Palm Beach 70 | Cruisers 35 Express | MasterCraft XT23 - 08/28/20
BoatTEST Newsletter August 28, 2020
New Yamaha and Malibu Boats
Plus This Week’s Boating News
New boat sales continue to be strong into August with the age of buyers dropping. Don’t miss content on —
- New Yamaha Jet Boats
- New Malibu 24 NXZ
- New MerCruiser Bravo Four S Drive
- Hampton 720 Highlights
- How to Tie a Sheet Bend
- Interview of Leon Slikkers
Test Video
Palm Beach 70:
Not Just Another Motoryacht
The Palm Beach 70 has been built for connoisseurs of fine yachts. The man responsible for that is company CEO, Australian Mark Richards. He founded the company in 1995 in Palm Beach, New South Wales to build sailboats, then in 1999, started building powerboats with a very special vision. He has an eye for classy lines, and a no-compromise approach to boat building. Together, these two elements quickly established the brand around the world as something special. (When we first saw one of his powerboats at a boat show, we couldn’t take our eyes off of her.)
In 2014, he sold the company, which he owned 100%, for cash plus a 6% stake in Grand Banks LTD, and he became the CEO of both. Because Mark was an offshore ocean racer of a large boat that won line honors in the notorious Sydney-Hobart Race nine times, he is a superb seaman, and knows how a tight ship should be built. Because of his proclivity for perfection in everything he does, he personally pays attention to every system and installation on the boats he and his team build. (He is famous in the industry for requiring that all personnel shop vac their work after every installation.)
In order to illustrate Mark Richards’ penchant for order in the natural chaos of a modern motoryacht’s engine room, we offer the image above, which illustrates his philosophy that not only must everything be done right, using the best equipment available – but it also must look good. More...
Video
Scania Unveils New Marine Diesel Engines
Scania is introducing two new diesel engines for the marine industry.
Scania, which makes diesel engines for commercial boats, heavy industry and trucks has introduced two new emissions-certified diesel engines for recreational boating. A 13-liter inline 6 punches out 900 hp, while the 16-liter V8 makes 1,150 hp. Both have common-rail fuel injection, and a competitive horsepower to weight ratio. These two engines can cover the power needs of a large percentage of the cruising boats, and boat builders should be taking a good look at their features and benefits. Click here to find out more...
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 35 Express:
Driving Tips for an Express Cruiser
When powered by a pair of 6.2-liter twin-prop sterndrives, the Cruises Yachts 35 Express planed in 6.3 seconds and the bow rose about 10 degrees. While some people might be tempted to try to get the bow to drop by using drive or tab trim, it’s not the way to go in this vessel. We found the best way to level her out was to bring up the tabs, leave the drives down and advance the throttles. Then, she leveled cleanly and felt much more solid. Under hard acceleration, we reached 20 mph in about 10 seconds, which is good performance for a boat this size and weight. To find out more details about this yacht which is right in the sweet spot of open express cruiser, see our full report...
Test Video
MasterCraft XT23:
Cockpit Designed to Accommodate
The XT23’s cockpit is designed for a crowd, but still provides easy flow to the bow and stern.
Because wakesports are almost as much about the social element as what goes on behind the boat, MasterCraft designed the XT23’s cockpit to accommodate large and small crowds in a single layout. It’s basically a horseshoe-shaped lounge that wraps around from the port console to abaft the driver’s bucket seat. When there aren’t many people aboard, an adult can recline against the angled backrest on the port console and stretch out. If the body count is high, passengers can sit facing each other and not worry about knocking knees. An available option, the center aft section can be converted to rear facing for optimum viewing of the action in the wakes. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Captain's Report
Jeanneau Leader 9.0:
Outboard Cruiser Ready to Explore
At just under 30’ (9.14 m) long, the Jeanneau Leader 9.0 packs quite a bit of utility into an affordable boat. The owner can add amenities as needed. For example, a water heater, electric trim tabs, a bow thruster, and cockpit galley amenities are all options. This model should hit a sweet spot for boating couples and families who want to explore local waters by day and spend the occasional night on the hook. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Put Your Pursuit Boat to Work for You
The 27’ (8.33 m) Pursuit S268 Sport center console has a beam of 8’9” (2.67 m).
BoattestLEASING is looking for an owner of a new or late model Pursuit 26’ to 42’ center console, dual console, Offshore, or Sport. Since the average boat in the U.S. is used just 25 days, why not turn that asset into found income? If your boat is in the northern climate, why leave the boat high, dry and unused for over 50% of the year, when it can be earning income for you at work in Florida under BoattestLEASING’s charter/leasing management program? This year more than any other, boat usage will be in high demand, so why not take advantage of the Covid situation and recover some of the costs of ownership? For more information, contact BoattestLEASING GM Greg Sweeney at (727) 200-3474 | [email protected].
Picture of the Day
Boating in 2020: don't forget your masks.
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!!!
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