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Beneteau Gran Turismo 46:
Versatile Layout & Strong Performance
Standard power on the Gran Turismo 46 is twin 370-hp diesels coupled to sterndrives with a joystick, providing easy maneuvering and docking. The Air Step 2 hull design allows air beneath the underwater portion of the hull during planing operation, according to the builder, improving speed and fuel efficiency. IPS drives are also available. An electrically-operated sunroof allows air to flow freely through the salon and cockpit.
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Finance Captain’s Report
Should You Finance Your Next Boat Purchase?
Even if paying cash is an option, it's not always the best way to buy a boat. When considering your options, it’s important to research lenders who specialize in marine financing. Sterling Associates is one of the largest marine lenders in the United States with offices in San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, Michigan, Old Saybrook, Ft. Lauderdale, Annapolis, and Houston, and their main office in Whitinsville, MA. It has facilitated over $4 billion in boat loans throughout its history. The company represents 16 lenders both national and local.
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New Test Video
Sea Ray L550 Fly:
Luxurious Motoryacht w/ 34.9 MPH WOT
The Sea Ray L550 Fly is a three-stateroom, two-head luxury yacht equipped with top-of-the line materials from upholstery to countertops and cabinetry. The flybridge entertainment center comes standard with a grill and stainless-steel drawer-style refrigerator. A hydraulic swim platform and power sunroof are among the many upscale standard features. An Opacmare stainless-steel framed door opens fully to create flow from the cockpit to the salon deck.
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Test Video
Grady-White Fisherman 236:
Family Fisherman w/ 48.5 MPH WOT
Powered with a 300-hp Yamaha four-stroke, the Grady-White Fisherman 236 gave a sporty ride, planing in 3.8 seconds and topping out at 48.5 mph in our tests. Her performance makes her suitable for tow-sports as well as for heading well offshore to pursue kings, tuna or stripers. Her 20-degree deadrise at the transom, arched sheer and classic Carolina flair should keep her comfortable and dry in most conditions.
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Test Video
Yamaha 212X:
Twin Jet Power, Touchscreen Controls
The heart of the watersports-dedicated Yamaha 212X is the "Connext" system, with a 7” touchscreen that includes intuitive menus to give full control of the towing parameters, boat data, and sound system. She can be controlled by the joystick knob, making docking easy. Her forte is wake surfing and for that she carries up to 1,100 lbs. (499 kg) of water ballast.
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Features Video
Formula 430 SSC:
Quad Outboard Sport Cruiser w/ 64.2 MPH WOT
The central fact about the Formula 430 SSC is that she's fast but also remarkably comfortable. Pushed by 1600 horsepower from four Mercury Racing 400-hp Verado outboards, she ran an impressive 64.2 mph during our test runs. That’s fast, indeed, for this sporty cruiser with a 25,000 lb. (11,339 kg) dry weight. She is a deluxe bowrider, with a luxurious salon, galley, and sleeping accommodations below decks. Her helm’s glass dash has the latest in technology and her paint job further sets her apart from anything else on the water.
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Test Video
Four Winns TS242:
A Sterndrive Boat for Wake Surfing
Four Winns is one of the few builders which has installed a Forward Drive sterndrive system to get the props 26” further forward than where they would be in a conventional sterndrive. The result is that the Four Winns TS242 makes an exceptional watersports boat, and one that can be used for wake surfing. Ballast bags can add 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) aft to create even larger wake, or can be quickly emptied to convert the boat back to an upscale runabout. Standard Zero Off GPS speed control technology simplifies the act of dialing in and achieving a particular speed.
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New Features Video
Sea Ray SLX 350 OB:
3x 300-hp Outboards Deliver 59.5 MPH WOT
The Sea Ray SLX 350 OB shows her premium build in plush, three-tone diamond-stitched upholstery as well as many other touches throughout the interior. The Dynamic Running Surface is a powerful option; with preset controls at the dash, it automatically trims the boat, thereby maximizing performance. Digital throttle control with joystick makes docking with the triple 300 Mercury Verado outboards a simple task.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 230 Outrage:
New Versatile Design w/ Added Functions
By pushing the padded coaming out and narrowing the caprails, engineers maximized the deck space, legroom, and seating throughout the length of the redesigned Boston Whaler 230 Outrage. The leaning post is also well thought-out: the backrest conceals a flip-down workstation that can prep and rig bait during fishing trips or as a buffet table for food and drinks when family and guests are aboard. The entire seatback converts into an aft-facing seat opposing the flip-out transom bench seat.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe:
Euro-Styling, Innovative Cockpit Seating
The Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe comes standard with a canvas sunroof operated by a control toggle at the helm. Movable furniture allows setting up the aft cockpit for dining, or alternatively for an evening party or sunbathing. With the port seating module moved outboard the boat has a centerline passageway to the stern, rarely seen on boats this size. She's watersports capable, with a time to plane of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 42.3 mph.
