See Cruisers Yachts’ All-New 50 Cantius at the Yachts Miami Beach Boat Show

Avoid the crowds at Yachts Miami by requesting a “Special Viewing” of the all-new Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius.

Cruisers Yachts has asked us to extend an invitation to BoatTEST members for a special viewing of its all-new 50 Cantius at the Yachts Miami Beach boat show from February 16 to 20. The 50 Cantius features many similarities to the 54 and 60 Cantius yachts, from sleek exterior to free-flowing spaces inside designed for entertaining. Others Cruisers Yachts models exhibiting include the 39 Express Coupe, 54 Cantius, 54 Flybridge, 60 Cantius and 60 Flybridge. To reserve your VIP viewing of the 50 Cantius at Yachts Miami Beach, click

here!

New Test Video

Sea Ray SLX 310 OB:


Twin Outboard Performance in a Roomy Bowrider

The Sea SLX 310 OB brings outboard performance to a roomy runabout with all the top-shelf comfort and style for which the company is known.

The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB is a large, upscale bowrider that delivers sportboat performance thanks to power from twin 350-hp Mercury outboards. She reached a top speed of 53.4 in our tests and got on plane in 4.7 seconds, impressive for a package weighing over 11,000 pounds. She includes a standard electric watersports tower with articulating Bimini, and there's an enclosed head and sink in the port console.

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Test Video

Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore:


Fast and Seaworthy CC

With a 9' beam, high freeboard and a tested weight over 7,000 lbs., the Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore is ready to handle offshore conditions in most fishable weather.

The Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore is a high-performance center console made to get offshore fast for a day of bluewater angling. With twin 250-hp Mercury Verado outboards, she reached a top speed of 56.8 mph in our test runs. A useful and original touch is the clear Plexiglas front on the 34-gallon livewell, making it much easier to keep an eye on the amount of bait aboard as well as its health -- a big plus for those who fish live sardines, menhaden and other delicate baits.

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Test Video

Mercury Verado 350:


Lightest 350 on the Market

The Mercury Verado 350 packs a huge amount of horsepower into a surprisingly small footprint thanks to its inter-cooled supercharger and special engine mapping.

Mercury Marine’s Verado 350 is the highest output FourStroke model in the standard (non-racing) Verado line. It dispenses 350 horsepower from its 2.6-liter in-line six-cylinder block, with some considerable help from a supercharger and an advanced engine computer. This outboard is claimed by the manufacturer to be nearly 95 lbs. (43 kg) lighter than its closest competitor. Weighing in at 668 lbs. (303 kg), the svelte outboard is donning a new look with three optional color shades of white: Cold Fusion, Warm Fusion and Pearl Fusion. Of course, traditional “Mercury Phantom black” is still available.

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Comparison

Go Fast or Go Easy:

We Compare Four Sailboats

This week we're comparing four sailboats, all by Beneteau, the largest selling sailboat brand in the U.S. Sailboats are not what they used to be a generation ago -- they're a lot more comfortable and easier to sail these days – and much of this change was pioneered by Beneteau. Beneteau not only offers both race- and cruise-oriented hulls, large and small sail plans and different deck layouts, but also several cabin options for most of their boats. Compare these four boats to see the difference in functionality.

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New Test Video

TAHOE 700:


New Runabout w/ Style and Substance

The TAHOE 700 has an arched sheer line that adds freeboard and creates a deeper cockpit, improving security for the whole family.

With an optional extended swim platform aft and broader chaise lounge seating forward, the TAHOE 700 makes exceptional use of space for a runabout in the 21-foot class. Two-tone upholstery and color-coordinated piping add style throughout. Backrests of the forward seats are hinged to keep them in place and provide easy access to storage in the consoles, and all seat bottoms are finished making them easier to keep clean.

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New Test Video

Maritimo M64:


3 En Suite Stateroom Yacht for All Seasons

The Maritimo M64 has an 18'8” (5.67 m) beam that maximizes interior living space with an enclosed flying bridge/sky lounge.

