Seven Marine 527 | Fountain 43NX | Fairline Targa 43 Open - 06/29/19
BoatTEST Newsletter June 29, 2019
Most Popular Boats and Engines of the Week
Every week BoatTEST publishes news items on about 25 boats and engines. Readers have asked which ones are the more popular each day, so below you can find the answer – by day.
Monday #1
Seven Marine 527-HP Outboard Engines:
New, Huge Outboard w/DuoProps
Seven Marine 527-HP Outboard Engines
Recently, we tested twin Seven Marine 527-hp V8 outboards, now part of Volvo Penta. These engines, along with their stablemates that produce even more horsepower, are the most powerful outboard engines on the planet. But there is more going on here than just raw horsepower. The Seven Marine 527s we tested have Volvo Penta’s DuoProp drives.
Volvo invented the drives years ago for sterndrive applications and then used the concept in its IPS drives for diesel engines. Now, they have adapted those heavy-duty lower units for the Seven Marine outboards to harness the tremendous torque the 527 horses generate. That torque got our 22,000 lb. (9,981 kg) test boat on plane in just 5 seconds and pushed her to 54.6 mph at a WOT of 6000 rpm.
The 6.2-liter supercharged engines have closed-loop cooling with heat exchangers to ensure internal parts are fully protected from the ravages of saltwater. They also include an engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler, formerly unheard of on outboards. Joystick steering and the twin-prop system make handling around the docks a non-issue. But that is just the beginning of the story of this remarkable engine. More...
Tuesday #1
SeaVee 340Z:
Triple Evinrude E-TEC G2 300s, 57.9 MPH WOT
The SeaVee 340Z, powered with triple Evinrude E-TEC G2 300s, produced strong performance numbers despite the nearly six-ton weight of the package. The high-torque 2-strokes planed the hull in 4.8 seconds and pushed her to a top speed of nearly 58 mph, faster than most anglers are willing to drive a boat offshore. At a 35.8 mph cruise, she got 1.2 mpg. Dropping down to a 1000 rpm trolling speed and 6.2 mph, she got 2.9 mpg. The double-stepped hull proved agile and easy to handle -- see our full report here...
Wednesday #1
Fountain 43NX:
High-Performance Fisherman Hits 73.4 MPH
Here’s a boat that should have performance fans chomping at the bit -- the Fountain 43NX. With the Reggie Fountain racing heritage, she is sure to be at the front of the pack when the flag drops to start an offshore fishing tournament anywhere around the coast. But there is a lot more to this new Fountain 43NX than speed. Her fine fit-and-finish ushers in a new era for this iconic name because now she has more than mere speed going for her. Her luxurious amenities speak for themselves. She’s rated to handle up to quad 400-hp Mercury outboards and weighs just 15,800 lbs. (7,167 kg). Our test confirmed that she has the speed and ride that made this brand famous for nearly 40 years. She features upscale upholstery and bowrider-type seating up front, fishing amenities including a rigging station and livewell aft, and a large hardtop to shade the triple-wide helm station. More...
Thursday #1
Boston Whaler 160 Super Sport:
Modernized w/Improved Performance
The 160 Super Sport is an update of one of Boston Whaler’s entry-level skiffs. She has the same utility, durability, and level of unsinkability but she has an upgrade in eye appeal plus new features that add to her functionality. She has the classic bench seat but now a pair of comfortably-padded bucket seats are an option for the driver and the companion seat swivels to become a spotter’s seat. The deadrise at the transom is 15-degrees -- more than what is found on many boats of this genre, which makes her ride better. She comes with a galvanized trailer. With the swing-away tongue, this package fits into a space that's just 20’10” (6.35 m) long, making her a good fit for most garages. And, she comes in several attractive colors. More...
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Friday #1
Fairline Targa 43 Open:
Express Cruiser Re-imagined
The Targa 43 Open by Fairline is an Express Cruiser taken to a high level of luxury.
When Fairline refers to a yacht as “open” it really means it. The Targa 43 Open is an Express Cruiser style with no aft bulkhead to the main cabin. This creates a yacht that is a fresh-air lover’s dream. Open the sunroof and side windows to further enhance the outdoor feel of the yacht’s interior. Choose from either a “master forward” or “master midship” design. Take a look at this peek of luxury yacht at work… and at play. More...
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