A New Motoryacht Concept | Sea Ray SLX 400 OB | New 105’ Expedition Trawler - 04/12/21

Outback 50

A New Motoryacht Concept

Outback Yachts was conceived in 2014 by Andrew Cilla, president of Luke Brown Yachts brokerage firm for more than 40 years and he assembled a veteran crew to bring his vision to reality. World-famous Michael Peters designed his dream boat and John Olson, president of Offshore West, the exclusive dealer for Offshore Yachts in North America, became president of the new company. Olson contracted Kha Shing Enterprises in Taiwan to build the boats. Kha Shing is highly regarded in the industry, has been in business for more than 40 years and has built hundreds of large motoryachts, including one for the founder of BoatTEST.

The concept of the Outback 50 is an amalgam of several functionalities: First, a launching platform for watersports of all kinds including fishing, scuba diving, PWC excursions and just plain swimming and diving. Second, a close-to-home entertaining platform with room for al fresco dinner parties for a dozen people, as well as being a weekend retreat for family and friends. Third, to be an offshore-capable excursion vessel with a 3’ (.91 m) draft, and protective keel, making her ideal for shoal areas such as the Bahamas and the Chesapeake Bay. We have not tested or inspected the vessel, but the concept seems to be on-target for the current generation of boat owners. We’re told new boats are available, and to see the company’s video about hull #1, click here...

Nimbus T9

Flexible Day Boat Sleeps 2

Nimbus Yachts’ T9 is the first of the Swedish manufacturer’s “Tender” series. At 30’8” (9.35 m), she could definitely be a superyacht tender, but she’s also a capable day boat with an open plan and a cabin that sleeps two. More...

Virtual Boat Show

Sea Ray SLX 400 OB

Can-Do Luxurious Day Boat

Sea Ray calls the SLX 400 OB “The Entertainer.” It’s an apt moniker. She epitomizes flexibility with the ability to tow watersports, host a crowd during an evening cruise or sleep four belowdecks. More...

Manitou 23 Encore SHP

Fast, Premium Pontoon Boat

 The Manitou 23 Encore SHP 575 Dual Engine is a luxury high-performance tri-toon. Her seat comfort and attention to detail are generally considered among the best in class, and she can be powered by twin 400-hp Mercury Racing outboards. More...

Holterman Yachts Launches New Line

Holterman Yachts, a Dutch builder of aluminum cruising yachts, has introduced a new line of expedition vessels called the X-treme Series. The first model is the 105’ (32 m) flagship (seen above), and the line will include sport and flying bridge versions of 78’ (23.77 m) offering. The 90’ (27.4 m) and 78’ (23.77 m) versions are in development, which means lead time for delivery is greatly reduced for owners in a hurry to get going. More...

Sovereign Boat Club Webinars w/Capt. Steve

Locations in St. Pete and Bradenton, Florida

BoatTEST members living in the Tampa Bay/Bradenton area should consider joining Capt. Steve as he hosts a Sovereign Boat Club Zoom webinar on Saturday, April 24th at 11:00 am and Thursday, April 29th at 7:00 pm. Even if you own a boat, these 1-hour webinars will cover all the details of SBC membership, and you can pass the word on to friends who want to go boat but have not yet bitten the bullet. Participation is by invitation only, and there are a limited number of openings for each webinar. Don't miss out on summer fun. To sign up for the webinar, click below. 

Photo Of The Day

"A Father/Son boating trip on the Connecticut River."

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