Maritimo has carved out a niche for itself by specializing in enclosed flying bridge sedans/convertibles. The M64 serves two distinct missions -- offshore big game fishing and serious cruising. There are definite advantages to the basic design: because the boat is essentially a convertible hull, she is inherently seaworthy with a low CG and rugged construction. Her enclosed flying bridge offers more inside living area for not a large increase in price. Three ensuite staterooms make for comfortable and private three-couple cruising.

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New Snapshot

Galeon 510 Skydeck:


Innovative Mini Helm on the Hardtop

The sleek European styling of the Galeon 510 Skydeck neatly fits a mini flying bridge with a second helm into the flowing lines of the roof.

The Galeon 510 Skydeck combines the visibility advantages of a flybridge with the sporty lines of a hardtop express cruiser. The hardtop fitted with a retracting glass sunroof over the lower helm station plus a sun lounges and second helm station. An interesting option is the side deck extensions that fold out to widen the beam by 5'.

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New Captain’s Report

Monte Carlo Yachts 80:


Euro-Style with Monocoque Construction

Dramatic styling and lots of exterior space for enjoying sun and sea identify the Monte Carlo Yachts 80. Note the Portuguese bridge that provides secure access to the bow lounging area.

The Monte Carlo Yachts 80 features monocoque construction, which allows the interior to have a particularly open and spacious feel. It also allows a high-degree of customization. The build includes aluminum beams and reinforcements of carbon fiber and Kevlar, giving strength without excess weight. Large round portholes bring in light as well as providing an exterior styling element.

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New Consumer Report

10 Common Boat-Buying Mistakes

Boat ownership is usually a family affair. But all-too-often the primary boat buyer forgets to get buy-in from a spouse or significant other.

Successful boat buying is not as easy as it may at first seem. It is definitely not like buying an automobile – it is far, far more complicated. Happily, the major pitfalls of buying a new boat can be avoided. That means getting the best boat for the mission on the first try, not the second or third, which can be costly. Find out to avoid the “10 Common Boat-Buying Mistakes”.

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Test Video

Scarab Open 195 Fish:


Jet Power in a Center Console

The Scarab Open 195 Fish, powered with a 250-hp Rotax jet in our tests, topped out at 41.9 mph and went 0 to 20 mph in under 6 seconds.

The Scarab Open 195 Fish is a single-engine jet center console that performs all the usual jetboat functions for joy-riding and towing water-toys, but it also adds the necessary gear for fishing, including an aerated livewell, rod holders, optional swiveling fishing seats, and wiring for a bow-mount trolling motor. The flip-down transom is an unusual feature, forming a swimming or casting platform when deployed, adding security when in the up position. An optional portable toilet fits inside the console.

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Captain’s Report

Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht:


Entertainment in Grand Style

The Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht has a beam of 22'5" (6.83 m) and with a weight of 209,000 lbs. (94,800 kgs.), she's the heaviest boat in class -- two important reasons she makes a comfortable world-wide cruising yacht.

The Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht is made for entertaining large groups on the flush main deck, with a formal dining area that seats 8 plus a table on the aft deck seating eight more, plus a large bar. A Jacuzzi, a large lounging area and another bar welcome guests to the huge flybridge. Four large ensuites are found on the accommodations level, with the midships master featuring his-and-her heads with marble vanities and decks.

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New Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly:


Three-Level Entertainment in an Offshore Cruiser

The flying bridge on the Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly has plush seating, a built-in grill and wet bar for entertaining and a hard top providing shade.

The aft galley of the Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly offers an attractive, modernistic design, with a large, retractable window that allows easy pass-through of drinks and food to the cockpit. An electric hi-lo cocktail table in the salon converts this area to a large lounge, with a retractable flat-screen TV adjacent. The accommodations deck centers around an atrium area with wine cooler convenient to all three cabins.

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Test Video

Glastron GTS 225:


Deep, Roomy Runabout w/ 48.6 MPH WOT

The Glastron GTS 225 has more freeboard than many runabouts in class, and the extended swim platform option also gives more usable space aft.

