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Pursuit OS 355 // Hatteras 90 // New Volvo Penta V8-300 // 15 Reports


BoatTEST Newsletter February 17, 2016
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Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust
IN THIS ISSUE
- Pursuit OS 355 Offshore

- Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht

- Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

- Volvo Penta V8-300

- Sea Ray 310 SLX

- TRACKER Targa V-18 WT

- Jeanneau Sun Odyssey

- Bayliner VR6

- Regal 30 Express

- Robalo 226 Cayman

- Formula 45 Yacht

- Beneteau Sense 50

- Mako 19 CPX

- TAHOE 2150

- Cruisers Sport Series 238

- Shurhold Combo Brush

- Picture of the Week

- Boating Course On DVD

Pursuit OS 355 Offshore:

New Outboard-Powered


Premium Express


Pursuit OS 355 Offshore
The Pursuit OS 355 Offshore features a transom design that insets the outboards between two swim platforms, cleaning up the appearance of the transom area as well as providing a walkway for boarding or for handling medium-sized fish.

The cockpit of the Pursuit OS 355 Offshore includes an electric grill, refrigerator and two bench-type seats that flip down to provide lots of seating for long rides offshore or for cocktail time. All the usual fishing amenities are present, including a large livewell and a giant fishbox. Upscale touches in the cabin include electrically actuated V-berth seating that converts into a queen berth and a polished teak table with an electrically-actuated base. An 8.0 kW Fischer Panda diesel generator with sound shield is standard. She's rated for twin 350-hp outboards.

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New Captain's Report


Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht:


An All-New World-Ranging Yacht


Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht
The striking elegance of the Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht hides the carefully-engineered structures of a powerful, world-ranging yacht.

The Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht blends ergonomics and utility together within a contemporary design in a yacht that can go almost anywhere. Interior areas provide a level of luxury comparable to any yacht in this size, but it's in the engineering that the 90 Motor Yacht distinguishes herself. A 45 horsepower hydraulic bow thruster and a 6,000 lb. (2,721 kg), deck-mounted hydraulic anchor windlass are characteristic of the durable, heavy-duty mechanicals on board. Integrated fiberglass fuel tanks built right into the hull provides greater fuel storage (3,700 gallons/14,006 L total), weight savings and a lower CG, and this also serves as a second bottom to the boat in case of grounding.

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New Features Video


Boston Whaler 280 Outrage:

Comfort and Versatility Simplified


Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
There’s easy passage from the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage’s cockpit to the bow, which has a much more social feel for 2016.

Boston Whaler asked owners for input on the re-design of the 280 Outrage center console and they said they want a boat that’s comfortable and versatile. The best example of this is in the bow, which has aft-facing seating forward and a luxurious doublewide lounge on the front of the console with fold-down armrests and a huge locker storage in the base. An optional table creates a social spot for lunch that can be lowered to support a filler cushion that turns the area into a big play pad. For comfort of a different kind, the private head with starboard entry in the console has 5’5” (1.65 m) of headroom and a pull-up shower.

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New Features Video


Volvo Penta V8-300:


Closed-Loop Cooling is Standard


Volvo Penta V8-300
The 300-hp V8 Volvo Penta engine has closed-cooling and most of the routinely serviced items are mounted on the front for easier maintenance.

Volvo Penta’s new V8-300 is based on the General Motors highly acclaimed GenV platform. Volvo Penta took that platform and has marinized it for efficient, reliable operation and easy maintenance. It’s built on a 5.3-liter (323-cid) aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads, which saves weight and has closed cooling to improve longevity. For ease of service, the V8-300 has the Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD) that bolts to the front of the engine and contains the mounting locations for engine accessories such as the alternator, water pump, oil filter, coolant reservoir and heat exchanger. It can be paired with Duoprop or SX sterndrives or the new Forward Drive and it comes with a 5-year warranty.

