New Sea Ray SLX 400 OB | Outboard MJM 35z | Hampton Endurance 658 LRC - 01/14/21

BoatTEST Newsletter January 14, 2021

New Test Video

Sea Ray SLX 400 OB:

Flagship Loaded with Features

Sea Ray’s SLX 400 OB is the manufacturer’s premium-level entertainment platform – and she leaves little to be desired. Comfort features include an available Seakeeper gyro stabilizer and the Fathom e-Power package to keep all the 110-V accessories running without a generator... all day! She has a drop swim terrace, convertible aft seating and a stand-up transom shower. It’s all befitting for the flagship of the series, and there’s much more covered in our full Captain’s Report.

More...

 

Sharrow Props Debut This Weekend

in Riviera Beach, Florida

These three Sharrow props were cast, machined and polished to perfection, and they will be demonstrated on a Sovereign Boat Club 37’ center console this weekend in Riviera Beach, FL.

The longest test that BoatTEST has ever conducted in its 20-year history was on the revolutionary Sharrow props in September of 2019 – it took 7 days. The results of those tests have captured the imagination of boat owners around the world – to say nothing of the captains running the BoatTEST operation. So, when BoatTEST founded the Sovereign Boat Club last year and Sharrow started casting props to lower the cost, BoatTEST ordered a set for the vessels in its two-boat fleet – soon growing to four this spring.



BoatTEST ordered the props primarily because of these attributes: 1) more responsive handling at speed in tight turns, 2) far better cruising speed fuel consumption, and commensurate greater range, 3) ability to plane at lower rpm, 4) no bleeding off of speed in turns, 5) more powerful backing down, 6) and easier maneuvering around the dock. And there is a seventh reason – all owners of boats put into the Sovereign Boat Club have asked for them. The first MX1-S prop set was delivered last week is pictured above. We have tested them, and those results will be published in a future report.



This weekend, Sat. Jan 16 – Sun. Jan 17, the Sovereign Boat Club is demonstrating its 37’ Club center console for prospective Club members, and it will be propelled by the Sharrow props seen above. Because of Covid-19 safety practices, the number of people invited is severely limited, but there are still a few open spots on Saturday and Sunday afternoons – by invitation only. If you want to know more about the Riviera Beach 37’ Club boat and its membership cost, or to experience the Sharrow props, please click on the buttons below.

Info on 37’ Club Boat & Pricing Request for Demo Invitation

 

Features Video

MJM 35z:

The Builder’s First Outboard Day Boat

The 35z is MJM’s first outboard-powered model and the company says it designs and sets up the boat for the way she’s used 80% of the time... as a day boat to entertain close to home. Twin outboards create extra cockpit space for large gatherings. When an owner wants to get away, her outstanding cruising qualities come into play.

More...

 

Features Video

Hampton Yachts Endurance 658:

LRC Meets I.M.O. Standards

Noted naval architect and engineer Howard Apollonio designed the Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC for safety, comfort and efficiency. The Hampton Hybrid Hull is designed to meet or exceed U.S.C.G. and I.M.O. standards. Once we toured the layout, it came as no surprise that she’s Hampton Yachts most popular long-range model. Where will your memories be created?

More...

 

Test Video

AlumaCraft Bay 20 Coastal Edition:

Shallow-Draft Fishing Boat

With a tunnel ahead of the propeller that keeps her draft at 11” (27.94 cm), the AlumaCraft Bay 20 Coastal Edition is designed for shallow-water fishing. Her all-welded aluminum hull and AlumaGuard coated interior shows that this is a solid workboat that can take serious punishment. She’s also equipped with the gear an angler wants such as a Minn Kota trolling motor, livewell and bait well.

More...

Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request

 

Boating Business

U.S. Boat Sales Reached 13-Year High in 2020

For the first time in more than a decade, the number of new-boat buyers increased compared to the previous year.

With heightened interest in outdoor recreation activities and ways to socially distance, consumer demand for new boats surged throughout the United States in 2020. Representing North American recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports that retail sales of new powerboats increased last year by an estimated 12% compared to 2019. More than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020, levels that hadn’t been seen since the recession in 2008. More...

 

Boating News of the Week: Episode #35

In this episode, we feature a crewless boat attempting a transatlantic crossing using artificial intelligence. We also take a look at a new launch from Fleming Yachts and the first fully electric charter fleet in the world created in a partnership with Greenline Yachts, Canal Boats Telemark, W Yachts and Torqeedo, plus much more. See it Now...

Episode #35 All BTR Episodes

 

Photo of the Day

This six-year-old is learning the waters of Long Island from his grandpa!

We – and our 160,000 newsletter readers – want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.

Email Us

 

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...

 

Limited Memberships Available in Sovereign Boat Club

Get access to large premium boats equipped with twin engines, joystick, electric flush heads and much more. All boats have been tested and approved by BoatTEST. Locations are in... West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay and Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida areas.



Each boat has a limited number of members for maximum individual enjoyment. Click here for more information...

 

BoatTEST.com, LLC

203-323-9900

[email protected]

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