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Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 HP:
All-New 200-HP Outboard
The Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 HP engine integrates the steering system and gears into the midsection housing, not only protecting it from exposure to the elements but also creating a far cleaner transom installation. Digital shift and throttle consistently produce smooth shifting in and out of gear and also mesh flawlessly with the company's i-Trim automatic trim system. The E-TEC G2 200 HP also has Evinrude’s new SLX gearcase with more robust gears to enhance overall durability. It has prodigious low-end and mid-range torque and is fuel efficient, based on our tests.
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Comparison
30’ - 32’ Express Cruisers:
We Pick 4 of the Best
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Chaparral 310 Signature
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Regal 30 Express
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Formula 310 FX5
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Regal 32 Express
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This week we take a look at express cruisers in the 30’ to 32’ range. As we move up in size from “pocket cruisers” to larger express cruisers, the freeboard height required for standing headroom below is more proportional to the length of the boat. The result is a boat that looks low and sleek. In addition to being longer, express cruisers in this size range are also wider, up to 2’ beamier than a “pocket cruiser” and that makes them heavier -- typically 50% heavier.
Another big difference in this size express cruisers is the power required. They require twin engines to get on plane and to run in the 30 to 40 mph range; and, with high horsepower engines, they can often approach 50 mph. Let’s look at four of the best boats in class. Our captains have vetted all of these boats, and we can attest that they are well-built and fully equipped for their intended purpose. Compare and contrast them, then pick the one that best suits your needs. If you have questions about any one of them, as always, BoatTEST’s staff is here to help.
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Test Video
Beneteau Oceanis 38:
Versatile Sailing Yacht w/ 13'1" Beam
The Beneteau Oceanis 38 offers optional layouts designed for the daysailer, the weekender, or the long-distance cruiser, all of them in an easy-to-handle package that offers more interior space than most in class. A maximum 13'1" (3.99 m) beam and numerous hullside windows and skylights give an open and airy feel below decks. The foldout transom makes for easy boarding from the dock, a convenient step into a dinghy for a night ashore, or an ideal snorkeling platform.
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New Features Video
Boston Whaler 250 Outrage:
Premium Build in a Multi-Mission CC
With a built-in livewell, rod holders everywhere, toe rails, and padded bolsters, fishing is in the DNA of the Boston Whaler 250 Outrage. Upscale two-tone upholstery, including a broad seating area at the bow and an optional cocktail table/sun pad make her family-friendly, as does the head in the console. The head compartment includes a Porta-Potti and a shower with overboard drain, an unusual plus in a CC of this length. With a 9' (2.74 m) beam, she has considerably more space for working around the console than many competitors.
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Captain’s Report
Hatteras 100 Raised Pilothouse:
Elegance and Style in a U.S. Built Yacht
The Hatteras 100 Raised Pilothouse has side windows stretching nearly the length of the main deck. Her interior is open to customization depending on the buyer's preferences for layout and materials, while her structure displays the usual Hatteras penchant for durable, sea-worthy construction and exceptional fit-and-finish. Her 820-gallon (3,104 L) water capacity means the water-maker need not be run often, even on longer voyages, and with a 4,660-gallon (17,640 L) fuel capacity, she is an ocean-ranger at displacement speeds.
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Test Video
Yamaha 242X E-Series:
New Wakesports Design w/ Twin Jets
The Yamaha 242X E-Series is a dedicated wakesports design that includes all the extras tow-sports fans want as part of the package; a 1,400-pound (635 kg) ballast system, a killer sound system, and a wakeboard tower are all standard as is the Connext digital drive control system. The company's unique Articulating Keel system assists in easy straight-line tracking at speed, as well as far better handling during low-speed docking. Solar power panels built into the standard Bimini ensure the batteries won't go dead, even after a long at-anchor session with the sound system cranked up loud.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius:
Roomy Mid-Cabin Cruiser
The Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius powered by twin 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500s had a best cruise that came in at 24.0 mph, where she traveled 0.86 mpg for a safe range of 279 miles during our tests. The extra-large mid-cabin is a distinguishing feature: It includes a television and twin lounge-type seats which make into a double bed, as well as the standard queen. Headroom is over 6' (1.83 m) in the entry area, and large hullside windows bring in plenty of ambient light.
