New
Bayliner 215 DB:
Putting Sizzle in the Brand
Bayliner recently launched three new deckboat models and we think they could write a new chapter in the Bayliner saga. The new 215 DB has much more functionality than the boat it replaces and a full interior fiberglass liner. Equally as important, the new model has style as well. We think beef with sizzle is a winning combination. The boat also has a surprising number of innovations, plus several good design details we have been urging builders to incorporate for years. We tested this boat with the wind howling at 20 knots and a long fetch so we got insight into how she handles in conditions beyond her job description. See our in-depth look at the Bayliner 215 DB. More...
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Engine Review
Mercury 300 HP Verado:
Enhanced Gear Case Option
The team at Mercury has put years of research and development into the engineering of their Verado 300-hp outboard engine. Our testing of this supercharged inline six-cylinder engine has shown it to be powerful, smooth running, relatively quiet, and an engine deserving of placement in the top tier of outboard engines for the offshore market. In this report we are going to look at what we feel are the distinguishing features of this engine for saltwater, offshore work.
More...
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New Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider:
A New Brand is Born
When KCS International, Inc. decided to enter the realm of sportboats,
it became perhaps the first big-boat builder to enter the small-boat field. By doing so it brought its culture of fine fit-and-finish and high quality materials to the sportboat world. The Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider leaves no doubt that this builder is serious about giving the premium category of sportboats a run for its money. We recently took this 27’ (8.23 m) model for a test ride and came back impressed with her handling, ride and performance. Our full test video is ready for viewing, so let’s step aboard and see how she did.
More...
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Features Video
Intrepid 375 Center Console:
A Look at Two Different Versions
While Intrepid will be happy to customize the 375 in practically any manner desired, today we take a look at two versions, one for cruising comfort and one for tournament sportfishing. Intrepid sells factory-direct and that means customers can get exactly what they want in terms of customization and performance. More...
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New
Test Video
New
Sea Ray 250 SLX:
Low Noise, High Performance
Sea Ray’s SLX lineup represents the company’s launch into a premium build sportboat with comfort and style. This 250 SLX sits in the middle of the five-boat range and represents a good balance of size and features. One of the most notable differences in this boat was the new Quiet Ride technology that reduces sound levels significantly. This is an important development which we think brings a new level of enjoyment to boating. We also found her performance to be on par with some of the best we’ve tested.
More...
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Features Video
Jeanneau NC11:
An Innovative, New Concept
The Jeanneau NC11 can be a very deceiving boat. At first glance she seems to be just a basic pilothouse design, but step aboard and explore her nuances and it starts to sink in that this boat is something different.… a new concept. And that is exactly where the initials “NC” come from. Join us on our features walk-through and see exactly what we mean.
Bring as many friends as you'd like, there's plenty of room...
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Updated Series
Tigé Z Series:
The Art of Managing Water Flow
Last year Tigé came out with the Z3 and it took the industry by storm. The company had already wetted the appetite of the thrill seeker with the Z1, but there really was little comparison between these two boats. Once the Z3 had established herself as the “go to” boat for a premium wake, Tigé had little choice but to create an entirely new, and smaller version, and thus the Z1 was reborn. With little more in common between the old Z1 and the new, except that they both float, the Z series is now in a class by itself.
More...
Read our review of the Tigé Z3.
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Interior Video
Rampage 45 Convertible:
A Look at the Cruise-Ability
Since more and more families are getting involved in boating, it makes sense that the boats are getting more and more involved with families. When something handles sea conditions so well it only makes sense to transfer that safety and comfort to a distant cruise with the family. But some interiors have gotten so elaborate that they seem to have more to do with raising the price than increasing functionality. Not so with the Rampage 45 Convertible. Here, Rampage seems to have found a welcome balance between features, function, and price.
More...
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Captain's Report
Southport 27 CC:
For Discerning Buyers
The Southport 27 CC was designed to be a beautiful, seaworthy, no-holds-barred offshore center console for serious anglers without regard to price. For that reason she’s clearly not for everyone, but for the few with discriminating tastes, and the ability to afford her, this Southport 27 CC is in a rarified class.
More...
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New Captain's Report
Tahoe 195:
A Deckboat Crossover
Deckboats are popular because of their ability to provide a roomy layout. The Tahoe 195 goes one better by adding fishing features making her a family crossover between catching wakes and catching dinner. And at a package MSRP of $28,995 she has a compelling price. Let’s take a closer look.
More...
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Lesson of the Week
Preparing for an Emergency Situation
This week Capt. Steve goes over five lessons and guidelines on emergency situations and what to do to help preserve life while you wait to be rescued. Everyone aboard will have to act quickly, and that’s why drills and practicing emergency situations with your family is important. This means everyone must first put their life jackets on. While someone calls for help on the radio, other crew use whatever they can to try and stop or slow the flow of water into the boat. Do not abandon ship! Rather, keep working to save it. Stay with the boat and get as far on top of it as you can until help arrives. 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
"This year's Tour de Wet Pants was free of scandal, but not of dopes." - D. Shepherd
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"If we can get one more person to join our sport, we will be accredited as an official Olympic event." - A. Timms
Third Place
"The easy way to get around in Venice..."
- T. Powell |
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