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New Captain's Report


Sea Ray 310 SLX:


New Luxury-Grade Sport Boat Carries 17


Sea Ray 310 SLX
The luxurious new Sea Ray 310 SLX is an exceptionally roomy sportboat, rated for a maximum of 17 passengers.

The Sea Ray 310 SLX features many amenities as standard that are options on other brands, including a watersports tower that folds down electrically, a wet bar and a head compartment with sink with running water and a VacuFlush toilet. The cockpit entertainment area includes a sink and hard-surface worktop and can be upgraded with an electric grill and refrigerator. The dash is unique, with automotive-style Dynamic Display that provides all information for operational systems as well as navigation on 12” and 7” touchscreens.

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Test Video


TRACKER Targa V-18 WT:


Tough, All-Welded Aluminum Fishing Rig


TRACKER Targa V-18 WT
Switches at the bow panel of the TRACKER Targa V-18 WT control outboard tilt and the livewell aerator. Two Plano tackle boxes are in a closed compartment right alongside.

The TRACKER Targa V-18 WT features an all-welded aluminum hull with a 20-degree deadrise and has a lot more freeboard than the typical bassboat, making it a strong choice for big and often rough northern lakes where walleyes and smallmouth are the primary targets. She comes fully equipped for angling, including large bow and stern livewells, a 70 lb. thrust Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor, four swiveling fishing seats that can be moved to various locations, and a Lowrance Mark-5X fishfinder.

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Captain's Report


Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS:


Sleek Styling in a Sailing Yacht


Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41 DS
The raised cockpit design of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS provides improved visibility forward as well as a drier ride in windy conditions to windward and more freeboard aft.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS integrates a raised salon layout design by renowned artists Franck Darnet and Olivier Flahault with a modern sleek hull design by Phillipe Briand. The result offers boaters the space, comfort, style and ergonomics of many larger sailboats. The company's computerized construction process sets it apart from other builders in class, creating a strong, lightweight boat with excellent exterior fit-and-finish.

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Test Video


Bayliner VR6:


Beam-Forward Design in a 22'4" Runabout


Bayliner VR6
Two-tone upholstery and snap-in carpet add an upscale look to the Bayliner VR6, yet she's very competitively priced.

The Bayliner VR6 has a beam-forward design that means added space in the bow seating area which is usually a compact venue in a runabout of this LOA. Overall, she offers considerably more interior seating space than the 215 that she replaces, and all-composite stringer decks and hatches mean long-term durability. The port console head is an unusual extra in runabouts of this LOA.

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Captain's Report


Regal 30 Express:


Upscale Express Weekender


Regal 30 Express
Large overhead hatches as well as hullside windows bring lots of ambient light into the cabin of the Regal 30 Express.

The Regal 30 Express has many of the aft cockpit features found in larger runabouts and sportboats, including chaise-style seating that can face the swim platform as well as the cockpit, and which also converts to a sun pad. A walkthrough windshield provides access to the bow for anchor-handling. The interior features a queen berth with a forward seating area that can convert to a second berth for two. A galley with sink and stove and a wet head make her a competent weekender.

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Test Video


Robalo 226 Cayman:


Broad-Beam Bay Boat


Robalo 226 Cayman
The Robalo 226 Cayman has lots of flair at the bow for a bayboat, and that combined with her 8'6" (2.59 m) beam should make her a stable, dry platform for fishing both inshore and off the beach.

The Robalo 226 Cayman has a 15-degree deadrise and draft of just 12'' (30 cm), making her a competent flats rig, but plenty of freeboard and bow flair make her capable outside the inlets in reasonable weather, as well. The bow rod lockers have stainless steel piston-assists to keep the hatch lids out of the way when accessing rods. An unusual feature in a bayboat is the head tucked inside the front-opening console.

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Features Video


Formula 45 Yacht:


Fleet Flagship w/ IPS Drives


Formula 45 Yacht
The Formula 45 Yacht features a huge walkthrough windshield, making her an extended-season performance cruiser with easy access to the bow.

