Hatteras Yachts Facility:
Manufacturing Techniques

Seen here is a look at the hull for a new Hatteras motoryacht after the resin-infusing process has been completed.

In the world of luxury motoryachts some items not seen are actually more important than visible items such as finishes of the interior decor. Hatteras Yachts is generally considered in the industry to build the most rugged motoryacht hulls and substructures. For that reason we went behind the scenes at the Hatteras facility for an in-depth look at the resin-infusing process and techniques Hatteras uses to construct its hulls, stringers and bulkheads. For anyone considering a yacht 50 to 100 feet and $2 million and up, build quality is critical. More...

New Test Video

New Bayliner 190 DB:
An Outboard Family Deckboat

We tested the new Bayliner 190 DB with a Mercury 115-hp FourStroke outboard.

Bayliner has taken its old deckboat designs and thrown them out the window in favor of a new model with expanded functionality and fresh, pleasing styling. Most importantly, Bayliner now offers deckboats powered by outboard engines as well as sterndrives. The outboard-powered 190 DB is among the first of the new series launched by Bayliner. We put it through a full test and performance review to see how Bayliner has done and the video is now ready for viewing. More...

New Features Video

Beneteau Sense 55:
A Cruising Man’s Sailboat

With a LOA of 56’5” (17.2 m) and a beam of 16’4” (4.97 m) the Beneteau Sense 55 looks like a grand windjammer, but is actually easy to sail. A Yanmar POD 120 even tames her at the dock.

Once past her striking good looks and orderly layout, it quickly becomes apparent that the Sense 55 is tailor-made for the boater who typically has to do everything alone -- even when the boat is loaded with guests. She’s designed to be expertly handled from the helm, single-handed, and when we put her to the test, the design worked flawlessly. Join us as we take a full performance test and see just how graceful and comfortable sailing can be. More...

New Boat

New Carver C34:
Gas-Powered with a 13' Beam

The all-new Carver C34 is 35'6" (10.82 m) LOA with a 13' (3.96 m) beam and has a dry displacement of 18,000 lbs (7,884 kgs).

Carver says that the all-new C34 is the first of an entirely new line of yachts that the company plans on introducing. Currently it is the smallest boat in the builder's 8-model line-up that stretches to 54' (16.45 m). The new yacht has two cabins and one head below and comes with the helm on the flying bridge only or with an optional lower station as well. The base boat comes standard with twin Mercury 5.7 L inboard direct-coupled V-drives. More...

Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 41 Cantius:
Taking Cruising to New Designs

The twin 370-hp Volvo Penta D6 diesel engines gave us excellent maneuverability at the dock thanks to the sterndrive joystick.

The Cantius lineup has been growing in popularity due to its open layout floorplans and comfortable cruising style. With so many different entertainment venues this 41 Cantius brings more opportunities for camaraderie on the water whether her owners are cruisers or live aboards. For extended cruising we found her as inviting as she is attractive. The whole story is in our full test video. Look...

Test Video

Formula 270 Bowrider:
High-Performance in a Premium Build

We tested the Formula 270 Bowrider with a big-block, 430-hp 8.2 L V-8.

Formula's 270 Bowrider combines high-end features with agile sportboat handling in a large bowrider capable of carrying a bunch of friends. We tested her with a 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG engine and reached a top speed over 53 mph. With a premium build and high-performance handling this 270 Bowrider represents the kind of boat most of us strive for, but only a few of us can afford. Let's take a look at our full test video and see what kind of performance she brings. More...

Captain's Report

Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU:
Style and Luxury with an Ocean Rating

At 54'4" (16.55 m) LOA the Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU is the largest boat in the four-boat Heritage series.  She carries a CE "A" classification which means she should be able to handle anything short of a hurricane.

The Grand Banks 54 Heritage EU has unmistakable Grand Banks lines that the company has been identified with for over four decades. She's definitely built for veteran yachtsmen looking for high-quality boat, and she is at once both a practical live aboard and ocean tested distance voyager. More...

Test Video

Intrepid 475 Sport Yacht:
Tested with Yamaha 4-Stroke Outboards

Our Capt. Steve never let a little lightning and thunder keep him from testing a boat. Here he is heading out of Tampa Bay on the Intrepid 475 Sport Yacht with 1400-hp bolted to the transom.

The advantages to powering a boat in this class with outboards are many. The most obvious being the increased amount of usable space in the interior. We tested this impressive yacht with 4 x 350-hp Yamaha 4-strokes and reached a top speed of 58 mph and a best cruise range of almost 300 miles. As for the build quality, Intrepid does nothing halfway making this 475 Sport Yacht definitely appealing to a fussy owner. More...

Captain's Report

Jeanneau Leader 9:
An Economical 32' Express Cruiser

The Jeanneau Leader 9 has an LOA of 32’ (9.77 m) and a beam of 11’ (3.3 m).

