Our Most Read Articles of 2020 - 01/07/21
BoatTEST Newsletter January 7, 2021
Our Most Read Articles of 2020
At BoatTEST, we take quite seriously the role of educating our members. Whether it’s helping with the selection of a type of boat, brand or model, or an engine type or horsepower, or basic aspects of seamanship, such as docking and boat handling, we are here for our members.
Following is part one of our most-read articles of 2020 as chosen by BoatTEST’s readers this year. Happy New Year from the BoatTEST team!
Buying Tips
12 Things to Look for in a Pontoon Boat
12 Things to Look for in a Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats continue to be one of the most popular types of family craft and, if anything, their ascension is likely to go ever higher in the coming year. Whether a family is looking for a twin-pontoon design for leisurely cruising or a high-performance tri-toon with 500 hp of outboard muscle clamped to the stern, following are our most important search criteria for this type of boat. More...
Design Review
Propellers — 3 Blades or 4?
When considering the number of propeller blades for a recreational boat, the basic thought line has been that a 4-blade prop will provide a better holeshot but give up some top end while the 3-blade will be faster. With more people taking a look at other criteria, including fuel economy and mid-range efficiency, the choice might not be so simple. We’ll explain it for ya. More...
Buying Tips
Selecting the Right HP for an Outboard Boat
Selecting the Right HP for an Outboard Boat
The engine is the most important and most expensive single component on a given boat. It sets the tone for the number of activities a family can enjoy. If it’s under-powered, the boat may struggle to tow a tube or even get on plane with a full load of people and gear on board. It’s rare that a boat would come from a dealer over-powered, but buying one from a private owner could keep an owner from being able to obtain insurance. Following is an in-depth guide to help with making the right power choice for an outboard-powered boat. More...
Buying Tips
The Best Boat for Wakeboarding?
The Best Boat for Wakeboarding?
Wakesports like surfing, boarding (knee or wake), skiing and tubing remain one of the most popular ways for families to enjoy a day on the water. Choosing the right boat for everyone’s preferred activity is critical to making sure that everyone has the fun he or she is hoping for. Is everyone a surfer or is little sister a kneeboarder? From there, a family can zero in on a short list of models to meet its needs. Luckily, we’re here to help. More...
Maintenance
Repair or Replace a Damaged Prop?
Repair or Replace a Damaged Prop?
Much like dropping a cell phone, damaging a propeller is almost inevitable. Sometimes, it’s a small ding that can be filed clean. When the damage is more substantial, but the blades are pretty much intact, the local dealer’s service reps will try to recommend a new wheel. But a savvy boater knows there are propeller-repair shops and it could be well worth his while to at least check out the possibility of getting it repaired. This holds especially true for a stainless-steel model that costs hundreds to replace. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #34
We wind up this year’s Weekly BoatTEST Reports videos with an interview with Brunswick’s CEO predicting the next couple of years of boating activity. Then, we'll take a look at the affordable Alumacraft Competitor FSX 185, see the first video of Cruisers Yachts’ 42 GLS Crossover, check out Chaparral’s 23 Surf in action, and get a look at Everglades’s only dual console – the 340DC – and Absolute’s new 50 Fly. As always, there is boating news and a quiz for serious captains. More...
Photo of the Day
This BoatTEST reader had a great spot in Mallorca, Spain.
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.
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...
Watch the trailer...
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All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material that appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.