New Nordhavn 63:
The Core Strength
of This Beast
We all know that Nordhavn boats are strong and designed to go around Cape Horn -- and, in fact, some actually do! But the question begs, how are Nordhavns constructed differently to make them so strong? For example, what is it about the Nordhavn 63 hull structure that permits it to carry a CE A rating which is "open ocean, unrestricted?"
To find out, this week we take a detailed look at the core structure of the 63.
Let's
drill down...
If you have specific questions, technical or design questions -- please email the builder direct-- jenny.stern@nordhavn.com
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Captain's Report
Tigé Z3:
A Wake Surfer's Delight
The Z3 is a mix of styling and function that offers a traditional bow design up front, innovative design and styling in the cockpit, and pure wake performance at
the stern. Whether you are a pro who needs the perfect wake, or a weekend enthusiast
who wants a huge surf wave, the Tigé wake-making system is outstanding, in our opinion.
The "Tigé Touch" screen at the helm is the icing on the cake.
Let's look at the details...
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Captain's Report
Nordic Tugs 26:
She Is Back with Gusto
In a nutshell the concept of the Nordic Tug 26 is to make cruising both comfortable
and affordable for a couple on a budget. By limiting the boat to 26’ (7.92 m) and
a single diesel engine, the materials and labor cost are about as low as possible
in a boat that is seaworthy enough for serious, long-distance coastal cruising.
First introduced in the late 1970s, you will find Nordic Tug 26s all over the country,
from Alaska to Florida. The new versions are far better than the old ones, but the
Mark I models are still going strong. Find out more...
Request factory price quote
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New Accommodations Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 76:
Living Spaces Look-See
The Monte Carlo Yachts 76 has won more awards than any other yacht that comes to mind. Little wonder since she’s full of clever innovations and top-end materials throughout. In this video, we take a look at the four-stateroom/four-head layout and focus on the design and use of space.
Let’s step aboard, and shoes off please...
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Test Video
Bayliner 255 SB:
Stepping Up to a Pocket Cruiser
The Bayliner 255 SB is designed for people who want a boat for overnight cruising, day boating, or simply want to step up in size from a sportboat. With her two Bimini tops and accommodations below, a summer rain shower or morning chill will not be enough to dampen a day on the water with the 255 SB. We tested her with a single 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG and found her best cruise to be at about 30 mph for a range of 158 miles, with a 10% fuel reserve.
More...
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New Test Video
Formula 45 Yacht:
Standard IPS in a Luxury Sport Yacht
Here’s a class act yacht that can take you from extended cruising for a family or two couples, to holding a full-blown catered gathering at the dockside. And best of all, her performance and handling are so down to earth, that anyone can handle this boat, even if there’s a crowd watching at the dock. Underway, we measured a top speed of 31.4 kts and a range of 250 nm at best cruise. Therein lay two of the perks of IPS. Now let’s see how she drives.
More...
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Captain's Report
Chaparral H2O 19 Sport:
An Affordable Bowrider with Trailer
Last year Chaparral introduced a new line of affordable models called the H2O Series and the 19 Sport is the largest bowrider. We have tested the H2O 18 Sport and her performance numbers are on our site for your research. However, before jumping on the 18 we recommend giving her larger sister a good look. Yes, she is only a foot bigger and 240 lbs. (109 kg.) heavier, but that might be just what you are looking for. She has a MSRP of $23,385 powered by a 135-hp 3.0 L MPI MerCruiser.
Read our captain's report...
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Features Video
Intrepid 327 Cuddy:
More Tricks than Houdini
Our new features video of the Intrepid 327 Cuddy has to be seen to be believed. This is one cool, innovative, classy vessel and there is nothing quite like her on the water. Like all Intrepids, she is semi-custom and rigged to the nines for a proud owner who has been around long enough to know exactly what he wants and how a boat should be built. And like all Intrepids she does not come cheap, but because these boats are only sold factory direct the price is not as high as you might think. But no matter what size boat you can afford, you need to see the clever tricks on this new 327.
Roll 'em...
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Test Video
Robalo R180:
WOT Speed of 41 mph
The R180 is the smallest boat in the Robalo line of center consoles, but as you
can see by the numbers above she is a good performer. What is not so obvious from
the numbers, however, is the boat's build quality and features. That's where our
captain's keen eye and our video comes into play. Take a good look at our full report,
check out the price, and then compare the R180 to other boats in class. Start here...
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Features Video
Glacier Bay 2770:
Big is Beautiful (and Roomy)
The Glacier Bay 2770 is designed to be an island runner, but one with a lot of fishing in between. Because she is a stable cat, Mom will not mind coming along and for that reason the 2770 also makes a comfortable weekend cruiser, as well as a fishing boat. In her cockpit she has every fishy feature in the book, and below decks she has a queen-size bed, something you'll rarely find in a 27-footer. We think of her as a very capable express fishboat.
Find out more...
Request factory price quote
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Review Video
Mako 184 CC:
Keeping it Simple (and Inexpensive)
The Mako 184 CC is pretty much as simple as they come, yet she also has virtually all of the built-in features anglers need for coastal encounters of the fishy kind. She has a "no hassle, no haggle" price of $22,995 that includes a 115 EXLPT OptiMax. You won’t have to kill yourself working eight days a week to pay for her. The simple life never looked so good.
See our video review of the Mako 184 CC...
