Chaparral Aerial Surf Platform:
Creating the ''Ideal'' Surfing Wake
The Chaparral 243 VRX’s optional Aerial Surf package includes three soft tanks that can auto-fill to add some 1,350 lbs. (612 kg) of ballast when needed. The Aerial Surf Platform redirects the thrust coming from the jet pump to help create the surfing wave. Wrap-around seating is designed to handle up to 12 adults, who can watch the action in their seat.
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Test Video
Volvo Penta V8-350:
Advanced Engineering in a Lightweight V8
The Volvo Penta V8-350 is engineered with an all-aluminum block and heads, direct fuel-injection, and variable valve timing (VVT). The in-cylinder fuel-injection creates improved fuel efficiency and is cleaner burning, while the VVT improves torque and also greatly reduces emissions. The result is a 996-lb. (452 kg) V8 engine that has impressive torque throughout the low, mid, and upper rpm range. Closed-loop cooling is standard except for the exhaust manifolds, which are raw-water cooled. A five-year factory warranty is standard.
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Test Video
Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe:
Express Style, Cruiser Comforts
The Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe offers the sportier styling and open cockpit of an express with the practical and comfortable accommodations of a cruiser. A sunroof and large windows and doors open to let in natural light and fresh air to the salon/helm area. Convertible lounges aft in the cockpit and adjacent to the helm seat enhance the boat’s versatility for entertaining, as does the standard wet bar and cockpit refrigerator. An open-air galley adds grilling possibilities to the full galley below decks.
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New Features Video
Yamaha AR190:
Family-Friendly Jetboat w/ Entry-level Pricing
The Yamaha AR190 was designed for first-time boat buyers with family and watersports in mind. We measured 33” of freeboard at the bow and 36” at the stern. The AR190 also produces a good wake, giving any wakeboarder plenty of air time. With her ease of trailering, handling, and cost, she is sure to be attractive to those who are looking to start their boating life.
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Captain’s Report
Beneteau Oceanis 48:
Versatile Twin-Helm Sailing Yacht
The Beneteau Oceanis 48’s six different cabin configurations highlight different functionality and goals: a simple two-cabin, two-head layout can be increased to a four-cabin, two-head layout while maintaining much of the interior space of the main salon. The salon, with plush U-shaped seating around the dining table, is open and airy thanks to abundant portholes and windows. With a beam of nearly 16' (4.87 m) carried for much of her length, she is exceptionally roomy below decks for a sailing yacht.
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New Review Video
Sea Ray 280 SLX:
New Luxury Bowrider
for Watersports and Entertaining
Sea Ray's SLX Series is designed to compete with the premium large bowriders on the market, and the 280 SLX is a good example of the new breed at Sea Ray. With a submersible hydraulic swim platform, she is well-equipped for wakeboarding, and it further enhances her versatility. The wraparound seating in the stern gives guests the ability to watch the action behind the vessel or relax in the plush, diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery. She can seat 15 people for entertaining.
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Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP:
"Clean-Sheet" Outboard Technology
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 includes integral power steering that completely eliminates the rods and rams seen on competing outboards. This not only presents a much cleaner installation, it also eliminates exposure of the steering elements to corrosion and other damage. The company's iTrim system is also included, making for quick, automatic trim matched to the individual boat/motor combination for maximum efficiency in changing sea and load conditions. A 133-Amp beltless magneto generates electrical power, and an 81-degree tilt range allows in-water storage without exposing the lower unit to corrosion.
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Test Video
Hatteras GT 70:
5 Stateroom, 4 Head Fishing Yacht
The Hatteras GT 70 is one of those rare sportfishing yachts built both for comfort and for speed. Powered with the optional 2600-hp MTUs, she topped out at 47.2 mph in our test runs. At trolling speed, she used only 9 gph, making multi-day trolling trips offshore no issue. With five luxurious staterooms and four heads, she has enough space for extended cruising with lots of friends, and her joiner work and fit-and-finish are second to none. With a beam of 21’4” (6.50 m), she is the widest convertible in class.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 285 Conquest:
Express Fisherman w/ Family Features
The roomy aft cockpit of the Boston Whaler 285 Conquest offers all of the usual fishing amenities needed for offshore angling, including an aerated livewell and plenty of rod holders, while the cabin provides the basic amenities to keep the family comfortable. By lowering the cabin table and sliding the two cushions to either side towards the center, the forward dining area is quickly transformed into a V-berth. Trim tabs are standard, as is the bow windlass.
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Video
Regal FasTrac Hull Design:
Improved Hull Design for Increased Fuel-Efficiency
The Regal 2100 RX is a dedicated watersports platform as well as a premium bowrider. The FasTrac Hull Design gives her some of the best handling characteristics we have tested in class. With air drawing in from the sides and ejecting aft across the entire bottom, this brings speed up and fuel consumption down. The 2100 RX should be considered for those seeking an upscale bowrider capable of watersports.
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Features Video
World Cat 255DC:
Space, Stability, and Fuel Efficiency
The World Cat 255DC provides the stability and space of a pontoon boat in a deep cockpit, seaworthy catamaran design made to smooth offshore seas at speeds that would be a challenge for many vee hulls. She's an upscale dual console, including standard features like the fiberglass hardtop that are options on other boats in class. The sharp forward entry of the twin hulls makes for a comfortable boat. With twin 150-hp Yamaha outboards, she ran 44.8 in our tests, and at a cruise of 20.3 mph, she delivered 2.23 mpg for a range of 402 statute miles, allowing a 10% fuel reserve.
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New Test Video
MAKO 334 CC:
New MAKO Hits 64.4 MPH WOT
The MAKO 334 CC can deliver impressive speed when set up with the optional triple 350 Mercury Verados, topping out at 64.4 mph -- a big factor in high-dollar tournaments where the first boat to the fish and back often wins. She comes fully set-up for serious fishing. The bait preparation station on the back of the leaning post has tool racks on the aft side and raised grab handles for when conditions get rough. A sink, cutting board, chum bucket, and tackle drawers are also included, and there are rod holders and racks everywhere. A door in the port gunwale will come in handy for divers, as well as for hauling in big-game species.
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New Test Video
Stuart Boatworks 23:
Practical Fishing Features
Powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300
The Stuart Boatworks 23 is a boutique-level center console with an unusual bottom design concept. The company says that the slightly rounded keel on a 17-degree deadrise bottom, with a very sharp forward entry, allows the boat to stay on plane at lower speeds than deep-V designs, yet still delivers a smooth ride when seas are rough. She was powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 in our tests. The engine has a saltwater-ready, low-maintenance design, which integrates the steering and gear shifting into the body of the engine with no external rods or cylinders. Scheduled maintenance isn’t required for five years or 500 hours.
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