Our Most Read Articles of 2020 - Part 2 - 01/08/21
BoatTEST Newsletter January 8, 2021
Cruising Boats Extraordinaire
Our Most Read Articles of 2020 - Part 2
The cost of the new breed of high-horsepower outboards will most likely continue to be a source of inquiries for the coming year, as will questions regarding much faster 100 extra horsepower will make a boat go. So will the questions of deciding if repowering an older boat is a good idea, or perhaps better props are the answer. And as long as there will be buyers purchasing their first trailers or users needing to learn how to properly trim a boat, how-to articles on these subjects will get lots of attention, too.
Following is a look at part 2 of our most popular articles of 2020 as selected by BoatTEST.com members. Happy New Year from the BoatTEST.com team.
Buying Tips
How Much Does Yamaha’s XTO Offshore Cost?
How Much Does Yamaha’s XTO Offshore Cost?
When Yamaha introduced its 425-hp XTO Offshore outboard, there were two primary questions, how much is it and how big is it? Retail prices remain the same as when it was introduced, with the MSRP starting at $44,250 for a gray 25” (63.5 cm) shaft model. The weight is 952 lbs. (423 kg) for the 25” shaft version. The 30” (76.2 cm) shaft engine tips the scales at 977 lbs. (443 kg) and the 35” (88.9 cm) model kicks that up to 999 lbs. (453 kg). From the start, Yamaha said that this outboard was designed to be a big, robust motor to push the big center- and dual-console models. More...
Maintenance
Should an Old Sterndrive Boat be Repowered?
Should an Old Sterndrive Boat be Repowered?
An owner of a sterndrive powered boat who loves the layout and classic lines of his older model is eventually going to face a choice. Should he repower? If the answer is yes, the list of questions grows. Does he go with a new or remanufactured engine? Should he step up in horsepower, which would then lead to possibly requiring a change in the drive’s gears or a new propeller or both. In an extreme situation, a new drive could be required. Fortunately, we have the answers. More...
Maintenance
Solving the Battery Switch Dilemma
Solving the Battery Switch Dilemma
Even an experienced boater might turn sheepish and uncertain when asked which setting his “1-2-Both” battery switch should be on. More than likely, his answer will be, “I always leave it on Both because it’s what someone told me to do.” Owners of boats with at least two batteries and a switch can read on to gain the knowledge to answer the question with confidence. More...
Buying Tips
How to Choose a Boat Trailer
A trailer can enhance the recreational boating experience in many ways. It eliminates the need to rent an expensive slip or mooring and it lets the owner travel more easily to use his boat in new waters. A trailer also adds value because it creates a more complete package. When choosing a trailer, there are important criteria that factor into the decision. We list them all for potential buyers. More...
Seamanship
How to Trim Any Boat
Virtually any type of powerboat can be affected by adjusting the trim, either with tabs or with an outboard or stern drive. Manipulating the trim can improve top speed, efficiency and overall ride. A boat handles best when it’s running as close to parallel with its at-rest waterline, so trim adjustments should be made with that goal in mind. More...
Photo of the Day
"Happy boating at Goecek bays in Turkey on our Cruisers 340."
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...
Limited Memberships Available in Sovereign Boat Club
Get access to large premium boats equipped with twin engines, joystick, electric flush heads and much more. All boats have been tested and approved by BoatTEST. Locations are in... West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay and Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida areas.
Each boat has a limited number of members for maximum individual enjoyment. Click here for more information...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
203-323-9900
[email protected]
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.