Yamaha VX Cruiser:
Lighter Weight Means More Range

BoatTEST.com resident PWC expert, Christopher Hughes, took the new Yamaha VX Cruiser on a tough shakedown recently and gives us a full report.

The 2014 Yamaha VX Cruiser, the top version in the VX Series, has a major technical change this year -- NanoXcel, which brought the dry weight down to 686 lbs. (311 kg). We also take a detailed look at the ride and comfort, from the ergonomics of the seat to the handling of the hull. Priced at $9,799 the VX Cruiser is not short on power and it tested at over 50 MPH. More...

Features Video

Intrepid 375 Walk Around:
Miami to Nassau in 3 Hours Flat

It is 187 statute miles from Miami to Nassau and given the Intrepid's deep-V hull and her shallow draft (2'6"/.76 m) she can take both the Gulf Stream and the Bahamas Banks in stride.

The Intrepid 375 Walk Around was built to go most anywhere offshore that her fuel capacity will take her. Want to go down island? No problem, as her range at best cruise with triple Yamaha 350s is 388 statute miles going 35.61 mph. At that rate it will take a couple of days to get down island, maybe even longer if the fishing is good. Find out about this unusual and remarkable boat. More...

Call the builder -- 727.548.1260 // Request options list.

New Captain's Report

Princess V52:
Performance-Oriented Luxury Express

The Princess V52 has two ensuite staterooms, galley down, and is built for entertaining and high-speed local cruising. There is an optional third stateroom.

The Princess Yachts V52 was designed to provide sport yacht performance with premium entertaining capabilities. She’s offered in either a two or three cabin configuration, both with a galley down layout. More...

Updated Captain's Report

Jupiter 30:
For Offshore Fishing and Local Cruising

The Jupiter 30 has a LOA of 29'6" (8.99 m), a beam of 9'4" (2.84 m) and an operating displacement with twin engines and full tanks of 9,430 lbs. (4,386 kgs.). She has a deep and comfortable forward cockpit that is useful for entertaining as well as fishing.

Jupiter Marine is a boutique boat builder which has positioned itself at the top end of the crowded center console market. The 30 FS (Forward Seating) is equipped with a standard stand-up head with a wide door, and all of the usual amenities found in high-end center consoles. But her strongest feature is her deep-V hull with a 24-degree deadrise at the transom for a comfortable ride and a pad for speed. More...

Request digital brochure.

New Captain's Report

Sun Tracker Regency 254 XP3:
48.2 MPH WOT with 300-hp Outboard

The Sun Tracker Regency 254 XP3 has a length overall of 27'5" (8.36 m) and a beam of 8'6" (2.59 m). She's rated for up to 300-hp thanks to the XP3 performance package.

The Sun Tracker Regency 254 XP3 comes standard with the XP3 performance package consisting of three 26” (66.04 cm) diameter multi-chambered pontoons that include wave deflectors and heavy duty aluminum performance strakes on all three logs. This gives her a capacity for 15 people aboard and the displacement to handle up to a 300-hp engine. And that's exactly what we tested her with. More...

New Boat

Boston Whaler 210 Dauntless:
Fishing and Family Ready

The 210 Dauntless is 20'6" (6.24 m) LOA, has a 8'6" (2.54 m) beam, draws 14" (0.36 m) and weighs 2,600 lbs. (1.43 kgs.) dry without an engine.

With its standard 200-hp Mercury 4-stroke Verado outboard and a 75-gal. (285 L) fuel tank, the brand new model for 2014 has the endurance to run all day at moderate cruising speeds. She has been designed and built from scratch to be used as a full-family-friendly vessel for towing sports, fishing or just plain cruising. An enclosed head adds comfort when on a longer cruise. More...

New Snapshot Review

Absolute 55 STY:
Italian Style But Different

The Absolute 55 STY has a 54'4" (16.55 m) LOA with a beam of 15'3" (4.54 m) and can be powered by either twin or triple Volvo Penta 435-hp IPS600 systems.

