BoatTEST Newsletter November 16, 2016

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Sailfish 290CC:
Broad, Deep, and Fast Offshore Angler

The Sailfish 290CC is loaded with fishing features, including 16 rod holders, a 35-gallon leaning post livewell, a 30-gallon transom livewell with high speed pickup, four fishboxes in the sole, rod storage, and lots more. Three freshwater washdowns allow quick clean-up of fish slime as well as ease in hosing down the gear after a day in the spray. The Variable Deadrise hull puts her on plane quickly, and Kevlar and carbon fiber in the layup keep weight down, strength maximized. More...

Comparison

51'-60' Sedans:

We Compare 6 Sedans

This week's comparison includes sedans from 51' to 60'. Each one is arranged for cruising with family and friends: the standard layouts all comprise three staterooms, two doubles (master and VIP), and a twin-berth guest cabin. Boats in this size range have the volume belowdecks for ample accommodations. These six boats differ in design, styling, power, and myriad details, so take some time to study them. You'll find more info in our Captain's Reports. As always, we encourage you to contact us here at BoatTEST.com if you have any questions. We'll do our best to answer them.

More...

Test Video

Beneteau Oceanis 60:

Elegant & Efficient Ocean-Voyager

The 16'4" (4.99 m) beam of the Beneteau Oceanis 60 provides the roominess below decks normally found only on a powerboat of this LOA, but she's also got the sea-keeping abilities and layout efficiencies of an ocean-going sailboat. The electromechanical transom board drops to extend into a teak swim platform overlooked by sizable cockpit lounges. With all the color-coded sheets leading to the cockpit and power winches, our test captain found her easy to sail short-handed, even in winds approaching 20 knots.

Test Video

Chaparral 227 SSX:

Stylish Sportboat w/ Competitive Pricing

The Chaparral 227 SSX features convertible seating both at the port console and across the entire transom area, providing lots of space for lounging in the sun. At the bow is a four-step beach ladder. A portable side-mount table makes the bow seating area a handy lunch spot. Top speed was 45.5 mph with a MerCruiser 250 MPI and Alpha drive -- power options to 350-hp are available.

New Test Video

Sea-Doo GTR-X 230:

High Performance Meets High Value

The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 comes standard with the new high-performance Rotax 1500 HO ACE supercharged engine and exclusive Sea-Doo Ergolock system for greater rider confidence. The engine delivers speed and acceleration comparable to more expensive PWC's, while the RXT-X 230 is competitively-priced. Electronic throttle control provides power delivery options, and the Intelligent Braking and Reverse system stops the PWC much quicker than most of the competition.

Captain’s Report

Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht:

Contemporary Interior Style, 4 Ensuites

Powered with twin MTU 10V2000 1600-hp engines, the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht has the wherewithal to make long crossings. She's equipped standard with many features that are high-priced options on many in class, including two Kohler 32 kW generators, a 1,700-pound capacity hydraulic davit, and Jenn-Air appliances throughout the galley.

Test Video

Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O.:

Designed for New Boats & Repowering

The TRAC midsection Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O.’s allow for repowering of boats with conventional steering rams and also saves about 30 lbs. in weight, according to the company. 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. Our tests of these new engines have proven them to be fuel efficient, as well as loaded with low-end torque to get boats on plane quickly.

New Test Video

NITRO® Z19:

New High-Performance Tournament Rig

The new NITRO® Z19 powered with a 200-hp Mercury® OptiMax is capable of reaching the same 70-plus mph speeds as many competing boats with a larger, more expensive and less fuel-efficient 250-hp engines. She comes fully tournament-ready, with a Minn Kota® foot-control trolling motor at the bow, large lighted storage boxes from bow to stern and a Lowrance® GPS/sonar on the console. She's 19'4" (5.89 m) long and 94" (2.38 m) wide. With the included factory-matched trailer with folding tongue, she's a good fit for many urban garages.

Test Video

Hargrave 116 Raised Pilothouse:

Customizable & Entertainment-focused Yacht

The Hargrave 116 Raised Pilothouse is a fully customizable yacht that can accommodate up to 10 guests and eight crewmembers, including a full beam owner’s suite forward on the main deck. With an expansive flying bridge deck, countless entertainment features, and the thoughtful detail of keeping crew quarters and guest accommodations well separated, the 116 is well-suited for any owner wanting to entertain and cruise long-distance. See the video and in-depth report.

Test Video

Four Winns H210:

Classic Style in a Modern Runabout

The raked transom and low-slung roadster-style windshield give the Four Winns H210 the look of classic runabouts, but she has all the comforts of modern interior design. The aft cockpit makes good use of available space with an L-shaped aft bench seat that wraps around to integrate the companion seat with a backrest that flips forward, making it convertible to an aft-facing lounge.

New Captain’s Report

Formula 37 Performer Cruiser:

Express Cruiser for Day Cruising

The Formula 37 Performer Cruiser is an upscale performance cruiser that comes exceptionally well-equipped with a gas or diesel generator, reverse-cycle AC and heat, a radar arch, and an electric winch and anchor chain at the bow. She also features the company's trademark high-gloss painted finishes in a nearly endless variety of colors and graphic designs, and the usual Formula performance levels. She can sleep six adults, two in the forward master, two in the convertible mid-cabin sitting area, and two in the salon.

Test Video

Robalo 206 Cayman:

Competitive Bayboat w/ 10" Draft

The Robalo 206 Cayman has a draft of just 10'', making her competitive with pretty much any center console in class aimed both at fishing the shallowest flats as well as open bays. However, she has more bow flair than many and an upswept sheer, which should help to keep her drier than many of similar size in upwind runs. The "Extended V-Plane Hull" adds buoyancy aft, helping her get on plane quickly (just 3.2 seconds in our test), a big plus in the shallows.

New Test Video

Tidewater 252 LXF:

Fishing Focus plus Family Amenities

The Tidewater 252 LXF has unusual interior space thanks to her 9'3" beam, considerably wider than most CC's in class. Powered with twin 150 H.O. Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines, she delivered strong performance, reaching a top speed of 51.0 while still maintaining a 2.1 mpg fuel economy. The i-Trim auto-trim system of the new engines kept the boat in near perfect trim with little input from the operator throughout the test runs.

Dealer of the Week

Boulder Boats:

Year-End Sales Event

2016 Marker One ML4

2017 Malibu 25 LSV

Boulder Boats’ Year-End Sales Event features a number of new boats, including the two seen above. The Malibu 25 LSV has prodigious seating, and with greater ballast capability, she makes bigger wakes and waves. The second boat is the 2016 Marker One ML4 pontoon boat, but she is unlike most toons on the market. She is a combination of luxury, performance, and recreational opportunity and can be as relaxing or exhilarating as desired. The Marker One patent-pending power wedge flotation means the deck maintains a level feel even with the weight of a maximum horsepower engine astern, according to the builder. We have not tested her, so cannot verify.

Where in the World?

Picture of the Week

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