With a low-slung roadster style windshield and bold "spear" graphics, the Glastron GTS 225 has sporty styling to match her sporty performance. Powered by a single 300-hp 6.2 L Mercury sterndrive with Bravo 3 drive, she reached a top speed of 48.6 mph and had a hole shot time of just 3.6 seconds -- a plus when she's being used as a tow platform. She comes standard with a molded-in swim platform, and our test model had the optional extended platform with soft mat on the walking surface, stretching the area to a full 3'3" from the transom.

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Test Video

Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge:


Well-Equipped 3 Stateroom Convertible Yacht

The Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge has opening side windows and the aft strata-glass can be zippered open and rolled up, while the electrically-actuated sunroof can be opened for added ventilation.

The Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge is a bluewater-capable cruiser or sportfisherman that can also be used for entertaining and day boating. Standard features include IPS drives, CZone monitoring and glass cockpit electronics, electric bow winch and more. A separate cockpit joystick eases docking. Her 16'5" beam gives plenty of room below for three staterooms and 2 heads.

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Captain’s Report

Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 XP3:


Family Fishing and Fun Platform

SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE 24 XP3 is loaded with storage. Note the livewells forward and aft and all of the casting deck space.

The SUN TRACKER FISHIN' BARGE 24 XP3 rides on three 26'' pontoons built from .100 gauge aluminum, with lifting strakes and wave deflectors to improve performance and keep guests dry. She includes swiveling fishing seats bow and stern, as well as rod racks and live wells. A pop-up changing room can also hide a portable toilet.

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New Test Video

Four Winns HD 220 OB:


New Sport-Deck w/ Outboard Power

The Stable Vee stepped hull of the Four Winns HD 220 OB carries the boat high when on full plane, and "after pods" help her plane more quickly.

The Four Winns HD 220 OB features the performance and maneuverability of an outboard in an upscale sportboat. She provides extra space forward thanks to her 8'5" beam carried almost all the way to the bow. Bow seating is U-shaped rather than a V, adding seating here, plus room for a beach ladder and soft-step re-entry. Three-tone Aquaflex upholstery throughout and luxury-car fit and finish levels mark her as an upscale competitor in class, according to our test captain.

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Test Video

Robalo R242:


Bluewater Angler w/ Built-In Durability

While the Robalo R242 has a typical center console layout, more fishing space is provided by a wider beam and a smaller footprint of the console compared to most in class.

The Robalo R242 shows the company's build quality throughout, with heavy-gauge 316 stainless steel fittings including a standard anchor roller and chafe guard, fully finished, gasketed and guttered hatch lids and storage boxes, and a poured composite transom completely impervious to moisture intrusion. Her 8'9" beam, high freeboard and 22-degree deadrise at the transom should make her an excellent performer offshore.

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Test Video

Beneteau Swift Trawler 30:


A Couple's Trawler w/ 23 Knot Speed

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 rides on a semi-planing hull, which gives her a top speed of 23 knots powered with the standard 370-hp diesel.

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 is set up for extended cruising for a couple, but can also accommodate up to six for a long weekend thanks to convertible accommodations in the salon. A 3'5'' (1.04 m) draft and a keel extending below the prop adds confidence when leaving the marked channels on occasion, and her 11'7" beam provides lots of space both below and above decks.

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Test Video

Bavaria Sport 450 Coupe:


Versatile Layout, German-Engineering

The Bavaria Sport 450 Coupe is available in 2 or 3 stateroom configuration, and sunpads forward and aft encourage enjoyment of the marine environment.

The Bavaria Sport 450 Coupe brings the benefits of German engineering and assembly techniques to a sporty express design capable of sleeping up to six. A large sunpad on the bow and a convertible seat/sun pad in the aft cockpit welcome sun worshippers, and a standard sliding sunroof brings air into the helm/salon area. The teak cockpit and swim platform are standard in the U.S. and teak side decks are optional.

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