Palm Beach 70 | Hatteras GT45X | Ocean Alex Divergence 45 - 05/25/20
BoatTEST Newsletter May 25, 2020
Test Video
Palm Beach 70:
A Downeast Yacht w/Power Options
Palm Beach says that most customers order the company’s 74’4” (22.84 m) flying bridge yacht with pod drives, but more buyers may want to consider the upgrade to the 1,000-hp Volvo Penta straight-shaft inboards with a Twin Disc joystick that links control with the bow and stern thrusters. They make the boat easier to control when docking and the extra power gives the boat a top end that exceeds 30 knots. That gives the Palm Beach 70 the speed it needs for a quick getaway, and conventional propulsion has much lower maintenance requirements. For a destination that’s farther away, drop the speed to 15 knots and the range extends to about 1,000 miles. Regardless of the power, the boat exhibits the luxury and craftsmanship for which Palm Beach is known. More...
Test Video
Hatteras GT45X Open:
Express Fishboat w/Big Boat Features
When we see manufacturers step up to larger boats for the first time, the new models often have the feel of a smaller boat. With a company like Hatteras Yachts and its new GT45X Open, the opposite is true. During our test, the smallest model in the Open series felt more like a big boat in disguise. She has a 13’4” x 8’1” (4.06 m x 2.46 m) cockpit with some features borrowed from larger Hatteras convertibles including a livewell with a window, a hullside door to starboard and mezzanine-style seating. In the salon and cabins, cooling air is dispersed through integrated vents that better distribute it compared to a round outlet. More...
Captain's Report
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3:
Upgraded Affordable Pontoon Boat
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3
With families looking for ways to get outdoors together, the Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3 remains one of the best values in a big pontoon boat. She’s priced at $38,995 with a Mercury 150-hp four-stroke outboard, an 11’ (3.35 m) Bimini top that a kid can raise alone, and lockable rod storage. New for 2020 are a second 16-gallon (60.57-L) aerated livewell, a Bazooka Party Bar stereo with speakers in the Bimini top and an 88” (2.24 m) long, lighted storage compartment in the center pontoon. More...
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Test Video
Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence:
Elegant Center Console Dayboat
When boating enthusiasts hear the name Ocean Alexander, they think large motoryachts. That’s why the name Divergence couldn’t be better for the company’s new 45’ (13.72 m) center console that is built at the company’s new facility in Florida. The manufacturer answered its customers’ requests for a sportier dayboat, building the 45 Divergence with the level of fit-and-finish found on its larger yachts. The focus is more on comfort than on speed, and she rode well in myriad conditions. She could also serve well as a tender for larger Ocean Alexander models. More...
With no propeller, jetboats are always attractive to potential buyers for the safety factor. Modern jetboats are runabouts and center consoles capable of towing wakesports, trolling for fish, cruising and ripping across the water at adrenalized speeds. They’re also equipped with features that rival any luxury bowrider. VirtualBOATSHOW.com has nearly 35 Jetboats on display. To visit the boat show – admittance is free – click here...
VirtualBOATSHOW.com Jetboats Docks
A Reader Question Answered
Where are the Affordable Small Cruisers?
The Regal 26 XO is a roomy cruiser.
A BoatTEST Member wrote in to say “We have an old Bayliner Ciera 245 and love it, but it’s no longer in production. Are there any boats still built to that affordable cruising concept?” A good question, and the answer is sadly, only a few. Here, Capt. Steve gives us a video run-down of some available boats that might fit that bill. More...
A Concierge for Your Boat?
If you have ever stayed at a 5-Star hotel in Europe and used its Gold Keys concierge service, then you know what a pleasure it is to have virtually your every need taken care of. Every boat in BoattestLEASING comes with a built-in concierge service. After a long day on the water, you don’t have time or are too tired to wash down the boat and refuel it? The concierge will take care of it. A bothersome trip to the dealer for 100-hour maintenance? No problem. The electronics go on the fritz and no one is answering the phone? Just tell the concierge. Finding a good slip location and insurance coverage? That’s the concierge’s job. Where to go and what to do? They will tell you. All of this and more is part of the BoattestLEASING program. For more information, visit our website or contact Greg Sweeney at [email protected] or (727) 200-3474.
Boating News of the Week: Episode #7
If you missed BoatTEST's video news of the week webcast last Friday morning, you can now see it in "re-runs." Episode #7 included an interview with Geoff Leech, senior director of marine services at Sirius Marine, the 2019 USCG Accident Report, highlights of the new Sharrow mass-produced SS loop prop, the Riviera 505 SUV and Jeanneau NC 37, and much more. Check out all of our weekly videos...
See Episode #7 See All Episodes
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