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Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:
New Twin Cabin Express
w/ Italian Style
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 rides on the company's Air Step 2 hull. The step inducts air under the aft portions of the boat, improving speed and efficiency, according to the company. In our test runs, powered with the optional Volvo Penta 370-hp D6 engines and DP sterndrives, she topped out at 44.2 mph. Best cruise was at 2500 rpms and 27.2 mph, at which she burned 20.5 gph. Joystick control combined with the steerable drives makes for easy docking.
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Test Video
Chaparral 227 SSX:
23' Sportboat w/ 3.6 Sec. Hole Shot
The Chaparral 227 SSX delivered strong performance powered with a 250-hp MerCruiser sterndrive. She jumps on plane in 3.6 seconds and tops out at 45.5 mph. The stainless-steel framed windshield and richly upholstered dash panel give the 227 SSX’s helm a luxurious appearance, and a side-mount cocktail table can be fitted to the forward or aft cockpit.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 41 Cantius:
Designed for Entertainment
The Cruisers Yachts 41 Cantius is clearly made for entertainment, offering three distinct venues where guests can congregate -- the two-seat bar on the swim platform, the outside settee in the cockpit, and the settee inside the pilothouse by the bridge. The helm deck is accessed by a triple wide sliding door. The galley has an atrium-like feel, thanks to being open to the windshield over the stairs, and an optional open-air gas grill can be added in the cockpit.
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New Test Video
Tidewater Boats 252 CC Adventure:
Tested w/ 2x Evinrude E-TEC 150s
The Tidewater 252 CC Adventure is designed first as a bluewater fishing boat, but she also has some family-friendly features, including fold-out back rests that turn the bow casting platform into a lounging area. A fold-up seat at the transom also provides extra seating, and options include a Porta-Potti in the console. She showed strong performance powered by a pair of Evinrude 150 E-TEC outboards, getting on plane in just 3.5 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 44.7 mph. Best cruise was at 2500 rpms and 23.6 mph.
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Features Video
Yamaha TR-1 High Output:
Light, Powerful, Entry-Level Engine for PWCs
The Yamaha TR-1 has quicker acceleration and higher top speed, improving fuel economy and ride. This quicker acceleration is due in part to the 25% reduction of weight from their MR-1 model, which causes virtually no change in displacement. Yamaha also improved its anti-corrosion coatings on the TR-1. These coatings should prolong the life of the PWC when used in saltwater environments.
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Features Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 86:
Easy Owner-Operation in a Luxury Italian Build
The Monte Carlo Yachts 86, with a pair of 1800-hp MAN V12s driving 48.7" x 40.8" four-blade props, delivers a top speed of 28.1 knots. This is impressive given the size of the yacht and the horsepower of the engines. Though she has plenty of space for a professional crew, she's also equipped for the owner-operator with a full glass cockpit at both the upper and lower helms and joystick controls for the bow and stern thrusters. A third control station in the cockpit eases docking chores. She can be laid out as either a three or four guest-room yacht with crew's quarters at the bow.
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Captain’s Report
Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution:
New Motoryacht Ready for Open Seas
The new Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution comes equipped with hydraulic swim platform, flying bridge hardtop, and twin IPS1200 drives -- all extra cost options on many yachts. Wireless interface technology allows an iPad to monitor and control the 70 Evolution's electrical systems and hotel services, and the optional Side Power Vector Fin Stabilization System should provide a stable ride both underway and at anchor.
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Test Video
Grady-White 251 CE:
Inshore/Offshore CC w/ Family Options
The Grady-White 251 CE is designed to be a top-quality coastal fishing machine or a watersports bowrider with many of the functions and much of the utility of a deckboat. With a 14" (.36 m) draft, she welcomes beaching the bow for a quick swim or prowling into backwaters in search of reds and other shallow-water species. Skiers and wake boarders will like the boat's 2.5 seconds to planing speed to get them up and out of the water fast. Bow cushions and an optional table, along with the standard Porta-Potti in the console, make her family-friendly.
