How to Pick an Outboard | What Does NMMA Certification Mean? - 10/24/19
BoatTEST Newsletter October 24, 2019
New Review Video
NMMA Certification:
Meeting ABYC Construction Standards
When you see the designation "NMMA Certified Using ABYC Standards," it means that NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) personnel have thoroughly inspected the brand and model, and they attest that it meets the ABYC standards that it requires. ABYC standards are designed to make boats safer, more seaworthy, and more durable in the harsh marine environment. Meeting these standards means the boat will be fully functional longer and will be easier to maintain. In most cases, the standards are the industry's best practices. In virtually all cases, they make the boat safer for the occupants. NMMA certification covers some 300 items and measurements. According to the NMMA, 85% of the boats built in the U.S. are certified. We think every boat owner should watch this BoatTEST video to fully understand the importance of NMMA certification. More...
***Special Invitation***
Get a VIP Visit on Riviera's 12 Models
at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Belize 66 Daybridge 
Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition
Riviera, Australia's largest yacht builder, invites BoatTEST members to a special VIP experience aboard any or all of five models premiering for the first time at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show October 30 - November 3. Included in the lineup are the all New Belize 66 Daybridge, the Riviera 6000 Platinum Edition Sport Yacht, the Riviera 5400 Platinum Edition Sport Yacht, the Riviera 4800 Series II Platinum Edition Sport Yacht and the Riviera 545 SUV. Riviera will also have seven other models on display at the show, ranging from the 72 Sport Motor Yacht to the 39 Open Flybridge.
To reserve your VIP spot, click here...
Test Video
Aquila 36:
Multi-Mission Cat w/ Seats for 20
The Aquila 36 has seating space for 20 people on a 36' (10.97 m) long boat, thanks mostly to her 14'7" (4.45 m) beam. She's an outboard-powered cruising cat with the potential to act as a family tow-sports or dive boat as well. Powered with twin 350-hp Mercury Verados, she delivers on performance with a time to plane of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 40.1 mph. Slowed to a cruise of 17.7 mph, she gets 1.2 mpg for a range of 374 statute miles. Below, she has two double cabins and two heads. More...
Test Video
Prestige 590:
Maximizing Space on Deck and Below
The 15'10" (4.83 m) beam is carried well forward in the Prestige 590, adding space for sunning and entertaining on the large bow lounging furnishings and increasing the usable space in the bow VIP below-decks. (A scissors-style bunk there converts to a roomy double when closed.) The bow flair helps turn spray out and down while underway. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Test Video
Ranger Boats VX1888 WT:
Turn-Key Alloy DC for Freshwater Anglers
The Ranger VX1888 WT has more eye appeal than most all-welded aluminum alloy dual console fishing boats in class thanks to her sweeping forward entry, high-gloss painted finish and upscale seating. She's available with Evinrude, Yamaha or Mercury outboards from 150 to 225 horsepower. We tested her with a Mercury 225 Pro XL FourStroke and found performance was more than adequate for both fishing and family watersports. She planed in 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 52.6 mph. She's a turn-key package priced at $44,695 including the tandem trailer, Mercury 225 outboard, Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance sonar/GPS. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Features Video
Formula 310 Bowrider:
High Capacity, Versatile Seating
The Formula 310 Bowrider offers a lot of versatility in seating both fore and aft. Bow seating includes a pair of forward-facing seats with flip-down armrests, but filler cushions can turn each of these into chaise-style seating in seconds, or add the center cushion and covert the entire area into a sun pad. The aft seating area also has a large convertible seat that offers seats facing into the cockpit, facing the transom, or folded down to become an even larger sun pad. A big plus is that all of these added cushions stow neatly into the starboard console when not in use. More...
Boat-Buying Tips
Selecting the Right
Outboard Engine
Selecting the Right Outboard Engine
Though many outboard boats come in a package including the motor these days, there are often options on the list for various brands and horsepower. Here's a guide that will help you select the right outboard for the type of boat you're buying, depending on the uses you'll be putting it to, the areas you'll be operating in and the loads you'll be carrying. More...
Expert Boating
BoatTEST.com's
4-DVD Boating Course
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.
Based on the feedback we've been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course, it's clearly not only for beginners but for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available... period. Order your 4-disc box set...
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