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Regal 23 OBX:
New Outboard-Powered Regal Bowrider
The Regal 23 OBX is the first outboard-powered boat from the company in over 20 years, adding performance and versatility to the sterndrive lineup. Eliminating the sterndrive makes more interior space available for guests and gear. The swim platform wraps around the outboard motor, and because it’s at water level, it facilitates reboarding. She comes with a comprehensive standard equipment list that includes a Garmin 7607 digital screen, a carry-on cooler, and a Fusion stereo with six speakers.
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Comparison
32'-34' Center Consoles:
We Compare Six Big Center Consoles
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Sailfish 320CC
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Mako 334 CC
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World Cat 320CC
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Boston Whaler 330 Outrage
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Grady-White Canyon 336
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Andros Boatworks Offshore 32
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This week's comparison compares a sextet of center consoles in what we think is an ideal size range, 32' to 34’. These boats are big enough to be super-functional for many uses -- fishing, family day-cruising, providing a dive platform, or being a tender for a megayacht. They're seaworthy enough to fish way offshore and carry enough fuel for serious bluewater work. But they're also small enough to be easy to handle and maintain and are affordable for many people. There is quite a diversity here in approach, so these boats provide a good basis for comparison.
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New Captain’s Report
Sea Ray Sundancer 460:
New Sport Cruiser w/ Sun Roof
The Sundancer 460 provides luxury entertainment and accommodation, as well as a powerful, smooth ride to distant destinations even in challenging weather, according to our test captain. She features an open and airy salon, highlighted by a retractable sunroof that rolls back and opens nearly half the overhead up to the sun. Her galley is situated just inside the sliding glass doors to the cockpit.
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Test Video
Wellcraft 241 Fisherman:
Shallow-Draft Bay Angler
The Wellcraft 241 Fisherman is notable among bayboats for exceptional finish work. For example, all hatches are finished inside and out, and they are gasketed and guttered to keep water out. Most swing up on gas-assist struts, making access much easier. There's even dedicated bow storage for a five-gallon (19 L) bucket, an essential for all castnetters. A console head makes her family-friendly, but her primary mission is clearly bay fishing.
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Test Video
NITRO Z20:
High Performance Bass Boat
With a 250-hp Mercury 250 OptiMax Pro XS outboard turning a 14 5/8 x 25 Fury three-blade stainless-steel propeller, the NITRO Z20 hit a top speed of 71.2 mph at 5800 rpm. She has a 16-degree deadrise at the transom, and the Rapid Planing System helps with quicker holeshots and better handling. She’s also designed with lots of bow flare and a low profile, a combination that helps knock down spray while improving aerodynamic efficiency.
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Test Video
Mercury Verado 350:
Supercharged In-Line 6 w/ Reduced Weight
The Mercury Marine Verado 350 uses a supercharger and an internal oil cooler to produce maximum performance from a 159 CID in-line 6 block that's some 95 lbs. (43 kg) lighter than the nearest competitor, according to the company. The computerized engine has a SmartCraft ECU that allows for plug and play benefits of Mercury's Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO). It features a stout 5.44” (0.14 m) diameter lower gear case for the extra-strong gears, and all the internal components are cut in-house at Mercury Marine.
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Captain’s Report
Beneteau Gran Turismo 46:
For Day-Boating and Cruising
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 is suited for intermediate-range cruising, weekend excursions, or day trips with two couples or a small family aboard. She would also function well as an entertainment platform thanks to her unusual sliding door arrangement and twin moveable settees. The Air Step 2 hull design allows three times more air beneath the underwater portion of the hull, according to the builder, reducing friction and increasing performance.
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New Test Video
REGENCY 220 LE3 Sport:
Quality Tri-Toon w/ Rear-View Camera
The REGENCY 220 LE3 Sport is an upscale pontoon boat that offers the performance of a runabout in a well-equipped package with space for up to 10 guests. Aft-facing lounges, two captain’s chairs, and a power Bimini top add convenience. The pontoons, fence rails, Bimini top frame and ladder are all powder-coated, adding eye appeal and durability. A rear-facing camera mounted on the back of the Bimini top frame, comes standard. Most important, she is built to high standards of quality.
