Schaefer Yachts 400 | 2-Stroke OptiMax Remans Better Than New | Jeanneau Leader 9.0


BoatTEST Newsletter May 16, 2019
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Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust


New Features Video


Schaefer Yachts 400:


Express Cruiser Coupe w/Upscale Touches


Schaefer Yachts 400
Schaefer Yachts 400

The Schaefer Yachts 400 includes a number of upscale touches provided by the Brazilian builder, including rarely-seen real leather double-stitched upholstery on the command console. There's a grill and sink under a cover facing the swim platform and curving settees on the aft deck give the area the rounded look of a conversation pit afloat. A canopy can be deployed to shade this area. Below, she fits a full galley, dining area, bow en suite master and a guest cabin that is also en suite, which is unusual in a 40-footer (12.19 m). She can be ordered fully equipped, right down to stemware and individualized bed coverings.

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Review Video


Quicksilver Reman Powerhead:


The 2-Stroke OptiMax Solution


Quicksilver Reman Powerhead
Quicksilver Reman Powerhead

Mercury Marine no longer makes all-new 2-stroke outboards, but for the thousands of boaters who own aging OptiMax 2-strokes, the Quicksilver Reman Powerhead program offers an opportunity to restore original performance and extend the life span of these motors, at a cost far lower than buying one of the new 4-strokes. An added advantage is that the 2-stroke engines have higher torque at the low end, something that comes in handy for bass boats and those involved in towing sports. They're available in four models, including 200, 225, 250 and 300 horsepower. The dressed powerheads are constructed of a remanufactured powerhead, blueprinted and fully assembled by trained technicians with complete replacement or refurbishing of all parts showing wear. And, these motors come with a full one-year, top-to-bottom warranty.

See how it's done here...

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Test Video


Ranger VS1782 WT:


Rangers are Now Built in Aluminum


Ranger VS1782 WT
Ranger VS1782 WT

For years, Rangers were among the very best fiberglass, freshwater fishing boats built and were the largest selling brand, even though it was one of the most expensive. In case you missed it, Ranger’s multi-species boats are now available in aluminum. At 25.6 mph, the Ranger VS1782 WT got 6.3 mpg with a Mercury 150 Pro XS outboard. Top speed was 47.8 mph. The all-welded aluminum construction makes her extremely tough, the kind of boat that can be passed down through a family for several generations. The high windshields should help to keep those at the consoles dry when the going gets rough.

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Captain's Report


Jeanneau Leader 9.0:


Weekender for a Young Family or Two Couples


Jeanneau Leader 9.0
Jeanneau Leader 9.0

The outboard-powered Jeanneau Leader 9.0 has plenty of room on deck for lounging in the sun, especially with the optional bow deck sun pads. Another option, the T-top, makes shade possible, too. She’s a compact weekender for a small family or two couples with a double bunk amidships plus a convertible settee in the bow below. There’s also a standup head and shower below, while the mini-galley and refrigerator are in the cockpit. A microwave, hot-water heater and a stainless sink are all available as options below. We haven’t tested her yet, but take a look with us – this size and type is trending now.

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Features Video


Aquila 36:


Spacious Catamaran Ready to Party


Aquila 36
Aquila 36

The Aquila 36 is a combination of a twin-cabin cruiser with a large bowrider that takes full advantage of catamaran hulls and a broad beam of 14' 7" (4.45 m) to provide lounging and seating space for up to 20 guests, which is remarkable on a 36' (10.97 m) boat. The bow has convertible booth-style seating. With a couple of filler cushions, the seating also converts to two sun lounges where guests can stretch out. The galley is in the cockpit and features a refrigerated drawer, dual grilles, and a single basin sink. Corian counters have raised edges and a grab rail surrounds the galley. She can also function as a weekender with her private cabins that have en suite heads in each hull.

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Boating Basics

Know Your Boat’s Systems


uscg report

Even small boats have systems and components that are designed for better performance and safety.

For people new to boating, it is important to know all of the boat’s systems. Even small, simple boats have systems that are probably more complex than you realized. Take a quick look at this primer and come up to speed.

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