New Captain's Report

Hatteras GT59:


40 Knot WOT w/Solid Glass Bottom

Hatteras GT59

With the optional twin CAT 1900-hp C32A turbo-diesels and a test weight of 101,890-lbs. (46,217 kg), the new Hatteras GT59 reached an even 40.0 knots at 2250 rpm. Fuel use is modest for the genre at trolling speed – at 600 rpm and 8 knots, she gets 1 nmpg. The resin-infused solid fiberglass bottom is a point of difference between the GT59 and some competitors. Solid fiberglass is far more puncture-resistant than cored layup, and helps keep the center of gravity low. Combine that with the 18’9” (5.72 m) beam, as much as a foot wider than some convertibles in class, and the GT59 has a significant advantage in stability in beam seas.

Learn more about her here ...

New Test Video

Aquila 32:


Power Cat Smooths the Ride

Aquila 32

The twin hulls of the Aquila 32 did a good job of smoothing the ride, all the way up to her top speed of 39.4 mph, during our test. Note the sharp chines, carried all the way to the bow of each hull, helping to keep down spray. A wave-splitter between the hulls relieves pressure when riding over waves and prevents “sneezing,” according to the builder. She has a CE “B” Offshore rating. Her 12’8” (3.86 m) beam not only provides beam stability, but also delivers on the remarkable amount of living and stowage space for which catamarans are famed.

See Captain Steve’s full walk-through and test inshore and offshore here ...

Test Video

Regal 23 RX Surf:


Wake Surfer w/Multi-Featured PowerTower

Regal 23 RX Surf

A PowerTower is a standard feature included with the Regal 23 RX Surf package. Not only does it serve as the tow-point for various watersports, but it supports a Bimini to provide shade when desired. Regal includes a zipper opening in the Bimini to access the tow point at the top of the arch. The tower also holds the all-important JL audio speakers for that booming sound system most wake-surfers enjoy as part of the experience. Bridge clearance with the PowerTower in the up position is 7’7” (2.31 m). When the tower is powered down, the necessary clearance drops to 4’8” (1.42 m).

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Test Video

Hampton Endurance 720 Skylounge LRC:


Long Range Cruiser for the Owner/Operator

Hampton Endurance 720 Skylounge LRC

Though the Hampton Endurance 720 Skylounge LRC has comfortable aft quarters for three crew, she’s also set up for the experienced owner/operator. The engine room is easily accessed directly from the salon via a curved stair, leading to a well-lighted engine room. Headroom is 6’9” (2.06 m) and there’s 29" (0.73 m) between the twin CAT C18 ACERT diesels that allows easy access for daily checks. Topside, there are standard wing control stations on both sides of the cockpit, giving the operator a close-up and unobstructed view for docking.

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Test Video

NITRO® ZV21:


A Place for Everything for Angling

NITRO® ZV21

The NITRO® ZV21 exemplifies the place-for-everything-and-everything-in-its-place saying with storage for virtually everything that the well-equipped, multi-species angler will need for a day on the water. The centerline rod compartment has racks for at least 10 rods with tubes to protect tips and lures and keep things from tangling. Note the dual locks and the reinforcement on the aluminum hatch cover to this compartment. A tackle drawer flips out just below, and there’s a large locking storage compartment in the “glove box” position on the port console. It is easy to see why Nitro is the largest selling bass boat on the market.

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Boating Tips

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electronics?

Today’s helm stations have the computing power to offer a level of functionality boaters have come to expect from their other consumer electronics.

Boaters who haven’t switched up their electronics may be missing out. And it’s not just the power of the units — though it’s true that they have the processing gumption to handle multiple tasks and have better displays than ever before. But, it is the evolution of the user interface that will amaze boaters. This functionality has no doubt been helped along by so many of us gaining fluency in touchscreen use with constant all-day training sessions on smartphones, tablets, ATM machines, and airline check-in kiosks. Still, powerful electronics are a good thing for enjoying boats more seamlessly and safely.

Here's why...

AC Generator Design and Installation

This 16-kW Northern Lights genset is installed on a shelf on the Regency Yachts P65 with an easy-to-inspect single Racor fuel-water separator.

There’s a lot to think about in generator design and also how the unit is mounted in the boat. Generators are one of the most important items of equipment on a boat – and one of the more potentially dangerous. It is here that NMMA certification of ABYC standards is critically important. See just a few of the details boatbuilders and generator manufacturers must do in order to receive NMMA certification.

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