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Comparison
We Compare 29' Bowriders:
Boats at the Head of Their Class
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Sea Ray SLX 280
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Regal 29 OBX
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Formula 290 Bowrider
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Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider
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This week we're comparing four 29' (8.84 m) bowriders, a size that's on the border between smaller, fun boats and bigger, serious yachts. A 29-footer is ideal for a younger family into watersports, millennials cruising waterfront restaurants, or older folks just kicking back and taking it easy on the water. Each of the boats in this comparison will do all of the above, and more. We consider them to be excellent examples of the class. But although they're all within a few inches in length, they are very different in the details. Click for more, and jump to our Captain's Reports for full information.
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Test Video
Sailfish 325DC:
Ready for Fishing or Family Cruising
Family-friendly features aboard the Sailfish 325DC include a cockpit galley with sink, hard-surface worktop, and an optional grill and refrigerator. A compact cabin in the port console hides another sink, as well as seating and space for a microwave. Fold-away cockpit seating boosts the partying capacity to 15, and a removable ski pylon makes tow-sports an option. All the usual fishing features are present, including abundant heavy-duty rod holders, an aerated livewell, and jumbo fishboxes.
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Test Video
TRACKER Pro Team 175 TXW®:
All-Welded Aluminum Fishing Rig
The TRACKER Pro Team 175 TXW® rides on a heavy-gauge, all-welded marine aluminum hull that makes the boat light, fast and durable. The hull has powder-coated, baked-on paint, improving appearance as well as ensuring long life. New, redesigned fishing seats add comfort. She comes completely equipped for fishing, with a bow-mount Minn Kota® trolling motor, Lowrance® HOOK-4x fishfinder, aerated livewell, locking rod boxes, a 60-hp Mercury ELPT outboard and a custom-matched trailer—all for $16,495.
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Test Video
Mercury 4.5L 250 HP:
Lighter Weight, Greater Efficiency & Power
The new Mercury 4.5 V6 includes a cross-ram, tuned scroll design to lengthen the intake runners which results in greater torque at low rpm and quicker planing times, according to Mercury. They also relocated the throttle body to the back of the engine, which significantly reduces the audible engine noise heard by those on board. Weight is shaved via a cast-aluminum oil pan and a lightweight fly wheel.
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Test Video
World Cat 320DC:
Roomy Offshore Dual Console w/ 16" Draft
With a 10'6" (3.20 m) beam spanning her tall twin hulls, the World Cat 320DC has plenty of space for the crew to spread out and enjoy fishing, diving, tow sports or simply cruising down the ICW. Her design should also result in the characteristic smooth ride in a chop. She has a surprisingly shallow draft for her size, just 16" (0.41 m), a major benefit when exploring backcountry creeks or easing up to a remote beach.
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Test Video
MAKO® Pro Skiff 19 CC:
Easy-Towing, Easy Stowing Flats Fisher
The MAKO® Pro Skiff 19 CC has an exceptional amount of fishing space thanks to her squared-off bow, yet floats in just 9" (0.23 m) of water. With a dry weight of 1,350 lbs. (612 kg), she's easily towable with mid-size vehicles, and her 25-gallon (94 L) aerated baitwell is larger than that found on many much bigger center consoles. She rides on triple keels that give somewhat of a catamaran effect for shallow running, remarkable stability, and a very smooth, dry ride.
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New Consumer Article
How to Trim Any Boat:
Improving Speed, Efficiency & Ride
Adjusting the trim to the appropriate angle on planing hulls can improve not only the speed but also the ride and even the fuel consumption of many boats. Trim out, raise the bow and reduce the wetted surface of the hull and the boat can run faster; trim in and lower the sharp forward entry and the boat delivers a softer ride. Add trim tabs and not only the running angle but also the side-to-side angle of the boat can be adjusted, useful in beam seas and in uneven loading.
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