New Icom M93D | Fairline F//LINE 33 | Yamaha 275SD - 02/19/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 19, 2020
New Review Video
Icom M93D Handheld VHF:
Waterproof, Pocket-Sized VHF with GPS & DSC
The cell-phone sized Icom M93D Handheld VHF fits nicely in the palm of your hand and weighs only 9.3 oz. The unit is IPX7-Rated, meaning it is waterproof for 30 minutes at 3' (1 m). Since it floats, this may never be a problem. It has built-in GPS and DSC features, so a single button can signal distress and provide a position to rescue crews. The Active Noise Cancelling feature recognizes voice characteristics and effectively eliminates wind and engine noises, which is important on open boats underway or in bad weather. The integrated GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver provides your location, bearing, and speed. Acquired position information can be used for DSC calls as well as navigation to waypoints. Icom is one of the finest names in VHF radio technology, and we have been using them quite happily for years. More...
Editor's Report
Fairline F//LINE 33:
Euro Dayboat w/Double Berth
The Fairline F//LINE 33 is a sleek new dayboat designed with Italian flair by Alberto Mancini and built in Britain. She has a cabin that's suitable for overnighting or spending a weekend onboard, with a dedicated double berth, V-settee and an enclosed wet head. Twin Volvo Penta D3 diesel (220-hp) sterndrives are the standard powerplant, but speed can be improved with optional V8 430-hp gas engines from Volvo or Mercury. A fold-down tailgate-style swim platform, similar to that seen on some sailboats, adds utility while preserving the appealing sculpted look of the transom in the “up” position. The plumb bow has a distinctive Euro look, and there’s a sun pad up front for use while she’s at anchor. The cockpit has seating and dining space for six people, and this seating is easily converted to a sun pad. See our full report here...
Test Video
Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht:
Built for Extended Cruising, Bluewater Angling
The four-stateroom Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht is built in Australia and designed to handle rough water, both in extended cruising and in serious bluewater fishing. The cockpit is fully-equipped for big game with a rigging station, teak deck, baitwells, bait freezer and fishboxes, plus a covered grill. She has a hydraulic swim platform to haul a tender or serve as a teak beach. The full mezzanine deck overlooking the cockpit will be a favorite spot for enjoying lunch or a cocktail at sundown. The skylounge has the only helm station on the boat, and includes a Norsap captain’s chair, a commercial build that includes a gas dampened shock absorber to ease the ride, one of many premium touches throughout. More...
Test Video
Yamaha 275SD:
Inventive & Quick Jet Bowrider
Yamaha was the builder responsible for the two-tiered aft deck, which is now copied on many modern runabouts. With their new 27' (8.23 m) model, they have created chaise seating on the second row – and a new third level. Now, there are submerged “swim seats” that mount at the transom and let swimmers stay cool in the water while enjoying a drink on the swim platform. The arching side windows add a styling feature and keep the crew dry when swimming or watersports are not on the agenda (see inset image). With twin Yamaha 1812cc supercharged Yamaha SVHO engines combined with the jet propulsion system, the Yamaha 275SD is very fast getting on plane — just 2.4 seconds in our tests, despite a test weight of about 6,500 lbs. (2,951 kg). She floats — and runs — in just 22" (56 cm) of water thanks to the jet systems, and the articulating keel system eases steering. Top speed was 52.0 mph. No Props. More...
Test Video
Everglades 435CC:
Fully-Loaded CC for Fishing,
Entertaining or Weekending
The Everglades 435CC is completely maxed out when it comes to fishing features, starting at the fully-equipped rigging station behind the helm seats. Here under a flip-up cover are four built-in leader reels, a tool rack, cutting board that drains into the sink, a bait prep tray, and both fresh and raw water washdown hoses. Up to five Plano-type tackle boxes fit into sliding trays on either side of this assembly. A compartment in the port gunwale holds dozens of pre-rigged leaders, keeping them free of tangles. There’s storage for a total of 40 rods aboard, including several locking compartments. A pair of 22’ carbon fiber outriggers are also standard with the hardtop. At the transom are two 60-gallon (227 L) lighted and aerated baitwells, among the largest bait capacity in class, with a large fishbox with optional freezer plate between them. She’s designed to get to the fish fast, with a top speed of 60 mph with the quad Yamaha 425s. The 25-degree deadrise at the transom is the sharpest in class, promising an exceptional ride at speed in rough water. More...
Test Video
Sweetwater SW 2286 SFL:
Fuel-Efficient Evinrude 3-Cylinder Tri-Toon
The Sweetwater SW 2286 SFL is powered by the 150-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2, which is the largest of three brand-new mid-range outboards from Evinrude built with a 1.9-liter 3-cylinder powerhead. Because it is a 3-cylinder 2-stroke, it has the lowest weight of any 150-hp engine in class – up to 89 lbs. (40.38 kg) less when compared to major competitors. At idle, we recorded just 58 dBa at the helm, which is about the level of normal speech, and only 84 dBa at full throttle. The fuel economy is equally impressive – the direct-injection engine got 15.0 mpg at 3.0 mph, 3.8 mpg at 15.7 mph and 2.6 mpg at a top speed of 34.5 mph. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
From Boston Whaler
How to Operate a Livewell
Operating a livewell can be as simple as hitting a switch on the dash — provided you do a couple of things first. Here’s a quick reminder video from Doug Wolf, Customer Relations Coordinator for Boston Whaler, aboard a 150 Montauk. More...
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