New Monte Carlo 66 | Sea Ray Sundancer 320 | Beneteau Oceanis 62 - 02/06/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 6, 2020
New Test Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 66:
New 66
The new Monte Carlo Yachts 66 is noticeably different than the 65 that she replaces. The builder took the input from dozens of owners to make the boat more open and versatile. The exterior has the same basic look with its iconic Nuvolari Lenard design, but look closely and it is easy to see that many small changes have been made. But, inside is where we can find the most important evolution. Spaces are far more open on the main deck, with a large salon forward and galley and dining aft. Below, larger portlights brighten the cabin. Because of the boat’s monocoque construction, she is easy to customize, because there are no structural bulkheads. It also makes construction much faster, so orders made today can be ready by summer – depending on the back-order situation. She has the option of being built with three en suite staterooms, or four, with the last one being suitable for children or a nanny. For power, there’s a choice of either twin 1000-hp MAN V8s or optional twin 1200-hp MAN V8 engines. We like the size of this motoryacht because 66’ (20.1 m) is enough length to make the boat able to handle reasonable conditions offshore, but also relatively easy to find dock space for. And, she is more affordable than larger vessels. More...
Test Video
BENETEAU Oceanis 62:
In Praise of Big Sailboats
We’ve sailed both big boats and small boats offshore, so let us let you in on a little secret – the big ones are a lot more fun. There’s nothing quite like sailing a 62’ (18.82 m) sailboat. That is almost as long as the old America’s Cup 12 Meters, and there is something exciting about standing in on the stern steering and seeing all of that deck in front heading toward the horizon. The Oceanis 62 was designed to cruise to Bermuda in comfort, or farther south to the Caribbean. What really makes this boat comfortable is that she is not meant to be sailed on her ear. Rather, the 62’s modest sail plan and considerable beam are designed to achieve good speed while keeping the boat on her feet. That detail makes a big difference in comfort and minimizing crew fatigue. If the wind pipes up, you can shorten the sail with the touch of a couple of buttons. Thanks to the power winches, this big boat is as easy to sail as a small one. For those worried about docking a 62’ boat in a narrow slip with a cross current, just opt for the bow and stern thrusters. More...
Schedule A Test Sail Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Sea Ray Sundancer 320:
Broad-Beamed Dayboat Ready for Overnights
There’s a surprising amount of space in the mid-cabin of the Sea Ray Sundancer 320 considering her 32’9” (9.98 m) LOA, thanks in part to the 10’7” (3.22 m) beam. The twin berths slide together to form a double. At the bow, the usual V-settee converts to a double as well. The exterior also has added bow-rider space up front via a squared-off bow, though she retains a sharp forward entry. The 2020 version offers the Sea Ray Connect system, which can convey the boat’s location and status of vital systems to users via a smartphone app. Boaters can remotely view the condition of their boat’s key components, receive alerts and share diagnostics with service providers should any system require attention. More...
Boston Whaler Displays Family-Friendly
Fishboats at Miami International Boat Show
Among Boston Whaler's models at the Miami International Boat Show is the brand new
280 Vantage.
The all-new Boston Whaler 280 Vantage is among a broad spectrum of Whaler models that will be displayed at Miami International Boat Show Feb. 13-17. The 280 is a sort of “Swiss Army Knife” on the water, providing a good platform for fishing, diving, tow sports and discovering remote beaches with family or with lots of friends. Other Whaler models at the show include the 405 and 325 Conquest models, the 380 and 350 Realms, the entire Montauk series, and a number of others. Check them out at docks 225, 227, 229, 608 – 618, 618A and in the A Tent at A115. To see BoatTEST's reviews, click here...
To see all of the Whaler models and to RSVP, click here...
Test Video
Chaparral 243 Vortex VRX:
Jet Power Safety with Improved Handling
The Chaparral 243 Vortex is available in either the VR or VRX version. The VRX version has sportier graphics and colors, and it comes standard with a folding tower with a built-in Bimini top and a ski mirror. She features a Kevlar reinforced hull and can be ordered with a pair of 200-hp Rotax 4-TEC 200 ECT or 250-hp Rotax 4-TEC 250 ECT engines. We tested her with the 250s. With the throttle fully forward, we topped out at 56.1 mph. Best cruise came in at 5000 rpm and 23.5 mph, producing a fuel burn of 8.1 gph. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Boat-Buying Tips
Stringers are the Key
to Hull Strength
Stringers Give the Hull its Strength
Inside fiberglass boats, stringers and athwartships crossmembers provide the hulls with their strength and rigidity. However, boat hull failures are pretty much a thing of the past. But with old used boats, there can be issues. Click here to learn more...
New Login Procedures.
New BoatTEST Website: New Login Required
Home page for the new BoatTEST website.
Most regular BoatTEST Members know that we have a new website with larger pictures, new functionality and easier to read Captain’s Reports. We are now requiring a password to access many of the important features of the site, such as —
- Pricing Information
- Archived videos and tests
- Boat-to-boat comparisons
- BoatTEST’s Seamanship Library
- New Boat Maintenance Log (coming soon)
- Ask a Question Feature
- Free invitations to VIP events
- Free tickets to select boat shows
To log into our new website, simply click on the login button that appears in the upper righthand corner of every page. This will also keep your information secure.
LOG IN HERE...
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