Premier 250 Solaris:
Adding Class to a Tri-Toon
Premier Pontoons has a knack for adding comfort, luxury and performance into its boats and this 250 Solaris is another representative example of exactly that. We found her plush seats to be as comfortable as any pontoon boat we've been on and her performance package delivered exceptional handling characteristics across the choppy test lake. As we tested her with an Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O. it was quite evident that she also makes a capable watersports platform. All that's needed are lots of friends. More...
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New Test Video
Formula 270 Bowrider:
Large Bowrider with Agile Handling
We found that the Formula 270 Bowrider has easy handling characteristics despite her relatively large size. Her combination of standard and optional features makes
her a compelling crossover between a watersports and entertaining platform for boaters who want a boat out of the ordinary. Today we offer a full test and features review video to show exactly what she offers a discriminating buyer.
More...
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Captain's Report
Grady-White Canyon 366 CC:
Harbinger of A Big Outboard Trend
When Yamaha contemplated pushing the horsepower envelope to 300 and then to 350-hp the builder that it worked most intimately with was Grady-White. GW wanted to build bigger boats, but at the same time it wanted to stick with outboard power. Yamaha saw an opportunity to develop a market in larger boats which needed a lot more power than was then currently available and practical. It all came together a few years ago in the Canyon 366 which along with the Grady-White Express 360 are the largest boats the company builds.
Read more...
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Test Video
Bayliner 197 SD:
For (a BIG) Family + Friends
There are few things more fun than taking family and friends out on a boat and watching them enjoy the delights of being on the water. And with the Bayliner 197 Sun Deck there is plenty of room for several couples and their kids. We'd have 10 life vests on board as standard equipment because they will probably get used every weekend. There are many deckboats on the market, but few come close to providing the expanse of seating available on the 197.
See the test...
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New Test Video
New Beneteau Swift 50:
Fast Cruiser or Long Ranger
The new Beneteau Swift 50 was introduced in the U.S. at the fall boat shows and already a number have been sold at retail. The reason is not hard to figure out because this three-stateroom vessel is well-designed and has a price tag that allows grown men to dream again. She is a boat for the baby boomers and their children and grandchildren and she is easy to handle by a couple or even single-handed.
Watch
our new test video...
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Review Video
Glastron GT 200:
A Retro Look to a New Bowrider
Like a classic Corvette, some looks are simply timeless. Such is the case with the
new Glastron GT 200. She has all the features that shout retro, but with all of
the latest internal materials and equipment. In addition she has a high freeboard
and a color-matched painted trailer. She's part of the celebration of Glastron's
55th year in business. Let's take a look at the features as we do a walkthrough
of this retro beauty. More...
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Test Video
Meridian Yachts 441 Sedan Bridge:
Two Docking Control Systems Offered
It's always fun testing boats with Zeus pod drives as they make boat handling so
easy to handle both at and away from the dock. However, we understand that not everyone can afford the up-charge of going to pods. That is why Meridian offers the
boat with straight-shafts' "Total Command." This system links the props with a bow thruster to add joystick functionality at a fraction of the cost. Either way
this is an easy boat to handle.
Test video...
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Features Video
MJM 36z:
Down-Island Cruiser or Day Boat
There really isn't any boat on the market like the MJM Yachts 36z. She comes in two versions: the 36z Express and the 36z Downeast, which differ only in their side window configurations. Both boats are designed for classy cruising by a couple and elegant entertaining for a crowd as a day boat. Because of the way they are built,
the 36z can handle offshore conditions and some owners have taken them down island in the Caribbean. Other snowbirds truck them back and forth from their Florida to New England homes -- the 36z was designed with that in mind, too! As we said, there is no boat quite like the 36z.
More...
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Captain's Report
Sea Fox 216DC:
A
Balance Between Features & Price
Sea Fox is fast becoming a popular brand and by looking at the 216DC it is easy
to see why. The overall Sea Fox design has a pleasing balance of features and price.
We took a good long look at everything this model had to offer and broke it down into detailed section in our captain's report.
Read the full report for the details...
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Captain's Report
Sea Ray 260 Sundancer:
Trailerable Camper/Cruiser
Small enough to trailer but big enough for a mid-cabin, the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer
can be considered a "camper/cruiser". She has the accommodations for two folks
-- maybe four if two are kids -- to spend a couple of nights aboard on a long weekend
cruise, and a galley to make casual meals. By cruising I-95 (or any other
"I") she can be a long range cruiser on a budget. More...
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Lesson of the Week
How to Trim Your Outboard or Sterndrive Boat
This week Capt. Steve goes over seven video lessons and guidelines on how to trim
your outboard or sterndrive boat. You’ll learn about the advantages of trimming
your drive correctly, how to reduce bow rise, when to raise your drive and how to
make sure you never run your engine dry. 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
“Wow. That was a low bridge!” – R. Morgan
Second Place
“Absolutely brilliant idea - - 5 hour scenic tour, seats for 200 tourists, no head.”
– R. Davis
Third Place
“Capt. Bill thought the tour past the Kardashian's waterfront home would be a sure thing.” – Capt. Steve |
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On Here?
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Simply fill in your caption and you may get lucky -- quack here.
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