New Yamaha Boat Gear | Sea Ray SDX 270 | Grady-White Freedom 235 - 07/20/21

New Video

Yamaha Boat Accessories

Customize the On-Water Experience

Yamaha has partnered with some of the leading accessories companies to offer a variety of add-ons to enhance a boatowner’s experience. From a stainless-steel Magma grill that mounts on the transom to a custom Wet Sounds Stereo system to an innovative canvas rack for water toys on the T-top. Capt. Steve explains some of the accessories in a video. More...

Test Video

Sea Ray SDX 270

By the People For the People

Before it introduced the SDX 270, Sea Ray went to the most important people — its customers — to ask what they wanted in a large deck boat. Not surprisingly, the answer was more space and seating. Sea Ray’s designers responded by narrowing the gunwales and making a few other tweaks to make a boat that can seat 15 people in luxurious seating that rivals the company’s luxurious SLX series. The SDX 270 is available in sterndrive and outboard versions to keep those customers happy. More...

Test Video

Grady-White Freedom 235

Seats 10 and Can Fish

Grady-White was one of the first builders of saltwater fishing boats to recognize the need for a boat with family cruising functionality, as well as fishability. That’s why they have 9 different dual console models (called the Freedom series), more than any other builder. And, they have been building dual consoles for more than 40 years. As the saying goes, they know a thing or two about the breed. The Freedom 235 is a step up from the 215, with two extra feet of length put to good use. Regular readers know that we are partial to dual consoles because of their added functionality. There is no denying the 235’s salty look. More...

Features Video

Galeon 400 Fly

A View From the Top is Always Stunning

Since she has the word “Fly” in her model name, the Galeon 400’s flying bridge is sure to be a popular gathering spot on this new motoryacht. It’s fully sheltered by a Bimini top that’s 13 ½’ (4.11 m) long and has 6’11” (2.11 m) of headroom underneath. A lounge wraps around a table to starboard, ending alongside the helm so guests can keep the captain company during a cruise. More...

Features Video

World Cat 280CC-X

A Cat That's Light on Her Feet

On all its models including the 280CC-X, World Cat designs the hulls and decks with CAD/CAM 3D modeling. Her laminate is designed with a focus on weight savings. Her dry weight is just 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg), which is lighter than many similar length V-bottoms. With twin 200-hp Yamaha outboards, we hit a top speed of 48.7 mph at 5900 rpm. We recorded a most efficient cruise at 3500 rpm where she ran 25.6 mph and had a range of 444 miles. More...

Seamanship

Rogue Waves – Part 1

For hundreds of years, sailors have returned to harbor with tales of encountering huge waves in the ocean. The late Dag Pike took an in-depth look at this natural phenomenon in a four-part series that he specifically wrote for BoatTEST Members last year. Today, there are sophisticated wave-measuring technology and satellite observations to help detect and determine these extreme waves. The 100’ (30.48 m) wave has now been experienced and measured in the Atlantic. More...

Boating Tips

Spare Parts to Keep Aboard

Every boating adventure promises an amalgam of excitement, relaxation, mistakes and mishaps. Rarely does something not go wrong; it’s a truism every boat owner knows from experience. That’s why extra fluids and impellers—and a handheld VHF radio that’s always charged—can save the day in remote locales where help from other boatowners or towboats is lacking. More...

“You Never Regret Buying a Quality Boat.”

– Capt. Steve

No one ever regrets buying the best things in life. But if the boat of your dreams is not available this year, why not experience one as an SBC member while you wait. Annual memberships in five premium boats ranging from 27’ to 33’ (8.2 m to 10 m) are now available in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Fla. Check them out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474. (Pssst – There are only three memberships left on the Boat above.)

Good Boating Idea Of The Day

Here is an idea we saw recently on a multi-million-dollar trawler built by one of the finest companies in the business. It brilliantly solves the problem of where to put the grandchildren when they are aboard.  Above is a pull-out canvas “pipe berth,” something seen on ocean-racing sailboats around the world and below is a Pullman berth that we have often seen on boats, but never mounted so low. Kids will love them. You don’t need a bigger boat for your grandkids, just some creative thinking.

Share your good boating idea photo and the “Best Boating Idea” of the week wins a BoatTEST hat signed by none other than Capt. Steve! 

Photo Of The Day

"Sailing on Lake Michigan."

Share your boating photos with us!