Captain's Report
Jeanneau Leader 6.5:
Euro-Style Dayboat Equipped for Watersports
The swim platforms of the Jeanneau Leader 6.5 are relatively high off the water, but she meets ABYC standards calling for the reboarding ladder to extend 22” (55 cm) below the waterline. The platforms are relatively wide for an outboard-powered boat of this LOA. The boat we tested was fitted with extensions to its molded-in swim platform, which we recommend to provide a bit of added space for gearing up for watersports. The arched stainless-steel tow pylon is also optional.
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Features Video
Boston Whaler 285 Conquest:
Pilothouse 3-Season Weekender
The Boston Whaler 285 Conquest is a boat designed for all-weather, extended-season fishing and weekending, especially if the buyer opts for the fully enclosed pilothouse, as seen here. However, for buyers who prefer more fresh air at the helm—and for those in more southerly venues—the helm area can be surrounded by sloping, down-east style windows that deflect spray but let the breezes in. The full forward windshield with wipers is standard, as is a power vent above them to provide air flow when needed. Belowdecks, she can accommodate two couples overnight.
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Approved Fuel-System Hose Clamps:
Don’t Leave Home Without Them
Hose clamps make sure hoses stay put and prevent potentially deadly fuel leaks, but not everyone understands how they need to be used on an NMMA-certified boat. ABYC standards are very specific around the fuel system, as they should be. Read the standards carefully because there are some surprises in them.
Take a look at the standards for gasoline and diesel systems here...
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Test Video
Chaparral 297 SSX:
Transom Seating for the Family
The “Power-Slide” aft lounge on the Chaparral 297 SSX offers four seating/lounging positions for two or more, including this aft-facing chaise configuration, ideal for parents to watch the kids taking a swim when the boat is at anchor. It also folds flat to become a sun lounge. Note the three-tone, diamond-stitched upholstery. The pass-through to the swim platform includes a stainless-steel handrail as well as two stainless drink holders, and a composite gate keeps kids and pets corralled in the cockpit when necessary.
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Review Video
ULTRA Anchor:
Smart Engineering for Effortless Anchoring
The polished stainless ULTRA Anchor comes in sizes from 11 lbs. to 800 lbs. (5 kg to 300 kg) and features some clever engineering to ensure a quick set every time. The shaft is hollow high-grade stainless, while the “plow” portion is lead-filled. Combined with the roll-over design, this causes the anchor to position itself upright on every drop, ready to dig into the bottom as soon as strain is applied to the rode. The guard on the lower end of the shaft prevents the chain from wrapping and also provides an attachment point for a trip line – but that should rarely be needed. The anchor frees itself from most bottoms with a pull from directly overhead.
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Test Video
Riviera 575 SUV:
Easy Riding, Multi-Mission Cruiser
The Riviera 575 SUV is a combination of a luxury cruiser and sportfisher that is well-designed for both near-shore cruising and open water operation. Note her 5-degree bow-high running attitude, allowing the sharp forward entry to split waves, ease the ride and push most spray out to the sides, but not interfering with the view over the bow from the helm. The extended canvas awning over the aft deck provides sun protection to the outdoor grilling area and the mezzanine seating. A huge, heavily insulated fishbox across the transom could double as cold storage for groceries in an extended cruise, plus there’s a full refrigerator/freezer in the galley.
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