The Formula 45 Yacht includes a variety of premium-grade features and options like a Ralph Lauren interior package, Ultraleather settee with Ultrasuede lumbar accents, a 46” flatscreen TV connected to a Bose Lifestyle surround sound home theater system with five double cubed speakers, a powered subwoofer module, a Blu-Ray DVD player and Wi-Fi connectivity. The entire helm area can be fully-enclosed and air-conditioned. The company's trademark flawlessly-painted exterior finishes are standard.

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Captain's Report


Beneteau Sense 50:


Roomy Twin Helm Sailing Yacht


Beneteau Sense 50
The beamy, chined hull of the Beneteau Sense 50 is stable and dry thanks to greater form stability. She is sailed most efficiently on her feet with no more than 10 to 15-degrees of heel.

The Beneteau Sense 50 is beamy, spacious, and has lots of natural light below decks, thanks to an abundance of windows in the hull and cabin trunk. She is easy to handle, even to single-hand, according to our test captain. The cockpit and interior salon flow seamlessly into one another via a large companionway and large coach roof windows. The cockpit has two large lounging settees, twin double helm seats and an arch that raises the mainsheet traveler above the living space. When fitted with an optional spray dodger mounted to the arch, the cockpit should be well protected on most days.

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Test Video


Mako 19 CPX:


Shallow-Draft Bay Fisherman


Mako 19 CPX
The Mako 19 CPX provides exceptional speed when equipped with the optional 150-hp Mercury 4-stroke and stainless steel prop, topping out at 50.9 mph in our test runs.

The Mako 19 CPX is an effective bay fisherman that delivers 50.9 mph speed with a 150-hp outboard and jumps on plane in just 3.5 seconds -- important to flats anglers who often have limited depth to get out of the hole. She floats in just 12'' (.30 m) with the motor up, and includes rod storage, a 28-gallon (106 L) livewell, fishbox, and trolling rod holders. Space for trolling motor batteries and a bow-mount trolling motor is also included. With a 15-degree deadrise at the transom, she can handle the chop found in open bay crossings on most days.

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Captain's Report


TAHOE 2150:


Ready for Watersports


TAHOE 2150
The squared-off bow of the TAHOE 2150 adds seating space forward, while the sharp forward entry and 20-degree deadrise at the transom should smooth the ride in a chop.

The new TAHOE 2150 comes well-equipped for watersports and general family enjoyment, with standard features including a drop-down changing room attached to the standard Bimini, bow and stern ladders and a carry-on ice chest stowed under the cockpit seat. A refreshment center with sink, pull-out sprayer and a 5-gallon (19 L) freshwater tank is located amidships on the port side.

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Test Video


Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider:


Sporty Runabout w/ Family Comforts


Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider
The chaise lounge configuration in the bow of the Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider provides a secure ride thanks to the high freeboard at the bow as well as the stainless steel grab rails.

The uniquely sculptured lines of the Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider gives her exceptional eye appeal, while a 21-degree deadrise and a solid build softens the ride. The extended swim platform, positioned 10'' (.25 m) above the water, is an ideal spot to gear up for tow-sports. On the port side is a stereo remote control and a motor tilt switch for convenience when launching the boat from a trailer. A fresh water shower wand is located near the four-step ladder and transom gate.

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Product Promotion


Shurhold Combo Brush:


Two Boat Brushes in One


Shurhold Combo Brush
The Shurhold Combo Brush includes long, soft bristles for gentle gelcoat cleaning as well as stiffer short bristles that come into play for scrubbing hard to remove deck stains.

The Shurhold Combo Deck Brush features longer soft fibers for washing and medium short fibers for scrubbing. As the user pushes down harder on stubborn spots, the stiffer fibers take over. As with all Shurhold brushes, this combo deck brush easily snaps into any Shurhold handle and features solid wood block construction plus a rubber wraparound bumper to prevent marking finishes.

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