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Captain's Report
Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT:
Bowrider for All Passions
The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT is a large, snazzy bowrider and is all that most people -- and young families -- will ever need in life on the water. Put on some optional equipment such as the wet bar and grill, Vacuflush head, arch tower, power sunpad
aft, super sound system, the Driftwood interior package, and the 400-hp 8.1 L Volvo Penta engine and you will have the boss ride on the lake. But there is more to this boat than a pretty face.
More...
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Test Video
Rinker 186 OB:
Good Handling at Speed
The 186 is Rinker's smallest boat and as such she makes a very user-friendly introduction to the Rinker line of 22 models. The 186 comes in either a sterndrive or outboard model. We tested the outboard version which has an MSRP price of $20,999 with 90-hp engine and trailer. The sterndrive model has an MSRP of $19,999 powered by a 3.0 L 135-hp engine. Take your pick.
Find out more about the Rinker 186 OB...
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Captain's Report
Sea-Doo 210 Challenger S:
Single or Twins
Our first impression of the 210 was that this model offered well thought-out space, great looks, and cool technology features. Then when we found out this model is offered with a single supercharged 1.5 L engine or twin normally-aspirated 1.5 L engines, we had to take a closer look. In a time when boaters have been looking for better all-around family sportboats, the team at Sea-Doo has been responding with models like the Challenger series. This 21’ model sells for under $33,000.
More...
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Captain's Report
Harris FloteBote 220 Cruiser CX:
An Economical Toon for Summer Fun
If there was ever a pontoon boat built for the times, this one is it: The Harris FloteBote 220 Cruiser CX is a stripped-down version of its larger, luxurious toon big sisters, but this one has a bare-bones price tag. Powered by a 50-hp Mercury engine this 23' (7.32 m) LOA boat can match virtually any "affordable" contender dollar for dollar. The boat is well laid out, has plenty of seating and the same rugged construction that you find on more expensive boats. Best of all Harris FloteBote
will let you option out the boat exactly the way you want it for your own individual needs.
Find out more...
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Test Drive Challenge
Yamaha Watercraft:
Demo Ride Challenge
Yamaha WaterCraft Group is sponsoring a demo ride event for anyone in the market for a new boat or PWC. The team at BoatTEST has researched this event and encourages our members to sign up and take a test ride. If you have not driven a jet drive boat or a PWC recently, we think you should as it is a critical part of your research process. All the details are located below, and don't forget to tell us what you think after your ride.
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Docking Technology
ZF Marine's JMS:
A Joystick System
on a Viking 60
Hang around the docks long enough and you’ll hear stories of how even the pros will get into tight spots that take them to the edge of their skill level, or beyond. Stuff happens, and having the right tools to get a boat into a tight slip with a wicked cross-current can spell the difference between a non-event and having banged-up topsides with black creosote smeared along the hull. That’s why even the pros applaud ZF Marine’s Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS). With ZF’s JMS and ZF’s Smart Command operating the props and a bow thruster, even the most unwieldy beasts in strong cross-currents can be tamed. Don’t believe us? Then check out our test video shot on an inboard Viking 60 Convertible in a crosswind and cross current.
The JMS in action...
Sponsor
Shurhold Video Test:
Buff Magic Does the Work
Owning a fiberglass yacht with a shiny, gleaming surface is one of the joys of boat ownership. But the hard work that goes into creating that look isn't so much fun. In order to find out how well Yacht Brite Buff Magic and Pro Polish work, we tested on a severely neglected hull. Capt. Steve followed the standard procedures, applied the products, and all the while our camera crew was shooting video.
See for yourself what our tests turned up...
Order Buff Magic here...
Where in the World?
Picture of the Week
See the larger picture, when and who took it -- and where!
Send us your favorite boating images.
When sending a photo, let us know when, where and what boat you were
on.
Smart Boating
BoatTEST.com's
Smart Boating DVD Course
It's getting warmer out and for most of us that means the boating season is approaching. Now is the time to brush up on your skills and refresh what you may have forgotten. It’s also a good time to get the family onboard, and the BoatTEST.com Smart Boating course will help you do that in the comfort of your own home. Based on the feedback we’ve been getting this course is not only for beginners, but for veteran boaters as well. It’s the most complete boating course available... period.
Order here...
Watch
the trailer...
Visit us on Facebook and "like"
us to see the latest, plus some behind the scenes looks.
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Lesson of the Week
Using Sound Signals
To Alert Other Boaters
This week Capt. Steve goes over sixteen lessons and guidelines on using sound signals to alert other boaters of your intentions on the water. By using specific sound signals boaters can communicate whether they want to pass another boat to port or starboard, cross in front of a slower boat even though they are the give-way vessel, and several other things. These are basic procedures which all recreational boaters should be aware of. The videos presented this week are part of BoatTEST.com’s Boating Course which is USCG-approved. Watch these video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.
To view this week’s lessons --
To order all lessons --
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Ducky Award Winner
First Place
“Only 1,000 more miles and we will be in Hawaii, keep those legs going girls!”
– D. Renaud
Second Place
"Honey, the neighbors will absolutely love what I bought for our dock." – J. Primosch
Third Place
“Little did they know that the swan dives for fish.” – J. Algarin |
What's Going
On Here?
You write the caption! Will you win the coveted "Ducky Award" for best caption?
Simply fill in your caption and you may get lucky -- quack here.
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All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
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Check out Tigé's Public Surf Announcement
Watch the features video on Bayliner's wood and cabinetry work.
