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What Does "CE"
Certification Mean?
CE Certification is required for all recreational boats being sold in the European Union. The system rates boats on construction, strength, stability, freeboard, resistance to down-flooding and deck drainage, providing a measure of their seaworthiness in varying conditions. The A, or Ocean, rating is tops, followed by B-Offshore, C-Inshore and D-Inland. Beneteau has kindly sponsored a video written and produced by BoatTEST.com to explain this European classification system.
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New Test Video
Yamaha VX Limited:
A Full Featured
Family Watersports PWC Package
The new Yamaha VX Limited is an upscale PWC equipped with Yamaha's new TR-1 High Output engine. The company reports that the new engine is 40% smaller than the motor it replaces, yet produces 12.7% more power. The VX Limited was very quick getting on plane, with 0 to 30 mph times of just 2.4 seconds. Top speed is 53.1 mph at 8100 rpm, and most efficient operation is at 6000 rpm and 31.2 mph, at which point she burns 3.4 gph for a range of 155 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
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New Captain's Report
Azimut 80:
Artistry Afloat w/ 4 Ensuite Staterooms
With four ensuite cabins, the strikingly contemporary Azimut 80 will readily accommodate eight, in addition to a crew of three. The squared-off bow adds both working and lounging space on the foredeck, as well as increasing the available volume for below deck accommodations. The dramatic styling does not sacrifice interior light — large, well placed windows both above decks and in the hull bring in lots of natural light.
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New Test Video
Chaparral 337 SSX:
Sportboat Performance w/ Full-Beam Cabin
Powered with twin 350-hp MerCruiser 6.2L V8s turning Bravo 3 drives, the Chaparral 337 SSX reached a top speed of 48.5 mph at 5100 rpm. Best cruise came in at 3500 rpm where she ran 23 mph and burned 9.4 gph, resulting in a range of 330 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. The boat is available with a wide range of MerCruiser and Volvo Penta power, and joystick options allow for easy docking with drive systems from either company.
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New Captain's Report
Hunt Yachts 32CC:
Designed to Fish, Cruise and Overnight
The forward wraparound seating of the Hunt Yachts 32CC accommodates eight in luxurious comfort, and the optional teak table makes her ready for al fresco dining. A compact but functional cabin beneath the console contains a basic galley, storage, and a fully enclosed head with shower. The back of the leaning post offers a work table, sink and storage, handy either for rigging bait or preparing lunch.
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New Test Video
Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly:
Flybridge Cruiser w/ Precise Build
Powered by two 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 D6s, the Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly reached a top speed of 32.4 knots at 3490 rpm. Most economical speed was 25.3 knots at 3000 rpm, the same speed we ended up running for comfort. At that speed the fuel burn was 31 gph, giving a safe range of 232 nautical miles with a 10% reserve. Our test captain found the boat particularly stable in beam seas.
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 270 Sundeck:
New XL Bowrider w/ Bimini Arch
Offers Speed and Economy
Powered with a 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2L V8, the Sea Ray 270 Sundeck jumped on plane in just 3.5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 8.5 seconds in our test runs. Top speed was 44 mph. Most economical cruise was at 3500 rpms, where she ran 28.3 mph while getting 3.2 mpg for a range of 188 miles between fill ups, allowing a 10% fuel reserve.
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Captain's Report
Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht:
A Go-Anywhere Motoryacht
The Ocean Alexander 85 Motoryacht comes sumptuously equipped both for the comfort of the owner and his guests and for operational efficiency. Standard equipment includes two 32 kW Kohler generators, 25-hp bow and stern thrusters, a power davit and tender on the flying bridge, a crew cabin and much more. This new yacht features four ensuite staterooms and is distinguished by a world-class level of fit-and-finish.
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Captain's Report
Jeanneau 54:
Roomy New Sailing Yacht w/ Layout Options
The Jeanneau 54 carries her maximum beam of 16’1” (4.92 m) nearly all the way to the transom, creating a generously-sized cockpit that measures over a third of the boat’s length — ideal for on-water socializing and for the mechanics of sailing. Below decks, the portside galley maximizes its useful area with space saving ideas like the slide-out microwave compartment. A hood over the cooktop clears food odors from the living quarters.
