ezstandalone.cmd.push(function() { ezstandalone.showAds(102); }); [Newsletter Archive](/articles/newsletter-archive)# Optimus 360 Joystick Control System | Palm Beach 50 Fly | Robalo 226 Cayman - 04/10/20 Apr 09, 2020 [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet/?text=Optimus%20360%20Joystick%20Control%20System%20%7C%20Palm%20Beach%2050%20Fly%20%7C%20Robalo%20226%20Cayman%20-%2004%2F10%2F20&url=https%3A%2F%2Fboattest.com%2Farticle%2Foptimus-360-joystick-control-system-palm-beach-50-fly-robalo-226-cayman-041020.md&hashtags=boattest&via=&related=&in-reply-to=)[ WhatsApp ](whatsapp://send?text=Check%20out%20this%20page%20-%20%20https%3A%2F%2Fboattest.com%2Farticle%2Foptimus-360-joystick-control-system-palm-beach-50-fly-robalo-226-cayman-041020.md)[ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/feed?app_id=966242223397117&name=Optimus%20360%20Joystick%20Control%20System%20%7C%20Palm%20Beach%2050%20Fly%20%7C%20Robalo%20226%20Cayman%20-%2004%2F10%2F20&link=https%3A%2F%2Fboattest.com%2Farticle%2Foptimus-360-joystick-control-system-palm-beach-50-fly-robalo-226-cayman-041020.md&caption=&description=&picture=&source=&ref=&display=popup)[ Email ](mailto:?subject=Share%20this%20article&body=Check%20out%20this%20page%20%22Optimus%20360%20Joystick%20Control%20System%20%7C%20Palm%20Beach%2050%20Fly%20%7C%20Robalo%20226%20Cayman%20-%2004%2F10%2F20%22%20-%20https%3A%2F%2Fboattest.com%2Farticle%2Foptimus-360-joystick-control-system-palm-beach-50-fly-robalo-226-cayman-041020%0D%0A) BoatTEST Newsletter April 10, 2020 [![Newsletter_banner_6-19-12.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/d46a0ecd5f27d1f380032ea1d07c7688.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/) BoatTEST REPORTS -- Episode #1: Boating in the Age of COVID-19 [![boattest-reports_ep1.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/582e9175ba6cccaba15d74dca5cee5ce.png)](https://boattest.com/article/boattest-reports-episode-1-boating-age-covid-19) [Capt. Steve began Episode #1 by discussing the new way of boating with social distancing using new guidelines created by Sea-Tow, the 24/7 emergency boating service.](https://boattest.com/article/boattest-reports-episode-1-boating-age-covid-19) Last night, at 8PM EST, Episode #1 of BoatTEST REPORTS aired on the BoatTEST Facebook channel. If you missed it, you can watch it now by clicking the link below. In the 10-minute program, Capt. Steve surveyed how different states are handling the general lockdown and its affect on boating. He also outlined new common-sense rules for boating. The episode also answered readers’ questions on topics from the future of WalkAround boat models to how to maximize planning mpg without fuel flow gauges on the dash. If you have a question for Capt. Steve, write him at: . [See Episode #1 ](https://boattest.com/article/boattest-reports-episode-1-boating-age-covid-19) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) ## New Editor's Report Optimus 360 Joystick Control System: Excellent Lower-Priced Joystick [![optimus_360_040620.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/0556ff79f7431b49f68017e6f0f583c1.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/optimus-360-joystick-system) [Optimus 360 Joystick Control System](https://boattest.com/optimus-360-joystick-system) SeaStar’s Optimus 360 Joystick Control System is a retrofittable package for most twin, triple and quad outboard engines. We have first-hand knowledge of retro-fitting this unit on a new boat powered by a pair of Yamaha engines. The stock Yamaha joystick was a $25,000 option of the boat, but we chose to retro-fit the boat with the Optimus 360 System for just $18,000, including retro-fit installation, which was a one-day job for two techs. The Optimus 360 Joystick uses progressive throttling to apply power as it is needed to maneuver a boat in tight confines. In our tests, a light push on the three-axis joystick provides minimal thrust. Push harder on the stick and the motors respond accordingly. Overall, we found it to be every bit as good as the standard Yamaha joystick, if not slightly better. [More... ](https://boattest.com/optimus-360-joystick-system) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) ## Test Video Palm Beach 50 Fly: Elegance in a Rugged Cruiser [![palmbeach_50fly_040620.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eeec83420d6e881fac64102dcac5c467.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/review/palm-beach/3839_50-fly) [Palm Beach 50 Fly](https://boattest.com/review/palm-beach/3839_50-fly) The Palm Beach 50 Fly is a stunning luxury yacht with classic Downeast lines, but there’s more to this elegant vessel than looks. With a pair of 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 pod propulsion systems, the 54’ (16.4 m) long, 31,794-pound (14,421.5 kg) boat also rivals the saltiest battlewagons when it comes to running offshore. In 4’ to 6’ seas, she hit a top speed of 31.4 knots at 3550 rpm and burned 0.7 nmpg for a range of 288.9 nmpg. Regardless of the direction of the seas, the Palm Beach 50 Fly thrived, with a bottom shape, weight balance, and forefoot that made her remarkably comfortable in sloppy conditions. She’s a true diamond in the rough, so to speak. [More... ](https://boattest.com/review/palm-beach/3839_50-fly) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) ## Test Video Robalo 226 Cayman: Plus-Sized Bay Boat [![robalo_226cayman_040620.