When it comes to clever use of space Jeanneau has the knack.  This Leader 9’s huge single-piece windscreen is able to pour natural light into the lower salon and provide unimpeded forward visibility.  The mid cabin has standup headroom and the cockpit lounge accommodates a huge crowd for al fresco meals and is able to convert to a sunpad in minutes. And since she's a Jeanneau, cost savings are built-in and transferred directly to the buyer. More...

Test Video

Premier 250 Solaris:
Tested with 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O.

Family fun takes on a new meaning in this 24'5" (7.44 m) LOA luxury 'toon.

Premier set out to create a luxury pontoon boat with sportboat handling. She features the PTX Performance Package allowing her to accommodate higher horsepower and her interior is the height of 'toon luxury with plush upholstery and reclining captain's chairs. If ever there was a mix of comfort and space, this is it. More...

Captain Steve explores the features of the Evinrude E-TEC 250.

New Captain's Report

Mako 18 LTS:
For Fishing in Skinny Water

The Mako 18 LTS has a package weight of roughly 2,900 lbs (1,315 kgs) and she can be towed by nearly any vehicle with a hitch.

The Mako 18 LTS is designed for sneaking into the little hidey-holes that other boats can't reach. She has an 11” (28 cm) hull draft rigged. She also features Mako's patented Rapid Planing System for quick hole shots and minimal bow rise… a pivotal factor when operating in the shallows. Let's take a look at our full report and dig a little deeper into this shallow fishing boat. More...

Test Video

Starcraft Limited 1915 OB:
Powered by Evinrude E-TEC 115

The Starcraft Limited 1915 OB deckboat had a best cruise range of 169 miles while burning only 6.3 gallons per hour.  WOT speed was 39.0 mph powered by an Evinrude E-TEC 115.

With lounge seating taking up the entire port side of the boat, this roomy starboard console deckboat can easily accommodate 10 people… an usual feat for a 19’ (5.8 m) boat. We tested her in choppy conditions with 20 mph winds which made us expect some adverse handling characteristics that never manifested themselves. More...

Test Video

Yamaha AR192:
Supercharged for Super Performance

The AR192 is powered by a single, super high output 1.8 L supercharged marine engine.

While some may consider the AR192 to be an entry-level boat, Yamaha's attention to detail provides a feeling of luxury, at a price-point we don't normally expect to find it, particularly in a boat that is all about watersports. The 1.8 L supercharged engine brought us to a top speed of 40.6 mph, and provided enough power to solidify this boat’s reputation as a vigorous watersports platform. It all comes through in our full test review. More...

New Captain's Report

New Tigé Z1:
She's Completely Redesigned

The Tigé Z1 has an LOA of 21'6" (6.55 m) and a beam of 8'6" (2.59 m). She not only serves as a world-class wakeboat, but a capable family runabout as well.

When Tigé created the immensely popular Z3 it brought wakeboat design to new heights. The model became so successful that the company was forced to produce a smaller version. While Tigé already had a Z1, that model was abandoned in favor of this all-new Z1 that mirrored everything the popular Z3 had going for it. In that sense, this Z1 has been reborn and now takes its place in the upper echelon of wakeboats. More...

Features Video

Prestige 550 Flybridge:
Interior Styling
and Design Video

All Prestige Yachts share a family resemblance with large windows in the topsides and an overall timeless profile.

Prestige Yacht’s mission statement of making yachts affordable by focusing on form and function and leaving out the fluff is no more evident than on the 550 Flybridge. She represents an excellent balance between price consciousness and luxury while maintaining an open and airy layout. She features three staterooms including a full-beam master and multiple entertainment venues. But her real distinguishing features are in the smaller design elements that we highlight in our full features walk-through.  More...

Test Video

Evinrude ICON:
Digital Controllability
Adds Versatility

Digital controllability opens up a whole new realm of functionality on our boats.

With digital engine controls, adding a second, or third control station is as easy as adding a wire run. But what features do the new engine controls offer and how easy is it to switch command between multiple control stations? This video answers those questions and also demonstrates the amount of information the engines can transmit back to the helm with the I-Command gauges. More...

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Start the New Year Right

BoatTEST.com’s
4-DVD Box Set
Boating Course

Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. Our 4-DVD video covers it all.

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.  Order here...

Lesson of the Week

Inlet Running and Docking

The seas will build up more as you approach an inlet so you’ll want to watch the waves closely and notice the pattern before heading in.

This week Captain Steve goes over seven lessons and guidelines on how to carefully approach an inlet in heavy waves. Capt. Steve will also demo some approaches that show you how to dock going into the current, and he’ll explain how to dock with the tide behind you, and how to slowly drift into the dock with the tide. The videos presented this week are part of BoatTEST.com’s Smart Boating Course which is USCG-approved. Watch these video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.

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