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Test Video
NITRO Z20:
Tournament Bass Machine w/ 71.2 MPH WOT
The NITRO Z20 is a turnkey tournament bass fishing machine, especially when equipped with the optional Mercury 250 OptiMax Pro XS. She comes fully equipped with a large aerated stern livewell with dual hatches, electric trolling motor, locking rod storage, basic fishfinder, deep-cycle batteries and a custom-matched tandem axle trailer.
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Test Video
Evinrude E-TEC 90 H.O.:
Extra Muscle for Mid-Size Boats
The new Evinrude E-TEC 90 H.O. outboard is a detuned 115-hp Evinrude E-TEC 115 engine with four cylinders, not three cylinders as in the standard 90. Displacement is 105.4 cu. in. (1726cc) rather than the 79 cu. in. of the standard 90. At low rpms where more power is needed, the Evinrude E-TEC 90 H.O. has the torque that an Evinrude E-TEC 115 produces. The motor also includes a V6-sized gear case, which promises better durability as well as a wider selection of props.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 320 Vantage:
Combo Bowrider/Fishing Machine
The Boston Whaler 320 Vantage, powered with twin 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards turning 14-5/8” x 17” Rev 4 props, reached a top speed of 49.1 mph in our test runs. Best cruise came in at 5000 rpm and 36.6 mph, which reduced the fuel burn to 28.8 gph and increased the range to 315 miles while maintaining a 10% reserve. Time to plane was 3.9 seconds — impressive considering a test weight of over 13,000 lbs. (5,897 kg).
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Features Video
Pursuit ST 310:
New Center Console w/ Extra Seating
The Pursuit ST 310 comes fully equipped for her multiple missions, including serious offshore fishing, diving, cruising and general entertaining afloat. A unique feature is the center helm station with a walkaround to port only, rather than on both sides -- the starboard side of the console area is put to good use as a changing room and for added forward-facing seating.
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Design and Style Video
Beneteau Monte Carlo 4:
Luxury Touches Make the Difference
The Beneteau Monte Carlo 4 is intended for day boating, entertaining large groups, and modest coastal family vacations — all in a sophisticated setting with a broad choice of colors and textures. Leather trim sets off the furnishings and drawer pulls in living areas, while all hardware is highly-polished stainless steel. Decking is teak with composite inlay, giving both eye appeal and secure footing.
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Features Video
Grady-White 191 CE:
A Small Center Console Work Horse
Powered by a Yamaha 150 4-stroke, the Grady-White 191 CE reached a top speed of 46.5 mph, according to the Grady-White test team, and best cruise was measured at 26.8 mph while burning 6.1 gph. With a 200, the company reports top speed increased to about 51.6 mph, while best cruise was at 28 mph with a 5.7 gph fuel burn for a range of 231.5 statute miles — the larger engine does not have to work so hard at moderate rpm, thus the improvement in economy.
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Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe:
Cruising Yacht w/ Convertible Cockpit
The Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe offers striking Eurostyle lines and a standard electrically-operated sunroof, but perhaps her most innovative feature is the cockpit seating. With the starboard L-shaped settee moved to port on sliding tracks, the yacht offers al fresco dining for up to eight. Slide the seat to starboard and it creates a passageway down the center of the boat for access to the swim platform. Or drop the dining table and lower the seat backs — electrically, of course — and the whole area becomes a giant sun pad.
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New Captain's Report
Rinker Captiva 186 FS OB:
Quick Change Family Fish-and-Ski
The Rinker Captiva 186 FS OB has the general lines of a dedicated family runabout, but she's also ready to go fishing at a moment's notice. High-backed foldaway seats aft provide comfortable seating when the boat is in ski mode, or can be moved to fittings in the forward and aft decks to function as swiveling fishing seats. The Minn Kota trolling motor slides easily off its bow mount and stores away for those days when the mission involves towsports rather than rods and reels.
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