Chaparral 257 SSX:
Advanced Styling,
1st Class Performance
Chaparral created the 257 SSX to add luxury features to a stylish sportboat. While
there are some clever innovations to her interior, we think her long suits are styling
and performance. During our tests her rack and pinion steering made handling
glass smooth and exhilarating. She turns on a dime without any tendency to chine walking. With her Volvo Penta V8-380 engine she can haul loads of people and still have power left over for another one at the end of the towline. Watch the video...
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New Test Video
New Monte Carlo Yachts 65:
Beauty and the Offshore Beast
There's definitely a rewarding aspect in taking a brand-new yacht out on sea trials
for a performance evaluation. Not only did this stunning new MCY 65 turn every
head on the way out of the inlet, but she had us reflecting about just how exciting
the good life can feel to the lucky owners of this new luxury yacht. Offshore we
discovered that she's not just eye-candy. Her handling and performance characteristics
were remarkably nimble, certainly better than we expected for a boat in this size range.
See the full test video...
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New Test Video
Aqua Patio 240:
Tested With Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O.
The Aqua Patio 240 was designed to provide upscale amenities and impressive performance.
She features a quality build, a respected brand name, and with her ability to handle up to a 300-hp engine she makes a versatile family watersports platform. We recently tested her with an Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O. and the test video is ready for viewing.
Roll
'em...
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New Features Video
New
Sea Ray 370 Venture:
An Entirely New Design
At first glance the Sea Ray 370 Venture may seem like just another express cruiser, but look a little closer and a distinct difference quickly becomes apparent. This completely new design from Sea Ray represents a major shift in the builder’s signature
styling. It is the fact that she's powered by twin outboards.
By relocating the engines outside the boat has more usable space -- and more livable space -- inside. More space equals more utility and better value. Let's
take a video walk-through of hull #1.
More...
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New Test Video
Formula 310 FX5:
Tested at 58 MPH WOT
There's a certain sense of satisfaction being on a boat that turns heads like a runway
siren strutting down 5th Avenue. And that's what the Formula 310 FX5 does.
She's stunning outside and so beautiful inside that it would be easy to think that that's where her qualities begin and end. But once the engines heat up everyone
can hear the muscles ripple beneath her Imron skin. There's a whole other side to this beauty queen. Let's
take a look...
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Captain's Report
Cabo 44 Hardtop Express:
In a Class by Herself
We think the Cabo 44 Hardtop Express is an outstanding compromise between a lightweight
open cruiser and a heavyweight battlewagon. Further, there are not many boats
on the market quite like her. Designed to replace the 45 Cabo, the new 44 carries 10,100 pounds (4581 kg) more weight, has nearly a foot more beam and draws nearly a foot less water. Find out about the features that put her in a class by herself.
More...
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless:
Testing a Crossover
Bigger does not necessarily define better as Boston Whaler has proven recently by scaling down the popular Dauntless model and putting her within reach of more people. She's a crossover boat in the true sense of the word, being able to make seamless transitions between fishing and family fun. She will clearly appeal to both the young and old for doing most anything on the water. A full test and performance review...
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Captain's Report
Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU:
Ocean Rated Distance Cruiser
Grand Banks has been the caretaker of the trawler image and feel for over four decades. While this 54 Heritage EU is designed to be a replacement to the 52 EU, the builder did not just add 2' to her transom. She is altogether a new Heritage
model and may be a harbinger of things to come. Let's take a look at our full report and see what this live-aboard capable distance-cruiser brings to ocean-capable cruising.
More...
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Captain's Report
Riviera 51 EFB:
So Many Possibilities
The design team at Riviera seems to be masters of the creative use of space. Once aboard the 51 EFB she seems much larger than her 51'. She is the direct result of customer feedback from around the globe, and we have no trouble believing that the innovations and clever features incorporated are exactly what customers are looking for. Let's take an in-depth look...
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Test Video
Yamaha VXR:
Maximum Adrenaline at Minimum Cost
The mission of the Yamaha VXR is straightforward: Provide the best possible high-performance watercraft in a no-frills, low-cost package. With very few high-tech features and a naturally asperated engine Yamaha got the no-frills part right. And our test reveals that in the process they didn't sacrifice high-performance thrills.
The MSRP is $11,499.
Just
take a look...
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Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC 150:
The Benefits
of Computer Control
In our full test of the Evinrude E-TEC 150 we not only do a performance evaluation, but take a close look at some of the features surrounding several bold claims made
by Evinrude. Claims such as "runs for five hours without oil" and "no break-in period". Of course our favorite has to be "no needed service for three years or 300 hours."
See the video...
Opportunity
BoatTEST.com
Captain Search
If you have a USCG 100-ton captain's license, or more, and think you have the skills to be a BoatTEST.com test captain, then we would like to hear from you. Please prepare a three to four minute edited boat test video using our format on a boat of your choice. You may submit this video electronically or mail us a disc. Please ensure the video is in a QuickTime format and send to the attention of Christopher Hughes, chrishughes@boattest.com.
Where in the World?
Picture of the Week
See the larger picture, 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
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Holiday Gift Idea
BoatTEST.com’s
4-DVD Box Set
Boating Course
What better gift to give than the most complete boating course ever developed? 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. This 4-disc box set is loaded with bonus features too! Order now to beat the rush before the holiday is upon us.
Order here...
Watch
the trailer...
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Lesson of the Week
How To Dock Your Twin Inboard Boat
This week Capt. Steve goes over six lessons and guidelines on basic boat handling and docking procedures. Learn why twins allow you to maneuver easier. Learn how to pivot the boat for close quarter maneuvering, move the boat sideways without a bow thruster, and how to back into a slip. 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
“No your "other" left!” – G. Martinez
Second Place
“Now we see why every boat should carry spare duct tape.” – R. Wheeler
Third Place
“Little Billy thought twice about paper boats and water, then quickly scurried up the ladder.” – B. Blob |
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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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