Chaparral Aerial Surf Platform:

Creating the ''Ideal'' Surfing Wake

With the optimized shape of the wake, a smooth and tall riding surface is created for the wakeboarder.

The Chaparral 243 VRX’s optional Aerial Surf package includes three soft tanks that can auto-fill to add some 1,350 lbs. (612 kg) of ballast when needed. The Aerial Surf Platform redirects the thrust coming from the jet pump to help create the surfing wave. Wrap-around seating is designed to handle up to 12 adults, who can watch the action in their seat.

More...

Test Video

Volvo Penta V8-350:


Advanced Engineering in a Lightweight V8

To improve reliability and maintenance, Volvo Penta developed the FEAD (Front Engine Accessory Drive) for the new V8-350. This specially-designed housing bolts to the front of the engine and supplies all of the plumbing and mounting locations for the engine’s accessories.

The Volvo Penta V8-350 is engineered with an all-aluminum block and heads, direct fuel-injection, and variable valve timing (VVT). The in-cylinder fuel-injection creates improved fuel efficiency and is cleaner burning, while the VVT improves torque and also greatly reduces emissions. The result is a 996-lb. (452 kg) V8 engine that has impressive torque throughout the low, mid, and upper rpm range. Closed-loop cooling is standard except for the exhaust manifolds, which are raw-water cooled. A five-year factory warranty is standard.

More...

Test Video

Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe:


Express Style, Cruiser Comforts

High bow rails add security to the forward sun pad on the Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe. Walkways to the bow can be finished in optional genuine or synthetic teak.

The Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe offers the sportier styling and open cockpit of an express with the practical and comfortable accommodations of a cruiser. A sunroof and large windows and doors open to let in natural light and fresh air to the salon/helm area. Convertible lounges aft in the cockpit and adjacent to the helm seat enhance the boat’s versatility for entertaining, as does the standard wet bar and cockpit refrigerator. An open-air galley adds grilling possibilities to the full galley below decks.

More...

New Features Video

Yamaha AR190:


Family-Friendly Jetboat w/ Entry-level Pricing

The Yamaha AR190 turns with ease to keep family and wakeboarders safe and comfortable.

The Yamaha AR190 was designed for first-time boat buyers with family and watersports in mind. We measured 33” of freeboard at the bow and 36” at the stern. The AR190 also produces a good wake, giving any wakeboarder plenty of air time. With her ease of trailering, handling, and cost, she is sure to be attractive to those who are looking to start their boating life.

More...

Captain’s Report

Beneteau Oceanis 48:


Versatile Twin-Helm Sailing Yacht

The primary headsail sheet winches of the Beneteau Oceanis 48 can be easily accessed from either helm. We like that the seat across the stern is large enough for the whole family.

The Beneteau Oceanis 48’s six different cabin configurations highlight different functionality and goals: a simple two-cabin, two-head layout can be increased to a four-cabin, two-head layout while maintaining much of the interior space of the main salon. The salon, with plush U-shaped seating around the dining table, is open and airy thanks to abundant portholes and windows. With a beam of nearly 16' (4.87 m) carried for much of her length, she is exceptionally roomy below decks for a sailing yacht.

More...

New Review Video

Sea Ray 280 SLX:


New Luxury Bowrider

for Watersports and Entertaining

The Sea Ray 280 SLX is powered by a MerCruiser V-8 engine with a Bravo 3 drive.

Sea Ray's SLX Series is designed to compete with the premium large bowriders on the market, and the 280 SLX is a good example of the new breed at Sea Ray. With a submersible hydraulic swim platform, she is well-equipped for wakeboarding, and it further enhances her versatility. The wraparound seating in the stern gives guests the ability to watch the action behind the vessel or relax in the plush, diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery. She can seat 15 people for entertaining.

More...

Test Video

Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP:


"Clean-Sheet" Outboard Technology

The dramatic cowling of the Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 hints at the clean-sheet, advanced technology inside. Hundreds of color combinations are available to match any paint or gelcoat scheme.

The Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 includes integral power steering that completely eliminates the rods and rams seen on competing outboards. This not only presents a much cleaner installation, it also eliminates exposure of the steering elements to corrosion and other damage. The company's iTrim system is also included, making for quick, automatic trim matched to the individual boat/motor combination for maximum efficiency in changing sea and load conditions. A 133-Amp beltless magneto generates electrical power, and an 81-degree tilt range allows in-water storage without exposing the lower unit to corrosion.

More...

Test Video

Hatteras GT 70:


5 Stateroom, 4 Head Fishing Yacht

The Hatteras GT 70 busting through offshore seas is a thing of beauty to any bluewater angler. From her high bow to her low fighting cockpit to her tumble home stern quarters, the GT 70 is as graceful as any custom convertible on the market.

