Seakeeper 1 for Small Boats | Palm Beach 55 | Regal LS4 Surf - 09/21/20
BoatTEST Newsletter September 21, 2020
New Test Video
Seakeeper 1:
Anti-Roll Stabilization for Smaller Boats
The long-awaited Seakeeper 1 arrived this year, and we have tested it. It’s the smallest gyroscopic anti-roll stabilizer that the company makes and is intended for boats from 23’ to 30’ (7.01 m to 9.14 m). It runs on DC power – and that means no generator is needed. Its small envelope and flush-mount design allow it to be installed almost anywhere on a boat up to 30’ (9 m) long. It does not have to be tied into the stringers, but many builders are now putting in – as standard – stringer seats to take the unit, so it can be added in the aftermarket. Seakeeper said that more than 30 builders are planning to offer the new unit as standard or optional equipment. The unit weighs just 365 lbs. (165.56 kg.) More...
Features Video
Palm Beach 55:
Practical Opulence
The Palm Beach 55 advances the Downeast yacht category by refining the styling and functionality, taking it to a higher level of sophistication. Her large cockpit twin transom doors make the swim platform and cockpit work together as a staging area for a variety of activities. It also makes the area larger and more attractive for entertaining. Note the canvas awning in the image above that completely covers the cockpit, providing protection for guests, rain or shine. Her garage and 10’8” (3.25 m) outboard-powered inflatable tender make the boat a more serious cruising yacht because it expands her utility, without cluttering her majestic profile. Optional cabin plans offer flexibility belowdecks. More...
“Invitation-Only” Steelpointe Show
from Sept. 24 – 27 in Bridgeport, CT
More Than 60 Boats on Display
As you can see from this image from Steelpointe’s June show, there weren’t many people on the dock – and that was by design. By limiting the number of show-goers each day, Steelpointe is able to provide a pleasant and unhurried boat show experience for serious buyers. A side benefit is that, as a result, its “Invitation-Only” program meets all local and state Covid-protection protocols.
More than 60 boats will be on hand from builders including Cruisers Yachts, Hatteras, Summit, Monte Carlo, Maritimo, Axopar, Sunseeker, Viking, Fairline, EdgeWater, Fountain, BENETEAU, Jeaneau, Zeelander, Eastern, Sabre, Back Cove, Sea Fox, Regal, Prestige, Absolute, HCB, Princess, Valhalla, and others. Boats for charter, used boats, and BoattestLEASING will also be on hand.
Because you are a BoatTEST Member, you are eligible for an invitation. Please email [email protected], and tell her you’re a BoatTEST Member, your name and those of all members of your party, their email addresses, and which day you plan to attend. You will receive a QR code for entrance.
Test Video
Everglades 435CC:
A Battlewagon Alternative
The Everglades 435CC is not for the offshore angler/boater on a budget. Her build quality and standard equipment come at a price, but compared to a diesel inboard-powered convertible, the 435CC is a downright bargain. Better yet, annual operating costs are much lower, and owners don’t need a captain. She’s also faster than those behemoths and her standard Seakeeper stabilizer keeps the ride smooth when trolling, or drift fishing. With quad Yamaha 425-hp XTO Offshore outboards clamped to the transom, her total horsepower is pretty close to a pair of diesel inboards in a 55’ (15 m) convertible. The outboards burn less fuel at comparable planing speeds as diesels. RAMCAP construction provides a solid ride, allows her to float level if swamped, and her V-bottom is the deepest in class at 25 degrees at the transom. More...
Test Video
Regal LS4 Surf:
A Pioneering Sterndrive Wakesports Boat
Regal was among the first luxury runabout builders to make a sterndrive wakesurfing boat with its LS4 Surf, equipped with the Volvo Penta Forward Drive that has forward-facing propellers. She offers maximum passenger space and amenities in a luxury bowrider layout. For serious surfing, she can carry 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) of water ballast. This puts the props 26” (66 cm) ahead of where they would be on a conventional sterndrive boat, enhances safety and gives the boat a tighter turning radius. More...
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Test Video
Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX:
Classic Affordable Pontoon Boat
Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX
It could be argued that no model name describers a pontoon boat better than “Party Barge.” Sun Tracker’s 22’ offering remains one of the most popular because it delivers what pontoon-boat owners want – an affordable boat with lots of room. It has a doublewide aft-facing lounge on the stern, plus she’s rated for a total of 11 passengers. Her QuickLift Bimini top can be deployed by one person (we’ve done it) and the Easy Clean vinyl decking stays cool underfoot and can be hosed off. The extra-heavy-duty boarding ladder can handle large adults and the rail-lock system for mounting the mooring cover is a stroke of genius, in our opinion. More...
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Environmental News
Shark Travels More Than 4,000 Miles
The Tiger shark “Sereia” with a transponder on her dorsal fin.
We’re all fascinated by shark stories, so here’s one you can talk about over cocktails tonight. A 10’4” female Tiger shark named Sereia that was tagged off the African country of Mozambique in 2018 was detected this past April about 800 miles off the Indonesian coast. That’s a transoceanic journey of more than 4,000 miles. Since sharks must keep water flowing over their gills or they die, we assume this must be a typical journey for the type. More...
Boating News of the Week: Episode #23
This week, BoatTEST Reports looks at some of the most successful women in the industry in Part II of its mini documentary on “Women in Boating.” Find out who is behind some of the boats you take offshore, the engines that power the boats, and the dealers that sell them. It’s an eye-opener to how the world is changing.
See Episode #23 See All Episodes
Photo of the Day
"Sometimes you need to take a break."
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Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
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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...
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