New Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 | New 3-Cylinder Evinrude | Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 - 01/30/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 30, 2020
New Test Video
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490:
Philippe Briand Design w/Versatile Layouts
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey makes full use of her 14’8” (4.47 m) beam with below-decks layouts for two, three, four or even five cabin options. Philippe Briand was tasked by Jeanneau to design a boat for safety, affordability, aesthetics and performance. With her twin rudders and full-length hull chine, the Sun Odyssey 490 and conservative rig were designed to sail without excessive heeling. She has a clear deck from stem to stern, virtually eliminating trip hazards, and with most rigging and power winches aft, she’s easily sailed short-handed. See our full sailing test and walk-through here...
Schedule A Test Sail Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Review Video
Evinrude 150-HP E-TEC G2:
Minimum Weight, Maximum Torque,
Superior Fuel Efficiency
The Evinrude 150-hp E-TEC G2 is the first 3-cylinder 150 ever built, providing a compact, lightweight power-plant that’s exceptionally fuel efficient as well as environmentally friendly. With a power-stroke on each revolution of the crankshaft, the engine produces strong torque throughout the power range, and is well suited to pontoon boats which need high torque when accelerating. The engines include internal power steering systems for exceptionally easy rigging and control, but can also be rigged with standard hydraulic steering linking to existing binnacles, reducing the cost of repowering. iTrim comes standard. The oil tank is under the cowl — no tubing across the motor well to foul tackle, and no spilled oil in the bilge. The 1.9-gallon (7.19 L) oil tank holds enough for almost all-season boating for many users, and refill is easy with an up-front filler cap. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe:
Well-Equipped Weekender w/Distinctive Styling
The Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe packs a lot of utility into her 37’6” (11.43 m) LOA. Positioning the optional grill with access from the swim platform adds usable space in the cockpit. The version shown here has the extended swim platform, which can be powered to provide a teak beach or an easy launch-point for water toys. Much of the cockpit is shaded by overhang of the hardtop, but a motorized canvas extension is available to get all this area out of the sun. Below, she has a master at the bow with a privacy curtain to separate it from the dining area and galley. She also has a pair of guest berths in a midships cabin. We tested her with twin 380-hp MerCruiser gas engines, but she’s also available with Mercury twin diesel power. More...
Test Video
Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC:
Traditional Yacht Joiner Work is Always in Style
Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC
Excellent joinery and finely-finished woodwork in African Makore cherry distinguish nearly all interior areas of the Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC. The veneer laminate is 55 mils thick, according to the builder, where the industry standard is typically 25 to 30 mils thick. All the wood is cut from the same tree to ensure a uniform look. Even the work you can’t see displays superior workmanship — the drawers have dovetail joinery and metal sliders on ball bearings. The galley includes granite countertops patterned in the buyer’s choice and granite floors, which can be heated. She’s a family-style cruiser, so dining is at the wrap-around settee adjacent the helm. The helm seat can be lowered and swiveled to join the guests at the table. More...
Test Video
Formula 310 Bowrider:
Luxury & Comfort Plus Performance
Formula has a performance-boat heritage second to none, but the builder has moved far beyond muscle and noise for the last few decades to build exquisite boats that place luxury and comfort first. The Formula 310 Bowrider we tested, with twin Gen 5 direct-injected Ilmor 430s with OneDrives, lived up to our expectations with a top speed of 59.0 mph. The twin counter-rotating props put the 11,123-lb. (4,045 kg) package on plane in just 2.0 seconds — comparable to jetboats and PWCs. The aluminum-block V8s can be linked to an Ilmor Merlin dash display and equipped with joystick control to simplify low-speed handling, optional position-holding and other features. The electro-hydraulic clutch system quietly engages and disengages gears at up to two-shifts-per-second, according to Ilmor — greatly smoothing the operation of joystick docking. More...
Test Video
MAKO 214 CC:
Budget-Friendly Capable Fishing Machine
The 214 CC is a standard center console, and meat fishermen will like the standard “hose-me-down and-forget-me functionality." She’ll last until the next Ice Age. However, she offers optional features to make her more family-friendly, including a bow table with cushions and a portable head. The steering wheel is on the port side of the console so that a second passenger can join the captain at the leaning post. The optional casting platform can be covered with large cushions and backrests (also optional) for sun bathing. Rear seats are standard in the port and starboard quarters with the central folding seat available as an option. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Broker Spotlight
United Yacht Sales’
Aussie John Blumenthal
This Absolute is the only pre-owned 52’ Navetta available in the entire U.S.
Today, we put our spotlight on United Yacht Sales in Palm Beach, Florida. Aussie John Blumenthal has lived in the U.S. for 30 years. While here, he has made a fine name for himself selling American-owned yachts to folks down under. This 52’ Absolute Navetta, which he represents, could be the next vessel to make that trip, unless someone in North America takes umbrage at letting the vessel leave. She’s designed for entertaining and to host friends on a sunny day with an elegant sun pad on the main deck. This 52’ Navetta has a luxurious interior that will ensure comfort while cruising on long hauls. John works out of the United Yacht Sales Palm Beach office and knows all about the vessel. Find out more...
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New BoatTEST Website: New Login Required
Home page for the new BoatTEST website.
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