The Hatteras GT 70 is one of those rare sportfishing yachts built both for comfort and for speed. Powered with the optional 2600-hp MTUs, she topped out at 47.2 mph in our test runs. At trolling speed, she used only 9 gph, making multi-day trolling trips offshore no issue. With five luxurious staterooms and four heads, she has enough space for extended cruising with lots of friends, and her joiner work and fit-and-finish are second to none. With a beam of 21’4” (6.50 m), she is the widest convertible in class.

More...

Test Video

Boston Whaler 285 Conquest:


Express Fisherman w/ Family Features

The Boston Whaler 285 Conquest has hard chines carried far forward to form spray rails, and she also features a sharp forward entry and a 20-degree deadrise to ease the ride. The bow thruster seen here is optional.

The roomy aft cockpit of the Boston Whaler 285 Conquest offers all of the usual fishing amenities needed for offshore angling, including an aerated livewell and plenty of rod holders, while the cabin provides the basic amenities to keep the family comfortable. By lowering the cabin table and sliding the two cushions to either side towards the center, the forward dining area is quickly transformed into a V-berth. Trim tabs are standard, as is the bow windlass.

More...

Video

Regal FasTrac Hull Design:


Improved Hull Design for Increased Fuel-Efficiency

The FasTrac hull of the Regal 2100 RX has steps in the bottom designed to draw air in from the sides, creating a blanket of bubbles under the hull. This serves to break surface friction, resulting in better performance, according to the builder.

The Regal 2100 RX is a dedicated watersports platform as well as a premium bowrider. The FasTrac Hull Design gives her some of the best handling characteristics we have tested in class. With air drawing in from the sides and ejecting aft across the entire bottom, this brings speed up and fuel consumption down. The 2100 RX should be considered for those seeking an upscale bowrider capable of watersports.

More...

Features Video

World Cat 255DC:


Space, Stability, and Fuel Efficiency

The World Cat 255DC is a boat that can swap between hard-core fishing and dedicated family fun with ease -- she's fully-equipped on both counts.

The World Cat 255DC provides the stability and space of a pontoon boat in a deep cockpit, seaworthy catamaran design made to smooth offshore seas at speeds that would be a challenge for many vee hulls. She's an upscale dual console, including standard features like the fiberglass hardtop that are options on other boats in class. The sharp forward entry of the twin hulls makes for a comfortable boat. With twin 150-hp Yamaha outboards, she ran 44.8 in our tests, and at a cruise of 20.3 mph, she delivered 2.23 mpg for a range of 402 statute miles, allowing a 10% fuel reserve.

More...

New Test Video

MAKO 334 CC:


New MAKO Hits 64.4 MPH WOT

The Sportfish Edition on the MAKO 334 CC includes a command station on the tower, greatly improving the captain's ability to watch baits and spot fish.

The MAKO 334 CC can deliver impressive speed when set up with the optional triple 350 Mercury Verados, topping out at 64.4 mph -- a big factor in high-dollar tournaments where the first boat to the fish and back often wins. She comes fully set-up for serious fishing. The bait preparation station on the back of the leaning post has tool racks on the aft side and raised grab handles for when conditions get rough. A sink, cutting board, chum bucket, and tackle drawers are also included, and there are rod holders and racks everywhere. A door in the port gunwale will come in handy for divers, as well as for hauling in big-game species.

More...

New Test Video

Stuart Boatworks 23:


Practical Fishing Features

Powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300

A single Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 proved to be plenty of power for the Stuart Boatworks 23; she got on plane in just 3.3 seconds.

The Stuart Boatworks 23 is a boutique-level center console with an unusual bottom design concept. The company says that the slightly rounded keel on a 17-degree deadrise bottom, with a very sharp forward entry, allows the boat to stay on plane at lower speeds than deep-V designs, yet still delivers a smooth ride when seas are rough. She was powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 in our tests. The engine has a saltwater-ready, low-maintenance design, which integrates the steering and gear shifting into the body of the engine with no external rods or cylinders. Scheduled maintenance isn’t required for five years or 500 hours.

More...

Where in the World?

Picture of the Week

Find out where this picture was taken and when.

See the larger picture, when and who took it -- and where!

Send us your favorite boating images.


When sending a photo, let us know when, where and what boat you were
on.

Expert Boating

 BoatTEST.com’s


4-DVD
Boating Course

Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.

Based on the feedback we’ve been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course it’s clearly not only for beginners, but also for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available… period. Order your 4-disc box set...

Watch the trailer...

BoatTEST.com, LLC

51 Bank Street, Suite 2A

Stamford, CT 06901

203-323-9900
[email protected]

All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
are all clearly labeled as such.