New Riviera 64 | Formula 430 ASC | Siren Partners w/Hinckley - 07/13/21

New Test Video

Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht

Skylounge Yacht w/Bluewater Capability

The Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht measures 69’8” (21.23 m) long overall with a beam of 19’1” (5.8 m). Powered by twin 1,550-hp MAN V12 inboards, our test boat hit a top speed of 33.7 knots. We found best cruise at 1750 rpm and 21.7 knots where she had a range of 398.5 nautical miles. In 4’ to 6’ (1.22 m to 1.83 m) seas, she cut through waves with ease. We found the sweet spot for efficiency and comfort at 20 knots. Capt. Steve also does his usual video inspection, which is always instructive. More...

Test Video

Formula 430 ASC

With 4x Supercharged 4.6-Liter Engines

When we tested the Formula 430 All Sport Crossover (ASC), the largest engines offered were quad 400-hp Mercury Racing Verado 400Rs. Conditions prevented us from getting good numbers, but Formula says the boat runs 59 mph with the engines. For 2021, the company offers quad Mercury Racing 450Rs. That’s 200 extra hp, but there’s more to consider. The 400-hp version is built on a supercharged 2.6-liter V-6 powerhead. But the 450R has a 4.6-liter V-8 and is supercharged as well. The extra displacement could come in handy for pushing a 28,000-lb. (12,700.59 kg) boat. More...

Correction – CL Yachts CLB72

We stated in yesterday’s newsletter that the CL Yachts CLB72 was designed by Jozeph Forakis, which was incorrect. The CLB72 was actually designed by Apollonio Naval Architecture, a firm that has specialized in offshore motoryacht designs for decades. Our apologies to both Howard Apollonio and CL Yachts. More...

Review Video

Talos Lightning Strike Detector

It’s easy to lose track of the weather when you’re out on the water enjoying the afternoon with family and friends. That’s why having a little help like the Talos Lightning Strike Detector SFD-1000 series is a good idea. For $139, a boater can purchase this early-warning device that starts flashing an alert when a lightning strike is detected 25 miles away. More...

Test Video

Draco 27

Bring On the Chop

We tested the Draco 27 in steady 15-mph winds with gusts that exceeded 20 and a consistent 2’ (.61 m) chop. Her axe-style bow’s sharp, blunt entry transitions to a deep V with 23 degrees of deadrise at the stern. She also has six strakes that run the length of the hull, plus a hard chine and raised spray rail. Our test boat cut through the waves with ease and in turns, she held her line without getting blown off course. With her open layout and good rough-water ride, she could be a good tender or a commuter for an owner who runs between the mainland and an island home. More...

Test Video

Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 XP3

Well-Rounded Pontoon Boat

When it comes to providing a good mix of value, passenger capacity and performance, it’s hard to beat the Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 XP3. We’ve mentioned the added storage from the Stow-More system in the lounge seatbacks, but this boat offers much more. She’s rated for 11 passengers and with a 150-hp outboard, she hits a top speed of 35.8 mph. Her triple pontoons are 26” (66.04 cm) in diameter and the XP3 high-performance design includes lifting strakes, wave deflectors and aluminum underpinning that improves flow across the surface. More...

Boating Business

Siren Marine Partners w/Hinckley Yachts

Connected-boat technology pioneer Siren Marine has partnered with Hinckley Yachts to link owners to their boats using cloud-based technology. The program combines vessel monitoring, tracking and security features of Siren’s Connected Boat System. Hinckley launched its OnWatch vessel-monitoring system in 2015 and the updated version will be known as OnWatch Powered by Siren Marine.

More...

Operational Advice

Top 10 Generator Tips

Marine generators are beasts of burden, able to toil tirelessly for years with little trouble. If an owner uses the right fluids and follows maintenance guidelines, generators keep electricity flowing and allow boats to come to life with electronic gadgets, heaters, and sound systems when the main engines are shut down. To make sure that all systems can go, follow these generator tips. More...

“Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal”

– Malcom Forbes

Imagine you and your family using a premium boat at an affordable price. Annual memberships in five boats ranging from 27’ to 35’ (8.2 m to 10.6 m) are now available in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. Don’t miss another summer.

Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.

Photo Of The Day

"Sunset off Goat Island in Newport, RI, taken on our 230 Vantage." 

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