New Yamaha Jet Boats | Neptunus 650 Express | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 - 08/14/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 14, 2020
Becoming an Expert Boater
This week’s video boating news webcast hosted by Capt. Steve includes —
- How to Become an Expert Boater
- New Absolute Navetta 64
- Scania 700 – 1,150-hp Diesels for the U.S.
- New Kisae Inverter
- New Regal 36 XO
- Outer Reef 610 Highlights
- New Manitou Aurora LE
- How to Tie Knots
New Products
Yamaha Unveils 14 New Boats for 2021
Yamaha’s 255XD adds new surf technology for the coming year.
Yamaha WaterCraft Group is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a new 25’ (7.62 m) jetboat platform plus four new 21’ (6.40 m) runabouts. “Coming off a record sales year that saw us sell out of most models, these new products celebrate our line even further,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s WaterCraft Group. “On the boat side we are moving from 24’ (7.32 m) to 25’ (7.62 m) and innovating to create new levels of technology and luxury; we are extending our DRiVE technology across the line and introducing new wakesurf features that set a new bar for surfing behind a jet boat and we are announcing new 25’ (7.62 m) FSH center-console boats.” More...
Test Video
Neptunus 650 Express:
Built to Please and Cruise Offshore
The Neptunus 650 Express is a family cruising yacht that’s built to take serious offshore conditions. She’s certified to the CE Category A, the highest rating for offshore work. To enhance strength, the hull is built with Kevlar reinforcement across its entirety and the stringers for the engine mounts are made from Corecell A500 foam. Instead of making a mold with openings for the hullside windows, Neptunus builds the hull with aluminum frames extending from the center of the glass out to 3’ (.91 m), and around the opening port, making the frame stronger than the hull itself. The glass is 1” (2.54 cm) thick. She is a semi-custom build, which means buyers have great latitude in having the interior built for their individual needs. More...
Test Video
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490:
Easy to Sail w/Performance Edge
From the earliest drawings, the Sun Odyssey 490 was intended to be a versatile sailboat.
While Jeanneau’s primary goal with its Sun Odyssey 490 was to make her an easy boat to sail, the company also knew that collaborating with designer Philippe Briand would produce a strong performer as well. Her T-shaped keel, twin spade rudders and full-length chine provide a balanced ride and low friction bottom. Moving the rigging aft and adding electric winches also makes possible single-handed sailing easier. More...
Schedule a Test Sail Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
BoattestLEASING
Lease or Charter for Low-Cost Boating
Pursuit DC266 Dual Console for lease in St. Petersburg. Fl.
Boat ownership may not be for everybody because of its high cost, but BoattestLEASING’s program puts premium boats within the budget of many more people. By leasing or chartering a luxury boat for only the days you want to use it – you pay only the boat’s cost for those days, just a fraction of the boat’s cost if owned for 365 days a year. Leases and charters start at 10 days per year. Lease terms run from 1 to 4 years. Bare-boat charters need not be consecutive days. BoattestLEASING handles all of the details – you just step aboard and have fun. For more information, contact Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | gsweeney@BoattestLEASING.com
Test Video
MasterCraft X24:
Optional Windshield Improves Communication
On its X24, MasterCraft offers owners a choice of windshields. Our test boat had the optional BTS (Barefoot Training System) version that has shorter sides than the wraparound version. The biggest benefit of this design is that the driver can pull alongside a skier or boarder in the water and remain seated while having a conversation instead of having to stand up and yell over the sides of a traditional version. Both styles have an opening center section to access the bow and the passageway closes with an air dam. The driver can also choose among a selection of rearview mirrors that clamp to the windshield frame. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX:
Keeps Everyone Comfortable
The Party Barge 20 DLX’s helm should appeal to drivers.
The Party Barge 20 DLX’s helm is laid out to keep him/her happy with a windscreen that actually extends high enough to deflect oncoming wind and provide effective shade for the dash. The captain’s chair has thick padding in the bottom cushion, fold-up armrests and it slides fore and aft. When the cruise is paused, the seat swivels so the captain can join the conversation. She’s rated for 10 passengers. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Picture of the Day
Be sure to take photos this weekend if you go boating!
We want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
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...
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