Volvo Penta IPS600:
Making Boating
Easier and Efficient
Now over eight years old, the Volvo Penta IPS is a tried-and-true workhorse. Our tests have shown it to be far more efficient and maneuverable than the standard inboard systems it replaces. Why is the IPS600 only 435-hp? Because it’s so efficient as a system with the POD design, those 435 horses do the work of a 600-hp inboard, according to Volvo Penta. Couple that with joystick functionality and it’s easy to see how this has changed the way we go boating.
More...
|
New Captain's Report
Jeanneau NC14:
A 45' "Apartment" on the Water
Following the success of the NC9 and NC11, Jeanneau is now introducing the NC14. The mission of this 45' boat as described by the builder is to be an "apartment on the water with terrace and sea view." Many of the innovations that we saw in the NC9 and NC11 are employed once again in this larger boat.
More...
|
New Captain's Report
Manitou 25 SES:
4 New Entertainment Layouts
Manitou recently introduced four new layouts for its 25 SES three-toon which specializes in being an entertainment platform. Now a full galley, a bar complete with table and stools, a convertible aft-facing bench seat which makes into a sun pad -- or all of the above -- are available on a mix-and-match basis. These new designs are available for both the VP (max 150-hp) and SHP (max 300-hp) models. Further, both models can be decked out in optional blue lights for night-time running, making this what might be the coolest boat of any type on the lake.
More...
|
New Captain's Report
Austin Parker 42 Open:
Downeast Express, Italian Style
In the late 1990s Austin Parker was one of the very first Italian yards to start building an express cruiser strongly inspired by classic Maine lobster boat designs. Today, the company builds 7 different models ranging from 36’ to 72’ (10.97 to 21.94 m), all with a strong family resemblance. The 42 Open is an express cruiser designed to be an elegant day boat or a versatile family cruiser and comes in both single stateroom or twin cabin layouts.
More...
|
New Captain's Report
Beneteau First 20:
More Than an Entry-Level Sailboat
From our point of view, Beneteau's new First 20 is a breath of fresh air to hit the "entry-level" sailboat market. She was designed by Finot Conq & Associates in France and her bottom shape and some of her attributes come right off the huge round-the-world racing boats the firm has designed. She has twin rudders, a square-top mainsail, and bottom shape that give her both speed and form stability. She is easy to sail and affordable. Isn't that what the doctor ordered?
More...
Request digital brochure
|
Factory Video
Inside Bayliner:
Wood and Cabinetry
Today we take a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee and catch a tour in the Bayliner factory to see how the builder creates the interiors of the latest Bayliner boats. We get a first-hand look at how the components are prepped, treated, and assembled, and also see how problems are solved early in the process to eliminate the cascade effect further down the production line.
More...
|
Test Video
Chaparral 284 Sunesta:
A Premium Bowrider
From the major details like Kevlar reinforced keels, to the small niceties like all-metal shower hoses that don’t kink, we think Chaparral does a fine job of boat building. Its boats cost more money, but it is easy to see where the money goes. Let’s take a look at how she handles and verify that she’s not all about the looks and quality, but the ride too.
More...
Request factory pricing
|
Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider:
A New Premium Boat Brand
When KCS International decided to enter the realm of sportboats, some were skeptical, others were ecstatic. But both camps can now agree that between the fit-and-finish and the quality of materials used, this Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider resides firmly in the premium category of sportboats. We took this 27’ (8.23 m) model for a test ride and our full test video is ready for viewing, so let’s step aboard and see how she did.
More...
|
Factory Video
Harris FloteBote Factory Video:
A Look at the Build Process
Since Harris FloteBote is over 55 years old and one of the oldest builders of pontoon boats, it’s little wonder that its engineers have developed processes and components over the years that make its boats virtually impervious to normal abuse and punishment. Today we're going to look at some of the construction methods used by this company that has set its pontoon boats apart from the crowd.
