Chaparral H2O 18 // Sea Ray 470 // Rampage 41 // 9 Reviews
It's not often that we see a builder of popular boats take a step back and create a more affordable line, but that's exactly what has taken place at Chaparral.
The Sea Ray 470 Sundancer is an all-new design from the keel to the top of its coupe hardtop:
The 175 BR has been a great seller for Bayliner, and for this new model year, they've added some refinements, and now even offer some interesting optional upgrades. We tested the latest model equipped with the "Flight Series" package that added looks and wakeboard capability. To see exactly how she would perform when wakeboarding,
When famed J/Boats sailboat founder Bob Johnstone went looking for a good looking, versatile powerboat, and couldn't find it on the market, what did he do? He simply created his own. The result is the fuel-efficient, downeast line of MJM Yachts, designed by Doug Zurn and built hi-tech by Mark Lindsay's Boston Boatworks. Today we'll take a look at some of the finer points that make the 36z so ideal for discerning yachtsmen and yachtswomen.
Though not equipped with a supercharger, the 1052cc engine in the Yamaha VX Deluxe
When we tested the 500S we noticed that she had a deceptively quiet and smooth ride and very nearly eliminated the feeling of motion as we accelerated through the power curve. Her IPS 600's kept her turns docile enough to maintain comfort throughout. The cockpit joystick control station and bow thruster made tight docking a complete non-event. And because it's a Prestige, affordability is built-in. Our full test video reveals what a good handling boat she is, so let's take a look.
It's easy to add comfy seats to a pontoon boat and call it luxurious, but Sun Tracker really does take it to another level with so many finer touches. And with the sporty performance of the triple XP3 tubes and their lifting strakes, we can't imagine a day on the water without pulling out the water toys. With the convenient changing room, she even makes transitions from play time to party time a breeze.
Avid anglers tell us they have many requirements when researching a new fishing rig: they want it to be rugged, comfortable and have the features of a tournament model, without the tournament price. Our test of the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW showed this model had all of these attributes as well as some respectable performance numbers. With only a 50-hp outboard we recorded a top end speed of 34.3 mph and if your fishing spot is a ways off, the 175 has a max range of 144 miles. Take a look at the video and full test results for all the numbers in between and see why, in our opinion,
Many people running boats with 3-blade props struggle in towing situations. In some cases they have to get Mom and the kids in the bow just to get the boat on plane, sometimes the boat keeps falling off plane when it is slowed down for the skier, and sometimes the boat has to be going so fast to get portly Paul up on his slalom ski he is no longer at the end of the tow rope. All of these scenarios and more are typical of the disadvantages of having a 3-blade prop on a sterndrive lower unit when towing.
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Shurhold's latest promotion gives you a chance to win some supplies for simply asking a question. |
Taking a page from the Socrates marketing manual, Shurhold is inviting our readers to ask a question about keeping a boat clean in its new "Clean-N-Simple" promotional contest. Winning questions will be answered in short video clips that Shurhold will make available later. The $500 Detailer's Dream Pack includes many tested and reviewed items by BoatTEST, such as
Shurhold's award-winning Dual Action Polisher, a Pro Polish Pad, a Buff Magic Pad, a Microfiber Bonnet, Brite Wash Buff, Magic ProPolish, a Deck Brush and more...
Everything you need to clean and care for your vessel is included. For complete details and to enter to win...
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Most PWC accidents occur by an inexperienced operator who does not know how to maneuver the watercraft, or is operating it at an unsafe speed. |
This week Capt. Steve goes over seven lessons and guidelines on PWC restrictions and safely procedures. There is more to PWC operation than meets the eye.
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.
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First Place
“Practice safe boating -- always use a condiment.” – C. Dorman
Second Place
“The hot dog is a nice, but most trade up to the bratwurst within 2 years.” – M. Burton
Third Place
“Sure it is unsinkable, fat floats on water.”
– J. Spijker
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