Hatteras Yachts GT54:
New Test for a New Model
The Hatteras Yachts GT54 marks the company's continuation of building world-class sportfishing vessels, but also luxury yachts that will appeal to the cruising set. Her redesigned interior features several nods to the old school Hatteras designs of yesteryear while still allowing for updates based on customer feedback. Externally her concave hull design and big engines allow her to shatter the 40 kn barrier these boats seek to achieve. Our full test review is ready for watching...
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 300 SLX:
Built for Twins, Tested with Single
The Sea Ray 300 SLX is the largest bowrider in the SLX lineup and provides more room for a crowd to grill, relax, cruise and dine all while being surrounded in a luxurious interior. The SLX models can be thought of as "Select Extreme” packages as they offer first-class options such as two-tone vinyl and a built-in cockpit grill to increase the level of comfort in an already high-class model. That makes this 300 SLX well deserving of the bragging rights she brings with ownership.
More...
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Captain's Report
Carolina Cat 18CC:
Taking Affordable Outside the Inlet
While the Carolina Cat 18CC may be a relatively small boat her cat hull and high freeboard make her very well suited for taking trips beyond the typical protected waters. She's rated for a 115-hp engine and her utilitarian layout plants her well into the workboat category. That's fine with us because a hard-working fishing boat is right up our alley.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 285 Conquest:
A Cruise Capable Fishing Boat
Boston Whaler's Conquest line continues the trend of using offshore fishing boats as weekend cruising platforms and this 285 Conquest is one of the best illustrations of that cross-platform use. She has plenty of room for fishing, but that space can just as easily be converted into entertaining space. She also has comfortable
accommodations for either overnighting in the canyons or cruising to the islands for the weekend. We also found her to be an excellent handling boat as our full test review will show.
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Update
Beneteau Swift 34:
Great Loop Testing
Since August 19th, the BoatTEST.com Cruising Team has been on board the Beneteau Swift 34 and pushing her hard on the final leg of the Great Loop cruise. They have been using and evaluating all the systems as well as seeing how the boat handles in a multitude of sea conditions. They have also been experiencing just how comfortable and practice it is for three to four people to live on the boat for several weeks, and so far the majority of the reports are positive. Follow along or just check in to see the latest crew images and reports, especially if you are researching a new cruising boat.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe:
Tested with Twin IPS500s
We think the Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe makes a fine transitional boat for those looking to move up to a cruising yacht. She has two private en suite staterooms and a surprisingly spacious layout. On deck, her opening sunroof allows Mother Nature into the protected helm deck, but you can also operate from the standing position with the sunroof closed. That's a perk lacking in many sport coupe designs.
Take a look at our full test review for how she handles.
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Features Video
Chaparral H20 Sport 18:
Affordable and Feature Packed
As entry-level sportboats go, this Chaparral H20 18 Sport has a lot to offer in an affordable package. We tested her with the only engine choice offered, a 135-hp
3.0L, and reached a top speed of 39.1 mph. She even has the same extended V-plane hull found on Chaparral's larger boats. As for her handling, it is in a word, exhilarating. Just take a look at our full test review.
More...
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Test Video
Formula 310 FX5:
One Cool Performer
As it turns out, the FX line doesn't disappoint. It was designed to add an even a higher level of features to an already upscale line. In this second launch of the series, we found outstanding fit-and-finish, a comfortable layout, and most of all… the characteristic Formula sportboat handling. So while the rest of the crowd drools over the looks, let's climb aboard the 310 FX5 and put her through her paces.
Full test and performance review video...
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Captain's Report
Harris FloteBote 220 Cruiser CX:
Have It Your Way
There’s no need to get a full load of features if you’re never going to use them. That’s why Harris FloteBote created the 220 Cruiser CX. While you still get the essentials like well padded seating and fiberglass helm, you don’t get a lot of fluff… unless you want to add it on. As for those options that are available, we found them to be reasonably priced, so you won’t be breaking the bank by adding a few creature comforts.
Take a look at our full captain’s report...
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Test Video
Intrepid 327 Cuddy:
Center Console’s Next Step
With this next evolution in the popular 327 hull, this cuddy version brings overnight accommodations to the center console model. Since the original purpose of this new hull design was to create a boat that could handle the new, larger 4-stroke engines, you can imagine how eager we were to test this latest generation boat and see how she performs.
Her market-leading features and performance are just the start...
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Test Video
Tigé 22i:
Shredding on a Smaller Ride
While the 22i may be among the smaller boats in the Tigé lineup she's built with the same quality of construction, the same convex-V hull, and the TAPS control system of the company’s most aggressive performers. She's also loaded with comfort features throughout.
Let's take a features walk-through...
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Test Video
Prestige 440S:
Balancing Features and Price
Prestige has done what others try to do and that is to create a perfect balance of features and price. She's a quiet running boat and with twin Volvo Penta IPS500 drives she's also efficient, burning only 23 gph at best cruise. For the complete
story on just what we think of her handling capabilities, take a look at our full test review.
More...
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Review Video
Pursuit ST310:
A Premium Center Console
Multi-tasking crossover boats are becoming more and more commonplace. This makes sense since there's a direct correlation between making people who control the checkbook happy with the boat and closing a sale on the boat.
The Pursuit ST310 has a level of innovative design and quality, along with fishing, diving, cruising, and entertaining features that she's sure to be a hit with just about anybody. Take a look at our full features review and
see what we mean.
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Captain's Report
Tahoe Q5 SF:
Affordable Ski and Fish Package
The Tahoe Q5 SF combines the features of a comfortable bowrider with the capabilities for fishing. As is customary with a boat in this class, there is a modest list of items dedicated to fishing while still serving the purpose. And when it's time for family boating, the Q5 does well with storage, functionality, and insulated spaces for keeping the food and drinks cold. And it all comes in a competitively priced package.
More...
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Clearance Event
Mako Inshore/Offshore
Clearance Event
From time to time the BoatTEST.com team comes across incentive pricing for tested boat models that we think are exceptional. Mako boats is running a clearance program that it is calling a "Steal of a Deal" which applies to all available models in stock. We have tested the Pro 17 Skiff CC, the 212 CC, and the 234 CC, so if you are considering any of these models you can use our in-depth test and review results to help with your research. We have provided links to each test page as well as the list of available boats currently in stock and their clearance pricing.
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Lesson of the Week
Requirements for Recreational Boaters:
Inflatable Life Jackets
This week Captain Steve examines inflatable life vests in detail. He walks you through the benefits of this type of vest and demonstrates how to check indicators, perform maintenance and how to manually inflate your vest. 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.
To view this week’s lessons --
Order all lessons on DVD--
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Ducky Award Winner
First Place
"An instance where 'Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell' may actually have merit." - P. Lazarus
Second Place
"Who says you have to give up offshore fishing in a down economy?" - K. Campbell
Third Place
"As a young boy, Mark was known for running away from home. Some things never change." - J. Dooley |
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