New Nordhavn N60 | Fountain 43 NX | Regal 29 OBX - 01/16/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 16, 2020
New Test Video
Nordhavn N60:
Everything a "Distance" Cruiser Should Be
Nordhavn's have become synonymous with long distance cruising. They’ve inspired books on the subject and brought even new boaters around the world. One adventurous couple even did three consecutive circumnavigations back to back on one. While other builders conduct rendezvous to nearby ports, Nordhavn does it to distant continents. It takes a different kind of boat to take on this sort of mission and the N60 brings the best of the ingredients together. Our test video gets a bit technical because of this and spells out exactly what it takes in terms of strength of build, systems redundancy, storage for months at sea and yes... even comfort. So just what does it take to tame oceans...
Test Video
Regal 29 OBX:
Twin OB-Powered Bowrider w/52.6 MPH WOT
Bowrider sportboats powered with twin outboards are not common, but the Regal 29 OBX makes them seem like a great idea. The twin 200-hp Yamahas on our test boat weighed in at 974 lbs. (441.8 kg) combined. By comparison, a single 380-hp MerCruiser 8.2L Bravo III, a more common power package on boats in class, weighs approximately 1,270 lbs. (576 kg) for the engine and drive. The outboard version has more horsepower for less weight, resulting in improved acceleration and higher top speed of 52.6 mph. Best cruise was at 3500 rpm and 27.3 mph, at which she got 2.4 mpg. The outboard design also opens up the engine box as a massive storage space. Two engines add an element of redundancy, but since they are 4-stroke engines, they will require more frequent maintenance than the single sterndrive. On the other hand, the engines can be tilted out of saltwater, which means the boat doesn’t have to be lifted out after every use. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Fountain 43 NX:
Lux-Class Dayboat w/73.4 MPH WOT
Going very fast in comfort and safety on the water is no easy matter, but the design and engineering of the Fountain 43 NX, from the company founded by boat racing champion Reggie Fountain, makes it possible. Powered with quad Mercury 400R outboards turning Mercury Bravo-1 24” (60. 96 cm) pitch four-blade props, she reached a top speed of 73.4 mph without a hint of chine walk or steering issues, thanks in part to the digital power steering for the big Mercs. The hard chines and double-stepped Positive Lift hull provided quick planing in just 3.7 seconds, which is impressive for a 17,288-lb. (7,842 kg) package. She fits an air-conditioned cabin beneath the console, complete with a compact galley, standup head and shower, and a double berth at the bow. Though she’s primarily a high-performance lux-class dayboat, she can also be outfitted with a full complement of gear for offshore angling. More...
Test Video
Bennington Q27:
iDock -- Evinrude’s Affordable Joystick
Pontoon boats, even those as stylish as the Bennington Q27, can be a bit tricky to dock in wind or current because they have lots of windage and very shallow draft — they tend to “kite” sideways in some situations. Powered with twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards, the Q27 we tested had none of those issues thanks to the iDock digital joystick system, which allowed intuitive handling, positioning her exactly right with a few taps on the stick. The iDock system has the advantage of being considerably less expensive than those from competing outboard companies. For example, competing brands charge from $12,000 to $25,000 (hard to believe, but true.) The Evinrude iDock costs only $5,999 extra. More...
Schedule A Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Greenline 48 Fly:
Eco-Friendly Diesel/Electric Power
The Greenline 48 Fly is one of the few combined diesel/electric drive yachts currently available. She can be powered by her twin Volvo Penta 220-hp D3 EVC E diesels in conventional fashion, but she also has a pair of 14-kilowatt Mahle electric motors with an integrated 10-kilowatt generator. The Mahle unit is both a motor and a generator, thus is called an "E-Motor." The shaft from the engine passes through the middle of the motor and on to the V-Drive. The system is powered by large lithium batteries. The batteries can be recharged either by running the diesel engines, from the large solar panels on the hardtop, or via shore power. Combined, the diesel/electric setup allows the Greenline to stay away from the fuel docks for extended periods, and also allows quiet, clean operation at displacement speeds anytime the electric drive is selected. More...
Review Video
QuietKat Electric Bike:
Quiet, Compact, Stowable Land Transportation
From a boater’s point of view, the most important thing about the QuietKat Electric Bike may be that it breaks down to store in a relatively small package readily fitted somewhere below decks while underway. When you get to that port where the restaurant, the grocery store or the wine shop is a long hike up the hill, put the bike together in minutes, hop on and you’re effortlessly on your way. The fat, knobby tires give a good grip on all types of terrain, and top speed is 20 mph. The 11-amp lithium battery is quickly removed for replacement or recharge. Weight of the Villager model we tested is 60 lbs. (27 kg). Check it out here...
From Boston Whaler
Tips on Replacing a Thru-Hull
Here are some tips from Boston Whaler on inspecting and replacing a thru-hull fitting in your boat. While replacing one of these above the waterline can be a job for the do-it-yourself boater, Whaler’s Customer Relations Coordinator Doug Wolf advises that those below the waterline are best left to professionals. In any case, find out how to do it. 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
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