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Pontoons, Jet Boats, Fishboats, Trawlers, Motoryachts - 10/17/2012
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Avalon Ambassador 27:
Retro Entertaining
with Modern Features
For fans of the retro look, Avalon introduces the Ambassador 27. She has roominess
for grand entertaining with a four-seat bar, a refreshment center with electrically activated glass and bottle holders, storage everywhere and ultra-plush seating. We tested her with an Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O. and reached a top speed of 42.9 mph and a best cruise range of 118 miles. Let’s take a look at our full review video and see just how this stylish entertaining platform comes together. More...
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New Test
Yamaha AR192:
Single Supercharged Engine Test
Yamaha’s newest jet drive boat model boasts a super, high output, single engine jet drive power system in a 19'2'' (5.84 m), watersports-ready package. This machine, with all of its standard features, is a package designed for an active family. We found the handling and acceleration impressive, and much like the sensation one gets on a personal watercraft. In close quarters, Yamaha’s “thrust directional enhancer” provides remarkably responsive control. And the fact that the entire boat -- hull, deck and engine are made by the same company is also something to consider. With a fold-down tower, premium sound system, and a painted trailer, the Yamaha AR192 has a MSRP starting at $30,999.
More...
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New Test
Cruisers Sports Series 238 Bow Rider:
48.5 WOT with a 350 MAG
KCS International Inc. recently added a new family member-- the Cruisers Sports Series. A reincarnation of the former Azure brand, this 23 to 30 foot (7.01 to 9.14 m) line-up has been revitalized and brought up to the new builder's demanding specs.
The smallest in the fleet, the 238 Bow Rider, offers a three-position aft convertible sundeck among its standard features.
More...
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New Boat
New Grand Banks 54EU:
Largest Yacht in the Heritage Series
The new Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU is the largest boat in the four-boat Heritage series and she has the unmistakable lines that have made Grand Banks yachts popular since 1964. The builder launched the first 54 this summer and she is now being shown at boat shows in the Med. Hull #2 will be on view in October at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. She is built on virtually the same hull as the Grand Banks 53 Aleutian RP and she carries a CE "A" classification which means "ocean", one notch higher than the other three boats in the Heritage Series. But there is more to the new Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU than a top classification.
Let's take a look...
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Features Video
Bayliner 215:
Hot Boat, Cool Features
Here’s a boat that has impressive handling characteristics mixed with a comfortable layout. And now, Bayliner has stepped up to the plate and embraced the masses looking for intense watersports action with its Flight Series options. Combined, they make for one cool boat. Let’s go over the features in our full video review.
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Test Video
Beneteau Gran Turismo 34:
Sport Coupe with Sportboat Handling
The design team at Beneteau set out to create an express cruiser that combines a sport coupe design with sportboat handling, and we think they've achieved it with the GT34. She makes a fine step up from day boating because she is such an easy boat to handle, and with sterndrive joystick functionality she can be docked like a pro, even by boaters who have only driven a small bowrider.
More...
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New Test
Formula 270 Bowrider:
53.3 MPH WOT with 8.2 L MAG
Formula's 270 Bowrider has the roominess to load her up without everyone feeling
cramped, and her performance speaks for itself. While the full test video makes its way through the editing process, let’s take a look at our full report (with test numbers) and see how Formula has done with the 270 BR.
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Features Video
Hydra-Sports 4200 SF:
Built for Fishing, By Fishermen
With the Hydra-Sports 4200 SF being one of the largest production center consoles available, it’s easy to see how she can be an attractive competitor to gas-guzzling,
high-maintenance sportfishing boats. She gets the same job done, but at half the cost. As long as sleeping aboard isn’t a factor, she's an attractive prospect for fishermen looking to trade up…or down. Her qualities are all laid out in our features video review so let’s take a look.
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Inside the Factory
Meridian Yachts Factory Tour
Meridian Yachts has been one of the most successful builders of sedan cruisers and there’s a reason for that. It offers innovative boats at a reasonable price.
Of course the build method has a lot to do with both the durability and price of the boat, so today we take a tour of its Palm Coast plant.
More...
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Features Video
MJM 40z:
A Connoisseur's Cruiser
The MJM 40z is one of very few boats that allows us to check off nearly every item on our list of what it takes to make a versatile, rugged cruiser. So much so that before we even get below decks, there’s a lot to discuss, so today, we offer a features video on just the on-deck amenities that set her apart from every other boat on
the market.
More...
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Features Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 76:
Living Spaces with Panache
The Monte Carlo Yachts 76 has won more awards than any other yacht that comes to mind. And she’s full of clever innovations and top-end materials throughout. In today's video, we take a look at the four stateroom/four head layout and focus on the design and use of space that makes this boat so practical for both entertaining
and cruising.
Let’s step aboard, and shoes off please...
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Review Video
Nitro Z-7:
Everything Needed for Less Money
There’s little sense in getting a boat if it requires working eight days a week to afford it. That’s why the folks at Nitro tell us that they build their boats with an “everything-the-bigger-boats-have-for-less-money” strategy. And it seems to be working. The Nitro Z-7 comes equipped with all the basics for an MSRP of $25,995,
including a 150-hp Optimax and trailer.
More...
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Test Video
Tracker Pro Guide V-16:
Side-Console or Walk-Through
Here’s a durable fishing boat that has attractive features like all-welded construction, easy-to-clean vinyl flooring, and a color-matched trailer. She's fully rigged and ready to fish as soon as she leaves the showroom floor and she comes in at an affordable price.
Let’s take a look at the details and see what they offer.
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Lesson of the Week
Basic Rules of the Road: Part 1
Capt. Steve covers some of the basic rules of the road in these lessons which all recreational boaters should be aware of. You’ll learn about lines of demarcation, traveling at safe speeds, how to determine your risk of collision, why one should steer clear of large vessels and who has the right of way. Part 1 is the first installment of a multi-part series on Basic Rules of the Road. 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 --
To order all lessons --
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Ducky Award
Winner
First Place
“Son, I meant to do this, to teach you an important lesson about navigation.”
– S. Frimer
Second Place
“First the truck, now the jet ski. Take 'em again without permission and you are grounded buster!” – P. Vitale
Third Place
“OK, Dad, got it. You'll crank while I retard the spark and advance the throttle.”
– J. Heckman |
What's Going
On Here?
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Simply fill in your caption and you may get lucky -- quack here.
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