Sweetwater SW 2286 SFL | The Truth About Livewells | Hatteras M60 - 11/13/19
BoatTEST Newsletter November 13, 2019
New Test Video
Sweetwater SW 2286 SFL:
Fuel-Efficient and Quiet
The mission of the outboard on a pontoon boat is to be quiet, dependable and easy to operate. The new 150 Evinrude E-TEC G2 checks all the boxes when installed on the Sweetwater SW 2286 SFL. This 3-cylinder 2-stroke is one of the quietest engines in class. At idle, we recorded just 58 dBa at the helm, which is about the level of normal speech, and only 84 dBa at full throttle. The fuel economy is equally impressive -- the direct-injection engine got 15.0 mpg at 3.0 mph, 3.8 mpg at 15.7 mph and 2.6 mpg at a top speed of 34.5 mph. The included iTrim automatic engine trim allows even inexperienced skippers to drive this tri-toon at its most efficient trim level. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Test Video
TAHOE 450 TS:
Well-Equipped Bowrider
w/Family-Friendly Price
The Tahoe 450 TS is a water-ready entry-level bowrider that is complete with a 90-hp Mercury FourStroke and single-axle trailer for $24,595. She’s surprisingly well-equipped, with multi-tone upholstery and gelcoat, a stereo with Bluetooth, MP3 input and two speakers, closed mold hatch covers, and even a fire extinguisher with dedicated storage. The trailer is coated in Galvashield powder coat to prevent rust, has disk brakes, Super Lube hubs and LED submersible lights. The swing-away tongue allows storing the rig in a garage that is just 20’3” (6.2 m) deep. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Test Video
Sailfish 220 CC:
Packages to Suit the Family or the Angler
The Sailfish 220 CC comes with all the fishing features that have earned the brand her solid reputation in inshore and offshore angling, but specialized packages can also add a lot to the family appeal. The Comfort Package shown here turns the bow into a large sun pad, and the removable backrests create chaise seating on either side. Add the Entertainment Package, which includes the removable table, and the bow becomes a pleasant spot for lunch, while enjoying a Fusion/Wet Sounds stereo system. There’s a hideaway Porta Potti in the console and removable jump seats at the transom, as well. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Test Video
Hatteras M60:
Easy to Operate Motoryacht
The Hatteras M60’s single command station is on the flying bridge, providing the skipper with an excellent view of the sea all around or of the dock as she comes into port. This entire area can be surrounded with isinglass for shoulder-season boating, and maybe for summer use in Florida and the tropics as well, thanks to the large vents on the console linked to the ship’s 30,000 BTU air conditioning system. The digital throttles link to a pair of 1136-hp Cat C-18s with shaft drives. A joystick is optional, but our captain found her easy to bring to the dock by simply using the props and a touch of bow thruster. More...
Captain's Report
Galeon 430 Skydeck:
Inventive Multi-Use Cockpit Seating
The Galeon 430 Skydeck has an inventive cockpit arrangement designed to be reconfigured for sunning, lounging, cocktail parties or dining. The seats slide on tracks into various positions so that they can form an aft-facing conversation pit, and adjustable tables suit the area to cocktails or dinner. The assembly also folds completely flat to make a large sun pad. Topside is a full-featured helm and swiveling captain’s chair, and the seats here are adjustable to face forward, aft or to lie flat. She’s one of the few yachts in class with two heads and accommodations for six. More...
Review Video
NMMA Certification:
Inspiring Confidence in Boat Buyers
Unlike automobiles, there are only a few federal regulations governing boat construction. As a result, for years boats spanned the horizon in terms of build quality and safety features. Today, about 190 manufacturers around the world build boats to meet ABYC standards to receive NMMA Certification. Experienced NMMA third-party inspectors review boats at all stages of the production line. The result is that shop floor personnel are trained how to do things right by the company owners and management. The result are boats that consumers can have confidence in. See the video...
Equipment Tips
What You Need to Know
About Livewells
Baitfish are the difference between catching trophy fish and a quiet day of trolling. This is when you realize that the livewell is an incredibly important piece of onboard equipment. Varieties can cost $100 per dozen on tournament days, because live bait is pure gold when it comes to catching marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, dolphin (mahi) and other bluewater species in many parts of the world. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when you are looking for next offshore boat. More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.
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...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors. In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which are all clearly labeled as such.