New Mako 236 CC | Propspeed Reviewed | Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 - 03/04/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 4, 2020
New Test Video
MAKO® 236 CC:
Redesigned for Family and Fishing
The Mako 236 CC is a redesign of one of the company’s more popular center consoles. Among the new features are some that are clearly intended for the family rather than for hardcore fishermen. Check out the available bow and stern shades, supported by carbon fiber poles and linked to the optional hardtop. (A canvas top over the console is standard.) Forward seating is cushioned with chaise-style backs and an optional sun pad plus a center transom jump seat keeps the family comfortable. Dual aft livewells plus two 135-quart fishboxes in the aft deck along with trolling rod holders and rod racks make the transition to fishing smooth and effective. The parent company, White River Marine owned by Bass Pro Shops, offers one of the better warranties in the industry. Every Mako boat is backed by a Limited Lifetime Structural Hull Warranty, a five-year Stem-to-Stern Warranty, a three-year Gelcoat Warranty, and Provisions for Transfer to Second Owner, a big plus at resale time. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
New Captain's Report
Propspeed:
Running Gear Coating for Better Performance
For the last several years, we have been hearing people along the dock talking about Propspeed coatings of running gear. Does it really work? We have decided to investigate. What we discovered is that Propspeed has a devoted and loyal user base. It is a non-toxic paint that can prevent fouling on many boats used regularly at planing speed. The slippery surface of the multi-coat process is hard for marine growth to attach to and allows fouling to wash away as the boat operates, yet it puts no toxins in the water like common anti-fouling paints do. Propspeed consists of the yellow pigmented, two-part etching primer that chemically bonds to metal and provides a chemical and mechanical bond for the final component, the clear topcoat. It improves the life of sacrificial anodes due to reduced electrolysis, according to the company. It is also said to improve speed and fuel economy. But that is just part of the story. More...
Features Video
Cheoy Lee CLA 76 Flybridge:
Advanced Composite Construction,
Sleek Euro Design
This year, Cheoy Lee is celebrating its 150th year in business, longer than virtually any other builder in the business. Their yard also builds many different types of commercial vessels that are used worldwide. The result is a staff of engineers, designers and shop floor personnel that are experts in yacht construction. The Cheoy Lee CLA 76 Flybridge features a striking, streamlined exterior that gives her the look of a performance motoryacht. She has an LOA of 76’6” (23.32 m), a 19’8” (5.99 m) beam, and a flying bridge that adds utility and a covered entertainment space. She’s light for the genre, scaling about 110,000 lbs. (50,283 kg) ready for the water with the twin 1136-hp Caterpillar diesels. Her foam-cored hull is resin-infused and made of a carbon fiber and E-glass composite engineered by Gurit, a leader in composite applications, creating strength without excess weight. At 1000 rpm and 10.1 knots, she burned 14 gph (53.0 lph) for a range of 682 NM, while top speed was 29.7 knots. The ZF drives are linked through the joysticks to bow and stern thrusters, making docking effortless. Below, she has four en suites plus crew quarters aft. See both our performance test and features walk-through videos here...
Test Video
Regal 23 RX Surf:
Fully-Loaded for Wake-Surfing
The Regal 23 RX Surf is a dedicated wakeboarding/surfing boat that comes standard with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive system, putting the counter-rotating props a full 26" (66 cm) forward, compared to conventional sterndrives. This greatly increases safety for those in the water. Three ballast tanks can add up to 1,500 lbs. (680 kg) of water to build and shape the wake. These tanks can be filled or emptied in about three minutes. The Regal-View vessel control touch screen system allows saving individual running profiles for various surfers and includes a video recorder, GPS and speed control. The standard PowerTower provides a high tow point and has a Bimini top. The tower can quickly be lowered to pass under bridges or for trailering. The standard 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 put the boat on plane in 3.5 seconds, and top speed was 46.2 mph. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
BENETEAU Swift Trawler 35:
Inventive Design Adds Usable Space
The Swift Trawler 35 makes clever use of the available space to give a cruising couple plenty of elbow room when entertaining. The swing-out doors with integral jump seat add seating for dining with the transom doors open or closed. With the doors open, deck space is effectively added to the swim platform for water access, or for entertaining. There’s also a boarding door to starboard amidships, making access from a floating dock handy. The cockpit table can be moved into the salon for dining, and there’s yet another dining area on the flying bridge. The settee in the salon converts to a sleeper, folding out easily for overnights when the grandkids come aboard for a visit. Below, the master is at the bow, the guest stateroom and head amidships. A single 425-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 gives her plenty of range at displacement speeds. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Formula 34 Performance Cruiser:
Feature-Rich Express Cruiser
Formula 34 Performance Cruiser
The Formula 34 Performance Cruiser packs a surprising amount of living space below decks for her 35’7” (10.85 m) LOA. Headroom in the salon/galley is 6’8” (2.03 m). The multi-density foam seating is covered in plush Ultraleather, and the wood-grain flooring is standard. The master at the bow includes a queen-sized island berth. The aft settee also converts to a berth. The enclosed head is to port. Like all Formula’s, she comes loaded with standard features that are options in other brands, including the radar arch, hydraulic Bennett tabs, electric anchor windlass, remote control searchlight, and an auto-discharge fire suppression system in the engine room. The signature Formula high-gloss painted finish is available in an almost limitless variety of colors and designs. More...
Boating Tips
How to Handle Following Seas
Overtaking the waves is a good solution in following seas.
When boats are heading into waves or running downwind, logic dictates that these waves will pitch as they meet the oncoming waves. The same logic applies to when the waves are on the beam, the boat will roll. But then why do boats roll rather than pitch when you are running in following seas? More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
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. Order your 4-disc box set...
Watch the trailer...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material which 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.