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Test Video
Volvo Penta IPS600:
Dependable Fly-by-Wire Steering
The Volvo Penta 435-hp IPS600 is one of seventeen diesel systems (11 leisure, 6 commercial) available from Volvo Penta. The IPS system is now installed by more than 120 boat builders around the world and has made joystick control a standard feature on most new yachts. The IPS600 version is a 5.5 liter inline 6-cylinder diesel. The pod unit includes a drive-by-wire steering and control system and integrated sea water intake and exhaust system, thus eliminating numerous through-hulls.
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Test Video
Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge:
Classic Elegance, Superior Fit-and-Finish
The Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge has lines reminiscent of a Palm Beach sportfishing boat with some Downeaster touches. Interior furnishings also have the feel of a classic but luxurious sportfisher with dark wood furniture and bar stools that swing out on massive stainless steel arms that promise years of durable service. The helm includes cZone touchpad controls for all of the yacht's functions, and standard power, twin 735-hp IPS950s, gives a spirited top speed of 33 knots.
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Test Video
Robalo R222:
Capable Coastal Performer
With a 21-degree deadrise, the Robalo R222 is a capable performer both in large bays and in coastal waters. She carries all of the basics anglers want, including an aerated baitwell built into the back of the leaning post, plenty of rod holders, under-gunwale rod racks, and even a hideaway compartment fitted to the ubiquitous 5-gallon (19 L) bucket every angler carries aboard. Top speed with the 200-hp Yamaha 4-stroke was 42 mph, and she got on plane in just 3.3 seconds.
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New Test Video
Sea Ray 400 Sundancer:
New Express w/ Twin Cummins QSB 480s
The galley of the Sea Ray 400 Sundancer is on the main deck, making it easy to serve hors d'oeuvres to guests. The swim platform can be turned into an added entertainment venue by including the optional outdoor mini galley. Getting too much sunshine is not a good thing at times, and here, it's prevented by optional foredeck shade and a cockpit SureShade extension, as well as the standard power sunroof. An optional isinglass enclosure buttons up the cockpit for all-season boating.
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Captain’s Report
Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260:
Luxury PWC w/ Integral Suspension
The Sea-Doo GTX Limited iS 260 provides the comfort riders expect from a high-end PWC with high-tech features, such as a special suspension system, activity-specific cruise control, and an on-water braking system. The Variable Trim System (VTS) allows riders to adjust the attitude of the bow angle by changing the position of the jet pump nozzle. Integrated mooring lines, a dry storage bag, and a full cover are also included. She's powered by a 1503 HO Rotax 4-TEC supercharged and intercooled engine, and the jet pump has a stainless-steel impeller. The hull is stepped to improve efficiency and overall performance.
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Captain’s Report
SUN TRACKER BASS BUGGY 16 DLX ET:
All Electric Fishing Toon
Powered by a Torqeedo 2.0 electric outboard, the SUN TRACKER BASS BUGGY 16 DLX ET can run at 4 to 6 mph according to the company. The silent motor operates on a quick-charge lithium battery. Controls give battery charge status, vessel speed, power consumption and calculated range determined by the systems integrated GPS sensor. The boat also includes two swivel fishing seats and a livewell. An optional trolling motor and fishfinder is also available.
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Captain’s Report
TRACKER Pro 160:
Economical, All-Welded, and Fully-Equipped
Listing at just $8,995, including 20-hp outboard and a trailer, the TRACKER Pro 160 is an inexpensive way to go fishing in local ponds, lakes, and rivers where rough water is not a factor. The boat is made of the same tough, all-welded aluminum as TRACKER's larger boats, and features powder-coated paint baked on for durability. She comes complete with a Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance fishfinder, a 9-gallon (34 L) livewell and both cranking and deep-cycle batteries. She is easily trailered.
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