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Chaparral 227 SSX:
45.5 MPH w/ Mercury 4.5L Sterndrive
The Chaparral 227 SSX produced impressive performance during our test runs, particularly in the hole shot times, averaging just 3.6 seconds -- very strong, considering she was powered by a single MerCruiser 4.5L 250-hp sterndrive engine. Speed at WOT was 45.5 mph, while best cruise was at 2500 rpms and 19.0 mph, where she got 3.7 mpg for a maximum range of 149 statute miles with a 10% reserve.
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New Features Video
Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly:
3 Staterooms & Twin IPS600s
The Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly sleeps six in three separate staterooms, including a master with en suite head. Hullside windows bring lots of natural light below decks. Doublewide sliding glass doors to the salon can be opened to the port or starboard side, and the salon and aft cockpit are all on one level for ease of passage. The flybridge stairs feature a unique design: cutouts on alternating stairs make them more comfortable to climb. Twin 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 D6s provide ease of control at low speed plus a top speed of 32.4 knots.
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New Test Video
Yamaha VX Cruiser HO:
Quick Starts, Fast Stops, Muscular Jet Power
A bigger engine, new technology and more comfort highlight the new Yamaha VX Cruiser HO. It seats up to three riders and is certified for tow sports. The 1812cc, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke Yamaha jet system provides incredible hole shots of under 2 seconds, as well as a top end speed of 65.0 mph. The NanoXcel molded hull and deck result in a light weight of just 767 lbs. (348 kg), helping to boost performance. The RiDE system provides very quick stopping by slowing the engine and dropping the reverse bucket instantly at the squeeze of the left handlebar control.
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Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP:
Lightweight V6 Outboard
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 features in-cylinder direct fuel and oil injection, resulting in improved power, lower oil consumption and better fuel economy as well as exceptionally low emissions, according to the company. The maintenance free, magneto-style charging system produces 133 Amps with an allotment of 50 Amps directed to the boat's house battery and electrical components. Dual-axis rigging comprised of a pair of rotary actuators (one for steering, one for trim) are built into the outboard's mounting bracket, making for a truly uncluttered installation.
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 21 SPX:
Edgy Styling in a Sportboat
The Sea Ray 21 SPX reached 45.7 mph at WOT, while best cruise came in at 3000 rpms and 26.9 mph, where she ran 4.6 mpg for a range of 167 miles allowing a 10% reserve in the 40 gallon (151 L) fuel tank. Turning a 17'' pitch Vengeance prop, she reached plane in 4.3 seconds and 30 mph in 7.9 seconds.
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Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius:
Sleek and Stylish w/ 5 Entertainment Venues
Numerous luxury touches aboard the Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius should make her a delight for owners and visitors alike. She features an aft table that converts to a sunlounge at the touch of a button, and overhead a power sunshade quickly cools things off when necessary. The aft galley is convenient to the cockpit -- and to the two-stool bar through a power-slider window. She features five entertainment venues including the luxurious salon, the aft cockpit, the swim platform, the fly bridge and the fully-furnished bow.
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Captain's Report
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409:
Multiple Layout Choices in a
Cruiser/Club Racer
The twin-helm Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 is available in two or three stateroom versions, both with a roomy salon that's exceptionally open and airy thanks to abundant windows and skylights. For coastal cruising, she can be built with the optional 5'1" (1.55 m) draft keel -- standard is 6'11" (2.1 m). The cockpit has plenty of seating, and the transom flips down to become a teak beach for a bit of swimming when at anchor. The optional bow thruster should make docking straightforward with the standard 40-hp Yanmar saildrive.
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Test Video
NITRO ZV18:
Multi-Species, Multi-Mission Fishing Machine
The NITRO ZV18 is a dedicated fishing boat aimed at the multi-species angler who chases walleyes today, smallmouths tomorrow and muskies next week. It features more freeboard than the typical bass boat, but includes the usual bow and stern casting decks, swivel seat mounts and bow-mount electric trolling motor. The optional ski pylon and walkthrough windshield make this fishing machine more family-friendly. A flip-down stainless steel ladder makes reboarding easy for swimmers or tow-sports fans.
