New Riviera 505 SUV | Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 | Grady-White Fisherman 236 - 03/25/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 25, 2020
New Captain's Report
Riviera 505 SUV:
Bluewater Capability
and Entertainment Functionality
We’re barely a quarter of the way through 2020 and new models for 2021 are already starting to appear. Australian yacht builder Riviera premiered its 2021 Riviera 505 SUV at the Miami International Boat Show last month. When Riviera’s design team set out to create the newest addition to its SUV Collection, the objectives were to combine the ability to run well offshore with a layout that emphasizes outdoor entertainment. Riviera has included a mezzanine between the cockpit and cabin that provides privacy and sun protection for an inviting outdoor dining area. Belowdecks appointments include a full-beam master. Volvo Penta IPS pod propulsion systems provide efficient operation and joystick control. More...
9 Tips for Social Distancing on a Boat
The Ultimate Place for Social Distancing: A Boat
From a kayak to a personal watercraft to a runabout to a motoryacht – a boat is one of the best ways we can socially distance ourselves from the world, and get outside and spend some quality time with our families. Taking the kids out on a boat provides an escape from cabin fever and gets everybody some much-needed fresh air. Here are nine tips for staying safe. More...
Review Video
Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 HP:
Social Distancing Comes Standard
Evinrude's E-TEC G2 250 is an engine made for the times. First, there is no scheduled dealer maintenance for 500 hours or five years. That means no need for dealer interaction until after the pandemic is over, God-willing. Virtually all 4-stroke engines have a 20-hour dealer maintenance requirement to adjust valve lash, change the oil and replace the fuel filter. Further, there is no need for oil changes and oil-filter replacement every 100 hours or each year. Once the Evinrude G2 is installed, expensive scheduled dealer pit-stops are eliminated for five years — dealer interaction is years down the road. BoatTEST has extensively tested this engine and finds it as fuel efficient as any other brand on the market. At idle speeds where 40% of the engine hours are put on an engine, it is from two to three times more fuel efficient than all 4-stroke engines. More...
Test Video
Grady-White Fisherman 236:
Ready for Fishing or Family
The Grady-White Fisherman 236 comes well equipped for fishing, but she also includes family-friendly amenities. For example, she has a set of swing-out cushioned backrests for the bow, a flip-down transom seat and a head in the console. An optional spring-loaded ski pole quickly stows between the livewell and fishbox. The molded-in swim platform is extra-long and is integrated cleanly into the boat’s lines. The hardtop with outriggers shown in the photo is optional. Looking at some performance highlights, the Fisherman 236 planed in 3.8 seconds with the optional 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke and had a top speed of 48.5 mph. At 27 mph, her range is about 267 statute miles. This 23’ (7 m) center console has an 8’6” (2.59 m) beam, which makes her a good size for towing with a variety of trucks and SUVs. More...
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Boating: Now More Than Ever!
Enter the Family Boating Contest
Boating: Now More Than Ever! Enter the Family Boating Contest
Last week, we ran a contest in the newsletter for submissions on family boating photos. Here is last week’s winner on a Grady-White Seafarer in Southport, NY.
With most sports events closed down, and as gatherings of groups are forbidden or discouraged, family units are coming together more than they have in decades — and for longer. But soon, the only fever most people will have is cabin fever.
Please send us your favorite family photo on a boat for a chance to win a coveted BoatTEST hat signed by Capt. Steve. More...
Test Video
Yamaha EX:
Targeted at Budget-Conscious Riders
The Yamaha EX series includes three entry-level personal watercraft that are lighter and shorter than other models, and still have the features that most riders want. All in the series are powered by the 1049 cc Yamaha TR-1 3-cylinder 4-stroke engine. The fiberglass hull is designed for stability and roll-resistance, a plus for less-experienced riders, and the seat is designed to carry up to three riders. The EX-Sport model has a mechanical reverse for easier launching and docking, while the EX-Deluxe model adds the RiDE system: Reverse with intelligent Deceleration Electronics. The system allows braking and facilitates maneuvering at the docks, letting the operator move from full reverse to low forward speed with the squeeze of a handlebar trigger. More...
Boating Tips
Is It a Fair Lead?
A fairlead with horns can cause chafe and sharp bends.
The name fairlead says it all. Does this fitting on a boat allow a rope passing through a fairlead a comfortable passage with no chance of chaffing? There are fairleads all around the boat, but mainly at the bow and stern so that mooring ropes can be led through them from the mooring post, usually down to the mooring cleat on the quay or pontoon. The fairlead should be designed to allow the rope to change direction without having to have sharp bends and sharp edges. More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
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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