Riviera Belize 66 | Yamaha GP1800R | Regal 19 Surf
One size does not fit all when it comes to cruising yachts, of course, and the Riviera Belize 66 Sedan takes this into account with three optional layouts. The “Classic”, a four-stateroom layout with amidships master, places a down-sized master head to starboard but allows for more guests. The “Presidential” three-stateroom layout increases the size of the master to full beam and has a larger master bath to starboard as well as crew’s quarters aft. The “Grand Presidential”, also a three-stateroom version, increases the size of the master yet again and makes the master bath full beam as well, eliminating the crew’s quarters. Note that each version finds a place to tuck away laundry facilities, a plus on a yacht intended for extended cruising. See this premium-grade Australian build at the Palm Beach International Boat Show March 28-31.
The Yamaha GP1800R is one of Yamaha’s fastest PWCs, but it also includes all the comfort and features found in most of the company’s line-up, such as the RiDE™ system with dual throttle control in the grips to enhance maneuverability, stopping, and reverse. The handlebars provide padded and ergonomically-molded hand grips to make a long day of riding easy on the hands. The driver controls speed with the “dead-man”, spring-loaded throttle on the right side. The left hand controls trim and stopping. The start and emergency cut off switches and neutral/reverse lever are located on the left handlebar.
Though outboards run best on pure unleaded gasoline, efforts to cut emissions and oil dependency have resulted in experiments with a variety of fuels including one called “Biobutanol,” which its supporters say is preferable to ethanol mixes. We discovered Evinrude’s E-TEC G2 gets along just fine with the fuel mix, does not have the water separation problem of ethanol blends, has a higher energy content and also a lower vapor pressure, or tendency to evaporate. The fuel-efficient, eco-friendly two-stroke pushed the 4,221-lb. (1,914 kg) Sea Pro 219 Deep V CC to a top speed of 44.0 mph, and delivered a most economical cruise at 4000 rpm and 27.5 mph, at which the rig got 3.8 mpg.
The Regal 19 Surf has many of the accoutrements of a full-on inboard wake-surfing boat, but at a far lower list price of $37,525. Power includes Volvo Penta’s 200-hp Forward Drive system with twin counter-rotating props facing forward, increasing safety for those in the water. The Regal Surf System also includes wave-shaping tabs and a touch-screen RegalVue display to shape the waves to the preference of each rider. No space-consuming ballast bags are needed. Thus, the boat has more storage than many dedicated wake boats, performance is better without all that excess weight and she can seat nine – despite a LOA of just 19’10” (6.04 m).
The Hatteras GT45X Open is a fully-loaded bluewater tournament boat with all of the expected Hatteras muscle – a pair of 985-hp CAT 12.9 diesels. Plus, she has some luxury touches that the captain and crew will appreciate after a long day offshore, including large air conditioning vents at the main deck helm. She includes a hardtop, full tower with outriggers, bow thruster, a bait freezer in the mezzanine, electric reel outlets in the cockpit for those days when bottom fishing is on the agenda and an upgraded High Seas electronics package. Through March 31, buyers also get five years of full Caterpillar engine warranty plus 250-hour and 500-hour service, as well as an added year of Hatteras Limited Express Warranty on the entire yacht plus a 10-year hull warranty.
Formula provides its buyers with two programs that allow building each boat with unique, individualized features. The included “Formula Flex” program allows each buyer to select hull colors and graphics, upholstery colors and materials, dash layout and colors, and even the hardware type and placement. The optional cost-plus “Formula Flex MyWay” program includes all of the above as well as alteration in seating, interior layout and furnishings and other features—pretty much anything the buyer wants within engineering limits.
North Channel Cruising
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The North Channel of Lake Huron is one of the best places for cruisers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Lakes. |
Some cruisers are always looking for hot new destinations to take their boats, but others simply want to revisit some of their favorite spots with new boats and growing families. The North Channel of Lake Huron is just such a cruising ground, unchanged in its natural beauty with quiet anchorages lined with granite and abundant wildlife. And the best part: Only boaters can get there. Thanks to Tiara Yachts we are able to offer this video for a good look at one of the best cruising grounds in the lower 48.
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