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Ranger Boats Z520C:
71.1 MPH WOT w/ Evinrude
E-TEC G2 250 H.O.
Ranger offers the Z250C with a range of outboards up to 250-hp. With the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O. on the transom, turning a Raker HO 14½“ x 26” three-blade stainless steel propeller through a 1.85:1 gear reduction, the 20'9" (6.3 m) long, 7'11" (2.41 m) beam, single side console reached 71.7 mph at 5700 rpm wide open throttle.  With throttles pulled back to 3000 rpm, the boat ran 32.5 mph at 3000 rpm, which works out to an even 5.0 mpg. That gives her a predicted range of 203 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. Ranger provides a built-in setback at the transom that moves the motor aft for better boat handling. The transom is reinforced with pultruded fiberglass for strength and stiffness. In winters like this one, Evinrude's auto-fogging feature means no-hassle operation on a warm day.
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Note Evinrude’s elimination of external steering tie-rods and clean transom mounting.
Find out more about Evinrude's E-TEC G2 250 H.O.
Visit Evinrude's website for warranty and promotions information.
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New Test Video
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO:
Speed and New Features in a 3-Seat PWC
More power, new digital control technology and more comfort highlight the new Yamaha VX Cruiser HO. The light weight of the NanoXcel molded construction plus the 1812cc 4-stroke High Output Yamaha engine delivers 65 mph top speeds, while she rockets from 0 to 30 in just 1.8 seconds.
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New Features Video
Tiara Q44:
An Entertainment-Ready Yacht
One of the unique features of the Tiara Q44 is the island galley in the cockpit. It has a Corian countertop with two removable cutting boards over the sink and grill, an Isotherm 2.3-cu. ft. refrigerator, a wastebasket and storage. Below decks, the toilet and sink are in their own compartment to starboard with the shower in its own stall to port — handy when several people are getting ready for a night on the town. A power sliding door adjacent to the helm makes it convenient for the captain to handle his own dock lines when necessary. An optional "toy rack" for bikes and watersports gear can be mounted on the cabin top, making her ready for fun anywhere she docks or drops the hook.
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New Test Video
Robalo R160:
Entry-Level CC w/ Engine & Trailer
With a 10" (25 cm) draft and a 15-degree deadrise at the transom, the Robalo R160 has strong flats fishing credentials. The built-in helm seat's 70-quart cooler has cutouts for a pair of 5-gallon (19 L) buckets, ideal for stowing castnets. Aft jumpseats can provide a comfortable ride for passengers on choppy days, while flipping down to form a casting deck when it's time to fish. She has the same all-composite-and-fiberglass construction as her larger siblings, and uses the same high-quality 316 stainless steel hardware. A single-axle aluminum trailer with fold-away tongue is part of this entry-level package starting at $19,795 with the base Yamaha F50.
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New Captain's Report
Bayliner VR6:
Designed to be Run Hard
Our test captain reports that the new Bayliner VR6 handled every manuever we put her through as well as any boat in class. We were happy to get that report because she has a lot of other things going for her. The "beam forward" design adds more useable space forward. The integral swim platform extends well aft of the running surface, allowing for more passenger space in the aft cockpit, as well. The aft sun pad can be converted to a chaise by propping up the side cushion. The walkthrough to the swim platform functions as an extra aft cockpit seat with the filler cushion in place.
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Captain’s Report
Prestige Yachts 500 Fly:
Open Design w/ Aft Salon Galley
The Prestige Yachts 500 Fly fits a lot of living area into her 49'1" (15.2 m) LOA. Volvo Penta IPS drives free up space amidships for a sumptuous owner's suite, and placing the galley in the salon not only makes the cook happier, but also makes room below for two guest cabins. The day-use areas feature good headroom and plenty of natural illumination from high, full-length windows and a three-part glass sliding door leading to the aft deck. The sleeping areas also have abundant natural light thanks to large hull-side windows — overall, the interior areas feel open and airy.
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New Captain's Report
TAHOE 2150:
Ready for Watersports
The new TAHOE 2150 comes well equipped for watersports and general family enjoyment, with standard features including a drop-down changing room attached to the standard Bimini, bow and stern ladders and a carry-off ice chest stowed under the cockpit seat. A refreshment center with sink, pull-out sprayer and 5-gallon (19 L) freshwater tank is located amidships on the port side.
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Features Video
Formula Flex Program:
Personalization From Formula to Ferrari
We don’t know if Ferrari was inspired by Formula or if it was the other way around, or if it is simply a matter of great minds thinking alike, but in any case both of these iconic brands encourage their owners to “personalize” their vehicles. Ferrari says it allows customers a choice of fabrics, leathers, woods, and colors resulting in “genuinely one-off creations". And so does Formula, which has found that many of its owners wish to express their personalities and tastes with a bespoke boat. The builder calls this program “Formula Flex” and it is standard. But Formula has yet another program that does Ferrari one better: It’s called “Formula Flex My Way". This program is not standard, but it may be just what people are looking for if they want a truly individualistic, personalized vessel. Under the “My Way” program, Formula engineers will look at virtually any proposal, and if it is feasible and safe, they are willing to do it on a cost-plus basis.
