Bavaria R40 Fly:

New Mid-Range Cruiser w/ Yacht Amenities

The new Bavaria R40 Fly is a mid-range cruiser that runs like a sport boat but has the size and amenities of a yacht, according to our test captain.

The salon and aft deck of the Bavaria R40 Fly are set up for entertaining and, below, the accommodations are roomy and comfortable for two couples or a small family weekending or coastal cruising. Both cabins are ensuite. She's powered by twin 370-hp diesel sterndrives, giving the fuel efficiency and slow-speed handling of pod drives, without the expense.

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New Test Video

Robalo 246 Cayman:


Bay Boat w/ 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2

The flagship of the Robalo Cayman fleet, the new 246 is a bay boat that can double as the family utility boat.

Powered with an Evinrude 300 E-TEC G2, the Robalo 246 Cayman had a WOT speed of 46.5 mph and a range of nearly 250 statute miles at 3500 rpm and 28.3 mph. Fly-by-wire digital controls provide effortless shift and throttle, and the E-TEC G2 steering feedback can also be adjusted to fine-tune the driver’s control at the helm. Removable back rests and pads turn the bow casting platform into twin chaise-type seating.

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New Captain’s Report

Regal 42 Fly:


2 Stateroom Layout for Family/2 Couples

The new Regal 42 Fly is the first flybridge yacht in the company's line, bringing an added entertainment venue on the bridge as well as easing the captain's navigational chores during good weather.

The thousands of Regal owners on the planet can now trade up to a cruising yacht that should keep them happy for decades to come -- the new Regal 42 Fly. A 16" (40.6 cm) Garmin "glass helm" display presents the skipper with a clean console displaying all the electronic functions on the flying bridge of the Regal 42 Fly. The bow pads can be left flat or converted to a chaise. An electric grill in the cockpit welcomes cookouts, but there's also a full galley inside.

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New Captain’s Report

Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius:


New, Sporty Express Cruiser

The new Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius has the stylish features of the Cantius line, and her 15' (4.57 m) beam provides space aboard to sleep six.

The new Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius is a three-stateroom yacht, with the master also transforming into a media room at the press of a button, drawing the blinds on the hull windows for enjoyment of the built-in TV and audio system. She offers a large salon on the main deck for entertaining as well as a second, more intimate area with couch and retractable TV below decks. Retractable windows in the galley open aft to merge interior and exterior spaces for entertaining.

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Captain’s Report

Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht:


New Motoryacht w/ 2,000-Mile Range

The huge flying bridge of the Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht provides lots of room for entertaining as well as space to store an inflatable dingy.

The new Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht has four luxurious ensuites for guests, and, though she can be handled by an experienced owner-operator, there's also accommodation for a crew of two. The massive flybridge is available with an enclosed "Sky Bridge" option, adding a second lounging/dining/entertaining area with the best view on the yacht. Two 32 kW Kohler generators and a 900-gpd water maker are among the long list of standard equipment.

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New Product Video

Sea-Doo Innovations:


Making PWCs Safer & More Fun

Sea-Doo has engineered several advancements into their products to enhance the rider’s experience, increase safety, and step up performance.

Sea-Doo innovations include the Intelligent Brake and Reverse System (iBR), for quicker, safer stops and easier control in reverse, as well as the Ergo-Lock seating, which allows the rider to grip the PWC with the strength of the legs, easing strain and reducing the chances of being thrown clear. The company also pioneered the Polytech hull in the Spark series, poly plus fiber for a very strong but very light hull. Last, but not least, is the ACE 1.6 L super-charged engine, which puts out an impressive 300 horsepower.

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Captain’s Report

Galeon 510 Skydeck:


Express Cruiser w/ Amenities Overhead

Putting the salon and helm on the same level and adding a large glass sunroof overhead gives the Galeon 510 Skydeck’s interior a feeling of open space and elegance.

The Galeon 510 Skydeck is fitted with a retracting glass sunroof over the lower helm station plus an aft top deck with sun lounges and second helm. This allows her to combine the advantages of a flybridge and the sporty lines of a hardtop express cruiser in a comfortable two-stateroom yacht. Large hullside windows and skylights bring lots of light below decks as well as making for great views from below while underway. Her joiner work is excellent.

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Test Video

TAHOE 700:


Deeper Bow & More Cockpit Space

The 21’ (6.40 m) TAHOE 700 rides on a V-bottom that has a sharp bow entry and 20-degrees of deadrise at the transom, promising a smooth ride in choppy water.

The TAHOE 700 powered with a single 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2 DTS with Bravo drive delivered impressive performance in our tests, topping out at over 55 mph and getting on plane in just 3.2 seconds. She is TAHOE's biggest runabout model and has a bigger, deeper bow and more cockpit space than her predecessor. She comes with a factory-matched, tandem-axle trailer with brakes and swing-away tongue.

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Test Video

Sea Ray SLX-W 230:


Luxurious Bowrider for Wake Surfing

The contoured backrest for the aft cockpit lounge of the Sea Ray SLX-W 230 makes it an ideal place to get up close and personal with the wake-sports action.

