|
Why Boston Whaler Boats Have
Excellent Fit-and-Finish
Boston Whaler is the largest selling brand of center consoles/dual consoles over 20’ (6.1 m) by a significant margin. We have identified several reasons, and one of them is the undeniable quality of their fit-and-finish. But how do they accomplish their excellent build?
More...
|
New Product Video
Mercury JPI System:
Joystick Docking for Inboard Tow Boats
With one well-planned launch, Sea Ray has entered the wake surfing market with an inboard boat that solves the biggest complaint that owners have about inboard tow boats: docking them. With the new Mercury JPI joystick installed, stress related to docking is a thing of the past. Now, every owner of one of these boats can make docking look easy -- because it is easy! The joystick controls the single MerCruiser 6.2 L 370-hp V-Drive engine and both a bow and stern thruster.
More...
|
New Captain’s Report
Prestige 630:
3 En Suite Staterooms + Crew Quarters
The Prestige 630 has a beam spanning 16'10" (5.13 m). She features a full-beam master, plus two en suite guest cabins. A two-bunk cabin, also with head, is located just ahead of the transom; it can function as a hideaway for the kids if not used as a crew cabin. Large sunpads both on the bow and the flying bridge welcome sun-worshippers, while the overhang on the aft cockpit provides shade for those who prefer it.
More...
|
New Test Video
Aquila 36:
Twin Cabin Cat w/ Outboard Power
The Aquila 36 is a combination of a twin-cabin cruiser with a large bowrider, taking advantage of catamaran hulls and a broad 14'7" (4.45 m) beam to provide lounging and seating space for up to 20 guests. Each cabin offers a twin bed forward and an ensuite head. Power cats are generally the most stable vessels in their size range.
More...
|
Captain’s Report
Galeon 420 Fly:
Creative Spaces for Entertaining & Cruising
The Galeon 420 Fly has creative seating arrangements that let the indoors flow outdoors. The aft end of the U-shaped salon couch swings out across the sliding door entry onto the cockpit deck, joining up with the cockpit seating, while the transom seat slides fore and aft on tracks. The flying bridge features a large sun pad, an entertainment center and a retractable Bimini for shade as desired.
More...
|
Updated Test Video
Formula 40 Performance Cruiser:
Performance Cruiser for Connoisseurs
Formula Boats is a family-owned business now in its third generation working on its shop floor and in its engineering department. Like virtually all successful family-owned businesses, it is dedicated to producing the best product possible in its market niche and protecting the brand's reputation. Formula Boats are built for very special consumers -- ones that know and appreciate a finely built yacht when they see one.
For connoisseurs only...
|
Test Video
TAHOE 1950:
Roomy Deckboat w/ 49.6 MPH Speed
The TAHOE 1950 carries much of her 8'6" (2.59 m) beam all the way to the bow, adding seating space forward as well as increasing the size of the bow seating and swim deck. A color-keyed Bimini top with drop-down changing curtain is standard, as is a refreshment center with sink and storage.
More...
|
Test Video
Sea Ray L550 Fly:
Turn-Key Yacht w/ High-End Features
The Sea Ray L550 Fly is a premium-grade yacht loaded with high-end features including a power sunroof on the flying bridge, an advanced digital switching system, and a hydraulic swim platform complete with flush-mount folding teak stairs that rise automatically as it lowers into the water. She comes fully equipped, right down to glassware and china with the Sea Ray logo.
More...
|
Test Video
Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution:
U.S.-Built for an Owner/Operator
The Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution is built in the United States and has been designed to be easily handled by an owner/operator. In addition to her four guest staterooms, she also includes captain's quarters for those who prefer a paid skipper or mate for washdown chores. She's loaded with standard features that are high-dollar extras on many in class, including a hydraulic swim platform, 20 kW generator and C-Zone monitoring system.
More...
|
|
Comparison
19'-22' Bay/Flats Boats:
Some are Much Better than Others
|
Wellcraft 221 Fisherman
|
Robalo 206 Cayman
|
|
Mako 21 LTS
|
Grady-White 191 Coastal Explorer
|
This spring, BoatTEST captains scrubbed two tests because they felt the boats were too dangerous to operate at high speed -- they were both bay/flats boats. We don’t publish reviews of boats we think are unsafe. Because these boats are relatively simple and easy to build, there are many garage builders pumping them out at low prices. Trouble is, these small-time builders largely are not building to ABYC standards, and in some cases, basic common-sense safety aspects are omitted.
