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Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62:
New Performance Cruiser w/ Family Comfort
The new Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 is a large and capable sailboat perfect for summer cruising at home or a winter adventure in the tropics. And with a compact, easy to reach layout of winches, running rigging, jammers, autopilot, and line handling bags close to the helm, she is easily sailed single-handedly. The Oceanis Yacht 62 is an important step up in luxury and quality, according to our test captain. She is available to see at this week's Annapolis Boat Show.
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Test Video
Chaparral 210 SunCoast:
Robust Outboard-Powered Deckboat
Chaparral’s new 210 SunCoast combines the sporty performance comfort and nimble handling of a bowrider with the space of a deckboat in an attractive family package. With a 200-hp 4-stroke outboard, she got on plane in 3.4 seconds and ran a top speed of 47.8 mph. The bow has a wider-than-average seating area, which provides good space for adults, and the beach boarding ladder and anchor share the same locker in a smart design. Aft, the swim platform wraps around the outboard on each side. This facilitates moving around the stern and creates great launching areas for a variety of watersports.
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Comparison
36’-38’ Express Cruisers:
Six Good Boats to Compare
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Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
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Formula 37 Performance Cruiser
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Regal 35 Sport Coupe
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Cruisers Yachts 38 Express
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Bavaria Sport 360 HT
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Beneteau Gran Turismo 35
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This week we have six express cruisers in what many experienced skippers think is a good compromise between size and cost. These boats are big enough for four people to comfortably cruise in for a long weekend or a week, are seaworthy enough to make open-water passages in reasonable conditions, have enough lounging space above decks for everybody to stretch out, and enough room below decks for each crewmember to find privacy. The galleys are just that much bigger, the head has just that much more elbow room, compared to last week's boats. But a 36- or 38-footer is still small enough to be handled easily, and annual operating costs are relatively modest. Our captains have vetted all of these boats, and we can attest that they are well-built and fully-equipped for their intended purpose.
Compare and contrast them here...
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New Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 HP:
New State-of-the-Art Outboard
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 HP delivers impressive fuel-efficiency plus high torque in the low- and mid-range rpm bands, which owners of bass boats and watersports enthusiasts will appreciate. The TRAC midsection allows for repowering of boats with conventional steering rams, and also saves about 30 lbs. in weight. An oversized ventilation plate helps the prop maintain a bite on the water when the motor is trimmed high, and the skeg has a slight camber, eliminating the need for a trim tab. Most important, our tests of the new E-TEC G2 engines have proven them to be more fuel efficient than their 4-stroke counterparts.
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Captain’s Report
Beneteau Gran Turismo 46:
Luxury Yacht w/ Pods or Shaft Drive
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 incorporates a redesigned main deck and cockpit, which includes two large electrically-reclining seats. The sliding electric sunroof is a standard feature. She's available as a two-stateroom two-head version or in a three-stateroom two-head model. The Air-Step hull is designed to produce added performance and improved fuel economy with either the standard Volvo Penta twin sterndrive D6 370-hp propulsion system or the optional 435-hp IPS600s. Both systems offer joystick controls for ease in docking.
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New Test Video
Scarab 255 Platinum SE:
Fully-Loaded Twin Jet Sportboat
The Scarab 255 Platinum SE comes fully-loaded with upscale features, including snap-in cabana mat flooring, sliding rack for the ice chest, console seat bolsters, pump-out toilet and sink, full sun pad cushions, and movable cocktail table. Thanks to the modified "picklefork" bow design, there's three-across seating forward. Powered with twin 150-hp Rotax jet systems, she topped out at 40.8 mph, planed in 3.5 seconds, and provided spirited handling at speed in our test runs. She also proved easier to handle at the docks thanks to the extended bucket design of the jets.
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Test Video
Maritimo M58:
Easy-Handling 61'4" Yacht
w/ Enclosed Flybridge
An internal stairway provides all-weather access to the fully-enclosed and air-conditioned flying bridge that's standard on the Maritimo M58, and an electric sunroof provides ventilation when the weather is right. Electric bow and stern thrusters are standard, and a second control station on the port side of the cockpit makes for good visibility when docking. Three luxurious staterooms and two heads with showers provide accommodations below decks, and the "sky lounge" on the bridge functions as a second salon for entertaining and cruising.
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Test Video
TRACKER® Pro Team™ 190 TX:
Durable, Tournament-Ready Aluminum Bassboat
With just 90 horsepower on the transom (max HP is 115), the aluminum TRACKER® Pro Team™ 190 TX topped out at 42.8 mph; she's a fully-equipped tournament-rigged boat that's sold at a far lower price than fiberglass models with similar capabilities. The company says that the .100-gauge all-welded hull with TRACKER-exclusive Diamond Coat™ finish is much more durable than fiberglass, as well. Standard equipment includes a 45-pound-thrust Minn Kota Edge foot-controlled trolling motor at the bow, and the locking rod boxes can hold rods up to 8' long.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:
Distinctive Style in a 3-Stateroom Yacht
With the cockpit, salon, and galley all on one deck level, the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius makes good use of available space for both entertaining and family cruising. Opening the large aft window blends the galley with the aft deck and makes serving and conversation easier. Below decks she has a two or three stateroom layout. The beam, over 15' (4.57 m) at the maximum, provides plenty of space on this level.
