Boston Whaler 280 Outrage:
57 MPH WOT
w/ 2 x 300-HP Engines
The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage was re-designed to provide nimble handling when the family is out playing for the day as well as handling offshore conditions when it’s time to go after big game. The deep-V bottom has 23-degrees of deadrise at the transom and a sharp bow entry to slice through waves. A new pad in the running surface helped her plane in 4.1 seconds when powered by a pair of 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards. She hit 20 mph in 5.3 seconds and 30 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed was 57 mph at 6300 rpm and best cruise came at 3500 rpm where she ran 29.3 mph and burned 17.4 gph, giving her a range of 282 statute miles.
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New Test Video
Volvo Penta V6-280:
High Output for Greater Low-End Torque
The new Volvo Penta V6-280 is a high-output V-6 engine designed specifically for the marine industry. To save weight, it’s built on a 4.3-liter (262-cid) aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads. Its output rivals that of a small V-8, but because it has a weight-to-power ratio of 3.2 lbs. (1.5 kg) per horsepower, it gets better fuel economy and has cleaner emissions thanks to spark-ignited direct injection. In tests with a V6-280 in a 22’6” (6.86 m) sportboat that weighed 4,810 lbs. (2,182 kg), we recorded a top speed of 46.5 mph (40.4 knots) at 5500 rpm. The motor is available with SX and Duoprop sterndrives and the new Forward Drive and it has a 5-year warranty.
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New Test Video
Maritimo M65:
Flagship Motoryacht with Skylounge
With four luxurious staterooms and three heads, good storage, ocean-traveling range and ready access to all mechanicals that might need adjustment away from the marina, the Maritimo M65 is a go-anywhere motoryacht. Standard bow and stern thrusters with joystick control make for easy docking. Relatively deep bulwarks and high rails on the foredeck add security for crewmen in challenging weather. She is built in Australia, famous for high seas even on sunny days, so like all Maritimos, she's designed to handle them.
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Paint Process
Formula Paint Process:
Finished to Perfection
Formula boats are known worldwide for their remarkable exterior finishes, the result of using paint rather than gelcoat to achieve a level of depth and gloss that is as durable as the finish on a premium-priced automobile. A 32-step process is necessary to create the style and beauty of these finishes, beginning with masking and taping, proceeding through closed-booth spraying and drying, then extensive sanding, compounding and buffing. The finish is then protected with three coats of Imron polyurethane clear coat, adding depth as well as long-term protection from the elements. Virtually no builder under 65' (19 m) paints their boats -- something that sets Formula boats apart.
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New Captain's Report
Sailfish 240CC:
New Variable Deadrise Deep-Vee Angler
The Sailfish 240CC makes good use of the bow casting platform, converting it to a seating area with optional side-mount table, cushions and chaise-type backrests when the mission is family enjoyment rather than hard-core offshore fishing. She has exceptional freeboard, resulting in 40” of interior depth at the bow and 30” in the aft cockpit. Combined with the Variable Deadrise Stepped hull, which peaks at 24-degrees at the keel aft, she is a very capable offshore performer, even on less-than-perfect days.
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New Captain's Report
Sea Ray 280 SLX:
Upscale Bowrider w/ Seating for 15
With luxurious seating for up to 15, the Sea Ray 280 SLX has lots of room to party. Upscale options include a hydraulically-actuated swim platform and an articulating Bimini/watersports tower and the Dynamic Display "glass cockpit" on the dash, among many others. Leather-wrapped grab-rails are standard, as is plush, diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery. Scissor-style hinges keep all larger seat pads in place and provide hands-free access to the large storage compartments below.
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New Captain's Report
Riviera 445 SUV:
Day Cruiser Ready for Blue Water
The 445 SUV is one of three crossover models in Riviera’s range of do-everything boats. The 445 SUV model measures 47’5” (14.5 m) in LOA, 15’ (4.57 m) at the beam, and has a draft of 3’8” (1.13 m). The forefoot is sharp and deep, the bow has a marked flare, and the bottom has been optimized for Volvo Penta pod drives. Like all Rivieras, she was designed to handle Australia's coastal waters which are notoriously rough.
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Updated Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 350:
Striking new Hull-Side Window Design
The new version of the Cruiser Yachts 350 features a log horizontal black window in the hull side that not only lets in more light below, but also makes a striking design statement. The boat is now available in the battleship gray gelcoat that we see in the image above. The rest of the boat is pretty much the same as before, with the master forward and a large mid cabin that can be used for entertaining when at rest or as a second sleeping compartment. We tested this model with twin 320-hp sterndrive engines and recorded a top speed of 39.5 mph.
