New Yellowfin 36 Offshore | 16' Boat for $16K | 25 Keys to Boat Buying - 10/18/19
BoatTEST Newsletter October 18, 2019
New Test Video
Yellowfin 36 Offshore:
463 Nautical Miles @ 27.4 Knots
The Yellowfin 36 Offshore with triple 300 Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards had an estimated test weight of over 14,000 lbs. (6,559 kg), yet the quick wind-up of the high-torque engines turning 22” (56 cm) four-blade props put her on plane in just 4.0 seconds and pushed the stepped hull to a top speed of 60.0 mph (52.2 knots). Just as impressive was the fuel economy. At a trolling speed of 5.4 mph (4.9 nmph), she got 5.7 mpg (4.7 nmpg) thanks to the careful metering of the direct injection outboards. Best cruise was at 3500 rpm and 31.5 mph (27.4 knots), at which she got 1.2 mpg (1.1 nmpg) for a range of 463 nautical miles -- one of the greatest ranges we’ve seen in a tournament-grade CC of this size. More...
Test Video
TAHOE T16:
16' Bowrider for $15,995
At a base price, the 16'5" (5 m) Tahoe T16 is just $15,995 including a 60-hp Mercury FourStroke and a single-axle trailer. Thank you, Tahoe, and a few other builders, for offering entry-level boats at an affordable price. FYI -- the builders make no money at this price, which is why very few builders sell fiberglass boats this small or inexpensive. The T16 would make a good first boat for the young family as well as an inexpensive option for keeping at the grandparent’s lake house. The rig we tested weighed 2,089 lbs. (948 kg), so she can be towed even by smaller vehicles. With the optional swing-away tongue on the trailer, the package stows in just 19' (2.74 m), easily fitting into most garages. We tested her with the optional 75-hp Mercury, which produced a time to plane of just 2.9 seconds -- great for tow sports. Top speed was 39.8 mph. More...
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Test Video
World Cat 320DC:
Multiple Advantages in a Multi-Hull Cat
The World Cat 320DC is a power catamaran with all the advantages inherent in the dual hull design. She delivers a smoother ride in choppy water than a monohull of similar dimensions. She is more stable at rest, has more usable space in the interior due to the squared off bow and nearly vertical hull sides, and she offers the security of completely redundant power systems including twin outboards, separate fuel systems and separate batteries -- which is a big plus offshore. Cats also float very shallow for their weight. This one needs just 16" (40.64 cm), which is great for slipping in to a beach for a swim or a picnic. See the full walkthrough here ...
Test Video
Ocean Alexander 100 Skylounge:
A Skylounge Offers a Good View & Value
The Evan K. Marshall design of the Ocean Alexander 100 Skylounge carries through even to the floating display pods holding the three-touchscreen multifunction displays, which can be adjusted up or down to suit the captain. Doors open to decks on either side and provide sightlines for the captain while he or she docks with an optional remote control. Stidd leather helm seats have adjustable and folding armrests and footrests, as well as a control pad in the armrest of the helm seat that allows full access to the electronics without leaving the seat. Note the excellent forward visibility through the giant windshield, kept clear on the outside by pantographic wipers and on the inside by large AC/heat vents. More...
Test Video
Jeanneau Leader 33:
Keeping the Captain in Control
The Jeanneau Leader 33 design shows much attention to ergonomics. Check out the helm station, where the joystick controlling the twin Volvo Penta D3s is just a few inches from the bow thruster control, making it easy for the captain to face aft and control both with one hand while docking. Captain Steve found the boat easily pivots within her own length with this system. A twin outboard version, also with a joystick and bow thruster, is available. The wheel tilts to fit captains of varying heights, and there’s also a flip-down footrest for shorter skippers. A bolster and sliding seat make it easy to remain comfortable on open water crossings. More...
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Boat-Buying Tips
25 Key Questions in
Boat Buying
Are you a candidate for a fixer-upper?
With so many options to choose from, it is easy to buy a boat that doesn’t end up working out. The average length of time that a boater keeps their boat before getting a new one is about four years. This means that many buyers are not putting enough thought into their purchasing decisions in the first place. If you are looking to buy a boat, read and answer these 25 key questions before you start. More...
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