A Video Buyer’s Guide to Center Consoles - 09/25/20
BoatTEST Newsletter September 25, 2020
A Video Buyer’s Guide to Center Consoles
The largest single type of fiberglass boat built these days is the center console – over 35,000 were sold last year. While they might seem simple and look all the same at a boat show, the fact is that they are all quite different. They are not cheap, and that is why buyers of them would be wise to watch our video “Buyer’s Guide to Center Consoles” narrated by Capt. Steve. See it Now...
Test Video
Vicem Yachts Classic 58:
Traditional Downeast Yacht
The Vicem Classic 58 has traditional Downeast lines, and her interior is something from bygone era and is finished in fine mahogany at the manufacturer’s yard in Turkey. The yard’s location is key, because the man-hours that went into her build creates tremendous value because of the exchange rate. Behind the beauty is some serious unconventional brawn – Vicem builds her hull from mahogany as well, using cold-molded construction and encapsulating the entire hull in West System epoxy. This cold-molded build is actually much stronger than conventional fiberglass hulls and is far more puncture-resistant, yet has all of the other advantages of a purely fiberglass hull. More...
Test Video
Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport:
A Number of Seating Options
The 130 Super Sport comes standard with a bottom cushion for the driver.
Even on a boat that many people would consider somewhat utilitarian, buyers have different needs, so Boston Whaler offers a variety of seating options on its 130 Super Sport. The standard boat comes with a fiberglass bench seat with a bottom cushion for the driver. Whaler went a step further, offering two individual bucket seats that clamp to the bench or a 4’ (1.22 m)-wide bottom cushion with tall backrests. Owners can also add a foredeck cushion, making this boat downright comfortable. We like the seat option because it makes this little boat so comfortable for the kids’ grandparents. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Test Video
MasterCraft NXT22:
Making Waves for All Sports
As the wakesports segment continues to draw customers, MasterCraft upgraded its NXT22 for 2020. She’s powered by a more potent 373-hp Ilmor Marine 6.0L engine and can carry up to 2,700 lbs. (1,224.70 kg) of ballast. To minimize time between rides, the optional FastFill system drains the ballast in less than 4 minutes. Wave shapes and profiles can be shaped by an optional 7” (17.78 cm) touchscreen at the helm. With her picklefork design, she has a wide bow area and can carry 16 passengers. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Features Video
BENETEAU Gran Turismo 50:
Technology Improves the Product
BENETEAU stepped up its technical game with the Gran Turismo 50, putting the Airstep 2 bottom under the express cruiser and implementing a proprietary digital-switch and control system. It can be controlled by a panel adjacent to the helm or on helm station chartplotter display to manage all of the switching for the entire boat with a graphical interface. She was designed for Volvo Penta’s IPS600 with digital shift and throttle and, of course, a joystick for low-speed maneuvering. Belowdecks, owners can choose two or three staterooms. More...
Schedule a Test Drive Dealer Contact Request Pricing Request
Video
Mercury’s Michelle Dauchy:
Moving the Needle for Mercury
Five years ago, Michelle Dauchy became Mercury Marine’s chief marketing officer, coming from the banking and home cleaning products industries. She brought her skill and insight from playing in the big leagues and applied that to Mercury Marine’s $3 billion engine business. Her new initiatives are reaching out to anglers, young people, women, and first-time buyers. Mercury is making headway in the saltwater fishing market, and the brand’s new high-horsepower engines are being widely accepted. Find out more here...
Photo of the Day
We – and our 160,000 newsletter readers – want to see your boating photos and videos! Email us at [email protected] and we may feature your submission in our newsletter.
Expert Boating
OOOPS!!!
They Should Have Watched Smart Boating!
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...
Watch the trailer...
BoatTEST.com, LLC
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.