New Prestige 420 Fly | New Aviara AV36 | Everglades 253CC - 02/05/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 5, 2020
New Test Video
Prestige Yachts 420 Fly:
New Compact Cruiser w/2 En Suites
The Prestige Yachts 420 Fly is the company’s entry-level cruiser, but she’s equipped with the same easy operation as the larger yachts. This model has been “re-imagined” for 2020 by Garroni Design with sculptured hull surfaces, which at the same time provide a graphic on the hull side and more light below. She has an en suite master amidships and a VIP forward with a dedicated head, something often not seen in a boat of this size. A convertible settee in the main deck salon allows her to sleep up to six. She’s available in both coupe and flybridge designs, with power options up to twin Cummins 6.7L 425-hp diesels with V-drives. We tested the flybridge model. Best cruise was at 2400 rpm and 22.5 knots, at which she got 0.9 nmpg for a range of about 255 NM. With an optional bow thruster and joystick controls, docking is easy, but old salts will be happy docking the old-fashioned way. More...
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New Captain's Report
Aviara AV36:
Euro-Style Dayboat Built in America
The name sounds Italian and the style is definitely European, but the Aviara AV36 is engineered, styled and built in America by Mastercraft’s veteran team. Do not make the mistake of putting this boat in the bowrider category, for although she has bow seating, her DNA is all European dayboat. Power options include the triple 300 Mercury Verados with which we tested her. She proved fast for the dayboat genre, topping out at 55.8 mph. Features like a dedicated wine cooler, two chilled drink holders at the helm and the integrated hardtop signal her premium build. Below decks, a compact cabin presents a private retreat, with convertible dinette and a standup head and shower. Needless to say, all of these exquisite details come at a price. More...
See Ocean Alexander's First Outboard-Powered
Day Yacht at the Miami Boat Show
Ocean Alexander is inviting BoatTEST members to a VIP experience at both the Miami Yacht Show and the Miami Boat Show. Models on display at the Yacht Show include the 100 Skylounge, 100 Flybridge, 90R Enclosed Flybridge, 90R Open Bridge, 84R Enclosed Bridge and the 70E. There will also be two configurations of the 45 Divergence in Ocean Alexander's first display ever at the Miami International Boat Show, located at Pier 8, Slips 805 and 807. To see BoatTEST's reviews on these models, click here...
To view all Ocean Alex’s yachts at the show, and to request a VIP Invitation, click here...
Test Video
Everglades 253CC:
Premium-Quality Coastal Vessel
The redesigned Everglades 253CC is intended for coastal work, and its aft deck casting platform and relatively low freeboard aids inshore fishing. A lifetime hull warranty and a three-year warranty on all components, one of the best in class. The warranties are transferrable to a second owner, increasing the resale value. Everglades is known for building premium fishing and family boats, with notable features including their RAMCAP unsinkable hull construction, in-house construction of all hardtops and towers, bedding or gasketing of all hardware to prevent corrosion and multi-density seating with flow-through foam for rapid drying. The integrated hardtop on the 253CC not only looks better than an add-on tower, but it also provides more space to get past the console. But, of course, it is more expensive to build. The console includes a patented power-sliding windshield to add airflow when needed. More...
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Test Video
Sea-Doo SPARK TRIXX:
PWC Riding Tricks Made Easy
The “open architecture” of the Spark Trixx makes it easily repairable. Smack the dock and just replace an individual piece, not the whole body. Secondly, its plastic shell saves lots of weight. At only 422 lbs. (192 kg), it’s one of the lightest personal watercraft around. That alone makes it a remarkably attractive addition to a cruiser’s swim platform, as does the price — $7,599. Step wedges aft allow the operator to transfer weight astern and do the signature trick, the tail-walk, even with minimal riding experience. Sea Doo’s D-Sea-BeI system keeps the machine from becoming another irritant on the lake by combining a series of resonators and vibration-absorbing components to make it among the quietest on the water. More...
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Electronics
Loran is Coming Back!
Loran was not as accurate as GPS, but at least it gave a position with enough accuracy to enable one to navigate around the coast and even out into the ocean. It was possible to pick up Loran signals over 1000 miles from land. The position given was not very accurate — probably within three or four miles. But, in the open ocean, that is enough. And the accuracy improved as you closed in on the land. 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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