Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius:
A Stunning Design with a Huge Mid Cabin
The new 45 Cantius is the third yacht in the successful Cantius Series built by Cruisers Yachts. In some respects she is the most forward-leaning of the three as the builder has further refined the distinctive Cantius exterior styling. Below the 45 Cantius has two ensuite staterooms with the largest mid-cabin in class. Her enclosed house is large enough to make her a small motoryacht, yet due to her creative aft glass enclosure she makes a versatile day boat for entertaining and sunning in comfort.
Visit our full test...
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New Video
Beneteau Air Step Hull:
New Design Innovation
Hull design is constantly changing in the boating industry, usually subtle changes in shape, but once in a while a dramatic change comes along that really makes a difference. Beneteau has developed a hull design they call Air Step and after testing four different boat models with this new design, we feel it definitely makes a difference. The key advantages seem to be increased stability, better time to plane and improved performance with less engine power. The innovative design has a very prominent key feature you might not have expected.
Here is our full video review...
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New Captain's Report
New Volvo Penta V8-380:
The Test Numbers Are In
With the new 6.0 L Volvo Penta V8-380 being one of the first completely new marine gasoline sterndrive engines introduced by a major manufacturer in years we jumped at the chance to be able to test this new powerhouse and see how she performed. She was tested in both a single and twin application, and our tests found some revealing performance characteristics of this "next generation" engine.
More...
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Features Video
Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless:
Taking Family Features to New Lengths
Longtime fans of Boston Whaler's Dauntless lineup are familiar with how well these models handle families. Now with the introduction of this new 230 Dauntless, owners of small Boston Whalers thinking about trading up do not have to look elsewhere. She comes loaded to ensure good times on the water, but Boston Whaler also offers options so the 230 Dauntless can be customized for a specific application.
Take a look at our features video...
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 210 SLX:
Bowrider with Premium Features
The Sea Ray 210 SLX answers the call for boaters not wanting to compromise on quality and features just because they need to stay in a smallish boat. This handsome bowrider is loaded with upscale features, including a premium trailer. She performs just as well as she looks and we have the test video to prove it.
More...
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Test Video
Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider:
Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Formula has come up with a combination of cruiser and bowrider and made it as upscale
as any other boat in the Formula family. While we found the new 350 Crossover Bowrider
comfortable to be on, and well laid out for an overnighting couple, we were there
to test her performance and see if she rises to the usual Formula standards that we’ve come to expect. See us put the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider through
her paces...
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Test Video
Hatteras Yachts GT54:
Hatteras’ Latest Sportfish Cruiser
The Hatteras Yachts GT54 was made to be an uncompromising sportfishing cruiser providing comfort while offshore or even at the dock. She’s part of Hatteras’ latest efforts to capitalize on the reputation for high-quality the company was built on, while
making important styling and performance enhancements. We think she’s an excellent example of the strength and seaworthiness that we’ve come to expect from Hatteras.
And the proof is in the test. Step aboard...
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Features Video
Intrepid 475 Sport Yacht:
Outboard- Powered for Performance & Room
Intrepid Powerboats is a builder of one of the most upscale semi-custom powerboat lines in the world. As such, we’ve come to expect a lot of innovation and originality from its
designs, and this 475 Sport Yacht delivers in spades. Because she’s outboard powered, Intrepid has opened up the roominess both above and below decks and provided two private staterooms and a roomy salon and galley. The integrity of the build is pivotal in the layout as well. Just take a look at our features video and see...
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Test Video
Beneteau Gran Turismo 44:
Remarkable
Air Step Handling
If Beneteau ever decided to make a poster child for its Air Step hull’s handling characteristics, we think this Gran Turismo 44 is just the boat to use. While a side-by-side comparison isn't possible, the difference between how this boat might
have handled and how she did handle was self evident. Everything from acceleration, to turning, to handling waves exceeded what we expected from a boat in this size
and class. It's all in our full test review.
More...
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Review Video
Mako 184 Center Console:
Uncomplicated Fishing Boat
The Mako 184 Center Console has uncomplicated systems, which means more time fishing and less time troubleshooting problems. She's also tough and can take the punishment of fishing hard. Afterwards, a garden hose is all she needs to keep her looking
good. She's the result of decades of lessons learned from a brand synonymous with
center consoles and she comes in at a competitive price.
More...
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Captain's Report
Manitou 27 Platinum SES:
An Upscale Tri-Toon
Manitou's 27 Platinum SES combines top-tier features with performance and handling. Her triple tubes give her sporty handling characteristics while being rated to carry up to 300-hp gives her speed and agility. Her long list of features allows
owners to dial in exactly the level of comfort they're looking for. And while she may not be for everyone, for the discriminating buyer who only intends to get one boat, it might as well be one that makes a statement.
Let's look at the full report...
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Test Video
Prestige 620S:
A Sporty Performer
The Prestige 620S is a natural evolution of the popular Prestige 60. She has a redesigned flying bridge that saves nearly 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) over the 60 and now allows for the addition of a sunroof in the forward salon below. A pair of Volvo Penta IPS900's
gives her good cruising performance and the solid feel of a large yacht. With joystick maneuverability, she is a true owner/operator’s yacht.
More...
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Review Video
Tahoe 215 Xi:
Fishing/Deck Boat
The Tahoe 215 Xi combines the spacious layout and roominess of a deckboat with fishing features. She comes in under $31,000 for the complete package.
Take a video look...
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Captain's Report
Riviera 4400 SY:
Improving the Breed
One thing that can be said about Riviera is that it strives to continually improve its lineup. Because of customer feedback the 4400 SY has now evolved into what is called Series II, and the changes make a good boat even better. She’s clearly a purpose-built cruising boat with a galley up, so owners can spend the days on deck and nights below.
Let’s take a look...
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New Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC 150:
Big Power/Small Package
There are a lot of features to the Evinrude E-TEC line, but most are only interesting to the gear-head types, or those having a degree in engineering. Nevertheless, there are still many technical details that directly affect average boaters and their experience on the water. Those are the aspects of the engine that we go over today -- all while we test this workhorse in two different boats.
More...
Sponsor
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...
Where in the World?
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Smart Boating
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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 video course available...period.
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Lesson of the Week
Throwables, Navigation Lights
and Fire Extinguishers
USCG requires throwables (boats over 16’), navigational lights and fire extinguishers on all boats. This week Captain Steve walks the boater through these required safety devices. He will explain the requirements for your boat, types of devices available, and when it is time to replace this necessary and required equipment. These eleven short videos presented this week are part of his USCG-approved boating course called “Smart Boating.” Watch Captain Steve's video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.
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Ducky Award
Winner
First Place
“No worries mate...remember this is Australia where everything is the reverse of how it appears Up Above.” - R. Stanard
Second Place
“Don't worry Boudreaux, I been in dis' shortcut many times!” – C. Melder
Third Place
“I parked the boat over here so the fish will never see us coming...” - F. Calia |
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