Intrepid 375 Walk Around:
A Cuddy/Console Fisher/Cruiser
Intrepid is a custom builder but we can't think of much we'd change on the 375 Walk Around except the name -- it doesn't do her justice. She has 6'2" (1.87 m) of headroom in the cuddy which has a galley and electric table. Her center console head compartment has 6'7" (2.0 m) headroom plus a separate shower stall that must be seen to be believed. Her forward cockpit is raised, so all can see out, but that is just the beginning.
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New Test Video
Nordic Tugs 34:
At 8.6 Knots 427 NM Range
Baby boomers are now hitting age 65 in growing numbers every year and increasingly they are looking for cruising vessels that make sense -- both to buy and operate. We think the Nordic Tugs 34 is one of those boats. She is designed for a couple who has time on their hands and a long nautical bucket list. She's got the backbone to go most anywhere, all it takes is two people with a little gumption.
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Ask a question // Request a brochure
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Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius:
The Master SR is a Junior Suite
Some people call it a "theater room," but we're sticking with "junior suite" and we think it is the coolest stateroom in class. The two side-by-side recliners can convert into a berth. As a result, this space is not only a sleeping cabin -- for four people -- but also one that can be used for entertaining. Obviously kids will love it and parents may choose to make the forward cabin the master and this area the "kids dorm." However it is used, the 45 Cantius offers a tremendous amount of room and utility for a 45' (13.71 m) boat.
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Test Video
Formula 270 BR:
53.3 MPH WOT / 3.8 Sec. TTP
For our test the Formula 270 BR was powered with a 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG turning a Bravo III outdrive. We reached a top speed at 4760 rpm of 53.3 mph. At that speed, fuel burn was 31.55 gph for a range of 152 miles. Best cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 35 mph. That reduced the fuel burn to only 13.5 gph which the Formula 270 could keep up for 6 hours, 42 minutes and 233 miles while still maintaining a 10% reserve. But her performance is only part of the story.
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New Features Video
Boston Whaler 320 Outrage:
Fish, Cruise or Both
Boston Whaler tells us that the 320 Outrage was created to offer fisherman a platform to compete in blue water conditions. She has wide walkways to permit fighting from any position, and her expansive cockpit allows for an impressive spread of gear. But the 320 is not a one-trick pony. With her optional "summer kitchen" with grill, refrigerator and freezer and freshwater sink, she is also ready to entertain. She can seat six or eight in the bow around a table and more on the fold-out transom seat.
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Ask a question // Request factory pricing
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Captain's Report
Manitou 22 Aurora VP:
You Think All Toons are the Same?
The 22 Aurora VP bottom configuration has some of the characteristics of Manitou's high-performance SHP design, but it is oriented for more normal use, slower -- but still planing -- speeds. The drawing above highlights the important attributes of the 22 Aurora VP -- most of which are different than what we see on most pontoon boats. For example, many toons are wet when the wind is blowing and the lake is choppy. Manitou has a solution for that which can be seen above (A). It is an integrated splash guard.
Find out more...
Request incentive information
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Test Video
Mercury Joystick Piloting:
No Bow Thruster Is Needed
It was only a matter of time before Mercury Marine engineers transferred the technology to outboards that started with inboard pod drives, then migrated to sterndrives. Ironically, outboards are often harder to dock than either inboard boats or sterndrives. Nevertheless, joystick boat handling has finally arrived where it is most needed, and Mercury has worked its control magic without having to employ a bow thruster in the process. Now rank beginners can dock outboards with confidence.
See it now...
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Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 238 BR:
More Than a Touch of Class
With a relatively high freeboard and deep cockpit the Cruisers Sport Series 238 will be dry in most conditions and little ones in the family will be more secure. With a 21-degree deadrise and weighing in at 4,640 lbs. (2,105 kgs.) dry, the 238 Bow Rider should be one of the best riding boats in her class in choppy conditions at speed. For that reason she can be a capable sportboat both in saltwater and in big lakes.
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Test Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 70:
A Motoryacht with Allure
It seems fitting that Monte Carlo Yachts are built in Monfalcone, Italy, outside of Trieste and just north of the Dalmatian coast which is one of the most picturesque cruising grounds in the world. Her stunning design, high-tech build and fit-and-finish have quite literally taken the large motoryacht market by storm. The big story here is not her layout and equipment or even her performance, but rather the taste and artistic skill with which she has been fashioned.
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Request a sea trial
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New Captain's Report
Nitro Z-7:
A Solid Bass Boat Benchmark
Bass boats can be very expensive so we suggest that consumers take a deep breath and think about what is really needed to get the job done. It is easy to buy a big $65,000 rig – all it takes is money. But a thinking angler might step back to see if there is a smarter way to go. We think that the Nitro Z-7 is a good place to start the quest. She has everything that is needed to become a good benchmark for measuring the larger boats on the market.
Take a look and see what we mean...
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Captain's Report
Robalo R247:
Dual Console and Dual Use
We like what we see on the Robalo R247 because it indicates to us that this builder is thinking about its customers. Robalo is working hard to create a boat that will serve the needs of many people by putting aboard loads of equipment as standard and by making available options at reasonable prices. She can be used offshore and in freshwater, for fishing, watersports, cruising, or a little of all of them.
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 220 Sundeck:
Outboard or Sterndrive Power?
In Sea Ray parlance "Sundeck" equates roughly with "deckboat." We say "roughly" because the 220 Sundance (and her big sisters) are attractively styled, have a bit more freeboard, and have interior design and execution that are far above what we usually see in run-of-the-mill deckboats. Sea Ray is also offering consumers a choice in the 220 Sundeck between outboard or sterndrive power. With the exception of the stern treatment, the two models of 220 are essentially the same.
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Request a brochure
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New Product
Shurhold Magic Wool Hand Pad
Shurhold's custom blended pad is made from a high-grade bronze metallic wool. It is similar to a steel wool but it is ultra fine and rust resistant. This Magic Wool hand pad along with Shurhold's Buff Magic is an effective combination for removing water spots from glass, bright work, chrome, stainless steel and brass surfaces. It can also be used to strip paint.
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Use coupon code mwp for 20% off new Magic Wool Pads. Expires 7/31/2013
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Lesson of the Week
How to Survive and Treat Hypothermia
This week Capt. Steve goes over four lessons and guidelines on recognizing the signs of hypothermia, how to help avoid it, and what you can do to lessen the effects on your body. Hypothermia does not only happen in cold water, even in 70 degree water you can still experience a significant loss of body heat. 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.
To view this week’s lessons --
Order all lessons on DVD--
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Ducky Award
Winner
First Place
"Just a few minutes honey, daddy's almost done with his psychotherapy for the day."
- S. Thompson
Second Place
"No, Bob does not have an addiction to fishing!" - J. Sandhofer
Third Place
"Don't try this at home, it's only for professionals with lots of experience."
- M. Perkins
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