New Mercury Bravo 4 S Drive | New Beneteau Swift 41 | Nimbus 365 Coupe - 08/25/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 25, 2020
New Test Video
BENETEAU Swift Trawler 41:
A New Model Evolves the Range
The Swift Trawler 41 is the latest addition to the BENETEAU series and is all new. Like her siblings, she has a semi-displacement hull and can run faster than 20 knots. Among her firsts for the series are an aft galley and generous seating near both helm stations, which is pretty remarkable considering her 44’1” (13.43 m) overall length. She also brings dedicated shower and toilet rooms to the master stateroom area, enhancing comfort for longer trips. More...
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New Product
New Mercury Bravo Four S Surf Drive
Mercury Marine yesterday unveiled its Bravo Four S forward-facing drive with Smart Tow, a new drive system for MerCruiser engines designed to compete with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive, which has been gaining in popularity among traditional sterndrive boat builders. The new Mercury drive comes integrated with Smart Tow, a system that allows the operator to pre-set ballast and trim settings to match each enthusiast’s desired wake characteristics. The drive itself does not create the surfable wake, but the ballast, trim tab settings, and speed do – and that’s why they are controlled by a system that capitalizes on Czone user interface technology. Because the dual props are forward facing, and there is the body of the lower unit between the props and the surfer, the Bravo 4 S drive will replace the conventional aft-facing lower unit for owners wishing to be involved with wake surfing activities. More...
Test Video
Nimbus 365 Coupe:
An Economical Swedish Cruiser
The Nimbus 365 Coupe’s asymmetrical layout works well for cruising.
It’s not often that we hear about boats shorter than 40’ being referred to as “designed to be at sea for an extended time,” but that is Nimbus’ intent with the 365 Coupe. One design element that supports this is her asymmetrical deck plan. In the cockpit, the L-shaped lounge is pushed as far to port as possible, making the overall space larger. The salon has the same approach with a lounge that converts to a berth pushed out to the port side. Belowdecks, she has a master and cabin for a single guest, and there is a separate walk-in shower. She has a single diesel engine for power.
Nimbus is a Swedish company, and it should be remembered that this nation has the highest per-household boat ownership in the world – roughly 1 in 4. After a long winter, the sea beckons, and there are lots of islands and beautiful cruising to be had in the Baltic, and a long cruise might be to Normandy or Norway’s norther fjords. Nimbus is the leading Swedish brand, and now it is bringing its approach to affordable boating to the U.S. More...
Test Video
Everglades 253CC:
Paying Attention to the Details
The 253CC’s mechanical room is a template others should follow.
Everglades Boats is known for its patented RAMCAP construction method, and for good reason, but on its 253CC, we noticed other details as well. For example, all nuts are torqued to spec and color-coded for proof – something we’ve never seen in a boat of this size and type. In the centrally-located mechanical equipment compartment, the batteries are all within easy reach and the wire harnesses, circuit breakers and battery switches are all clearly labeled. Beneath, the whole bilge is finished in white gelcoat that makes it easy to trace fluid leaks. More...
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Review Video
Fusion Apollo RA770:
More than Just a Stereo
The Fusion Apollo RA770 Receiver
Notice that the word “stereo” isn’t in the title of the Fusion Apollo RA770 Marine Entertainment System. The reason, we’re told, is because it’s so much more. The Apollo RA770 receiver pairs with Fusion’s Signature Series II speakers and components to adjust the sound quality for any environment, from towing surfers on a wakesports boat to relaxing inside the salon of a yacht. It’s compatible with Apple AirPlay and the receiver can be installed flush or integrated into a glass dash. More...
Test Video
Tahoe 1950:
Affordable Deckboat for Carrying a Crowd
Tahoe developed the 1950 as an outboard-powered deckboat, which opened up the cockpit space. Additionally, her beam is carried as far forward as possible to make the bow more inviting. This results in a maximum passenger capacity rating of 10 people in a 19’5” (5.92 m) boat. For enhanced performance, she has six Hydrostep strakes instead of the usual four. Powered by a 150-hp Mercury outboard, she planed in 3.5 seconds and ran to 20 mph in 3.5 seconds and to 30 mph in 8.2 seconds. More...
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Video
How To Tie a Figure 8 Knot
There are times when we need a line to pass through an opening such as a grommet or sail and have it not pull back through. Sailors know to tie knots in the ends of all sheets, to keep them from running free. The best knot to use for both purposes is the Figure 8. Click here to learn how to tie it.
Boating News of the Week: Episode #19
This week’s video boating news webcast hosted by Capt. Steve includes —
- Interview with Leon Slikkers
- Siren Marine
- Highfield Boats
- Preview of Yamaha's 2021 Lineup
- How to Tie a Reef Knot
See Episode #19 See All Episodes
Picture of the Day
At the helm on a perfectly smooth day of boating.
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