This is a popular size in the luxury express cruiser market where most boats have the same general dimensions. The Absolute 55 STY sets itself apart with its attention to detail. For example, the captain can stand at the helm without having to poke his head through the sun roof. Her lower deck layout has two midships guest staterooms, a master stateroom forward, plus a galley in between. More...

New Snapshot Review

Regal 46 Sport Coupe:
Hits Many Consumer Hot Buttons

A major feature of the Regal 46 Sport Coupe is her optional slider aft doors with polished stainless steel frames. Otherwise, it is open and available for an optional aft curtain.

The Regal 46 Sport Coupe is one of the most popular models in class and is able to compete with express cruisers from 42' to 48' (12.80 to 14.63 m) quite successfully. She is able to do that by incorporating a laundry list of elements that consumers seem to like, including a competitive price. Find out more...

New Test Video

Premier 250 Intrigue:
At the Top of Her Class

For those who think all pontoon boats are the same: "A" Sink and paper towels holder; "B" Insulated, self draining cooler; "C" Wraparound stern seating with stern-gate access "D" Integral Bimini top; "E" Fiberglass sport arch; "F" Wet bar with sink and electric-lift wine caddy; "G" Reclining, swivel Flexsteel 7-Star chairs; "H" Cocktail table for two.

The 250 Intrigue is easily Premier Pontoons’ most popular boat because it offers the best balance of features and price. Part of Premier’s Luxury Series, the 250 Intrigue offers outstanding levels of comfort in her layout and dual Flexsteel 7-Star chairs which swivel and recline. More...

Request factory pricing.

New Captain's Report

Tahoe 215 Xi:
51.2 MPH with Mercury 260-hp 5.0 L SD

The Tahoe 215 Xi has a LOA of 21’6” (6.55 m), a beam of 8'6'' (2.59 m), and a draft of 16” (40.6 cm). She's a deckboat that is designed to be a watersports platform.

The Tahoe 215 Xi is an example of a deckboat with a capacity for 12 people. While her primary mission is to be used as a watersports platform for swimming and towing, she can also be used for fishing. She comes standard with a 220-hp 4.3 L Mercury sterndrive and has many features including an aerated livewell. More...

Test Video

Mercury 150-hp FourStroke:
Merc's 150 Becomes the Benchmark

The test numbers for the Mercury 150-hp FourStroke outboard shown above were aboard a 17'6'' (5.33 m) aluminum dual console with a 7' 9'' (2.36 m) beam and a test weight of about 2,400 lbs. (1,090 kgs.).

The Mercury 150-hp FourStroke outboard is one of the newest engines introduced by Mercury Marine and it incorporates the company's latest technology. Little wonder then that when we compare it with its closest 4-stroke rival the Merc seems to out-perform it in nearly every way. Essentially it has the low-end torque of a 2-stroke and the fuel-efficiency that made 4-strokes popular. Because its lightest model weighs just 455 lbs. (206.8 kgs.) it is remarkably close to 2-strokes in weight, and has become a repower option that is hard to beat. More...

Ask repower question.

Where in the World?

Picture of the Week

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Expert Boating

 BoatTEST.com’s
4-DVD Boating Course

Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.

Based on the feedback we’ve been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course it’s clearly not only for beginners, but also 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 course available… period. Order your 4-disc box set...

Lesson of the Week

What Should I Do If My Boat Capsizes?

Capsizing in a sailboat is much different than a powerboat. As you see in the picture above, you can help right the boat by getting up on the centerboard and using your weight to bring the boat back over. You will not be able to right a capsized boat.

This week Capt. Steve goes over four lessons and guidelines on what you should do if your boat capsizes. First and foremost get your life jacket on. Stay with the boat and try to get as far on top of the boat as possible in order to keep your body out of the water. Remember, you want to keep your body temperature from dropping. Do not attempt to swim for help as you will just exhaust yourself. These are basic procedures which all recreational boaters should be aware of. 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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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.