New Sirena Yachts 88 | Aquila 32 | Robalo R317 - 11/14/19
BoatTEST Newsletter November 14, 2019
New Features Video
Sirena Yachts 88:
Unmistakable German Frers Styling
The Sirena Yachts 88 is unlikely to be mistaken for any other when she glides into a harbor anywhere on the planet thanks to the modernistic German Frers styling. The main deck master takes full advantage of the 23’2” (7.1 m) beam. The exterior walkway to port ends aft of the en suite, while the starboard walkway goes up and over the top rather than cutting into the usable interior space as on many yachts. Sliding glass doors, including a massive 9-footer on the starboard side, open the dining area to the ocean views amidships. Forward is an added seating and entertaining area as well as a glass-fronted pool. This area is accessible via a private stairway from the master. She has four staterooms plus crew quarters below decks. More...
Test Video
Aquila 32:
Innovative Swim Platform, Catamaran Space and Comfort
One of the many inventive features on the Aquila 32 is the optional hydraulic swim platform positioned aft of the outboards. In most outboard designs, those big motors are in the way when it comes to watersports or taking a dip. With the Aquila innovation, users get the same utility as on a boat with sterndrives or inboards. Stairs between the motors lower with the platform to make it easy to reboard, and they lie flush as part of the deck when the platform is raised. A 4-step swim ladder fits aft center on the platform, and note the tall stainless reboarding rails. She also offers all the wide-beam advantages of power cats. See the full test here...
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius:
Ergonomic Helm Design Keeps the Captain Comfortable
The helm of the Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius is accessed easily from the double-wide captain’s chair, which has luxury upholstery, flip-up armrests, and flip-up bolsters. The Gisso roadster-style steering wheel is wrapped in leather and is adjustable for captains of any height. The captain can access all the controls from the armrest to starboard, which includes the throttles, joystick, trim controls, auto-pilot, and access to all the ship’s systems displayed on the monitors. Despite the low roof profile, the captain can stand or sit and still have full forward view from the helm position -- which is not possible on some European designs. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SDX 290:
Ready for the Raft-Up
The Sea Ray SDX 290 is a large bowrider to start with at 29’2” (8.9 m) LOA, and with her 9’ (2.74 m) beam carried nearly all the way to the bow, she offers deckboat seating capacity up front. An optional filler cushion can be installed to turn the area into a sun pad. Beach access is provided via a beach ladder concealed beneath a center bow hatch that opens on gas struts. A freshwater pull-out shower at the bow facilitates washing sand off passengers’ feet before they step onto the clean deck, and an optional anchor windlass fits in the center hatch as well. Overall, she can seat 17 or more. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Test Video
Robalo R317:
Cruiser Comforts in a Seaworthy Dual Console
Robalo’s “Vista-View” seating in the aft end of the cockpit is unusual from a company formerly associated mostly with hard-core fishing machines, but the powered seat backs, which transform the seating into forward or aft facing chaise seating or fold flat to become a sunpad, would be right at home on a luxury weekend cruiser—and note the heavy polished stainless frame on this assembly. An optional Sure-Shade power awning can provide shade here when the sun becomes too intense. There’s a boarding/dive door to port and an ice chest tucked under the port seat. An optional grill mounted on a pedestal can be added on the swim platform’s port side. More...
Boat-Buying Tips
10 Common Boat-Buying Mistakes
Buying a 16’ boat might seem smart at the time, but most people outgrow them pretty quickly.
Buying a boat is a big decision, and it can have its pitfalls too. Things to consider include future needs and the size of the boat. Read through these 10 common mistakes in boat-buying before going to get one of your own. More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
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...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.