Sunreef 80 | Whaler 345 Conquest | Cruisers 338 Bowrider - 10/14/21
BoatTEST Newsletter October 14, 2021
Editor's Report
Sunreef 80
Spectacular Yacht w/Space to Party
The Sunreef 80 is an exquisite catamaran available as a sailing or power model. Tennis star Rafael Nadal has the power version. Both have penthouse-like interior volume — (3,875 sq. ft / 360 sq. m). Even more enticing to an owner who has the money is that Sunreef will customize the layout to levels most manufacturers wouldn’t dare approach. Tennis, anyone? More...
Industry News
2021 NMEA Awards
Radar — Furuno DRS4DNXT
The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) chose the DRS4DNXT as its 2021 radar of the year. For those new to boating, the NMEA sets the standards by which virtually all marine electronics manufacturers follow — so they know their stuff. Furuno NXT radars are solid-state and use Doppler technology. The NXT series features Target Analyzer, Fast Target Tracking and Auto Target Acquire function to offer optimal detection and sensitivity of hazardous objects. More...
Outboard Engine Buyers' Guide
Suzuki DF350A
Technology Leader
Suzuki’s DF350A outboard is the only one in class with two propellers that contra-rotate, two gear reductions and two injectors per cylinder. To find out what else separates it from the competition and makes it a good choice for potential repower applications, click here...
Test Video
Boston Whaler 345 Conquest
3x 300s vs. 3x 400s
When we tested the Boston Whaler 345 Conquest, the boat was powered by triple 300-hp Mercury outboards, with 17” 4-blade props. We hit a top speed of 50.03 mph and recorded best cruise at 4500 rpm and 32.4 mph where the 345 Conquest had a range of 294 statute miles. For those wondering how she would run with more power, on its website, Boston Whaler has test results with triple 400-hp Mercury Verados, swinging 16”x17” 3-blade Enertia Eco props. In company testing, the boat ran 56.4 mph at 6800 rpm and had best cruise of 333 statute miles at the same 4500 rpm setting, going 36.8 mph. More...
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 338 Bowrider
Potential Classy Poker Runner
Center Consoles have become increasingly popular for boaters who participate in poker runs because of their passenger-carrying capacity. An enthusiast who wants to take a different approach might consider the Cruisers Yachts 338 Bowrider. She’s a 32’11” (9.98 m) long boat with a 10’6” (3.2 m) beam that can carry up to 16 people according to our count. She also has one of the deepest bow seating areas in class, so folks grabbing a playing card at one of the stops will feel safe while doing so. More...
Environmental Issues
North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound Seagrass in Jeopardy
Researchers are concerned about an ecosystem along the North Carolina coast. It’s made up of meadow of grass covered by 12” (30.48 cm) of saltwater where land and sea merge. The area is being threatened by climate change and the scientists fear that impact of global warming could be worse than originally thought. More...
Routine Maintenance
What You Need to Know About Clamps/Hoses
Hard slams and big bangs are conditions every mariner endures in rough seas — or even in light chop going fast. However, while crew and passengers wrestle for stability, it’s a war down in the engine room. The constant vibration, high heat and hard knocks loosen hoses, clamps, belts and screws and equipment can fail. That’s why an owner needs to check clamps and hoses often. More...
Live the Florida Lifestyle
Imagine yourself in a new, twin-engine 31' (9.45 m) dual console that is kept handy in a marina just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and everything that Bradenton Beach has to offer. Day trip to the sandbar for a swim, dock n' dine for lunch at your favorite waterfront restaurant or just cruise the waterways while listening to your top playlist. Join SBC today and live the boating lifestyle. You've earned it! Only a few memberships are available in the Robalo R317 located in Bradenton, Fla. Check it out at SovereignBoatClub.com or call 727-200-3474.
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