New Icom VHF w/AIS | MCY 86 | Grady-White 251 CE - 03/03/21
BoatTEST Newsletter March 3, 2021
World Debut
Icom IC-M94D:
World’s First Handheld with AIS
Automatic Identification System (AIS) information is big and it typically takes an expensive set of components installed in the pilothouse to send and receive the vast array of information on each vessel that is equipped with this technology. Icom has just turned that mindset upside down by not only making the receiving tech affordable — it’s handheld. This is a major breakthrough and opens doors to classes of boats that otherwise would not have been able to take advantage of this valuable resource. It is bar none the most advanced handheld unit available. More...
Test Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 86:
Luxury Yacht w/Flexible Accommodations
One big advantage of MCY is that it can build large yachts fast due to its aerospace technologies and module construction method. This is important for owners on a rushed time schedule for any number of reasons. On its MCY 86, for example, Monte Carlo Yachts doesn’t just offer five accommodations layouts, the Italian manufacturer makes each one vastly different from the others. The standard plan has three staterooms plus crew quarters. Two of them are full-beam masters that could be good for multiple owners. Need more space? A fourth cabin is created when one of the those full-beam staterooms is divided along the keel. The MCY 86 is also available with significant layout options on the main deck and even a few variables on the flying bridge. More...
Test Video
Grady-White 251 CE:
Inshore Boat Built to High Standards
With the Grady-White 251 CE, the letters stand for “Coastal Explorer” and she’s designed to be an inshore fishing boat that can still head offshore on her dry and smooth riding SeaV2® hull when the conditions warrant. At the helm, she has a T-top with a full-height wraparound windshield and a deluxe lean bar with a backrest. Angling accessories include 74-quart fish boxes that drain overboard and two standard livewells. When the time comes to put away the rods, the bow has seating with fold-away backrests and a casting platform insert that converts the area to a sunpad. The insert can also be placed alongside the console seat to create a doublewide lounge. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Boat Sellers’ Market Predicted
To Continue Through 2023
Fiberglass boat production is a relatively slow process even in times of high demand.
Yesterday, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) issued a December boat shipment report saying it was up 17% over November. Importantly, it also said that current wholesale boat inventory levels were down 20% to 60% over normal December levels. The fact is that U.S. boat building production is down significantly from its recent high in 2018. A confluence of factors is contributing to new boat scarcity: 1) A shortage of key components from equipment vendors who say there is difficulty getting component parts from China; 2) Lack of trained shop floor personnel; 3) The ripple-effect of the two-month COVID-related shutdown in 2020; 4) Shop floor absences due to COVID-19 and 14-day quarantine requirements; 5) COVID staff-distancing protocols in manufacturing.
Most builders we talk to tell us that they are sold out at wholesale through the end of 2021, but there is still some product available at retail. NMMA forecasts suggest that this supply short-fall will continue until 2023. Read the full NMMA report here...
Test Video
Eastern Boats Coastal 30:
Four-Season Downeast Cruiser
A boat’s value becomes more enhanced the more an owner can use her. Eastern Boats designed its Coastal 30 as a few-frills, four-season cruiser by making it possible to enclose the helm deck with a full snap-in curtain. It puts passengers in the galley, dinette and helm deck in climate-controlled comfort because the boat comes standard with heat and air conditioning. Belowdecks, she sleeps four and the head includes a separate shower. Best of all, she is affordable. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Regal LS6 Surf:
High Wake or High Speed
One thing that sets the Regal LS6 Surf apart from any other wakesports boat, be it sterndrive or inboard powered, is her single-step bottom. It doesn’t come into play when the boat is running at slower surfing speeds... around 10 mph. But when it’s time to dump the ballast and hit the throttle, it works with the trim-able Volvo Penta Forward Drive to push the LS6 Surf to a top speed of 52.2 mph. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Pre-Owned Yachts
1963 31' Bertram:
HEI HEI
This Yacht Used Yachts 31' - 35' All Denison Yachts
Sovereign Boat Club
4 Premium Boats in Florida
Exclusively for SBC Members
Imagine yourself, your family and friends in one of these four premium boats located in Florida. All four boats have been thoroughly tested by BoatTEST and are premium quality, multi-engine, have joysticks, electric-flush heads, hardtops and full amenities for fishing, cruising and entertaining. Two of them have Seakeeper gyros and generators. All can travel up to 50 miles offshore and anywhere along the Florida coast, including the Keys. One Sovereign Boat Club membership makes these boats available all year long. Free instruction and hands-on operating experiences come with each boat. SBC takes care of all dockage, insurance, maintenance and sanitation – members only pay extra for fuel and ice. Don’t let another season go by without boating in style – step up to a premium boat at an affordable price. Get complete details at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.
Regal 33 SAV/St. Pete Robalo R317/Bradenton
EdgeWater 370CC/West Palm Beach Pursuit DC266/St. Pete
Photo of the Day
We – and our 160,000 newsletter readers – want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
Florida Boaters, Get Limited Membership Access To Our New Premium Boat Club!
Our large premium boats are equipped with twin engines, joystick, electric flush heads and much more. All boats have been tested and approved by BoatTEST. Launching in West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay Area and Bradenton, Florida.
And for Premium boat owners and boat dealers, join and earn!
Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.
Based on the feedback we've been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course, it's clearly not only for beginners but for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available... period. Get yours today...
Watch the trailer...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material that appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.