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/958d8c38ccf542d9aceb8320edfdc54d.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/review/robalo/3224_226-cayman) [Robalo 226 Cayman](https://boattest.com/review/robalo/3224_226-cayman) Robalo’s 226 Cayman is a good example of the new generation of bay boats. She has the requisite 12” (30.48 cm) draft plus spacious fore and aft casting decks. But the 226 Cayman can also handle coastal waters and bay chop thanks to her larger size, 22’6” (6.86 m) LOA with an 8’6” (2.59 m) beam and an as-tested weight of 3,980 pounds (1,452 kg). With a 200-hp Yamaha outboard, our test boat planed in 3.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 45.4 mph at 5800 rpm. For $47,395, she comes on a trailer with a 150-p Yamaha outboard, three livewells and an insulated fish box. [More... ](https://boattest.com/review/robalo/3224_226-cayman) [Schedule a Test Drive ](http://www.robalo.com/Robalo_Boats_2016.php)[Dealer Contact Request ](http://www.robalo.com/Robalo_Boats_2016.php)[Pricing Request ](http://www.robalo.com/Robalo_Boats_2016.php) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) ## Test Video TAHOE 450 TS: Sporty Family Bowrider [![tahoe_450ts_040620.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/4347ea17f6737cb54aa42146927cc82a.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/review/tahoe/3378_450-ts) [TAHOE 450 TS](https://boattest.com/review/tahoe/3378_450-ts) With her Hydrostep bottom design, Tahoe’s 450 TS makes the most out of her standard 115-hp Mercury outboard engine. While many competitive boats have four lifting strakes, the Hydrostep has six. This creates more lift, which reduces wetted surface and improves efficiency. At 6000 rpm, the boat hit a top speed of 43.5 mph and her best cruise came at 3500 rpm where she ran 21.5 mph and had a range of 131 statute miles. Time to plane was 4.6 seconds. Additionally, she’s attractively priced at $26,995 with the outboard and a standard trailer. [More... ](https://boattest.com/review/tahoe/3378_450-ts) [Schedule a Test Drive ](https://www.tahoeboats.com/dealer/)[Dealer Contact Request ](https://www.tahoeboats.com/dealer/)[Pricing Request ](https://www.tahoeboats.com/build/pricing.cfm?boat=4997) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) New York is Open for Boating [![new-york-docks.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/b2cb5efc73fdbcc818b4e520028a9525.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/article/new-york-is-open-boating) [In preparation for upcoming fishing seasons, docks are being installed at state parks throughout New York state.](https://boattest.com/article/new-york-is-open-boating) Even though New York is the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has stated that recreational boating will be allowed so long as responsible social distancing is followed. This is good news for New Yorkers who have been holed up in their houses and apartments. New York ranks #9 in the nation, with 444,000 registered boats. [More... ](https://boattest.com/article/new-york-is-open-boating) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) New Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong Open for Boating [![nj-lake.png](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/ced2f8104d4553bf8eb5ea34443c0d44.jpeg)](https://boattest.com/article/new-jerseys-lake-hopatcong-open-boating) [Bridge Marina on Lake Hopatcong during a busier time in the summer of 2019.](https://boattest.com/article/new-jerseys-lake-hopatcong-open-boating) Even though state parks in New Jersey have been closed because of the COVID-19 virus, Lake Hopatcong will remain open to boating and fishing as long as enthusiasts remain responsible. Fishing from boats, riding personal watercraft and participating in wake sports will not result in a visit by the police, local officials said yesterday. [More... ](https://boattest.com/article/new-jerseys-lake-hopatcong-open-boating) ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) Safe, Healthy Boating, Wave of the Future ![Unknown - Copy.jpeg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/dc436ae2d79e5b6a88722613c86f7ae1.jpeg) Not another person in sight! *Send your pictures in that show “Safe, Healthy Family Boating” to . Each week, we’ll pick a winner who will receive a coveted BoatTEST hat personally signed by Capt. Steve.* ![CrossRuller.jpg](https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/resources/mogile/817751/eea38b4e740b02d34d99436ded1e3231.jpeg) ## Expert Boating BoatTEST.com's 4-DVD Boating Course: Now Offered as Streaming From Any Device!!! 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