North Pacific 49 Pilothouse | Aquila 32 | Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 - 09/22/20
BoatTEST Newsletter September 22, 2020
Editor's Report
North Pacific Yachts 49 Pilothouse:
LRC w/a Social Focus
On the North Pacific 49 Pilothouse, the raised house is the heart of this long-range cruiser. In addition to the fully equipped helm that has space for up to twin 15” (38.1 cm) multifunction displays and two high-backed captain’s chairs, there’s an L-shaped settee just abaft that lets passengers join the skipper during an extended cruise. Additionally, the table in the pilothouse lowers and converts to a berth for the offwatch, or for grandkids when at anchor. North Pacific sets up the boat to be run by an owner/operator with a focus on ease of piloting and good access to equipment for maintenance. More...
Greatest Little Boat Show on Earth
On Sept. 24 to 27, the Steelpointe Yacht & Charter Show will be held in Bridgeport, CT. More than 60 boats will be on hand from builders such as Cruisers Yachts, Hatteras, Summit, Monte Carlo, Maritimo, Axopar, Sunseeker, Viking, EdgeWater, Fairline, Everglades, Fountain, BENETEAU, Jeaneau, Zeelander, Eastern, Sabre, Back Cove, Sea Fox, Regal, Prestige, Absolute, HCB, Princess, Valhalla, and others.
It is an “Invitation-Only” show – and, as a Member of BoatTEST, you’re invited!
In addition to the boats, there will be live music, complimentary cocktails and beverages, and even a full-service barber shop for show-goers. Exotic cars, rental helicopters and seaplanes will also be on display. BoattestLEASING will be at the show with an EdgeWater 370 for lease or charter, so be sure to see it.
All state and local Covid protocols will be followed, and registration is required to receive a VIP pass for entrance into the show. Please write [email protected] with your name and the names and email addresses of those in your party (so they can get their QR smartphone pass), as well as the day you plan to attend.
See you at the show!!!
Test Video
Aquila 32:
A Smart Swim Platform Design
The Aquila 32’s swim platform is wide open.
One of the challenges Aquila faced with its 32 cruising catamaran was how to integrate the twin outboard motors into the stern while still providing a spacious, usable swim platform. While many builders opt to mount the motors on the platform’s trailing edge, Aquila took a different approach. The engines are on the transom and the platform is abaft the outboards. Because the platform is 3’ (.91 m) aft of the propellers, it’s unlikely that a swimmer would come near them. In a clever design, the motors can still be fully tilted out of the water, which is crucial for saltwater use. More...
Test Video
Sea Ray SDX 290:
Deck Boat w/Room for 17
One of the first things that pops into our minds when we hear about a deck boat like the Sea Ray SDX 290 that measures nearly 30’ (9.14 m) long, is passenger space. This boat is loaded with it thanks to the beam being carried as far forward as possible and the entire passenger area from bow to stern is on the same level. She can accommodate up to 17 people comfortably when underway and there’s an enclosed head compartment for convenience. The SDX 290 is available with outboard or sterndrive power. Unlike some other deckboats on the market, this one has a higher freeboard and is better able to handle big water. Her capacity is more than most pontoon boats her size, and she’s a lot more fun to drive. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300:
Subtle Changes Improve Stability
For the latest edition of the GTX Limited 300, Sea-Doo lowered the watercraft’s stance in the water by 1 ½” (3.8 cm) and widened it by 1” (2.5 cm). This improved the boat’s center of gravity and that translated into improved handling and overall stability. The bottom has a sharp entry at the bow that merges into the strakes and chines as they extend aft to make the craft more stable and smoother while running or when she’s just sitting. Additionally, the trailing edge of the chines are stepped to help soften landings when re-entering the water after launching off a wave or wake. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Article
Woman Rower Sets Record
From San Francisco to Hawaii
Lia Ditton received a warm reception from the locals when she arrived in Honolulu.
On Saturday, September 13, 40-year-old Lia Ditton arrived in Honolulu after breaking the women’s world record for rowing solo from San Francisco to Hawaii. She spent 86 days, 10 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds at sea alone. There was no support boat and she had to right her rowboat twice after capsizing. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #23
This week, BoatTEST Reports looks at some of the most successful women in the industry in Part II of its mini documentary on “Women in Boating.” Find out who is behind some of the boats you take offshore, the engines that power the boats, and the dealers that sell them. It’s an eye-opener to how the world is changing.
See Episode #23 See All Episodes
Photo of the Day
Reflecting after a long day of playing on Lake Cushman in Washington State!
We – and our 160,000 newsletter readers – want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
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