Chaparral 310 Signature: Tested with
Twin 225-hp 4.3L
The design team at Chaparral set out to create an express cruiser with sportboat handling characteristics. Clever design gives this boat added utility in the cockpit as well as below deck -- and here we find still more innovation design details. Our full test video is ready for viewing and shows it all...
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New Design
New
Tigé Wake Surf Maker:
The Convex VX
Tigé recently announced the introduction of an exciting new product exclusively designed for its Convex V hull. The Convex VX is a hull extension device that attaches to the swim platform of Tigé boats to create a huge, clean wave. Shape control is directed by the TAPS2 system that was pioneered by Tigé. We're told that the Convex VX does not interfere with the conventional wakeboard wake made by the Convex V hull. Find out more...
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Watch Tigé's video introduction to the Convex VX...
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Features Video
Beneteau Gran Turismo 49 Fly:
An Elegant and Roomy Sport Cruiser
One of the most appealing features of this attractive sport yacht is the ability to customize her to an owner's preference. Whether the desire is to own a yacht with 2 or 3 staterooms, a flybridge or just the lower helm, the GT 49 can deliver. The GT 49 is a careful blend of function, form and cost-effectiveness. Let's take a features inspection...
Request brochure
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New Test Video
Cruisers Sports Series 238 Bow Rider:
Built to Demanding Specs
The new Cruisers Sports Series 238 Bow Rider
brings a big boat culture to a small sportboat. While she is dedicated to style and comfort, our tests have shown that her handling was also paramount in the design considerations. Take a look at our full test.
More...
Request factory price quote
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New Captain's Report
Sundance DX20:
Report By Popular Demand
One of the most popular boat models that visitors to BoatTEST.com have requested more information about is the Sundance DX20. That is surprising because Sundance's only business is building skiffs. But since most boating is done in shallow, protected waters, most boaters don't need much more than a skiff so it figures. We think the Sundance DX20 has a compelling story. More...
Request brochure |
New Test Video
Sea Ray 500 Sundancer:
Tested in an Offshore Chop
Builders tend to hate when we test their boats in snotty conditions as it doesn't make their “child” look perfect. We, however, love it as it tests the boat's mettle in arduous conditions. On test day with the 500 Sundancer we had heavy rollers in the inlet and the wind blowing against the current… in other words, a perfect opportunity to see what she was made of. Let's take a look at our full test review and get the full story.
More...
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New Test Video
Starcraft Limited 1915 OB:
Affordability in a Deckboat
At just under $22k, we think that the Starcraft Limited 1915 OB is a bargain worth looking into. She’s designed to provide stability whether at the dock or underway and with an Evinrude E-TEC 115 she turned in a top speed of 39 mph making her a good boat to let the kids cut their boating teeth on. Let’s take a closer look as we do a full test and features walkthrough.
More...
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Features Video
Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider:
Bowrider Meets an Express Cruiser
As big fans of large bowriders, we still have to admit that they are limited to fair weather, daytime boating… until now. Formula has come up with a winning combination that melds the spacious layout of a huge 35’ (10.67 m) bowrider with the overnight amenities of an express cruiser. That also means she has comfortable shelter during a passing summer shower. She’s called the 350 Crossover Bowrider or CBR, and she’s definitely an innovation with lots of utility. More...
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Features Video
MJM Factory Tour:
Advanced Techniques & Materials
When a company does things differently, we find ourselves talking about it a lot.
That’s why we decided to show how things are done when building an MJM yacht. The factory is Boston Boat Works and it has been chosen by MJM due to the company's
unique build processes and dedication to exacting standards. It all comes through in the yachts' strength, weight, and fine finish.
Entering a hard hat area...
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Features Video
Boston Whaler 315 Conquest:
A Multi-Mission Vessel
It's hard not to notice the striking styling of the Boston Whaler 315 Conquest, but she also has the capability to successfully bridge the gap between a hard performing offshore fishing boat and a safe, comfortable cruising boat. On test day, the entire test and video crew were gathered onboard for lunch so it was hard not to notice how well she handles entertaining, too. Let's take a look at our full
features video and see how the 315 Conquest handles so many missions.
More...
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Captain's Report
Cypress Cay 230 Seabreeze Fish:
A Toon Made for Anglers
Occasionally we see pontoon boats that add a baitwell and perhaps a set of rod holders and the marketing department calls them fishing boats. But the Cypress Cay 230 Seabreeze Fish seems to be a different animal. She was built with the intention of being a fishing boat with pedestal chairs fore and aft, and a work station for bait and lure prep. Of course she can still be cruised on,
but the family that has a fisherman in the house will certainly appreciate her much more.
Let's look at the full report...
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Lesson of the Week
How to Read Charts and Plot Your Position
This week Capt. Steve goes over fourteen videos and guidelines on reading charts and how to plot an exact position by using degrees, minutes and tenths of minutes to tell anyone exactly where you are in the world. 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
"We made it out of the marina, then the sun came up!" - J. Mccauley
Second Place
Disqualified when caught by the Committee Boat fudging the starting line." - R. Davis
Third Place
"Lets see our wives say NO to this! A boat made of chocolate! Brilliant!" - B. Gulino |
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.
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All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
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to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
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In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
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or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
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