New Summit 54 | New Chaparral Surf Series | Grady-White 325 - 08/19/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 19, 2020
New Test Video
Summit Motoryachts 54:
New LRC Runs 23.1 Knots
The team at Kadey-Krogen Yachts wanted to combine their ability to create a well-crafted livable yacht with a boat that runs faster than their displacement-speed trawlers, so they turned to Michael Peters Yacht Design to draft a planning hull. The result is Summit Motoryachts, a new division of Kadey-Krogen, and the new Summit 54’, a motoryacht that we have tested with a WOT speed of 23.5 knots, with a 2/3rd load of fuel. The Summit 54 is an important departure for K-K because this vessel is a blend of a long-range cruiser with a modern motoryacht, designed for entertaining and day-outings. She is intended for coastal and island cruising in comfort, but stops short of being a transoceanic vessel, like the displacement Kady-Krogens. Truth be told, the number of people planning on world-ranging cruising is much smaller than it used to be, so K-K is responding by producing a boat to fit the needs of a larger audience. Nevertheless, the K-K LRC culture has had its effect on this design in many ways that make her a good sea boat. More...
Video
Chaparral Launches a New Surf Series
Chaparral Boats has unveiled four new models focused on wake surfing. The 21, 23, 26 and 30 Surf all come with Malibu’s Surf Gate technology that Chaparral has licensed. The boats also have an internal ballast bag system and the 26 and 30 Surf come standard with Chaparral’s Infinity Power Step. They are powered by Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive so operators get the agility and trim-ability of a sterndrive and passengers can enjoy the cockpit space that an aft-positioned engine provides. Click here to get all the details.
Test Video
Grady-White Freedom 325:
An Excellent Hull Design
With so many premium brands of dual consoles and center consoles on the market, it is often tough to find a feature that is outstanding in one brand compared to other good brands. When it comes to Grady-White’s Freedom 325, however, the answer is obvious: her excellent handling thanks to her SeaV2® hull design. On plane she balances easily and stays where she’s put. As she enters turns, she has a slight lean that negates the centrifugal force but keeps passengers comfortable. She cuts through chop without pounding, and the ride is smooth in most offshore conditions. If you’ve noticed, Grady always makes a big deal out of their SeaV2® hulls – that’s because it’s one of the brand’s strong suits. More...
Test Video
Ranger VS1782 WT:
Well-Balanced Aluminum Fishing Boat
The VS1782 WT’s batteries are centrally positioned for easy access and to lower the CG.
Ranger’s VS1782 WT measures 17’8” (5.39 m) long and weighs 2,240 lbs. (1,016 kg) so the location of a couple of batteries that weigh a combined 90 lbs. (40.82 kg) matters. That’s why the trolling motor batteries are basically in the middle of the boat under the step that leads up to the cockpit. The batteries and the fuel tank that is just behind are on the centerline. Ranger says this helps to balance the boat and keep her level when at rest and underway. More...
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Test Video
Leopard 43 PC:
Advantages of a Wider Beam
The Leopard 43 PC’s flying bridge is ready to serve a crowd.
A boater switching from a monohull to the Leopard 43 PC catamaran will at once be struck by the tremendous amount of deck space thanks to her 22’1” (6.73 m) beam. The flying bridge is much larger than one would expect to see on a similar length monohull, and the entertaining possibilities and sheer room nearly double, as well. The 43 PC’s hardtop is 6’9” (2.06 m) off the deck and covers most of the living area. It can also be enclosed with eisenglass to give her three-season utility. Below, the salon, aft deck and bow are all on the same level and a centrally positioned door in the main cabin provides handy access to the foredeck. When left open, it also lets fresh breezes blow through the salon. But, there are other advantages... More...
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Swim with the Manatees this Winter
There is nothing quite like swimming with the Manatees. Create a winter vacation you and your family will remember forever by chartering or leasing a Pursuit DC266 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Overnight cruising is permitted up and down the coast, and fishing trips out as far as 100 miles. Minimum bare-boat charters start at 10 days – they do not have to be consecutive days. Expert fishing guides, and licensed captains are available. All charters include full boat-operation orientation. For more information, contact Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | gsweeney@BoattestLEASING.com
Boating News of the Week: Episode #18
If you missed the new BoatTEST Reports last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #18 included an interview with Mary Paige, Chief Commander of U.S. Power Squadrons, how to become an expert boater, plus new launches and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
See Episode #18 See All Episodes
Picture of the Week
Looks like a great outing on the Matanzas River. (We guess the kids watched Titanic.)
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