New Side-Power Stabilizer | Schaefer 580 | Sailfish 320 EXP - 05/20/20
BoatTEST Newsletter May 20, 2020
New Captain's Report
Side-Power Vector Stabilizer:
Curved Fins Enhance Efficiency
Stabilizing systems have long been used on large yachts and they are working their way down into smaller boats. For a long time, straight-fin systems had been the go-to for stabilization but Side-Power, which is known for its bow and stern thrusters, has developed Vector curved fins. The manufacturer says the curved design are up to 50% more efficient than straight fins and result in virtually no loss of speed. More...
Test Video
Schaefer Yachts 580:
Customizable Flybridge Motoryacht
Schaefer Yachts 580 sans wheel at the lower helm.
It’s not often that we get to drive a yacht using two different control systems in the same test, but the Schaefer Yachts 580 was set up with only Volvo Penta’s joystick at the lower helm (and no wheel) and a conventional steering wheel on the flying bridge. This joystick unit is the new model from Volvo, which allows high-speed piloting with the joystick alone. The boat turns tighter with the steering wheel than with the joystick when running in open water, but when the time comes to pull into the slip or up to a mooring, the captain will usually do so using the joystick. But, propulsion is only one area where the boat can be customized, many other personalized details can be installed as well. More...
For those who prefer to cross the waves propelled by the wind, sailboats have evolved into modern vessels with many of the luxuries and amenities of their power-driven counterparts. Cockpits are more spacious and inviting as are cabins and salons. Also, like powerboats, sailboats are designed to be easier to control than ever before. VirtualBOATSHOW.com has nearly 35 sailboats on display. To visit the boat show – admittance is free – click here...
VirtualBOATSHOW.com Sailboat Docks
Test Video
Regal LS4 Surf:
Luxury Wakesurfing Bowrider
The LS4 Surf provides the wakes surfers want, yet remains a versatile bowrider.
Regal Marine created the LS4 Surf to be a luxuriously equipped wakesurfing boat that offers maximum passenger space and provides the amenities for which Regal is known. For serious surfing enthusiasts, she can carry 2,000 lbs (907 kg) of ballast and she’s equipped with the Volvo Penta Forward Drive. The sterndrive is designed with forward facing propellers, which puts them ahead of the lower unit and 26” (66 cm) ahead of where they would be on a conventional sterndrive boat. More...
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Captain's Report
Sailfish 320 EXP:
An Express Fishboat for the Family
Sailfish builds its 320 EXP for an active family with interests that range from fishing to watersports to rafting up to overnighting. The manufacturer places an emphasis on comfort, with versatile seating in the cockpit and available sleeping space for six in the cabin. With an optional hardtop and back curtain, she can be fully enclosed for three-season boating. More...
Sailing the Dream
Perils of COVID-19 in Paradise
Paradise takes on a different feel when boaters don’t have a choice between
lockdown and leaving.
CNN recently created a video broadcast about several families cruising in paradise, enjoying the good life – until making landfall and discovering what had been going on outside their on-board world. For a peek into the life of a few people following their dreams, check out this video. More...
How Many Days Do You Use Your Boat?
Sea Ray SLX 310
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the average number of days a boat is used is just 25 days per year. That is why whenever you go by a marina it’s always nearly full. If you own a boat and are not using it half the time or more, why not monetize your boat by leasing out the unused days? BoattestLEASING has a turnkey program to market, manage and maintain your boat for found income, which helps you defray your financing and operating expenses by sharing them with leaseholders. BoattestLEASING handles all of the details. For more information, contact Greg Sweeney at 727.200.3474 or [email protected].
Boating News of the Week: Episode #6
If you missed BoatTEST's video news of the week webcast last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #6 included an interview with long-time ABYC technical expert, Ed Sherman, plus had boat buying tips for small boat owners, highlights of our test of the Fleming 65 and Axopar 37, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
See Episode #6 See All Episodes
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