New Riviera 50 SMY | New MerCruiser Bravo Four S | Aquila 36 - 09/09/20
BoatTEST Newsletter September 9, 2020
New Model w/Video
Riviera Introduces 50 Sports Motor Yacht
Riviera Yachts owner Rodney Longhurst in the 50 SMY video debut.
In a dramatic nighttime event, Riviera Yachts unveiled its latest model, the 50 Sports Motor Yacht. Clad in a tuxedo, company owner Rodney Longhurst made the introduction touting the boat’s combination of performance, bluewater capabilities and luxurious accommodations and amenities. She’s available with inboard or Volvo Penta IPS pod propulsion and her main deck has the aft cockpit, a semi-open mezzanine and salon on the same level. The helm is on the flying bridge, which has more space to entertain. Belowdecks, she has a full-beam master with a separate shower. Check out the video introduction by clicking here.
Video
New MerCruiser Bravo Four S Drive
Mercury Marine has introduced its own wakesurfing drive, the MerCruiser Bravo Four S. It has forward-facing counter-rotating propellers and is paired with a wake- and ballast-control digital system. Because the prop set faces forward, and the body of the lower unit is between the props and the wake surfer, this configuration has proved to be safe for surfing enthusiasts. Sterndrive boats are generally considered to be easier to handle and dock than most inboard wake boats. Another advantage is that builders can adapt them to their existing hulls without significant modifications. For more information on the whole package, click here.
Captain's Report
Grady-White Freedom 307:
Dual-Console w/ Offshore Pedigree
The Grady-White Freedom 307 is one of the bigger dual-consoles available and the North Carolina-based manufacturer knows the advantages of building a dual-console with offshore fishing DNA. She rides on a proven SeaV2® hull and Grady-White has done a good job of providing a mix of fishing and cruising features to please an active family. Two double-wide seats at the helm console to starboard and opposite to port plus an aft facing lounge to port that adjusts electrically into chaise-style seating, and a patented bench that folds out at the stern, provides space for at least eight behind the walk-through windshield. More...
Editor's Report
Lekker Boats Damsko 750:
Customizable High-Speed Tender
Based on a traditional Dutch “Sloep” design, Lekker Boats’ Damsko 750 is a modern tender or dayboat that’s available in three layouts. The Open is as it sounds with the console positioned aft on the centerline and wraparound seating from stern to stem. The Semi-Open is basically the same. The third is the Cabin and it has a forward belowdecks area with benches to port and starboard that fill in with a cushion to create a berth. She’s also available with a choice of four consoles ranging from basic analog gauges to fully equipped with a multifunction displays. More...
Features Video
Aquila 36:
A Helm for All Captains
The Aquila 36’s helm is set up for intuitive operation.
Aquila’s 36 power catamaran is going to be a boat that will appeal to a wide range of owners from people stepping up to their first cruising cat to those who are downsizing from a bigger vessel. Her helm is designed with a straightforward layout that should make any captain feel confident and comfortable. Aquila embraces the glass dash concept with two Raymarine displays flanking the Mercury SmartCraft VesselView screen. To the right the digital controls are in comfortable reach and there’s a spot for the optional joystick just behind. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #21
This week’s video boating news webcast hosted by Capt. Steve includes —
- Part Three of our Interview with Leon Slikkers
- Yamaha Motors News
- New Boats and Product Launches
- Boating News
- How to Tie Two Half-Hitches
See Episode #21 See All Episodes
Photo of the Day
Everyone is enjoying the Key Largo sunset, including lucky Fido!
We want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.
Based on the feedback we've been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course, it's clearly not only for beginners but for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available... period. Order your 4-disc box set...
Watch the trailer...
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