Readers’ Choice of New Gear for 2020 - 01/06/21
BoatTEST Newsletter January 6, 2021
Our Most Researched
Products & Services of 2020
From innovative new propellers to stabilizing systems for vessels large and small to apps and services for weather nerds to VHF radios that float, BoatTEST readers got to check out some pretty cool products and services in 2020.
Following is a look at products and services that got the most looks in 2020. Happy New Year from the BoatTEST.com team.
Review Video
Icom M93D Handheld VHF Handheld:
Built-in GPS and it Floats
Icom M93D Handheld VHF Handheld
The Icom M93D is a handheld VHF radio that has a built-in GPS and DSC and it floats. When an emergency alert goes out, so does the user’s location. It can store up to 50 waypoints and the radio can actually be used to navigate to those spots. It also has a removable antenna, a belt clip and a corded attachable microphone. More...
Captain's Report
Side-Power Vector Fin Stabilizers:
Curved for Efficiency
Side-Power Vector Fin Stabilizers
Side-Power’s patented Vector Fin curved stabilizers work better on a boat with longer periods of roll and the larger the vessel, the longer it takes to roll. Vector Fins are curved about 36 to 53 degrees upward and the shape works with a boat’s deadrise to direct the stabilizing force more vertically. This is more effective at preventing roll, according to Side-Power. More...
Review Video
Seakeeper 1:
Roll Stabilizing for Small Boats
The Seakeeper 1 was one of the most expected introductions of 2020 because it brought gyroscopic stabilization to boats as small as 23’ (7.01 m). It runs on 12 volts so no generator is needed and its small envelope and flush-mount design permit installation on a boat up to 30’ (9.14 m) long. It doesn’t need to be tied into the stringers, but many builders are designing new models with a dedicated installation location for it. Seakeeper reported that more than 30 builders were planning to install the 365-lb. (165.56 kg) unit as standard or optional equipment. More...
Review Video
Sharrow Marine:
Revolutionary New Propeller
Something that looks as different as Sharrow Marine’s new propellers is bound to draw lots of clicks and page reviews. But these propellers are about a whole lot more than just looking different. They make a difference.
In our tests, the Sharrow propeller out-performs conventional wheels at all rpm settings in terms of speed and fuel economy, improving efficiency by as much as 18%. It produced the highest top speed, created less vibration and improved handling even in reverse. The Sharrow Care Protection Plan covers every propeller the company sells for no additional cost. In the last year, the company introduced two new sizes and opened a new facility in Detroit. More...
Review Video
SiriusXM Marine Radio:
For Boaters Serious About the Weather
For boaters who head offshore frequently, having accurate weather information is vital and SiriusXM’s subscription-based service is well worth the price. While there are free weather apps, the problem is that cell phones have limited range. When a boat is 6 to 8 miles offshore and there’s a storm brewing, it’s not the time for a phone to lose its signal.
Additionally, a cell phone needs to be held to be looked at. SiriusXM weather data can be called up on a multifunction display so the captain can see the weather as well as navigation information and the position of nearby boats on the same screen. Not having to hold a phone also means he/she can use both hands to maintain control of the boat. For a serious captain, SiriusXM’s weather service is a must-have for many reasons. 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...
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