Riviera 445 SUV:
Seaworthy Sport Utility w/ Contemporary Style

The Riviera 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” (1.12 m). The forefoot is sharp and deep, the bow has a marked flare, and the bottom has been optimized for Volvo Penta pod drives.

The Riviera 445 SUV was designed for owners who are interested in a variety of day-boating activities, including fishing, cruising, entertaining, and scuba diving. With optional features like the extended platform, owners can entertain with cocktails and food while their guests lay-out or fish. She is built in Australia where the seas are big after rolling across the Pacific. She is as ruggedly constructed as any boat in the market, in our opinion. More...

Test Video

Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300:
Re-Engineered for Comfort and for Speed

The unique "Ergolock" seating on the Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 allows rider and passenger to grip the machine with legs and knees during high-speed maneuvers, greatly improving safety and control.

The Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 features a stepped hull with a deep-V bottom, designed to improve the ride in open water. The new Rotax 1630 ACE engine -- with 300-hp -- is the highest horsepower engine ever for the company's watersports machines. The new engine has a longer stroke compared to the Rotax 1503, raising displacement to 1.6L and increases efficiency in two areas; friction reduction and better cooling. The re-engineered supercharger produces 32 percent more boost, and larger injectors get more atomized fuel into the cylinders fast, according to Sea-Doo. More...

Test Video

TRACKER® TARGA® V-20 WT:
All-Welded Multi-Species Fish Chaser

The TRACKER® TARGA® V-20 WT is the largest welded aluminum deep-V in the company lineup, and she's loaded with all of the features that big-water multi-species anglers want, including an optional added control system for a kicker/trolling motor.

The TRACKER® TARGA® V-20 WT comes fully-loaded for angling with all of the necessities, including front and real livewell/baitwells, trolling motor, swiveling fishing seats that can be moved from the cockpit to the bow, and stern casting areas and built-in tackle drawers. She makes exceptional use of space, including a rod locker tucked into the top of the gunwale, capable of holding three 7' footers in protective tubes and a centerline locker for five more six-footers. With the all-welded hull made of .125 aluminum, she's plenty tough enough for beaching on gravel or rocky shores, and a sharp forward entry should ease the ride in a chop. More...

Test Video

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage:
Premium Bluewater Center Console

The integral T-top is one of the many standard features on the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage; it includes cockpit floodlights, a dome light, life jacket storage, and five rod holders.

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage features a new running surface with a flat pad at the stern designed to give better fuel efficiency, less bow rise on acceleration, and greater WOT speed. It appears to work -- powered by twin 300-hp Mercury Verados, the test boat ran 57.0 mph -- easily fast enough to beat nearly the entire fleet to the fish in a tournament. She got on plane in 4.1 seconds, quick for a rig scaling over 9,700 lbs. (4,399 kg). The 23-degree deadrise delivers a soft ride offshore, while the hard chines and 9'4" (2.84 m) beam provide stability at rest and trolling speeds. More...

Test Video

Volvo Penta V8-350:
Advanced Technology in a Lightweight V8

With all service check points conveniently located at the top and in the front, the Volvo Penta V8-350 is designed for easy maintenance and daily checks.

The Volvo Penta V8-350 engine package, which also includes the transom assembly and drive, is a relatively lightweight (996-pound) 5.3 liter V8. The engine features direct injection and variable valve timing, providing maximum fuel efficiency, a smooth acceleration curve, and ultra-low emissions. Closed loop cooling avoids corrosion issues with saltwater use, and a freshwater flush port allows you to flush salt from the raw water cooling circuit, as well as run on a garden hose without the need to purchase muffs. Furthermore, the engine can be flushed while the boat is in the water. More...

Test Video

Hatteras 45 Express:
Fast, Classic Express Fisherman

Powered with twin 1136-hp CAT C-18 Acerts, the Hatteras 45 Express delivers a spirited ride, topping out at 45.0 mph. Range at cruise exceeds 340 miles.

This boat is designed for those trading down from a large battlewagon, or those moving up to a serious offshore big game fishing machine that gets the job done without going over the top. Two layouts are offered in the Hatteras 45 Express, depending on whether she will be used more as a couple's cruiser or as an overnighter for four people. By eliminating a settee below, a separate cabin can be added to port that features a pair of over/under berths in an enclosed stateroom. The galley features a microwave, refrigerated drawers, and a flat-surface two-burner ceramic cooktop. Natural light comes from three overhead skylights. Palm Beach-style throttle and shift and a cast stainless wheel add a traditional sportfish look to the helm. More...

Captain's Report

Glastron GT 205:
Retro Styling in a Sporty Dayboat

The Glastron GT 205 has a large sunpad over the engine box on all three versions with the walkthrough on the starboard side. The extended swim platform option is shown here, a plus for watersports fans.

The Glastron GT 205 is available in three versions, including the base GT 205, the sporty GTS 205, or the ready-to-fish GTSF 205. All are designed with the GT Series retro look, roadster-style console, and swept-back windshield. The emphasis is on styling and affordability. There are 14 power options ranging from 220-hp to 300-hp engines from Mercury or Volvo Penta. A Glastron color-matched trailer is also part of the package. More...

Captain's Report

Beneteau Sense 50:
Versatile Offshore Cruising Sailboat

The cockpit of the Beneteau Sense 50 is exceptionally commodious and comfortable, thanks in part to two large lounging settees, twin double helm seats, and an arch that raises running rigging above the living space.

