BoatTEST Newsletter August 31, 2016

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Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge:

All-Season Cruiser Sleeps 6 in Comfort

The Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge is a seaworthy design built to go offshore, blending the builder’s indoor/outdoor livability with the latest operational technology, including Volvo Penta’s IPS2-950 twin diesels and glass cockpit electronics. She also has a standard CZone digital monitoring and control for lighting, pumps, batteries, and more. She has two en suite staterooms and a third guest stateroom. Her large aft deck, available mezzanine seating, and open plan with aft galley will entertain a crowd.

New Captain’s Report

Wellcraft 220 Sportsman:

DC Fisherman w/ Family Comforts

The Wellcraft 220 Sportsman includes all of the standard features most anglers want in a dual console suitable for operation on big coastal bays as well as fishing off the beaches in good weather, including jumbo insulated fishboxes in the aft sole, rod racks under the gunwales, rod holders in the aft gunwales, a baitwell, and tackle storage. But she also offers creature comforts that will please the family, including a standard Bimini top, a head in the port console, a carry-on ice chest, and more.

New Test Video

Regal 29 OBX:

Large Bowrider w/ 52.6 MPH WOT

The Regal Boats 29 OBX is a big, family-oriented bowrider that combines luxury, comfort, and lots of storage space thanks to the outboard design. The swim platform extends well past the outboards on both sides, adding usable space for watersports. The doublewide aft bench seats can be extended 10" into the cockpit at the touch of a button for lounging comfort or retracted to open up walking space in the cockpit. She proved a capable performer with the twin 200-hp Yamahas turning 19 Reliance props, reaching a top speed of 52.6 mph at 5250 rpm.

Test Video

TAHOE® 450 TS:

Entry-Level 18'5" Runabout w/ Extras

The TAHOE® 450 TS is a turn-key package complete with a 90-hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard and matching trailer. She's sized to fit most suburban garages with a 20’3” (6.17 m) storage length thanks to a folding tongue on the trailer. She features useful standard touches like a tow-line rack hidden away on the bottom of the aft hatch lid and under-sole racks for storing running lights. The 16-degree deadrise proved to make her quick planing and fuel efficient.

Test Video

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300:

Max Performance PWC w/ Ergolock Seating

Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 300 is designed for experienced high performance enthusiasts desiring maximum control, speed, and carving ability. Powered with Sea-Doo’s all new 300-hp ROTAX 1630 ACE engine -- the highest output engine ever available in a Sea-Doo -- she is a rocket sled on the water. Her Ergolock seat is designed to let riders use stronger leg muscles for better control in tight-turning situations. Adjustable three-position rear sponsons offer a range of cornering stability.

Operating and Performance Video

Monte Carlo Yachts 105:

Pilothouse Yacht w/ Italian Design

The Monte Carlo Yachts 105 is as advanced in building techniques as in her striking styling. Aerospace monocoque structural construction not only makes her strong and relatively light, but also opens up the interior to allow virtually any layout the customer wants. Standard interior includes a master cabin on the main deck, a raised pilothouse and Portuguese bridge, and lots of large entertaining spaces on multiple levels. Power options to 2 x 2400-hp MTU 16V 2000 M93 with V-drives ensure good performance.

New Accommodations Video

Beneteau First 35 Carbon Edition:

Racing Yacht w/ Comforts Below

The Beneteau First Carbon Edition includes a package of performance-oriented carbon fiber options and sleek black carbon fiber accents brought together into a cohesive, elegant, and sensible design where the “go fast” equipment not only makes the boat sail better, but look better, too. Standard gear includes a black carbon mast, a PBO fiber adjustable backstay, a rigid boom vang, a deep draft lead keel, and a retractable carbon bow sprit for the asymmetric spinnaker. A multi-position tilting wheel allows the captain to easily move to the weather rail without the space demands of dual wheels.

New Features Video

Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:

3-Stateroom Yacht w/ IPS950 Pod Drives

The Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius has three staterooms separated by a lower level lounge area that makes the boat more accommodating (and private) for two couples or more during a weekend getaway. Powered by twin 725-Volvo Penta IPS950 pod drives, she's user-friendly for captains with a range of skill levels. An electric grill, bar stools, and a standard sun shade make the cockpit unusually welcoming. The surface-level swim platform has plenty of space for watersports, and at 4’10” (1.47 m) x 14’6” (4.42 m), it's large enough to support a small tender or personal watercraft.

New Captain’s Report

Four Winns Vista V255:

Quality Pocket Cruiser Sleeps 4 or 6

The Four Winns Vista V255 is a quality pocket cruiser with both a convertible V-bunk in the bow and a beam-width aft cabin accommodation, as well as a stand-up head. With the optional camper canvas, she can sleep up to six. The aft cockpit seat converts easily to a double-wide sun lounge, and the cockpit galley offers an optional cooktop and refrigerator. A custom-fitted tandem trailer is included in the package.

Test Video

REGENCY® 254 LE3:

Performance Tri-Toon w/ Quality Build

Topping out at 47.1 mph with the single Mercury Verado 250 Pro outboard provided for our test runs, the REGENCY® 254 LE3 wastes no time getting down the lake, and her three 26" pontoons should give a very stable ride in most conditions. She's a premium-grade pontoon boat, as indicated by her upscale upholstery among other features -- it's made up of multi-density foam and includes pillow-top seating and lumbar supports. The power Bimini is also standard.

Test Video

Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider:

Premium Bow Rider by Cruisers Yachts

The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider is a stylish, upscale bowrider with a build quality matching the company's large yachts. The helm seat is indicative of the quality: it's an all new design with standard bolster, multi-tone upholstery, side supports at the seat back, and a soft cushion head rest. The seat slides fore and aft and raises and lowers, so all operators should be able to have optimum visibility. The new South Beach Edition includes a striking ochre interior with a gray hull and decking to make an exceptionally eye-pleasing package.

Test Video

TRACKER® Pro Guide™ V-16 WT:

All-Welded Aluminum Fishboat

With a 20-degree deadrise, ample freeboard, and exceptionally tall windshields, the TRACKER® Pro Guide™ V-16 WT is a design that should work well on big, open northern lakes where the fishing doesn't slow down when the wind blows. The heavy gauge all-welded aluminum hull is also a big plus in this terrain, where rocks, graveled shoreline, and stumps are a daily part of the fishing boat's life. Two 8' lockable rod boxes mean gear can be safely stowed aboard, and carpeting inside these boxes keep tackle from getting beaten up.

Test Video

Dusky 252 Open Fisherman:

Economical to Operate w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 300

By keeping extras to a minimum, Dusky is able to price their 252 Open Fisherman center console very competitively, at just over $50,000 with an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP. This includes the "Dusky Drive" engine bracket mounted on a full-height transom that improves performance, giving the affect of a longer LOA. The mount also functions as an extended swim platform for diving or handling large fish. The E-TEC G2 proved to be an efficient package on this boat, delivering a peak cruise economy of 3.5 mpg at 27.6 mph and 3500 rpms.

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