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New Test Video
Four Winns HD 240 OB Signature Series:
New Deckboat with Style and Speed
The new Four Winns HD 240 OB Signature Series is one of the new breed of outboard-powered deckboats designed for hosting a crowd: She has a USCG-rated capacity of 11 passengers. The outboard design means more seating space on deck and more storage underneath. Also the better weight-to-horsepower ratio of outboards delivers improved performance. She's got lots of freeboard from bow to stern, but styling lines give her a sleek look that's missing on some big deckboats. Multi-function digital instruments give the dash a clean, straightforward appeal.
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Test Video
Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge:
Classic Flybridge Style w/ 5-Star Interior
The Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge comes with a lot of features that are optional on many yachts in class. The transom area alone is loaded: an electric BBQ and sink with hot-and cold-pressure water are located beneath a lid on top of the transom, accessible from the swim platform while a tender garage tucks in below. A runner system with electric winch helps ease launching, and the center section of the swim platform hydraulically lowers to facilitate the launch as well as to create a swim area.
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Test Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 65:
Engineered for Efficiency and Elegance
The Monte Carlo Yachts 65 carries a sweeping sheer line that gives a modern, Euro-style feel, but the round portlights also add a touch of classic elegance. Dark side windows and black support pilasters aft serve to create the illusion that the boat is lower than it really is. She's loaded with premium features that are part of the standard package, including an invisible passerelle that tucks into one of rear stairs. The large teak beach swim platform has standard hydraulic lift for launching the vessel's tender, and her black carbon fiber hardtop adds shade and style without significant weight.
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New Test Video
Glastron GTS 180:
Entry-Level Runabout w/ Lots of Style
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O. powered Glastron GTS 180 has more usable space aft than sterndrive runabouts of similar size since there's no engine box, and the lighter weight of outboards means improved hole shots and overall performance. The fuel efficiency of the E-TEC G2 is also a big bonus for families wanting an economical boat package. Three-tone Aquaflex vinyl upholstery and optional flip-up bolsters on the console seats add comfort and style. The dual swim platforms extending on either side of the outboard are 36" long, providing adequate space to gear up for watersports, and a ski tow pylon is standard.
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Test Video
Yamaha SX190:
Single Jet w/ 3.3 Second Hole Shots
The Yamaha SX190 jet carries her 8' (2.43 m) beam well forward, adding usable space in the bow seating area as well as making for an easier walkthrough between the dual consoles. The wheel goes lock-to-lock in just a three-quarter turn, giving exceptionally snappy performance and PWC-type handling. The compact 4-stroke engine takes minimal space, giving lots of storage and seating aft.
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Test Video
Hatteras 45 Express:
Fine Fit-and-Finish w/ 45 MPH WOT
The Hatteras 45 Express offers a comfortable, solidly-built yacht ideally suited for cruising and fishing. The interior displays the company's traditional excellence in fit and finish of the cabinetry. Performance is another strong suite. Powered with twin 1136-hp CAT C-18 Acerts, she topped out at 39.1 knots, more than enough speed to go fishing far off the continental shelf and return the same day, or to get home rapidly ahead of brewing weather. Her 16'6" (5.03 m) beam provides plenty of accommodation space below deck for extended cruises, and abundant skylights bring in ambient light.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 315 Conquest Pilothouse:
4-Season Cruising Fisherman
The Boston Whaler 315 Conquest Pilothouse provides full protection all around, making her a four-season cruiser/fishing rig. An electric blower pushes air into the pilothouse on warmer days, or buyers can opt for the generator/AC package. Those who will use her more as a cruiser than a fishing boat can order the summer kitchen, which replaces the portside rigging station with a pull-out cockpit grill and cutting board on top of the storage drawers. There's also a below-decks galley with the usual sink, one-burner stovetop, microwave, and dual voltage refrigerator.
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Test Video
Ocean Craft 9.5 M:
Fast, Mission-Ready RIB
One look at the black military stealth finish and the single-straddle seats with black powder coated S.S. side handles reveals a lot about the mission of the Ocean Craft 9.5M. She's built for "interdiction." Non-military boaters will find her speed and rugged built suitable for many applications. The builder specified a pair of 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards because of its low maintenance requirements. She tops 55 mph and can provide a reasonable ride through just about anything thanks to her V-bottom design and shock-absorbing seats and helm console.
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