honeycomb core, saving weight while providing the durability and beauty of natural stone. Watertight side doors on either side, also with the wood trim, give the captain easy access for docking, and the stairway to the flying bridge is just to starboard. More...
Test Video
Robalo R302:
Redesigned Classic CC with a 10-Year Warranty
The Robalo R302, an upgrade of the company’s popular R300, includes increased cockpit space, upscale multi-tone upholstery that is more family-friendly, and a wraparound glass windshield with a power vent in the center portion. The larger hardtop is standard, with the supports integrated into the console and the rigging station just aft of the helm seats. A Bluetooth stereo with four speakers is also standard. The 10’6” (3.2 m) beam allows plenty of space to get past the console on either side, and there’s a standup head with a sink and electric-flush toilet in the console. She’s an impressive performer with the twin 300-hp Yamahas provided for our tests, getting on plane in 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 55.2 mph. Mercury Verado power is also available factory-rigged. The hulls are hand-laid using bi- and tri-axial fiberglass, with Kevlar reinforcement in key areas. Composite corings create a completely rot-free construction. Add the poured ceramic composite transom and it’s easy to see how Robalo can provide a 10-year warranty. More...
Test Video
Yamaha VX Limited:
Fully-Loaded, Family-Sized PWC
Planes in 2.4 Seconds
The Yamaha VX Limited is a fully-loaded PWC driven by the company’s TR-1 engine, which is 40% smaller than the engine it replaces, yet nearly 13% more powerful. This not only allows much easier access to the engine for maintenance, but also improves performance. She got on plane in 2.4 seconds in our tests with a single rider, and top speed was 53.1 mph. You won’t have to visit the fuel dock too often, either — at a cruise of 31.2 mph, she’s got a range of 155 SM with the 18.5 gallon (70 L) fuel tank. She’s family-sized with three comfortable seats. The RiDE system not only makes her much easier to handle around the docks but also increases safety with a rapid braking system built into the left grip. More...
From Boston Whaler
Super Sport Self-Bailing Characteristics
Super Sport Self-Bailing Characteristics
The Boston Whaler 150 Super Sport is a true self-bailing hull. There’s no bilge pump because none is needed—when you leave her at the dock overnight, you simply pull the drain plug. Any rain water that falls will run to the full width well across the transom and then out the drain hole because the deck is above the waterline and sits at a slight angle, higher forward than aft. The foam-filled hull, like all Whalers, has full level flotation should it ever swamp, per the company. More...
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