Yesterday, Boston Whaler announced its new 360 Outrage model and today we’re pleased to show you Capt. Steve’s test and inspection video of the boat. This new model is built on an existing hull but has numerous technical and design improvements that make her pretty much state of the art in class. Perhaps the most profound improvement is the employment of lithium-ion batteries that effectively replace a generator once needed to power air conditioning and a Seakeeper gyro. With twin 600-hp Mercury V12 Verados she is able to break the 60 mph barrier and deliver 1.1 mpg at best cruise. But that is just the beginning. More...
The Palm Beach 50 Fly is a mix of classic styling and modern technology from her external appearance and construction that focuses on saving weight and increasing strength. We’ve raved about how well balanced she was during our test thanks in part to her amidships engine location, but perhaps the best illustration of blending tradition and tech is at the lower helm. It’s all finished in teak — even the steering wheel — and her 17” (43.18 cm) Garmin MFD displays all navigation functions plus full engine diagnostics. More...
Our inspection of the Grady-White Fisherman 216 revealed that she is an honest 21’ (6.4 m) center console, which means stem to transom. Add in her stern platform and she is 23’3” (7.09 m) LOA. A number of center console builders would simply call this a 23-footer, so consumers need to know both numbers before buying. (Several years ago, many builders started using LOA to describe the boat, so caveat emptor.) She displaces 3,125 lb. (1,417 kg) without engines and dry. The other measurement that consumers need to check is cockpit depth. This boat’s cockpit is 25” (63 cm) deep aft and 39” (99 cm) forward. More...
The advantages of diesel engines are well-known: diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gasoline. Because of that, a diesel outboard has a greater range gallon-for-gallon. Oxe says its 300-hp diesel is from 40% to nearly 60% more fuel-efficient than the two largest-selling gasoline outboard brands of the same horsepower. Then there is the matter of torque. Diesel engines have prodigious torque, which is why Oxe outboards can be a good solution for heavy boats. Because of its high torque, the Oxe 300 has more power than a higher horsepower gasoline engine. See Oxe Diesel at Booth 2099 in the convention center at the Miami Boat Show. More...
Most companies that provide connectivity service for boaters are on the software side, but Wave WiFi supplies hardware including antennas with ethernet converters and onboard routers. This equipment lets guests on a boat connect to the internet when they’re as far offshore as 20 miles, according to the company. And when in a crowded marina with congested Wi-Fi, Wave WiFi is the solution. The best thing is that once the equipment is purchased, there’s no other financial commitment. Check out Wave WiFi at Booth MB3103 in the convention center at the Miami Boat Show. More...
The 2017 Viking 48 Convertible, Disruptor, is corporate-owned and has been professionally maintained by a full-time crew with no expenses spared. She has been upgraded for tournament fishing and is equally comfortable for cruising with family and friends. The upgrades include twin 1,200-hp MAN V8 engines, a Seakeeper 9 gyro stabilizer, mezzanine air conditioning and a custom cockpit shade. The helm has Garmin and Furuno electronics plus there’s a FLIR thermal imaging camera. Below she has three staterooms and two heads. More...
Vision Marine Technologies’ new 180-hp electric motor will be on display at the Miami Boat Show. Its staff will be on hand to explain how to retrofit its 180-hp outboard motor and battery pack into an existing boat. Also, some builders are already planning to make Vision Marine’s propulsion system available later this year. For more detailed information, see BoatTEST’s video with Capt. Steve...
Greenland is home to an immense ice sheet and Danish researchers say it has lost enough ice in the last 20 years to submerge the continental United States in 1.64’ (.5 m) of water. NASA adds that melting ice from Greenland is now the main factor in the rise in the earth’s oceans. More...
Capt. Steve explains some interesting features of the Smart Gyro that was introduced to the U.S. last year. Visit the company's display at the Miami Boat Show (booth number MB1514 — C) to find out for yourself what they have to say. But first, see the video...
At Shore Premier Finance, we understand owning a boat is about living life on your terms. We specialize in helping people finance their dreams — sailboats, powerboats and yachts. In fact, it's all we do. We offer dealer-inventory finance across the United States and Canada with flexible products and terms, including foreign funding. We also offer financing for new and used boats for pleasure use, limited and full-time charter programs, USCG and foreign registries, superyachts, powerboats, sailboats, catamarans and specialty products. More...
Sovereign Boat Club is now expanding to Southeast Florida. This is a ground floor opportunity because it will only have a few boats in the Miami to Palm Beach area. If you have a new or like-new boat from 27’ to 40’ (8.2 m to 12.1 m), SBC’s “shared access” program can earn money for you. Club members’ dues pay for your annual operating expenses and mitigate depreciation. Be sure to see us at the BoatTEST booth — HP 404 — at the Herald Square venue at the Miami Boat Show or contact us here / 727-200-3474. Just say uncle sent you.
Some or all of the content contained in this newsletter may be sponsored. BoatTEST makes all possible efforts to ensure all material that is published in this newsletter is true and accurate.