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Test Video
Sealegs 7.1m Sport RIB:
Beach-Launching RIB w/ 44.2 MPH Speed
The Sealegs 7.1m Sport RIB's distinguishing feature is the wheel system at the bow and stern, which, along with an auxiliary 24-hp air-cooled motor, allow launching from the beach without a trailer. The heavy gauge aluminum hull is made to rest on the sand. Powered with an Evinrude E-TEC 150 HP engine, turning a 17" pitch prop, the boat topped out at 44.2 mph and planed in 4.0 seconds.
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New Test Video
Grady-White Fisherman 236:
New Multi-Mission CC w/ Quality Build
The Grady-White Fisherman 236 is a new multifunction design for day-boating, water skiing, snorkeling, and general boating with all of the core essentials of a serious offshore fishing machine. To help make her family-friendly, she has port and starboard reclined seating when the folding backrests are deployed. There's also broad U-shaped seating with a backrest at the bow. An insert and cushion turns this entire area into a broad sun pad, or remove all of the cushions, and it becomes a large casting platform. Powered by a Yamaha F-300, she topped out at 48.5 mph.
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Test Video
Formula 310 Bowrider:
50.1 MPH WOT w/ 2x 300-HP Engines
Formula's 310 Bowrider is a high-performance runabout designed to readily handle big water conditions at speed. With a 22-degree deadrise and a 9,875-pound (4,479 kg) weight dry, she delivers a comfortable ride even in heavy chop. With twin 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG ECTs turning Bravo III drives, she topped out at 50.1 mph. Best cruise was at 3500 rpm with an average speed of 31.6 mph to deliver 1.59 mpg. She got on plane in just 3.7 seconds.
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Test Video
NITRO® Z20:
Rapid Bass Boat w/ Redesigned Hull
The NITRO® Z20 was designed for price-conscious anglers looking for a 20’ boat that can get to best fishing areas first. Powered by a Mercury 2-stroke OptiMax Pro X5, we recorded a top speed of 71.2 mph. Best cruise was at 5000 rpm, where she went 57.3 mph and got 4.6 gph. Our captain reports that her new hull design exhibited no bad habits, and he felt firmly in control at high speed. The new hull design also reduces backwash over the transom, and when we came to a sudden stop, we found that no water made it past the splashwell.
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New Captain’s Report
Ocean Alexander 78 Motoryacht:
Engineered for Wide Open Spaces
Designers of the Ocean Alexander 78 Motoryacht use aluminum beams in many areas for structural rigidity, allowing for expansive open space in the yacht's interior. Open flybridge or skylounge versions are available. A foyer acts as the hub between three staterooms below decks, the VIP at the bow, the master amidships, and the media room or guest statetoom to port. Each cabin comes with HD screens, rich wood closet space, and en suite heads (the master with a his-and-hers). She's equipped with two Caterpillar C32 ACERT 1622-hp engines and comes with two Kohler 32 kW generators onboard as well.
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New Captain’s Report
Sea Fox 206 Commander:
Low-Cost CC for Anglers and Families
The Sea Fox 206 Commander is clearly a center console fishing boat first, but her dual backrest bow seating distinguishes her as a family-friendly platform for a variety of on-the-water enjoyments as well. Aft, there are two flip-up jump seats that fold flat to become part of the casting platform when not in use. Small integral swim platforms are found on either side of the outboard with a stainless steel swim ladder on the starboard side.
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Test Video
Hysucat 8.5:
Catamaran RIB w/ Hydrofoil Performance
The Hysucat 8.5 is a rigid-inflatable (RIB) designed to deliver speed and efficiency thanks to some unique engineering below the waterline. She rides on twin hulls with a hydrofoil amidships between them and a stainless steel wing in the shape of a chevron. The foil generates lift and allows the boat to run more efficiently on less power, increasing speed and reducing fuel consumption. She topped out at over 50 mph in our test runs, powered with a pair of 140-hp Suzuki outboards.
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Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider:
Boutique Cruising Sportboat for Lakes
For those boat owners who want something special, we suggest the Cruisers Sport Series 238 Bow Rider. She is a low-production run, up-market sportboat built by Cruisers Yachts which builds boats up to 60'. The CSS 238 is made with the same materials that go into the big express cruisers. Powered by a single 250-hp Mercury 4.5L MPI, she topped out at 44.8 mph in our test runs.
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