New
Boston Whaler
315 Conquest
More and more people are heading offshore or down the coast and not coming back until the next day, or the day after that. For that reason, boats with a rugged
fishing pedigree are finding a lot of appeal among the cruising set. Boston Whaler's all-new 315 Conquest successfully bridges the gap between an offshore-capable fishing boat and a comfortable cruiser. We recently took her offshore for a full test and
performance review. See the video and report...
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Handling Video
Beneteau Swift 34:
Offshore Handling
The Beneteau Swift 34 tested with a top speed of over 20 kts and a fuel burn at best cruise of only 11.4 gph? She also has a roomy feeling and layout with think is well suited to long range cruising. Her layout also provides a very roomy feel that we think is well suited to long range cruising. So how does she handle? Whether you plan to operate her single handed or with some help or with the family as crew, the Swift 34 handles and maneuvers exceptionally well. Let's take a look at our full test video and see what it's like to get a long range cruising layout up on plane.
More...
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Captain's Report
Hydra-Sports 2500 CC:
Ready for Blue Water
The Hydra-Sports 2500 CC was designed to take avid anglers far offshore in the pursuit of game fish. Virtually everything about this boat is aimed in that direction, from her high freeboard and pronounced bow flare to her deep-V hull with 23-degrees of deadrise at the transom. Her fiberglass T-top comes standard and she will carry up to 500-hp on her transom. She is ruggedly constructed, has no wood compartments,
and uses state-of-the-art materials in her unique hull.
More...
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Props
The New "PowerStop!" Prop:
Designed to Work in Reverse
Have you ever wondered why sterndrive and outboard props never seem to work very well in reverse? The reason is that the props are designed to provide maximum performance when going forward. The result is that some types of boats, such as houseboats, pontoon boats and recreational barges are seriously challenged when slowing down, stopping, or maneuvering. Making a prop that was good at going in reverse has historically severely denigrated forward performance. Until now. Last year PowerTech! quietly introduced its revolutionary PowerStop! prop to its target markets and soon it will rolling out this new prop to a far wider audience.
Learn more...
Visit PowerTech!'s homepage for additional information.
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New Test
New Prestige 620S:
A Flybridge Express Motoryacht
There is nothing quite like the sporty feel of an express yacht with an open sunroof and salt air coursing through the boat. On the other hand, there is also much to be said for the calm, cool serenity in the saloon of traditional motoryacht when underway. With the recent introduction of the new Prestige 620S lucky yachtsmen and women can now have it either way. The new Prestige 620S has kept the best parts of the 60, but has a few new ideas all its own.
Cast off here...
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Test Video
Bayliner 170 OB:
Wakeboarding or Fishing -- Your Call
The Bayliner 170 OB is an affordable and versatile entry-level boat that can be used for a variety of purposes. The builder makes several option packages available to allow consumers to more closely dial-in the owner's mission. Two of these packages caught our eye: First was the ski-and-fish package. The second was a wakeboard package. If you doubt that a 17' boat with a 115-hp motor can pull a wakeboarder, then you'll want to watch our video test.
Ready, set, pull...
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Designed in the USA
Cruisers Yachts'
Evolving Design
Over the past few years we have been seeing evolving design and styling changes from Cruisers Yachts, especially noticed in their new series of models they call Cantius. In our opinion, these changes blend global design tastes to create pleasing aesthetics and functionality. The team at Cruisers Yachts tells us that boaters needs and wishes are the driving force behind the new looks. Today we are going to focus on three main areas to highlight what we think are the distinguishing features that help set these boats apart. Come on board.
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Captain's Report
Crownline 215 SS:
Customize Her Your Way
Crownline offers the 215 SS in a variety of colors so making a boat "yours" is a snap. Aside from the color choices, they also offer a snazzy "Inverse Razor Package" that includes eye-catching graphics, which can complement the wakeboard tower and wet sounds speakers. There are also options for a transom shower, a cockpit table, thru-hull exhaust, and a bow boarding ladder to name a few. But the most unusual
aspect of this boat is her hull design.
Find out more...
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Factory Tour
MJM Yachts:
Epoxy Technology - Past, Present, and Future
MJM founder Bob Johnstone likes to build boats (both power and sail) light and strong and a number of his sailboats have gone around the world -- one four times! MJM powerboats -- ranging from 29' to 40' (8.83 m to 12.12 m) -- are by far the strongest and lightest in their class. In order to find out how they are built and learn of the materials and processes employed we took a trip to Boston BoatWorks and made a short video.
See how it's done...
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Review Video
Sea Ray 210 SLX:
All-New, Sporty Bowrider
The all-new Sea Ray 210 SLX was introduced in January at the New York Boat Show. We were there with Capt. Steve and our video crew. What we found was a shining example of what defines premium features as the level of luxury was evident from the trailer up. Even the metal flaked color scheme left no doubt that this boat was intended to turn heads, and it certainly turned ours.
See why...
Request a test drive
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Test Video
Yamaha AR240 Sportboat:
All-Around Tow Boat Package
Built around two of the most technically advanced engines available and configured for the jet-drive propulsion system, the AR240 by Yamaha offers performance, power and lots of room. Our test of the AR240 made it easy to zero-in on the differentiating features and performance for on-water sports of all kinds. In our opinion, the 1812CC 4-cylinder, four-stroke Yamaha Marine engine is the reason this boat is so much fun.
Let's get to the video...
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New Videos
Tigé Tow Boats:
Next Gen Tow Sports
If you haven't started wake surfing yet, get started. First you need to get a board and find some water. After you get a board, you need a ride, but the right ride. Many boats make a wake, but only a few are designed to create the right wake.
We think that Tigé boats makes some of the best tow boats out there, with looks, performance, and pricing that doesn't break the bank. Here are a few video segments to show you what to do when you have the right wake.
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Lesson of the Week
How To Dock Your Twin Inboard Boat
This week Capt. Steve goes over six lessons and guidelines on basic boat handling
and docking procedures. Learn why twins allow you to maneuver easier. Learn how
to pivot the boat for close quarter maneuvering, move the boat sideways without
a bow thruster, and how to back into a slip. These are basic rules 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 --
Order all lessons on DVD--
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Ducky Award Winner
First Place
“So we agree, there is this much space between us and the lock wall.” - L. Mackay
Second Place
“Remember, when you're hoisted up the mast and the kids are beating you with piñata sticks -- keep your head tucked in.”
– R. Davis
Third Place
“Don't worry orange is slimming.”
– J. Beleski |
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On Here?
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