"Joystick Piloting" for Outboards
From Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine recently launched a new product called "Joystick Piloting" for outboards. It is a sophisticated joystick control system for large outboard rigs with twin, triple or quad engines. There is more to this system than just joystick control, as Mercury has integrated it with SmartCraft, VesselView and DTS technology. Joystick Piloting has several key features, such as the Skyhook digital "anchor", enhanced docking control mode, auto trim, and waypoint sequencing. We take an in-depth look at this new system.
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Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 540 Sports Coupe:
Elegant Cruising w/ 2 Ensuite Staterooms
Here is a sports coupe that truly exemplifies what we think this class of yacht should be. She has outstanding entertaining capabilities and her living areas are as functional as they are elegant to look at -- and they are large. The aft master stateroom runs full beam and the guest VIP can be ordered with an island double or twin berths. And it all comes with the trademark Cruisers Yachts' high headroom, maxing out at 6’10” (2.1 m).
Welcome aboard the 540 Sports Coupe...
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Captain's Report
Beneteau Sense 46:
World-Wide Boating on a Budget
On June 27, 1898 Joshua Slocum (age 54) became the first person to sail around the world single-handed. He did it in the wooden sloop "Spray" which was just 36'9" (11.2 m) long with 14'2" (2.40 m) beam. Perhaps that puts the new Beneteau Sense 46 in some perspective
as it is always nice to know one's vessel could do it if need be. She's also a capable club racer or cruising boat close to home. The Sense 46 is designed to be easily sailed by a couple.
Learn more about the Sense 46...
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Captain's Report
Bavaria Sport 35:
2 Cabins and High Freeboard
The Bavaria Sport 35 is right in the middle of the company's 5-boat express cruiser line. Bavaria is the largest boat builder in Germany and one of the largest in Europe. The company is well-known in the marine industry for its state-of-the-art production facilities which include robot tooling. Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the Bavaria powerboats is the high freeboard in each its boats.
Let's take a snapshot look at the Sport 35...
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Test Video
Jeanneau Leader 10:
Euro-Styled Express Cruiser
Empty nesters trading down and young couples moving up often converge in about the same place -- the mid-30' (10 m) range. The new Jeanneau Leader 10 at 35'7" falls squarely into that space. She is powered by twin gas or diesel sterndrive engines with joystick maneuvering which offers the best combination of speed, ease-of-handling and cost.
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Features Video
Intrepid 327 Cuddy:
57.2 MPH WOT with 2 x 300-hp Verados
It goes without saying that most of the people who buy Intrepid boats are experienced offshore anglers as well as veteran boaters. Within 200 miles of Miami are some of the best game fishing grounds in the world and that is why avid sportsmen and sportswomen need to get out and back fast and not have to worry about the boat under their feet. Interestingly, the owner of this boat specified twin supercharged Mercury Verados to maximize
top speed in the power-robbing heat and humidity of the Florida Straits.
See our full test...
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Captain's Report
Cypress Cay Cayman 250:
What Lakes Were Made For
The Cypress Cay Cayman 250 features T3 performance with triple tubes, lifting strakes and spray rails. And with the center tube being mounted lower in the water than the outer tubes, the Cayman 250 is able to roll with the turns as opposed to remaining flat, or leaning outboard
as most pontoon boats do.
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On-Deck Features Video
MJM 40z:
A Gentleman's Cruiser
The MJM 40z is the very definition of a premium cruiser designed to take a cruising couple long distances, while allowing for entertaining a lot of people at each destination. In this video review we take a look at her on-deck features, for it’s here that we’ll see how well she treats cruisers -- by surrounding their guests in luxury, complete with a waterfront view.
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Test Video
Formula 400 FX8:
The Flagship of the FX Series
Formula created the FX line to add over-the-top features to an already first-rate brand, and now this 400 FX8 represents the largest in the lineup. Our full performance test revealed a top speed of over 60 mph, all while keeping her occupants ensconced in a level of luxury that we found impressive, even for Formula.
Let's look at the full test video...
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Test Video
Glacier Bay 2780:
For Big-Water Fishing/Cruising
For those continually heading offshore in less than ideal conditions perhaps it's time to consider taking a look at the Glacier Bay 2780. Her sea-proven hull was exactly what was needed during the 1,378-mile (2218 km) trek from Hawaii to Midway she made some years ago. Let's take a look at our complete test and performance review to see how she handled for us.
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Test Video
Tigé RZR:
Smaller Doesn’t Have to Mean Less
Tigé created the RZR to be easily stowed, transported and launched due to her relatively small size. But in the words of W. Shakespeare, "And though she be but little, she is fierce." Make no mistake, this is a premium tow boat that lacks for nothing because of her size.
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Test Video
Mako Pro 17 Skiff CC:
Utility and Value Combined
Fishing shouldn’t be about a lot of work and frustration, and the design team at Mako kept that in mind when creating the Pro 17 Skiff CC. With her basic systems, she’s a natural choice for getting to the fish with minimal fuss. And since she’s stable, she also makes a good boat for the family.
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Engine Video
Evinrude E-TEC 50:
The Little Engine That Can
Today we test this little workhorse on what we think is its perfect match… an aluminum fishing boat with a test weight of just under 1600 lbs (716.7 kg). It allowed us to reach a top speed of nearly 30 mph and her best cruise showed a fuel burn of only 2.1 gph. It’s also offered with a myriad of options from pull-cord or electric start, tiller or remote, and a choice of blue or white. More...
Test Video
Shurhold Video Test:
Buff Magic Does the Work
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 them 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...
Where in the World?
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Video Learning
BoatTEST.com’s
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Boating Course
Based on the feedback we’ve been getting about BoatTEST.com's 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 video course available.
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Lesson of the Week
PWC Safety Tips - Part II
This week Capt. Steve goes over five lessons and guidelines on operating a PWC and some rules to follow. It’s tempting to want to play around on the PWC and perform stunts and jump wakes, but don’t attempt this if you’re a novice since you can fall off, injure yourself or hurt someone else. Also, just because your PWC looks like it can handle two or three riders doesn’t mean it was designed to carry that weight. Follow the capacity plate for your PWC. The videos presented this week are part of BoatTEST.com’s USCG-approved Boating Course. Watch these video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.
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Ducky Award
Winner
First Place
"I forgot to tell you with this new zero-stretch braided line you are going to have to let off on the drag just a little more." - F. Roberts
Second Place
"Governor Christie's boat was the first to hook up in the New Jersey Open Tournament." - G. Himes
Third Place
"Sometimes you're the fisherman, sometimes you're the bait." - P. B.
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