This week, we are comparing four bay boats that do pass our test. And all of them are built by companies that have the infrastructure to design, engineer and build safe boats. For this week's comparison, we're looking at bay boats from 19' to 22' (5.79 m to 6.71 m) -- four easy-to-trailer, fish-oriented models designed for relatively sheltered coastal waters.
More...
|
Test Video
Sailfish 270CC:
High-Tech Build in a Fuel-Friendly Fishboat
The Sailfish 270CC keeps weight down and strength up due to smart use of materials. She has carbon-fiber reinforced deck beams running athwartships to stiffen the deck and Kevlar reinforcement attaching stringers and hull sides. She comes fully-loaded for offshore fishing, including a 30-gallon livewell in the transom and numerous rod holders and racks, plus an optional 35-gallon livewell, bait prep sink and two tackle drawers behind the leaning post/helm seats. Note her high freeboard.
More...
|
New Captain’s Report
Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge:
Sky Lounge Comfort Plus Angling Amenities
The Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge has a secondary control station just abaft the wheelhouse, a plus when backing into a slip as well as when she is being used for big game fishing offshore. Massive windows both on the bridge and in the main deck salon offer impressive views as well as making interior areas bright. Two C-Zone screens control all electrical systems on the yacht.
More...
|
Test Video
TRACKER Pro Team 175 TXW:
Light, Tough & Ready to Fish
The TRACKER® Pro Team™ 175 TXW rides on an all-welded aluminum hull that's both lightweight and tough, allowing towing by mid-size vehicles and power by Mercury outboards up to 75 horsepower. With a 60-horsepower four-stroke, she ran 35.2 mph in our tests. She comes fully-loaded for angling, complete with trolling motor, sonar, rod lockers and lots more.
More...
|
New Operational & Performance Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 105:
High-Tech, High-Quality w/o a Long Wait
Best of all for people in a hurry, the 105 has one of the fastest production times of any yacht this size. That is because her interior and her hull and superstructure are built at the same time. Most builders in class build the hull and then build the interior inside -- and it can take many months to complete. For people ready for their just rewards, why wait when you don't have to?
More...
|
Features Video
Bavaria Virtess 420 Coupe:
3-Stateroom Cruiser w/ Welcome Extras
The Bavaria Virtess 420 Coupe is unusual in that it offers three staterooms and two heads in a 44'9" (13.64 m) yacht. She includes a number of top-end features as standard equipment, including an electric sunroof, bow thruster, diesel generator and chilled-water AC. Options include a hydraulic swim platform and unusual track-sliding cockpit furniture.
More...
|
Features Video
Yamaha FX Limited SVHO:
Comfortable, Luxurious, Fast & Fun
The Yamaha FX Limited SVHO's NanoXcel 2 hull shaves more than 70 lbs. (32 kg) off the total weight of the PWC compared to SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) fiberglass, improving performance as well as efficiency. The company's RiDE technology allows rapid braking, controllable reverse, full neutral for easy dockside maneuvering, and trim control, allowing running angle adjustment when hauling added riders. Cruise control and no-wake mode is also standard.
More...
|
Test Video
Beneteau Monte Carlo 5:
Retro Style in a Modern Yacht
The Beneteau Monte Carlo 5 is a three-stateroom, two-head cruiser with flying bridge, powered by twin IPS600s. Her plumb bow, high freeboard and circular hull-side windows give her a classic retro look, but inside she's all high-tech modern yacht. Exceptional fit and finish combines with practical materials to create interior areas that are both handsome and functional, according to our test captain.
More...
|
New Test Video
Bluewater 2550:
Fast & Fuel-Efficient
w/ 2 x 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2s
Powered by twin 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards, the Bluewater 2550 maxed out at 52 mph, while at a cruise of 26 mph she got 2.5 mpg for a range over 340 miles. The outboards are bracket-mounted, increasing usable space in the cockpit as well as improving running efficiency. She comes fully-equipped for offshore angling, with a 35-gallon livewell, insulated fishboxes, in-deck locking rod box and more.
More...
|
New Consumer Report
How to Repower a Sterndrive
While you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, you can repower an old sterndrive dog and turn her into a greyhound. Repowering is not quite as easy as writing a check for a new boat, but, then, it is not as expensive, either. For many people, the best solution to a tired old boat is repowering, and the immense savings is worth sorting out a few details -- such as do you go for a large horsepower engine now that you have the chance? We discuss what you need to know.
More...
|
|
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
|
|
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
are all clearly labeled as such.
|
|
