New Pursuit DC266 | Fountaine-Pajot MY 44 | Rinker Q3 OB - 02/26/20
BoatTEST Newsletter February 26, 2020
New Test Video
Pursuit DC266:
Premium Dual Console Ready for Leasing
Capt. Steve and friend try their luck in the roomy cockpit of the Pursuit DC266.
Regular readers know that BoatTEST is partial to dual consoles because they are comfortable family cruisers as well as being able fishing boats. The Pursuit DC266 is a fine example of a premium dual console that is designed for entertaining, cruising, fishing, and even watersports – all in comfort. The particular boat we tested is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is managed by our sister division – BoattestLEASING – and is ready to lease from 15 days to 40 days per year. So, this test and boat report is on a boat that people in the Tampa - St. Pete area can actually lease, and of course, can buy new all over the country. To see the video and learn more about leasing it, click here...
Test Video
Maritimo X50:
Versatile “Beach Club” Transom
One of the more innovative features of the Maritimo X50 is the “Beach Club”, a hideaway for two just steps away from the teak beach formed by the hydraulic swim platform. The space includes a table, wine cooler, ice maker, wet head and a fold-out double bed forming an intimate private spot looking out on the water from near sea level. The area can also be set up as an aft stateroom that might be good for the grandkids or perhaps a crew of two. Or it can be a tender garage large enough for a 10’6” (3.2 m) RIB. In the Beach Club configuration, it includes a stairway to the main deck. The aft deck just above is designed to entertain, with an outdoor kitchen and lots of seating. Triple-wide folding glass doors open the galley and salon, which are all on the same level, to the party. More...
Test Video
Fountaine-Pajot MY 44:
Broad-Beamed Cat w/Twin IPS Drives
The salon and galley of the Fountaine-Pajot MY 44 provide the entertainment space and the feel of a much larger yacht thanks to the 21’7” (6.61 m) beam of this three-stateroom, three-head power catamaran. The owners’ suite is in the port hull, while two guest cabins are to the starboard side. A customizable fourth cabin on the main deck can also be a laundry, pantry or sitting room at the customer’s choice. The galley is fully equipped with high-end appliances from Bosch, including a dishwasher below the sink. Note the size of the windows here, the high overheads and the light tones used throughout, all contributing to a feeling of spaciousness. She’s powered with twin 435-hp IPS600s from Volvo Penta, an unusual feature in a catamaran, but one that ensures ease of handling around the docks with the included joysticks on the flying bridge and the main deck helm. More...
Test Video
Sundeck 580:
Fast Trawler Design w/Long Legs
The Sundeck 580, designated as a “fast trawler” by her Italian builders, offers a significantly different, almost post-modern look compared to most traditional recreational trawlers. Her angular design and broad bow provide added living space for extended cruising in this three-stateroom, four-head yacht. She definitely has long legs. We tested her with the twin Fiat Power Train (FPT) 580 engine option and at 1000 rpm and 6.7 knots, her range exceeded 1,600 NM. At 1300 rpm and 8.6 knots, she burned 5.4 gph for 1.6 nmpg and a range of 947 miles. Note this is on fuel tankage of just 660 gallons (2,498 L). The hull is classified as a semi-displacement design with hard chines and she’s capable of better than 23 knots at WOT. More...
Editor's Report
Rinker Q3 OB:
A 23’ Bowrider for Lakes and Rivers
Rinker has a heritage of boatbuilding stretching all the way back to the 1930's. The Rinker Q3 OB model has a 23’2” (7.06 m) LOA, with the aft sponsons extending beyond the transom, adding planing surface as well as buoyancy. The optional tower includes a high tow point, a Bimini, and it folds for trailering. The port console seat has a reversible back, becoming part of an aft-facing chaise when flipped forward, while the swiveling helm chair includes a bolster to give the driver an elevated position when desired. There’s a head in the port console. The bamboo pattern soft-step flooring is standard — it snaps out for quick cleanup. Factory-rigged power options up to a single 250 are available. More...
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Can You See Where
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For a boat to be NMMA certified means that it needs to provide the helmsman with good lines of sight that meet specific ABYC standards. There are two versions, high eye position and low eye position, in both the standing and sitting position. This is an important requirement for boats to meet, and it is not met by all of them. Read the standards here...
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