Bayliner 215 BR:
Tricked Out for Test Day
This was a test we really enjoyed not only for the handling characteristics of the 215 BR, but for the way that she was rigged just as we would order her. She had the optional 260-hp 5.0 L MPI engine, sport seating, wakeboard tower, and impressive
graphics. If this is the type of handling that we can expect from a value-minded company like Bayliner, then we say bring it on.
Let's check it out...
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Test Video
Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 34:
Sport Coupe with Sportboat Handling
It may sound like we're blowing smoke when we say that the Flyer Gran Turismo 34 has sportboat handling, but the simple fact is that until you try her for yourself, you just won't grasp the full
meaning of what we experienced. She has quick acceleration,
clean, dry wave penetration, and she turns on a dime. It is all because of her Air
Step hull. With her joystick maneuverability, we were able to dock her with exacting precision.
Find
out more...
Request factory price quote.
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Features Video
Boston Whaler 210 Montauk:
The Largest of the Series
The Montauk line-up was truly made to create a boatload of versatility. This 210 Montauk represents the latest launch in the popular series and we found her to be as capable of a fishing platform as she is a utility watersports boat for the whole
family.
A simple hose down is all you'll need to do when finishing up for the day as she
is a boat which seems to be able to take good care of herself.
C’mon aboard...
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Test Video
Glacier Bay Renegade 2740:
All About Speed and Comfort
When testing this boat we discovered an interesting characteristic: when the going gets rough, slowing down is not necessarily the correct decision to improve the
ride. And that was just the beginning of how surprisingly well this Glacier Bay 2740 handled.
More...
Schedule a test drive.
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Test Video
Hatteras GT63:
A Stairway to Heaven
Custom Carolina sportfishing boats are the benchmark in style and performance for many big game anglers. But for those who don't want to wait for -- or pay for -- a custom boat built on the Outer Banks, then the Hatteras GT63 might be just the ticket. From the wheelhouse, it was easy to see why this boat has become the
most popular model in the new GT series.
See it now...
Schedule a sea trial.
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Test Video
Hydra-Sports 3400 CC:
Built for Offshore Fishing
The Hydra-Sports 3400 CC is one of those boats that draws people in with her good looks and then wows them with her solid offshore handling characteristics. She's easily optioned up to the tournament level because she's almost there in the first place. For performance, triple 300-hp Yamaha V6s brought us to a top speed of 54.7 mph and best cruise gave us a 400 mile range.
She's salty and sassy...
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Test Video
MJM 36z:
For A Serious Cruising Couple
The MJM 36z is a cruising yacht specifically designed and purpose-built by experienced boaters who know what ingredients a yacht like this needs. Aside from her outstanding handling capabilities, her test numbers, and her ability to entertain a crowd, she also makes a seaworthy boat for a long two-person cruise.
More...
Have an inquiry? Email MJM directly -
mjmyachts@verizon.net
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Interior Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 76:
High-Style & Practical Italian Design
Let's face it: there are a lot of Italian motoryachts on the market that look cool,
but suffer in the practicality department. We think Monte Carlo Yachts addressed
that issue with its Monte Carlo Yachts 76 -- a motoryacht that is both high-style
and remarkably functional. She was clearly designed to be used as an owner/operator's boat -- an owner with a lot of friends and who does a lot of entertaining. Let's take a look at how her design brings this premium motoryacht together.
Seeing is believing...
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Features Video
Prestige 440S:
2 Ensuite Staterooms/Ocean View
There are several unusual aspects to the Prestige 440S but the one that stands out in our mind is the accommodation plan shown above. In this boat two adult couples can cruise quite comfortably with privacy and comfort for long distances. (This is one reason why people buy powerboats and not sailboats!) But this is not the only clever design aspect of the 440S, there are two more on deck.
Find out what they are...
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Captain's Report
Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS:
It's All About the Fish
In a world of multitasking boats, the Princecraft Xpedition 170 WS is a boat that separates itself from the pack by being very single-minded. While there is no fish and ski combo here, this boat will, however, appeal to the family types. That is of course if the family likes to fish. And if you're going to do one thing, you may as well do it well.
Are you saying it's all about fishing?
Request factory pricing.
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Interior Video
Rampage 45 Convertible:
A Look at Her Cruise-Ability
The Rampage 45 Convertible was designed to take keen anglers to the fishing grounds
in snotty weather. But now cruising folks are buying the 45, too -- it only makes sense to want the same feeling of security when boating with the entire family!
The folks at Rampage know that and this is why they have built a 45' convertible
with comfort and luxury inside. Moreover,
she's the right size for most boaters. Here there seems to be a welcome balance between features, function, and price.
Take a look...
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Captain's Report
Sea Ray 260 Sundeck:
A Big Deckboat
At one time large deckboats were a rarity, but we are seeing more of them all the time. They offer gobs of room for folks who have no intention of spending overnights onboard, and as for entertaining, just go ahead and load them up. The
Sea Ray 260 Sundeck will hold 12 people or 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.), and keep them all comfortable. As for what to serve, there are three coolers so load them up, too. Most important, this boat has a higher freeboard than some popular deckboats which
makes her better and drier in big water conditions. Let’s take a look at Sea Ray's 260 Sundeck...
Request a brochure.
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Test Video
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX:
For Fishing or Sedate Cruising
The name of this boat describes its mission: a pontoon boat that has specialized features for bass or multi-species fishing. Because she has twin toons and an affordable price, she is intended for more sedate running, so don't expect to be towing anything beyond a tube. But for the good times you will have onboard, there's room to spare even with the fishing features.
That suits us fine...
Build this boat.
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Test Video
Tracker Pro Guide V-175 WT:
Tracker's Midsize Walk-Through
Tracker developed the Pro Guide V-175 WT to provide enough protection from the elements to be an effective three-season fishing boat. They've done this by providing a much higher windshield that includes side protection along with a lower cockpit with high gunwales. She's also priced to sell as low as $19,495, according to the builder.
More...
Download brochure.
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Test Video
Volvo Penta D4:
A Purpose Built Engine
If versatility is the key to success, then it's small wonder that Volvo Penta’s D4 is such a popular engine. This workhorse comes in power choices ranging from 225 to 300-hp, and it can be fitted to either a DPH sterndrive, IPS 350 or IPS 400 pods, or even a straight shaft inboard. To put it to the test, we went with the robust DPH sterndrive that was made specifically to handle the high torque of this diesel engine.
On to the proving grounds...
Sponsor
Shurhold Snap-Stick:
No More Corroded Snaps
or Zippers
If there is something that all boaters can relate to, it is corrosion. So how about when you go to uncover the boat and you can’t get the snap to unsnap, or you can’t get the zippers to move? (#*?@&#!!) The team at Shurhold has a simple and effective product that can prevent this from happening and keep your language civil. Snap-Stick is designed to keep your snaps and zippers from corroding and also act as a lubricant.
Watch a video on the Snap-Stick to see it in action.
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
DVD 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 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
Requirements for Recreational Boaters:
Take Life Jackets Seriously
This week Captain Steve examines the five types of life jackets. He takes you through determining which jacket is appropriate for your type of boating. Captain Steve will also explain the legal requirements for boaters and give a quick lesson on determining when it is time to replace your existing jackets. 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
“...and the tortoise wins again!” – D. Lorella
Second Place
“Four boaters compete for the coveted ‘Turtle Award.’” – T. Biedron
Third Place
“I guess it'll just have to be tomato soup!”
– D. Clerk |
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.
We need reader help!
If you have a picture that you think needs some explanation, email it to us.
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All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
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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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Download performance chart.
Download performance chart.
Download performance chart.