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Here we see the Ferrari suite where customers sit down with the car company’s personnel to personalize the automobile. Formula has a similar show room at its factory for the same purpose.
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Test Video
Volvo Penta Forward Drive:
Designed with Performance and Safety in Mind
The Volvo Penta Forward Drive makes use of existing engineering from the company's sterndrive and IPS drive systems to provide a tractor-style drive that moves the props further forward. The results are a dramatic increase in maneuverability both at idle and at speed when compared to an inboard-powered boat, as well as improved safety for watersports. Three gear ratios are available to match a wide variety of wakesport boats and engine packages.
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Captain's Report
World Cat 295CC:
Fully-Loaded for Angling w/ Lots of Seating
While the World Cat 295CC is essentially a center console fishing platform, her luxurious and abundant seating also makes her an excellent choice for entertaining lots of guests on the water. Plush, two-tone, diamond-stitched seats welcome a crowd for harbor crawling, and the standard hardtop provides shade as well as a mount for extra rod holders. A console head and hidden, locking rod boxes add to the appeal.
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Test Video
Beneteau Monte Carlo 6:
A Styling Rush w/ 30.7 MPH WOT Speed
Powered by twin 600-hp Cummins QSC8.3 Zeus drive systems, the Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 has a dry displacement of 42,880 lbs. (19,450 kg). She reached a top speed of 26.7 knots at 3070 rpm. She delivered a flat fuel-use curve at 0.5 mpg from 22.5 knots all the way down to 2000 rpm and 11.8 knots, giving the captain a broad choice of speeds to fit sea conditions without a fuel-efficiency penalty. Her combination of retro and modern styling is sure to turn heads at any harbor in the world.
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Captain's Report
Sailfish 220CC:
Inshore/Alongshore Fishing Machine
The variable deadrise stepped hull of the Sailfish 220CC, with a maximum of 24-degrees at the keel, should give her a good ride offshore, but shallower deadrise angles nearer the chines promise quicker planing and added stability. She comes fully equipped for fishing inshore as well as off the beaches, with 12 rod holders, a three-tray tackle compartment below the transom door, a large baitwell aft and a tackle and tool rigging station at the transom. Optional bow cushions, T-top and telescoping ski pylon make her family-friendly, as needed.
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Test Video
Regal 3200:
51.2 MPH in a Large Bowrider
With a 10'4" (3.15 m) beam and seating for up to 14, the Regal 3200 is designed for big water, large crowds and many entertaining possibilities. An enclosed head, refreshment center and roll out cooler are standard, with a gas grill and 12V refrigerator available. Regal’s PowerTower arch is also standard, and it lowers electrically for passage under low bridges.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 338 Bow Rider:
New, Gray “South Beach” Model
The Cruisers Yachts 338 Bow Rider South Beach Edition is the newest “mega bowrider” to hit the market. Already she has become so popular with the battleship gray hull that the builder is now offering the gel coat color on most of its other boats – including its new 60-footer. For those who don’t want the same old white hull, this 32’11” x 10’6” bowrider might be the answer. She can be loaded up with 16 friends according to our count, and makes a roomy day boat for entertaining with a table in the bow and one in the aft cockpit. Below she has a full-beam cabin which is one of the most functional in class.
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Captain's Report
SUN TRACKER BASS BUGGY 16 DLX ET:
Electric Power in a Basic Fishing Pontoon
With a livewell in front of the console, rod storage, two swiveling fishing seats forward plus an optional foot control trolling motor at the bow, the SUN TRACKER BASS BUGGY 16 DLX ET is ready to go fishing on ponds, small lakes and streams, anywhere that internal combustion engines are not permitted. Lithium batteries provide long-lasting, lightweight power for the motors.
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Test Video
Glastron GTS 225:
A Towing Platform w/ Retro Flair
With a 3.1 second time-to-plane and a broad swim platform, the Glastron GTS 225 invites all kinds of watersports. The standard platform extends 19'' (.48 m) from the transom, and the optional extended platform that most towsport fans will order, adds another 21'' (.58 m), all covered in nonskid mat. The extension not only provides make-ready space for towsports, but also becomes an out-of-the-way spot to haul inflated water toys.
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Product Promotion
Shurhold Rope Handle Bucket:
Upgrade for an Essential
The Shurhold Rope Handle Bucket eliminates the corroded metal handles found on most conventional buckets used aboard. A thick, soft, 3/4" nylon rope replaces the metal handle — it's easy on the hands, long lasting, and corrosion and rust-proof. The rope is secured inside the rim of the bucket, leaving the interior smooth for easy stacking of multiple buckets. Exclusive special offer for BoatTEST members -- get a free Bucket Base with each bucket purchase.
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