The V-drive powered Sea Ray SLX-W 230 was designed and built for wake surfing and boarding and has surf fins and triangular trim plates in addition to ballast bags. Touch screen control for all the on-board systems will appeal to millennials who don’t want to mess with different switches for the ballast, surf fins, and trim plates. There are numerous upscale touches throughout, including multiple tones to the plush upholstery, along with bead welding and diamond-stitching.

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Captain’s Report

Monte Carlo Yachts 80:


Designed & Built for Offshore Conditions

The Monte Carlo Yachts 80's stylish flying bridge is built with high-tech, lightweight materials that keep weight down.

With up to 3300 horsepower, 1,585-gallon (6,000 L) fuel capacity, and a CE Class A rating, the Monte Carlo Yachts 80 is designed and built to handle long offshore passages in most weather. The yacht displays classic lines with European flair, and monocoque construction allows versatile layouts according to the buyer's wishes. The Portuguese bridge provides access to a huge entertainment and lounging area at the bow.

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Captain’s Report

Four Winns Vista 255:


A Pocket Cruiser for More Fun

The Four Winns Vista 255 includes a cockpit galley that comes with a sink and storage for a 36-quart (34.1 L) cooler in the base. A Corian countertop, cooktop, and refrigerator are available options.

The Four Winns Vista V255 is a quality pocket cruiser with a convertible V-bunk in the bow and a beam-width mid cabin as well as a standup head. With the optional camper canvas, she can seat up to nine people. The aft cockpit seat converts to a double-wide sun lounge, and the cockpit galley offers an optional cooktop and refrigerator. A custom-fitted tandem trailer is available as an option.

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Updated Test Video

Formula 31 Performance Cruiser:


New Swim Platform & Cockpit Seating

The Formula 31 Performance Cruiser hull paint and graphics create a mirror-like finish and the distinctive Formula eye-appeal. Note the convertible aft seating.

The Formula 31 Performance Cruiser offers sporty performance thanks to the twin 375-hp MerCruiser option, which delivered a top speed of 46.8 mph in our tests. She comes loaded with standard features, including a radar arch, electric winch, Bennett tabs, and remote control searchlight. The cabin comes standard with a 24” LCD HDTV/DVD combo player with dockside access cord, as well as a Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo with iPod/USB docking station, Bluetooth, and two 6” x 9” speakers.

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Test Video

Yamaha FX Cruiser HO:


WaveRunner w/ Low-Profile Design

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO version has scalloped backrests and deeply padded seats to provide comfortable seating for up to three riders.

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO, powered with Yamaha's 1.8L 4-stroke, 4-cylinder high output marine engine, showed strong performance in our test ride, topping out at 62.6 mph. The NanoXcel Ultra-lightweight hull and deck keeps dry weight to around 830 lbs. (376 kg), boosting acceleration. Metal flake paint, rather than gelcoat, adds eye-appeal. A mechanical neutral system keeps the PWC from wandering in idle.

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Test Video

Glastron GTS 225:


Roadster-Style Sportboat

The Glastron GTS 225 has a standard swim platform molded into the transom, and an optional extension with soft mat nearly doubles the size of this important location for tow sports and swimmers.

The Glastron GTS 225 has classic graphics and interior styling plus all the expected comforts of a modern runabout. The aft sunpad can be conformed as a chaise lounge or an aft-facing seat, and an optional fold-down tower adds a high tow-point as well as a sporty look. Powered by a single 300-hp Mercruiser with Bravo 3 drive, she reached a top speed of 48.6 mph.

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New Product Video

Mercury VesselView Mobile App:


Compatible w/ iOS and Android Devices

The new Mercury VesselView Mobile App is compatible with all Mercury SmartCraft-capable engines built since 2003 (40-hp and up).

Mercury Marine’s new VesselView Mobile App takes the place of many functions of a Vessel View screen on a boat’s instrument panel, or can be used in conjunction with it. The app connects the SmartCraft data network to an iOS or Android mobile device via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0), allowing the user to get fault code diagnostic info, mapping data for a given body of water, nearest Mercury dealer location, maintenance reminders, and lots more.

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New Comparison

We Compare Four 26'-31' Dual Consoles:

Which One is Best?

This week's comparison features four dual-console boats between 26 and 31 feet length. Dual consoles are displacing center consoles as the "go-to" boats for all but true scales-in-their-veins fishing fanatics. Why? Dual consoles have more creature comforts: Better, more comfortable seating; the protection of a full windshield from wind and spray; they can be buttoned up with cruising canvas for rain protection; they are better suited for entertaining and watersports; they have more stowage space; and, in larger models (including the boats in this week's comparison), there is room for an enclosed head.

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New Consumer Report

BoatTEST’s Test Numbers:


What Do They Mean?

Capt. Steve records the test data during a performance evaluation on the Prestige 680 Motor Yacht. Performance can vary significantly from boat to boat.

BoatTEST has been producing test information on a wide range of boats for over 17 years and has become the largest dependable boating research site on the Internet. Each year, millions of people all over the world research boating buying by using our Captain’s Reports and test numbers – but there is a lot more to those numbers than may initially meet the eye. There are nuggets of valuable information in those numbers, if you know where to look.

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