New Monte Carlo 76 | New Hatteras GT45X Open | New Jupiter 43 SF - 02/10/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 10, 2020
New Test Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 76:
Massive Bridge Welcomes Entertaining
The flying bridge of the Monte Carlo Yachts 76 is one of the largest in class, taking full advantage of her 18’10” (5.74 m) beam to provide a huge entertainment area. There are three teak tables for al fresco dining, including two that can be converted to larger tables or the base for a large sun lounge. A banquette is adjacent the helm so that guests can keep the captain company. An open-air galley is also found under the carbon fiber hardtop, which includes a large sliding sunroof. She can be ordered with this area converted to a climate-controlled skylounge. The cabinetry here is high-gloss lacquered wood in the same gleaming metallic as the hull. Below are four staterooms, all en suite. This boat is at the Miami Yacht Show Feb. 13 to 17, so be sure to see her. More...
New Test Video
Hatteras GT45X Open:
And Then There Were Four...
New Midsize Sportfish/Cruiser
Since Hatteras was purchased by Navis HCY Acquisition LLC in 2013, they have continued to grow both the GT Sportfish line and their lines of large motoryachts. The new Hatteras GT45X Open is the fourth configuration developed by Hatteras. The new model is a well-equipped offshore fishing platform that could also function as a go-anywhere weekend cruiser for the family. She has been designed for bluewater anglers trading up who want the build quality, rugged construction, fishing features and brand recognition of the Hatteras nameplate, as well as those trading down from the expense of operating and maintaining a larger convertible. Below, she includes a full galley and dinette, standup head and shower, and a master stateroom at the bow. A guest stateroom with stacked bunks is optional. Standard power is twin 838-hp Caterpillar C-12.9 diesels, but we tested her with the optional 985-hp cats, which produced a top speed of 36.1 knots. At 1750 rpm and 26.2 knots, she burned 57 gph for a range of about 330 NM. While at a 6.7 knot trolling speed, she burned just 4 gph. More...
New Captain's Report
Sea-Doo GTI SE 170:
Intelligent Throttle Control Smooths Ride
The Sea-Doo GTI SE is available in both 130-hp and 170-hp versions, both with the Rotax 1630 ACE 4-stroke with closed loop cooling protecting the engine from saltwater corrosion. The Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) includes four modes. There’s an ECO Mode that automatically determines the most economical power delivery, a Speed Regulator Mode, which is a set-and-forget mode that can set specific speeds for cruising, tow sports, no-wake zones and so on, a Sport Mode for top end performance, and a Sky Mode to provide smooth and predictable acceleration, ensuring safety. The hull is an inch wider than previous models and includes sponsons, both aimed at increasing stability. The GTI's “3-up” seating allows for a driver and two passengers or a weight capacity of 600 lbs (272 kg). See her at the Miami Boat Show, Feb. 13 to 17. Check out our full report here...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Schaefer Yachts Invites BoatTEST Members to
VIP Boarding of Their 5 Models
at the Miami International Boat Show
Schaefer Yachts Invites BoatTEST Members to the Miami International Boat Show
We encourage our BoatTEST Members to visit the first yacht without a steering wheel — at the main deck helm, at least. The Schaefer Yachts 580 Fly offers joystick control from idle speed to WOT via her Volvo Penta IPS controls on the starboard armrest of the powered helm chair. She has a conventional wheel top side, as well. Schaefer is Brazil’s largest builder, producing over 3,500 hulls during its 28-year history. Nearly all composite parts on each yacht are vacuum-infused, maximizing strength while minimizing weight and reducing emissions. Schaefer models in the water at the Miami International Boat Show include the 580 Fly, the 510 Fly, the 400 Sport, the 365 and the 303 Sport in slips 654-655.
For a VIP boarding pass to view Schaefer’s models on display at the show, click here...
Test Video
TAHOE 1950:
19’5” Deckboat Fishing Package
The 19’5” (5.91 m) Tahoe 1950 is a deckboat designed to carry a large family or lots of friends for dayboating and watersports. She has seating for up to 10. So, who needs a pontoon boat? She includes bow and stern boarding ladders, a portable table, board storage, a Bimini with a drop-down changing compartment and a Bluetooth stereo. But add the Fishing Package ($2,460), which includes a Lowrance® HOOK2 5x sonar/GPS, MotorGuide® 24-volt wireless trolling motor, two swiveling fishing seats, two-bank battery charger, rod holders and tackle trays, and she’s ready for a day of chasing bass, walleyes or panfish. The broad deck up front serves as a casting platform when the mission is fishing. The swing-away tongue on the trailer included in the package allows her to fit in a garage just 22’6” (6.85 m) deep. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Captain's Report
Jupiter Marine 43 SF:
Bluewater Angler w/Premium Class Seating
The Jupiter Marine 43 SF has a hard-core bluewater fishing heritage, but she also offers a level of comfort and fit and finish that puts her in the open yacht dayboat class. The diamond-stitched upholstery in the bow seating along with the ladder-back chaise back rests, LED lights and top-end stereo will make this area a favorite gathering spot for an evening welcoming friends at the docks. An aft facing mezzanine seat behind the helm seats is similarly finished, and serves as a good place to watch trolling lines when the ‘riggers are in action. The helm also has the handsome ladder-back seats and plush upholstery. Below, the settees in the air-conditioned cabin convert for overnights, and there’s also a TV and a standup head and shower. See this boat at the Miami Boat Show Feb. 13-17. More...
Boat-Buying Tips
Start Your Inspection
with the Seacocks
This bronze Groco seacock is really a ball valve, but it's UL-Listed for marine service.
Seacocks are a critical part to any boat and a key to keeping the boat afloat. All new boats that are built to NMMA certification standards have UL-Listed seacocks installed. But some boatbuilders still cut corners. On the plus side, this is a great place for boat buyers to get a better idea about the kind of boat they’re considering. 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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