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Captain's Report
Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht:
Long-Range Cruiser w/ 4 Ensuites
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht has four luxurious, roomy ensuites below decks, plus space for several crewmen aft for those who prefer a crewed yacht. The large flybridge includes a day galley and wet bar, flip down 32" TV and A/V system, along with a granite-surface bar and five fixed stools. A 1,750 pound (794 kg) hydraulic davit handles a 14' tender on the aft portion of the bridge.
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Test Video
Glastron GTS 180:
47.6 MPH WOT w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O.
The Glastron GTS 180 combines retro styling in the windshield and helm area with the comforts of a modern outboard-powered bowrider. At an LOA of 17'10" (5.44 m), she fits into most garages with the included factory-matched trailer and weighing just 2,514 lbs. (1,140 kg), including the Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O., she's readily towed by mid-size vehicles. Performance was strong, topping out at 47.6 mph.
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Captain’s Report
Grady-White Freedom 335:
Family Dual Console w/ Fishing Features
The Grady-White Freedom 335 has a wet bar with refrigerator, sink, storage drawers, and drink holders plus a pair of fold-away tables in the cockpit. Below decks a settee in the port console converts to a double berth at the touch of a button while a wet head is tucked into the starboard compartment. At the forward end of the cockpit is an electrically actuated sliding lounge seat with storage below.
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Captain’s Report
Beneteau Oceanis 45:
Versatility in Layout and Mission
The Beneteau Oceanis 45's cockpit and rigging are designed for ease of access, particularly when sailing short-handed, and the high mainsail sheet block arch keeps movement in the cockpit unhindered and safe. The hard chine hull design results in a greater beam relative to the wetted surface than some with increased space both on deck and below as a result. Layout options up to four staterooms, four baths are available.
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New Test Video
Sea-Doo GTI SE:
Performance, Plus Safety Features
The Sea-Doo GTI SE features "Intelligent Throttle Control", a digital system that includes three modes, Touring, Sport, and ECO, for varying skill levels and rider needs. Intelligent Braking and Reverse allows backing the PWC off the beach as well as rapid, safe stopping, and the SE model features a three-place seat upgrade with more grab handles and added padding compared to low-end models in the line.
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Test Video
Maritimo M70:
Sky-Salon Space, Main Deck Luxury
The Maritimo M70 has four cabins, including a full-beam master and three heads. She also includes the trademark Maritimo enclosed flying bridge with inside stairway that has come to define the brand. An electric sunroof allows opening the bridge to a bit of sunshine and fresh air. High gloss teak cabinetry and leather upholstery add luxury both to the sky-salon and the main deck entertainment areas.
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Test Video
Formula 350 FX CBR:
56.0 MPH WOT w/ 2x Ilmor 6.2L 430s
The Formula 350 FX CBR is a premium-level, high-performance bowrider that manages to fit a comfortable cabin below decks. Twin 430-hp Ilmor MV8 6.2L OPS engines produced a top speed of 56.0 mph, and our test captain was particularly impressed with the smooth operation of the Ilmor electronic shifting drive systems and joystick control. The cabin has a full galley, overnight accommodations for two, and an enclosed head with VacuFlush toilet.
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Test Video
Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht:
Beamy Long-Ranger
The Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht is designed for owner operation, and thanks to her 1,200-gallon (4,542 L) fuel capacity and twin C18 Cat engines, she can handle long range travel at displacement speeds without concern for refueling ports. The fly-bridge helm is the only control station: it is enclosable with isinglass curtains and has two vents for the standard air-conditioning/heat system. The lower deck features three staterooms, including the full-beam master and two heads.
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New Test Video
Key West 244CC:
Offshore Angler w/ 50.4 MPH WOT
Powered with twin Evinrude 150 E-TEC G2s turning 20" four-blade props, the Key West 244CC bluewater topped out at 50.4 mph. She had an impressive hole shot of under three seconds and also delivered good fuel economy with best cruise at 3000 rpm and 24.9 mph at which she got 2.8 mpg. She comes fully-rigged for offshore fishing with two oval-shaped 18-gallon (68 L) livewells in the corners of the transom, six vertical rod holders across the stern, an insulated fishbox with overboard drain, and more.
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