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Captain's Report
Mako 204 CC:
Versatile, Inshore Fishing Machine
Mako's 204 CC has the necessary depth and flare to perform well in near-shore angling action. The 18-degree deadrise is a good compromise between a deep-V and a flatter bottom. The 12'' (.30 m) draft makes her a good inshore boat as well, and there's plenty of storage for all of the gear that anglers want for a day on the water. Add optional bow cushions and aft jump seats and she becomes a serviceable family day-boat, and all-composite construction promises long-term durability.
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New Test Video
Sea-Doo RXP-X 300:
All-New 300-hp Engine for Thrills
Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 300 is designed for experienced high performance enthusiasts desiring maximum control, speed and carving ability. A very popular, medium-sized two-person model, it gets a significant boost in power for 2016 with Sea-Doo’s all-new, 300-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine. The RXP-X 300 also has an advanced T3 deep-V T-shaped hull to tackle all kinds of water conditions. And that’s just the beginning.
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Test Video
Chaparral H2O 21 Ski & Fish:
3 Money-Saving Boat-Buying Tips
We are often asked how to save money on boat buying, and our answer is always the same -- get the right boat first, not on the second or third stab. The H2O 21 Ski & Fish is a good example of just what we mean. Little Johnny might like to fish with Dad when he is six or seven. But when he is in his teens he will want to be boogying on a board in front of his girlfriends. Buying a boat that will serve a family's needs for the long haul is the best investment. Also, get a boat slightly bigger than what one thinks they’ll need, because they will want to go larger after a year or so. Third, find a boat by a company that also manufacturers premium boats. Good building practices and higher-quality materials inevitably find their way into the lower-priced models.
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Test Video
Hatteras GT 70:
41 knots in 3' to 5' Seas
With Carolina-style bow flair and a sharp forefoot, the Hatteras GT 70 delivers both performance and luxury in a large bluewater convertible suitable for chasing the biggest of gamefish anywhere on the planet. Her accommodations are second to none -- in our opinion -- making her a cruising boat with outstanding capabilities as well. Hatteras stuck to its roots and kept the classic teak look dressed in a high-gloss finish.
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Test Video
Regal 2300 RX Surf:
Wake is Up with Forward Drive
The Regal 2300 RX Surf is a dedicated watersports platform with all of the features that also make it a comfortable upscale family runabout. The PowerTower is standard, adding a striking design element as well as a tow-point for board sports and a spot to locate the JL Audio marine speakers for the standard Fusion Bluetooth stereo. RegalView Touchscreen electronics control most boat functions as well as providing running info on the Volvo Penta engine, and the Surf Trim tab system assists in building the ''perfect wake'' as needed. The Forward Drive permits wake surfing with sterndrive power.
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Captain's Report
Tracker Panfish 16:
Easy-Handling Lightweight Fishing Boat
The Tracker Panfish 16 is a lightweight all-aluminum fishing boat that has a stick-steering system within reach of the bow seat. This allows an angler to remain seated and operate both the outboard and the electric bow-mount troller, as well as keeping an eye on a bow-mounted Lowrance fishfinder. With a weight of just 766 lbs. (347 kg), she's easy to load and tows readily behind smaller vehicles, as well as fitting into most garages on her custom matched trailer. Mercury outboards from 20 to 40-hp are available as part of the package.
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Test Video
Beneteau Oceanis 35:
Choose from 3 Layout Plans
The Beneteau Oceanis 35 is designed to appeal to a wide audience and for that reason the builder offers one, two or three sleeping cabin arrangement plans. In that way each owner can custom-design the 35-footer to meet specialized requirements. The boat can be used for local cruising, club racing, long-distance cruising or dayboat picnics with family and friends. We tested her in both light and fresh breezes to 25 knots and found her to be comfortable and easy to sail in either condition.
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Test Video
Ranger Boats 2510 Bay Ranger:
51 MPH WOT w/ 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2
The new flagship in Ranger Boats’ Saltwater Series boat line-up is the 2510 Bay Ranger, a roomy, shallow-draft fishing machine that delivered impressive 51.0 mph speed at WOT with the optional Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp outboard during our test runs. The new engine's auto-trim system and speed sensitive power steering provides effortless control. The combo proved easy on fuel, topping out at 4.03 mpg at 3500 rpms and 31.0 mph.
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Product Promotion
Shurhold Bucket Base:
Non-Skid Control for Washdown Buckets
5-gallon buckets are an essential part of the gear aboard most boats, but keeping them in one place on a moving vessel can be problematic. Shurhold's new Bucket Base is a non-skid soft synthetic rubber ring that fits the bucket bottom securely and grabs on to any horizontal surface aboard, including teak decking. The UV-resistant composite floats, and the ring is ventilated so that it does not grow mold underneath. Suggested retail is $12.95.
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