New Ocean Alex 90R | New Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT | Robalo R230 - 01/28/20
BoatTEST Newsletter January 28, 2020
New Test Video
Ocean Alexander 90R:
Space, Comfort & Luxury
in an Evan K. Marshall Design
The helm on the bridge of the Evan K. Marshall-Designed Ocean Alexander 90R gives a hint of the level of space, comfort and luxury found throughout this innovative yacht. The fully-enclosed and temperature-controlled sky lounge just aft has seating for 10 or more to port plus a bar to starboard, and a second bar and wrap-around seating area welcome guests through large sliding doors that lead to the open portion of the bridge, aft. The large bow entertainment area is also on this level rather than on the main deck, giving guests a bird’s eye view. Not to be overlooked is the hideaway “Beach Club” at the transom, accessed via sliding doors to the hydraulic swim platform. More...
New Editor's Report
Chris-Craft Launch 31 GT:
Elegant Bowrider Fit for Royalty
Chris-Craft premiered a new model, the Launch 31 GT at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. She is the latest new Chris-Craft vessel, and it is clear that her new owner – Winnebago – is maintaining the elegant designs that have made Chris-Crafts among the most exquisite boats on the market. Like most of the boats in the Chris-Craft stable, this boat is not for just anyone, nor just for anyone who has a fat checkbook. The detail and finish work, choice of woods and metal, and the compound moldings that often have molds within molds are all details that are remarkably expensive, and only a classic yachting aficionado can truly appreciate. We think the Launch 31 GT’s design is timeless and with powered outboards, she’ll be around a long time. More...
Test Video
Robalo R230:
Redesigned, Refreshed & Improved
The Robalo R230 is a redesign of a classic Robalo, with added freeboard, more family comforts, a multi-tone finish and tumblehome built into the aft quarters. The Hydro-Lift hull has variable lifting planes, and the 20-degree deadrise at the transom is a good compromise between ride and economy. The casting deck across the transom flips up to reveal cushioned seating for four, which is unusual. A console head is standard, and there’s 5' (1.5 m) of headroom in this compartment, which will make mom and kids happy. The hardtop shown in the photo is optional, as is a Bimini. More...
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Test Video
Renaissance Prowler 42:
4 Evinrude E-TEC G2 300s Cut the Mustard
Equipped with four Evinrude E-TEC G2 300s, the Renaissance Prowler 42 is a center console offshore fisherman we clocked at 66.7 mph in our test runs. Best cruise was at 28.8 mph at 3000 rpm. At that speed, the fuel burn was reduced to 31.3 gph. She had a time-to-plane of 4.5 seconds, thanks to the quick wind-up of the power-on-every-stroke V6s and the grip of the four-blades on the water. Built-in digital steering, throttle, shift, iTrim automatic trim and many other innovations set the Evinrude G2 engines apart from any other engine on the water. Then, there is her joystick that costs half the price of the lowest cost 4-stroke unit on the market. Because there are no 100 hour/once a year oil changes, these Evinrudes will save the owner at least $2,000 a year in scheduled maintenance. More...
Test Video
Riviera 395 SUV:
Built Like Her Big Sisters
Even though the Riviera 395 SUV is the smallest boat Riviera builds, it is built just like the company’s goldplaters. Each boat going through production has a manifest of equipment to be installed as well as specifying the exact torque for every bolt and hose clamp on the boat. Each installation is marked with a red line crossing the bolt and the mounting plate by the installer. Later, a QC inspector puts a torque wrench on the bolt and checks to make sure it is at the correct setting, then marks the bolt and mounting plate with a yellow line. These lines allow a conscientious owner to keep an eye on them and know they are tight, avoiding potential problems. Engine access is via a large power-hatch in the deck, and easier to access than it looks in this image. More...
Boating Tips
Expect the Unexpected:
Some Sea Stories
A reliable boat should be able to cope with conditions that are worse than expected.
Trying to be safe at sea is about thinking of things that could go wrong, anticipating them, and putting a solution in place before it happens. Hopefully, the boat builder and designer have done their jobs and produced a reliable boat. In many cases, you will have two engines so that if one fails, you can at least get home on the other one. 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
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- New Boat Maintenance Log (coming soon)
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- 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.
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