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Captain's Report
Hunt Yachts Surfhunter 29:
Outboard Powered Coastal Cruiser
w/ Downeast Lines
The Hunt Yachts Surfhunter 29 is a classic both above the waterline and below. A V-berth, full galley and standup head make overnight cruises comfortable, and lots of carefully-fitted teak trim both above and below decks adds a feel of traditional Downeast craftsmanship. The 24-degree deadrise makes her exceptionally capable in rough water, and hard chines run all the way to the bow to knock down spray. A standard bow thruster with joystick control eases docking. The boat we reviewed was powered by twin Yamaha 250 4-stroke outboards, but an assortment of other propulsion options are available, including Volvo Penta inboard or sterndrive engines.
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Test Video
Beneteau Sense 55:
Magnum Sailing Yacht Ideal for Families
The Beneteau Sense 55 is an upscale sailing yacht that is so well-equipped with luxury amenities she reminds us of a large motoryacht. She comes standard with two wheels and two binnacles. Her huge cockpit is designed for entertaining both under sail and at anchor. Winches are self-tailing and the halyards are run back to the cockpit so that one person can manage most of the sailing chores. What sets her apart from other large sailboats is her luxury below. She has been designed for the cruising family that has become accustomed to the finer things in life.
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Accommodations Video
Ocean Alexander 72 Pilothouse:
Choose 3 or 4 En Suite Staterooms
The Ocean Alexander 72 Pilothouse is an offshore motoryacht designed to be lived on for months at a time while touring far-reaching locales, but she also functions as a comfortable coastal cruiser easily handled by an owner-operator. The company provides a generous décor allowance for carpeting, bedspreads and soft goods, allowing the buyer to create a semi-custom look in a production yacht. She has accommodations for a large family and is designed to seriously cruise most anywhere.
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Test Video
Grady-White Freedom 375:
Versatile DC for Fishing and Family Cruising
The Grady-White Freedom 375 functions both as a well-equipped bluewater fisherman and as a comfortable family cruiser/entertainment platform. She tucks a berth into the port-side console, and this area converts to a TV/dining area complete with flatscreen and settee by day. The starboard console includes standup head and sink along with a microwave. Both cabins are air-conditioned. The bow includes a pair of hi-lo tables and seating for six, making the area available for cocktails or al fresco dining. All the expected fishing amenities are found in the aft cockpit, including abundant trolling rod holders, locking rod storage, tackle drawers and an aerated livewell.
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Captain's Report
Prestige Yachts 500 Flybridge:
Versatile Layout plus IPS Handling
The Prestige Yachts 500 Flybridge with IPS drives is likely to appeal to serious cruising folks who enjoy living aboard for extended periods, but don't want to sacrifice comfort along the way. She has room below decks for not only an owner's suite with a breakfast nook and lounge seat, but also a VIP cabin forward and a twin-berth cabin between the two, plus two heads with stall showers. Both guest cabins are convertible: The VIP stateroom forward has an island double that scissors open to form V-berths, while the third, twin-berth stateroom comes with a filler.
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New Captain's Report
Rinker Captiva 246 CC:
Stylish, Traditional Cuddy
With a cockpit-forward design, the Rinker Captiva 246 CC focuses around day-use functionality, with modest accommodations below for occasional overnights. A broad swim platform and lots of aft-facing seating at the transom allow gearing up for watersports as well as lounging at the docks. A walkthrough on the port side to the cockpit means there's no climbing over the engine box to go to or from the swim platform.
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Captain's Report
Azimut 72:
Euro Styling w/ 4 Ensuite Staterooms
Designers of the Azimut 72 have managed to fit four staterooms and four heads -- each with a separate shower stall -- into the new yacht. The full-beam master is amidships. The spacious flybridge includes a wet bar to starboard, dining table to port and lots of seating, plus a standard sunroof. This is likely to be the most popular spot on the boat in good weather. A dining table and settee in the aft deck makes a popular spot for al fresco dining while moored stern to.
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