New Sea Ray 'Dancer 320 | Amazing New Prop | Absolute 50 Fly - 10/28/19
BoatTEST Newsletter October 28, 2019
Test Video
Sharrow Engineering Propellers:
Builder Interest Picks Up Steam
During the two weeks since BoatTEST ran its test video and in-depth Captain’s Report on the new Sharrow prop, boat-builder interest has spiked. There are now a number of companies that manufacture boats from small to large who are actively engaged with Sharrow Engineering to develop its props for their applications. For those who missed our introduction to this prop two weeks ago, we invite them to see the video and read the report. More...
***Special Invitation***
Get a VIP Visit on the All-New
Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Coupe Outboard
The Sea Ray Sundancer 320 offers a sporty ride and some interesting design innovations, including the triple-wide chaise type seating just ahead of the windshield, complete with flip-down arm rests, head rests and embroidered upholstery. A portable table can be fitted just ahead and the walkway to the bow is to port. She can overnight four below in air-conditioned comfort, thanks to the standard A/C system and genset. She's powered by twin Mercury MerCruiser 350-hp 6.2L engines with Axius propulsion, but she's also available with diesel sterndrives and in an outboard configuration. The all-new Sundancer 320 Coupe Outboard will be available to view for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
See her in person from October 30 through November 3...
Test Video
Absolute 50 Fly:
Workstation for the Owner/Operator
The lower helm of the Absolute 50 Fly gives the captain a clear view through the large forward windshield and defoggers keep it clear inside while pantograph wipers clear away spray and rain. The area is cooled by circular vents set into the console. The starboard door directly adjacent gives a clear sightline when docking, as well as easy access to the cleat positioned just right for the operator to drop a line over it. Standard Volvo Penta IPS 600s with joysticks at both the upper and lower helms make handling simple around the docks. More...
Features Video
Hatteras GT45X Flybridge:
Engineered for Big Game Fishing
For those who love natural finish teak, the cockpit of the Hatteras GT45X will feel like home. Note the massive pieces of solid teak on the gunwales and caprails, which is signature of a serious, hard-working bluewater fishing machine where big hooks, sharp gaffs and flailing billfish are going to be part of heady days at sea. The work area measures 6'8" x 13'3" (2 m x 4 m), and the center area is reinforced for mounting a fighting chair. The "tuna door" to starboard opens 30" (76 cm) wide and is just 8" (20 cm) off the water, easing the job of hauling in heavyweights -- something most responsible anglers no longer do. The large baitwell centered in the transom has a viewing window for easy checking on bait health, and a pair of huge macerated fishboxes is hidden under the decking. More...
***VIP Invitation***
Premier New 5 Riviera & Belize Yachts
Belize 66 Daybridge 
Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition
Riviera, Australia’s largest motoryacht builder, exclusively invites BoatTEST members to a special VIP experience aboard five models premiering for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 30 - November 3. Included in the lineup are the all New Belize 66 Daybridge, the Riviera 6000, 5400 and 4800 Series II Platinum Edition Yachts and the Riviera 545 SUV. Riviera will also showcase seven further models at the show, ranging from the 72 Sport Motor Yacht to the 39 Open Flybridge. Riviera will present all BoatTEST members that inspect their yachts at the show with a special edition panama hat. Just mention this invitation to their reception staff. More...
Test Video
Fountain 43 NX:
Plush Seating, Double-Stepped for
Maximum Performance
The Fountain 43 NX is a high-performance double-stepped center console sportboat with blazing speed, topping out at 73.4 mph pushed by quad Mercury 400-R outboards turning 24" (61 cm) pitch Bravo props. But just as importantly, she’s a luxury-class dayboat, as evidenced by the attention to the abundant seating throughout. Multi-density sculpted foam assures comfort, and multi-toned heavy-gauge vinyl is diamond stitched and embroidered throughout. The seat forward of the console is double-wide in the chaise design, with bucketed backs, arm rests and head rests, while at the transom is a flip-down seat more than 7’ (2.1 m) wide, equally comfortable. More...
Test Video
Jeanneau Leader 10.5:
Multi-Mission Cruiser w/Top Speed of 53.3 MPH
The Jeanneau Leader 10.5 is a 34’5” (10.5 m) outboard-powered cruiser with accommodations for four. She’s suitable for multiple venues including weekending, dayboating, harbor-hopping, fishing and water sports. She reached a top speed of 53.3 mph at 6000 rpm in our test, powered by twin 350-hp Yamaha engines. At that speed, we were burning 67.2 gph for a range of 150 statute miles. More...
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Boat-Buying Tips
Which Hull Shape is Best?
Here’s an interesting guide to hull shape, reviewing the differences in performance and mission between displacement hulls and planing hulls. Round-bottomed displacement boats, of course, are designed to go slow but produce excellent fuel economy, while flat or v-bottom planing hulls are built for much greater speeds, though at a cost in fuel use. It also takes a look at a more recently developed class, the “semi-displacement” hull found in some trawlers, which has chines extending all the way aft, allowing moderate planing speeds when enough power is applied, but retaining fuel efficiency at lower rpm. There’s also a guide to the effect various transom deadrise designs can have on rough water performance. More...
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