Cruising Life

Outer Reef Launches New 620 Trident EVO

By Peter Janssen on March 11, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Outer Reef just launched its first 620 Trident EVO long-range motoryacht, and it will be on display at the Palm Beach show starting March 21. The new 620 Trident EVO has been redesigned for performance and efficiency in collaboration with Volvo Penta. Outer Reef first launched a 620 Trident in 2014; designed by Ward Setzer, who has worked on everything from superyachts to Hinckleys, it had a distinctive plumb bow and contemporary cruiser look. Now, ten years later, the EVO version features Volvo’s Electronic Vessel Control system and the SeaTorque enclosed shaft drive. The result is smoother joystick controls, faster…

Charlie Griffin Killed Off Oregon Inlet

By Peter Janssen on March 6, 2024 Cruising Life

Charlie Griffin, a star of the Wicked Tuna TV series, his dog Leila, and a friend, Chad Dunn, 36, left Virginia Beach, Virginia, last Sunday on his 35-foot recreational fishing boat Jay’s Goodrun. They were heading for Pirate’s Cove Marina on Manteo on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, for repairs. They were last heard from about 6:15 p.m. The seas around Oregon Inlet, where Pamlico Sound joins the Atlantic on the Outer Banks, are notoriously rough. The Coast Guard says that on Sunday they were running at 4 to 6 feet, and the winds were 10 to 15 knots. About 11:30…

Photo from New England Aquarium

Rare Gray Whale Sighted South of Nantucket

By Peter Janssen on March 6, 2024 Cruising Life

The New England Aquarium in Boston just said that its survey team sighted a gray whale off the southern New England coast last week. The gray whale species has been extinct in the Atlantic for more than 200 years. The Aquarium’s survey team was flying 30 miles south of Nantucket when they saw the whale. They said it repeatedly dove and then resurfaced, appearing to be feeding. The team’s plane circled for 45 minutes, as the scientists took pictures. They later reviewed the images and confirmed that they had indeed seen a gray whale. “I didn’t want to say out…

Shannon Unveils New Amphfoils

By Peter Janssen on March 6, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

The Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, Rhode Island, recently unveiled its plans for a new series of Amphfoil hydrofoils that are designed to revolutionize boating. Shannon says it developed the Amphfoils after eight years of R&D and it has patented the design and technology in 40 countries around the world. They use new hydrodynamic and aerodynamic technologies to redefine a traditional hydrofoil and deliver speeds of up to 70 mph and a range of 350 nm. They also use 75 percent less energy than a traditional gas- or diesel-powered boat, according to the company. The Amphfoils combine the stability of…

Williams Launches SOLAS-Approved Tenders

By Peter Janssen on March 5, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Williams Jet Tenders just launched the first models of its 18-foot DieselJet 565 and 20-foot 625 models with SOLAS approvals, meaning they are fully certified rescued tenders under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The certification means the standard Williams tenders have been customized to meet the SOLAS requirements and testing, which include a three-meter drop, self-righting capability and an endurance trial. For owners, it means they can have all the advantages of a high-quality Williams DieselJet tender plus the safety and rescue capability recognized by the SOLAS certification. A yacht owner would not have to…

New Jaktar 30 “Ready for Adventure”

By Peter Janssen on March 5, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

The striking new Jaktar J30 adventure boat from Sweden just made its U.S. debut at the recent Seattle boat show. The new all-aluminum Jaktar, with its strong, functional looks, is made for adventures and exploration in the far north. Indeed, the company says it is both “ready for adventure” and “engineered for exploration.” For his part, Bart Bouwhuis, a partner of Vripack, the Dutch design studio, calls it “the utility knife of boats.” With room to sleep four people, a small galley, enclosed head and shower, and fully enclosed helm deck, the Jaktar is ready to take a family on…

C-MAP Updates Charts for North America

By Peter Janssen on March 4, 2024 Cruising Life, Electronics

C-MAP just announced that it has updated its charts for North American with enhanced images and more detailed information. Founded in 1985, C-MAP has become a leader in digital marine cartography and cloud-based mapping. Its C-MAP App makes planning and navigating simple and easy. It’s made for your smart phone, tablet or personal computer, and you can personalize a chart with the layers you want and view it any time you want in the palm of your hand. You also can check the weather, create your own route, or rely on C-MAP’s Autorouting to do it for you. Now, the…

Two Oceans Launching 870 Blue-Water Cat

By Peter Janssen on March 4, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Two Oceans is almost finished building its new 870 blue-water, power catamaran in its plant in Cape Town, South Africa. Powered by twin 715-hp Cummins diesels, the new Two Oceans is designed as a luxury home on the water that can cross oceans and carry its owners safely to destinations around the world. Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing was founded in 1989. For the past three years, their smaller catamarans, as well as an ECLIPSE line of 50- and 60-foot outboard-powered, express cruisers, have been sold by HMY Yacht Sales in the U.S. If you think, correctly, that a three-deck, 87-foot…

Brunswick Using AI for Self-Docking

By Peter Janssen on February 29, 2024 Cruising Life

Brunswick, the largest boat builder in the United States, is using artificial intelligence to develop autonomous docking systems in its boats. Indeed, it has formed a partnership with Apex.AI to develop autonomous technology throughout its boat lines. The new collaboration means that Brunswick will incorporate Apex.AI’s Apex.Grace and Apex.Ida products into Brunswick’s existing autonomous system. The Apex products have been certified for safety. The Apex software will be applied to current – and future – sensors in Brunswick’s own docking technology. Jan Becker, the Apex.AI CEO, said the software will “enhance the safety, functionality and convenience of recreational boating.” Apex.AI…

New Fjord 39 Heading for Palm Beach

By Peter Janssen on February 29, 2024 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

The new Fjord 39XP, with the German company’s aggressively styled minimalist lines, will make its world debut at the Palm Beach boat show, starting March 21. Andrea Zabonini, the product director of HanseYachts AG, Fjord’s parent company, said the new 39 “embodies our commitment to innovation and luxury.” Designed by Patrick Benfield, the British naval architect, the new 39 offers a mix of head-turning looks, performance, and understated luxury. It has joystick control for easy low-speed maneuvering and docking, while two 400-hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards provide the power. The new 39XP cruises at an easy 25 knots, and tops…

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