More...
|
Test Video
Meridian Yachts 441 Sedan Bridge:
A Cost-Effective Cruiser
The Meridian 441 Sedan Bridge is now powered by optional Zeus pods making the step up to a real cruising boat an easier decision for neophytes. Our test boat was equipped with twin Zeus pods powered by Cummins 480-hp QSB engines.
More...
|
Features Video
Rampage 34 IPS:
A Winning Combination
So how does Rampage take a proven winner -- like the Rampage 34 -- and make her better? Simple, add the benefits of IPS. Our tests show that virtually everything is improved from cruise performance to close quarters handling to backing down with a “fish on”. Let’s take a look at our features walkthrough and full test video and see the results of this winning combination.
More...
|
Test Video
Robalo R207:
Cost-Efficient Dual Console
Robalo’s dual console crossover R207 serves as the smaller sibling to Robalo's three-boat dual console lineup right alongside the R227 and R247. We found her to be a safe boat with high topsides and a deep cockpit. She can handle up to a 200-hp engine and thanks to that test power and Robalo’s efficient hull design, we achieved impressive performance numbers. Let’s take a look in our full test video.
More...
|
Test Video
Sea Ray 190 Sport:
Entry-Level Size, Premium Styling
Living on a secluded lake with size restrictions shouldn’t mean having to settle for a ho-hum boat. This Sea Ray 190 Sport has an impressive number of amenities and standard features including a color-matched painted trailer. Her standard 135-hp engine should be adequate unless serious watersports are planned with a crowd aboard. Otherwise opt up to 220-hp that our tests show will bring her to 53.2 mph.
More...
Request a brochure
|
Captain's Report
Scout Boats 187 Sportfish:
Fishing Is in Her Genes
Scout Boats has the philosophy that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nothing could be a better example of that than its 187 Sportfish. She was made to fish and she does it well. We found her to be loaded with thoughtful features, so clearly, she was ahead of her time. Find out what makes her a classic.
More...
|
Snapshot Review
Regal 2250 Cuddy:
For Beyond the Sunset Cruise
This Regal 2250 Cuddy combines an inviting layout that can accommodate 10 people. And, when the party is over, because she is a cuddy, the host and hostess can cast off the docklines and head off for some overnight alone time. Her 54-gallon (204.4 L) fuel capacity will allow for her to put some distance between the home port and a remote destination.
More...
Request factory pricing
|
Sponsor
Shurhold Dual Action Polisher:
Take the Work Out of Hull Care
Today we go over the features of Shurhold’s Dual Action Polisher and see why this may be the best choice when doing a job that typically takes a long time to accomplish. And when doing a job that takes time, it’s best to get it right the first time. That means using the right equipment.
More...
|
Lesson of the Week
How to Prepare for Man Overboard
This week Capt. Steve goes over thirteen lessons and guidelines on how to be prepared for a man overboard emergency. Having practiced this drill ahead of time with your crew or passengers is important since MOB happens so quickly that people have very little time think about how to react. Learn how to pick someone up in the water and position the boat downwind, how to improve your chances of getting rescued, and how to treat someone for hypothermia once they’re back aboard. The videos presented this week are part of BoatTEST.com’s USCG-approved Boating Course. Watch these video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com
To view this week’s lessons --
Order all lessons on DVD--
|
Ducky Award
Winner
First Place
"It's not quite cold fusion, but honey...you are the Man!" - D. Gibson
Second Place
"And your father said you were marrying an idiot!" - J. Mccauley
Third Place
"Go ahead, laugh if you want, but I just locked-in the Mid-Atlantic Region franchise for these babies." - R. Davis |
What's Going
On Here?
You write the caption! Will you win the coveted "Ducky Award" for best caption?
Simply fill in your caption and you may get lucky -- quack here.
We need reader help!
If you have a picture that you think needs some explanation, email it to us.
|
|
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
are all clearly labeled as such.
|
|
|
