MAKO® 414 CC:
New 60.3 MPH Family Fishing Flagship
The new 414 CC flagship comes fully-rigged for fishing, and with quad Mercury Verado 350s, she can get to the fish fast; top speed was 60.3 mph in our tests. Maximum horsepower rating is 1675. The Blue Water Family Edition includes full upholstery for the bow, including a filler to turn it into a sun pad, removable backrests for lounge-type seating, and a table. There's also a two-person chaise style lounge on the front of the console, with fold-up armrests, integrated cup holders, and tall backrests.
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New Product Video
Mercury Marine JPO:
Updated Joystick Piloting for Outboards
A recent and extremely boater-friendly innovation from Mercury Marine, JPO (Joystick Piloting for Outboards), provides full joystick maneuverability for boats with twin, triple or quad outboards. This is a convenience that even veteran boaters will appreciate because large outboard-powered boats are not always easy to maneuver, particularly in strong winds or currents. We recently tested Mercury’s updated JPO.
Find out what happened...
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New Captain's Report
Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht:
2 or 3 Stateroom Luxurious Cruiser
The luxurious Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht is offered in two- or three-stateroom configurations, both with two heads. The hardtop extension covers the entire cockpit deck, which is equipped with upscale furnishings that would look at home inside the salon. The salon opens to the sky via electric sun roofs. She includes a tender garage and an electric winch for effortless launch and retrieval.
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New Test Video
World Cat 280CC-X:
High-Tech Catamaran Design w/ 48.7 MPH WOT
The all-new World Cat 280CC-X has a new VectorFlo tunnel designed to reduce friction plus a new sheerline and tumblehome to present a sleeker look. The three-piece hull allows more deck space. Integrated docking lights give the boat a cleaner look and added safety when operating at night. Using its first all-CAD design, advanced materials and resin infusion, World Cat held down the weight of the 280CC-X to keep her light and agile. Powered with twin 200-hp Yamahas, she ran 48.7 mph in our tests.
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New Features Video
Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe:
Distinctive Styling in a New Coupe
Dramatic exterior styling identifies the new Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe, but she still fits accommodations for six into her interior areas thanks to an 11'4" (3.45 m) beam and plenty of freeboard. The optional transom galley likely will be popular: It has a solid-surface countertop, grill, and refrigerator that can transform the aft swim platform into a patio cookout. Mercury's Axius Joystick, SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift, and SmartCraft VesselView display are all standard equipment.
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Test Video
Formula 350 FX CBR:
Twin Ilmor 430s = 56 MPH
The Formula 350 FX CBR (Crossover Bow Rider) is a large bowrider with sportboat performance, and she also includes a compact cabin for comfortable overnights. Powered with twin 430-hp Ilmor engines with electro-hydraulic One Drive sterndrives, she topped out at 56.0 mph in our tests. Joystick controls and counter-rotating props on each drive allow confident control around the docks.
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Test Video
Prestige Yachts 680:
Versatile Layouts, Accommodation for 8
The Prestige 680 is offered in three or four-suite layout. The master is just steps away from the lower helm, with a private entry separate from the other staterooms. With a draft of just 5'2" (1.58 m), she's capable of cruising in relatively shallow water, opening up many areas out of reach to many large yachts. At 66,000 lbs. (29,937 kg) , she's also one of the lighter yachts in class, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
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New Features Video
Yamaha EX:
A Yamaha PWC for $6,599 Base
The Yamaha EX is an entry-level PWC, but she rides on a durable fiberglass hull that ensures longevity. The new fuel efficient three-cylinder, 4-stroke 1019cc engine is 40% smaller and 20% lighter than its 4-cylinder predecessor, yet still puts out more power. The company reports a top speed of 51.1 mph. Her base price is $6,599.
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Captain’s Report
Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62:
3 Staterooms & 3 Heads
The Oceanis Yacht 62 offers two layout versions: the first with three staterooms and three en-suite heads; the second with the same three staterooms plus a smaller bunkroom in place of one of the heads. We would suggest that the three stateroom, three head layout is better for three couples, whereas the second layout might be better for a single, larger family with small children. Crew quarters with two pipe berths and a head in the bow come in both layouts.
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Test Video
Beneteau Monte Carlo 6:
Modern Construction plus Versatile Layout
The Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 combines the best tradition of Italian design with the industrial know-how of Groupe Bénéteau. With the characteristic sharp entry of the brand, she cuts through rough seas more comfortably than virtually any yacht in class, according to our test captain. A 16'1" (4.90 m) beam gives plenty of interior space as well as adding stability in beam seas.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 338 Bow Rider:
Luxury Bowrider w/ Large Cabin Below
The Cruisers Yachts 338 Bow Rider is one of the classiest crossover bowriders her size. She combines a huge seating area up front with a large mid cabin suitable for overnighting by a couple in comfortable surroundings. A mini-galley and enclosed wet head make weekend cruises a possibility. She displays exceptional cockpit depth throughout, adding safety for children and pets, and the swiveling seats in the aft cockpit can function both as lounging areas and as a spot for watching those on the tow-line.
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Comparison
We Compare 4 Aluminum TRACKER® boats:
Match the Boat to the Use and Water
TRACKER® Targa™ V-20 WT
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TRACKER® Pro Team™ 195 TXW
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TRACKER® Pro Team 175 TXW®
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TRACKER® Pro Guide™ V-16 WT
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This week's roundup compares four TRACKER aluminum fishing boats. Marine-grade alloy aluminum is the material of choice for many fishermen and recreational boaters who want a strong, lightweight, fuel-efficient, and impact-resistant hull. TRACKER has been building aluminum boats for almost forty years, and their experience shows in the four boats in this roundup. Little wonder that it is the largest selling aluminum fishing boat brand in the world. Each of these four boats was designed for a specific purpose, so let’s compare them to find the best one for specific applications.
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New Consumer Report
Selecting the Right Outboard Engine
Everyone has their own set of priorities when it comes to selecting an outboard engine. Some people care primarily about top speed, others about fuel-efficiency, but all owners want reliability. But most important is making a good match between the boat, its primary mission, and the engine specified. This week we offer some important tips on outboard selection.
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