Scout Boats had three new models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The 231 XSB had the most seating we’ve seen in a bay boat, while the 350 LXZ was a family crossover with a high-tech feature behind the scenes. Her lithium-ion battery bank eliminated the need for a generator. Finally, the company flagship, the 530 LXF was the first to be equipped with four of Mercury’s new 600-hp V12 Verado outboards. More...
Each year at holiday time we look over our server logs to discover what were the most popular boat tests and boat articles/reports we published in 2021. If you missed these boats and reports when first presented – you can catch up now.
Happy Holidays!
– The BoatTEST Team
Features Video
CL Yachts CLB88
A Motoryacht Reimagined
CL Yachts from Cheoy Lee has been engineered and designed with a focus on long-range cruising and reliability. Because the Cheoy Lee yard builds commercial vessels for arduous work where failure and downtime are not options, its engineering know-how is built into the CLB88 at no extra cost. As with all in the model lineup, the CLB88 allows for a high strength-to-weight ratio with resin-infused construction where the result is speed and fuel efficiency. More...
According to company president Tom Slikkers, the new Tiara 48 LS was in the making for a year and a half. Tiara engineers worked closely with those at Mercury Marine to produce a yacht that met some rigorous performance standards laid down by both companies. As the image above clearly shows, the 48 LS was designed for comfortable cruising and entertaining. When at anchor, access to the water is unimpeded. Her triple Mercury 7.6 L V12 naturally-aspirated engines are stationary on the transom and have dual prop lower units that can be turned in a 90-degree arc from side to side. She gets on plane with little bow rise and can stay there at relatively low RPM, a detail that gives her long range. But her main mission is being a luxury day boat for entertaining friends and family in comfort. Find out all about her. See the video and report...
Axopar is a Finnish company that builds its boats in Poland. The company burst onto the scene in 2014 with its first model, the 28. Since the first boat was introduced, company engineers have made subtle changes, adding 5.12” (13 cm) to the overall length, (1.97”) (5 cm) to the beam and 3.15” (8 cm) to the hullsides. Spray rails were softened and the keel shape was slightly rounded. Even the shape of the bow-thruster flanges was adjusted to improve hydrodynamics. To improve internal strength, the 28 Cabin gets the same stringers used in the company’s 37’ (11.28 m) models. More...
Eastern’s 248 Islander combines basic accommodations with Downeast styling in a no-frills pocket cruiser that is all many people need – and she’s outboard-powered. More...
The engine is the most important and most costly component on a boat. To a large extent, as goes the engine, so goes the boating experience. Making a mistake when choosing an engine — either leaving the boat underpowered or spending too much for too much power — can be costly. More...
For those who love shallow-water flats fishing, chasing bass in freshwater or just want to improve the performance of an outboard-powered boat, a hydraulic jackplate is now just short of being standard equipment. The ability to elevate the lower unit of an outboard at the touch of a button greatly increases the functionality and versatility of a rig. It will also save an owner fuel if he makes a lot of long runs. More...
Last year, Denison Yachting sold nearly 1,000 used boats and more boats longer than 80’ (24.38 m) in the last two years than any other yacht brokerage company in the world, according to founder Bob Denison. For that reason, BoatTEST’s Jeff Hammond conducted a series of interviews with Denison to find out how his firm did that, as well as to get his advice for consumers on used-boat buying. Part 1 starts here...
Tell Her About It!
Florida’s coastlines are no longer a secret. Offering some of the best and most affordable communities on or close to the water, Florida is business-friendly and a retiree’s paradise. It’s no wonder so many people, young and old, have relocated to the Sunshine State as of late. Why not enjoy what Florida living has to offer by joining the Sovereign Boat Club? Memberships are more affordable than boat ownership and there is none of the responsibility or hassle. Inquire now...
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