The Beneteau Sense 50 is a cruising yacht, practical and versatile enough to be considered a large day sailor or coastal family weekender, yet comfortable and capable enough to suit liveaboard owners with bluewater passage-making intentions. She carries her 15'11" maximum beam well aft, creating an unusually large cockpit for a sailing yacht in her class. A retractable transom panel beneath the twin helm seats separates the cockpit sole from the swim platform and keeps it dry underway in sloppy seas -- lowered, it provides easy access for an evening swim or for getting groceries aboard. More...

Test Video

Mercury Remanufacturing
383 MAG Stroker Inboard:
Less Weight, More Power, Better Performance

At 932 lbs. (423 kg) complete, the Mercury Remanufacturing 383 MAG Stroker Inboard is considerably lighter than the big-block V8s it's designed to replace, yet is more than a match in power and fuel efficiency.

The Mercury Remanufacturing 383 MAG Stroker Inboard is a complete rebuild of a small-block V8 that saves on weight, fits a relatively small footprint, and produces added power and fuel efficiency compared to the engines it's aimed at replacing. The remanufacturing process includes boring and stroking the original block and machining the cylinder deck. The crank journals are line-honed and prepped for new bearings. The crankshaft is forged from 4340 steel, and the graphite-coated hypereutectic pistons have moly-coated rings for improved durability. The exhaust uses dry-elbow technology to prevent water reversion. Many of the parts are new and better than what are found in standard engines. More...

Test Video

Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht:
Elegant Finishes Meet Creative Engineering

The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht's striking exterior lines are just a hint at the level of elegance in the interior areas of this four-ensuite yacht. Hullside windows are fabricated from sandwiched glass and aluminum beams creating the strength required of ocean rated vessels.

The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht includes four ensuite staterooms with the master featuring his-and-her baths separated by a huge marble shower. The salon's massive side windows flood the interior with natural light, while large hullside windows provide not only light to the accommodations deck, but a water level view of the sea, striking while underway. Elegant soffit treatments overhead complement the wood and marble of the décor below throughout the yacht. Cruisair chilled water AC is standard, as is a Kohler 53 kW genset. More...

Test Video

SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 XP3:
Roomy Tri-Toon w/ 150-HP Outboard

The SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 XP3 is a full-featured triple-pontoon offered at a competitive $25,995 with the standard 90-hp Mercury FourStroke ELPT.

The SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 XP3 offers plenty of room to party and play on the water, carrying a full 8'6" (2.59 m) beam from bow to stern. She rides on three aluminum pontoons with planing strakes, making her a credible towing platform. With the optional 150 Mercury FourStroke, she reached a top speed of 38.7 mph. Tri-tone upholstery is built up of thick multi-density foam, covered in heavy UV-resistant vinyl. All furniture understructure is rot-proof composite or aluminum. The build quality allows the company to offer a transferrable 10-year warranty. More...

New Captain's Report

Wellcraft 242 Fisherman:
Double-Duty Center Console

With the optional multi-tone cushions added, the Wellcraft 242 Fisherman doubles as a comfortable dayboat for the family as well as being a serious blue water fishing rig.

The Wellcraft 242 Fisherman is a center console fishboat first and foremost, but with numerous options, she becomes a handsome and comfortable family rig complete with cocktail table, sun pad, booth-style seating, and even Seagrass floor mats. A portable toilet in the console is standard, as is a flip-down bench seat at the transom. Performance is strong -- rigged with an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 turning a 19" pitch prop, she tops out at 50.1, according to the company. More...

Test Video

Cruisers Sport Series 258 Bow Rider:
Stylish, Up-Scale Sportboat w/ Head

Reversed chines, a stepped hull, and a 22-degree deadrise all contribute to a fast, comfortable ride aboard the Cruisers Sport Series 258 Bow Rider.

The Cruisers Sport Series 258 Bow Rider has a sink in the head compartment and a second one on deck. The three-way seat/sun pad spans almost the entire transom, and upholstery throughout is premium marine exterior grade expanded vinyl over multi-density foam for support, comfort, and durability. With 38.5’’ freeboard forward, 34’’ aft, she's one of the deeper boats in class, adding passenger security as well as reducing the amount of spray that comes aboard on breezy days. More...

New Test Video

Formula 350 FX CBR:
Large Bowrider for Comfortable Overnights

Powering the Formula 350 FX CBR with Ilmor Marine’s new One Drive enhanced the already pleasant driving experience on this boat.

With an LOA of 35’ (10.67 m) and a beam of 10’9” (3.28 m), the Formula 350 CBR can accommodate 14 people with seating topside. Belowdecks can sleep a couple for overnight cruises. In addition to the ample space, the 350 FX CBR keeps guests happy with twin Ilmor MV 6.2L, which feature smoother shifting and quieter operation due to their Yanmar lower units. In our test, even hard turns didn’t let spray come aboard. More...

In Memoriam

BoatTEST Co-Founder Capt. Chris Kelly

Chris Kelly as caught on video testing a 24-footer in 2004. He pioneered the concept of video boat tests that grew out of his “Sea Trials” TV program on Speedvision in the late 1990s.

BoatTEST.com co-founder, Capt. Chris Kelly, passed away on July 5 at his home in Norwalk, CT. He was 57. Kelly and his partner, Jeff Hammond, founded BoatTEST.com in September 2000 with 100 videos and tests and were the first to stream video in the boating industry. BoatTEST was designed right from the start to be an objective source for information to help boat buyers find the boat of their dreams with functionality remarkably similar to what it has today. It was definitely a concept ahead of its time. A perpetual entrepreneur, Kelly sold his interest in BoatTEST in 2006 and went on to make a career in marine publishing and most recently founded VehiclesTest.com. He brought to BoatTEST a unique skill set of being a professional captain, an able writer, a strong on-camera personality, and a compelling salesman. He was well-known and liked in the marine industry. More...

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