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Picking a Tow Vehicle // Tahoe 700 // Sea Ray 460 // 20 Reports


BoatTEST Newsletter April 5, 2017
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Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust
IN THIS ISSUE
- Tahoe 700

- Robalo R222 ES

- Sea Ray SLX 350 OB

- Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht

- Evinrude Repower Rigging

- Nitro Z17

- Ocean Alexander 70

- Regal 29 OBX

- Scarab 255 Impulse

- 21'-23' Center Consoles

- Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius

- Wellcraft 222F

- Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe

- Four Winns HD 270 OB

- Monte Carlo Yachts 105

- Sea Ray Sundancer 460

- Mercury 350 Verado

- Sun Tracker Party Barge 22

- Sea-Doo GTR-X 230

- The Right Tow Vehicle

- Picture of the Week

- Boating Course On DVD

TAHOE® 700:


Fast 21' Sterndrive Bowrider


TAHOE 700
The extended swim platform option on the TAHOE® 700 adds lots of lounging space aft, and a fold-out swim ladder makes for easy reboarding.

The TAHOE® 700 has a larger, deeper bow seating area and cockpit than many runabouts in its class, adding security for little ones and pets. The aft sunlounge includes a hinged cushion that converts to chaise style relaxing. Powered with a 300-hp MerCruiser MX 6.2 L ECT fuel-injected stern drive, she planed in 3.2 seconds and topped out at an impressive 55.7 mph.

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New Captain's Report


Robalo R222 ES:


Center Console w/ Family Features


Robalo R222 ES
The Robalo R222 ES has an LOA of 21’6” (6.55 m), a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m), and a relatively high freeboard forward, adding security when the family is aboard.

The Robalo R222 ES is a center console fishing boat first, and she has all of the necessities including an aerated livewell, 5-gallon-bucket storage, fishbox with overboard drain and plenty of rod holders. But add a few options and she's also a large and comfortable family day boat suitable for towsports, harbor hopping or a picnic on a remote beach. Top speed with a Yamaha 200 four-stroke was 43.4 mph in our test runs, and best cruise was at 3500 rpms and 21.4 mph, where she got 4.1 mpg.

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Features Video


Sea Ray SLX 350 OB:


59.5 MPH WOT w/ Outboard Power


Sea Ray SLX 350 OB
With the large hardtop, the seating area of the Sea Ray SLX 350 OB functions almost like the salon in an express cruiser, yet the boat has the fully open bow of a bowrider.

One of the largest bowriders on the market, the Sea Ray SLX 350 OB has a 10'6" (3.2 m) beam and seating for up to 18. She features many premium touches including the standard hardtop and joystick control, and a digital dash with two 9" Raymarine Touchscreens. She also includes a wet bar with solid-surface countertop, stainless steel sink, faucet, refrigerator (2.3 cu. ft.), trash receptacle, and storage below large enough to stow a cooler.

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Test Video


Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht:


Wide Beam Yacht w/ Classic Style


Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht
The Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht combines classic and modern exterior style lines into a luxurious three stateroom vessel with an 18'2" (5.53 m) beam, wider than most in class.

The Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht has a 1,200-gallon (4,542 L) fuel capacity, 50% greater than some motoryachts her size. This gives her greater cruising range than most, particularly at 10 to 11 knots where most yachtsmen like to cruise when making long passages. Powered with twin 1136-hp CAT C18s, she's also got plenty of speed when it's needed to beat a storm to port.

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Rigging Options Video


Evinrude Repower E-TEC G2s:


Mechanical Controls Converted to Digital


Evinrude Repower E-TEC G2s
New Evinrude Icon II digital engine controls, or the more advanced Evinrude Icon II Premium digital controls, give a much easier and more precise connection to new Evinrude outboard installations. An electronic control box allows owners to retain their original manual controllers and converts them to digital.

A new set of Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards will give new life to an old boat, improving not only acceleration and top speed but also fuel economy in most cases. The new outboards have no scheduled maintenance for five years, auto winterization and a five-year warranty guaranteeing the investment. Greater dependability is also a major factor, particularly in boats used offshore.

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Test Video


NITRO® Z17:


Compact Bass Machine w/ 51.3 MPH WOT


Nitro Z17
The NITRO® Z17 is an entry-level bass boat, but she's got all the extras needed for tournament competition, including a trolling motor and deep cycle battery, fishfinder, aerated livewell and swiveling fishing seats.

With a dry weight of just 1,450 lbs. (657 kg), the NITRO® Z17 is light enough to run well on a fuel-friendly 115-hp outboard: Our test boat exceeded 50 mph and got on plane in 3.7 seconds. Her modest weight also means easy trailering with mid-size vehicles, and her 17'4" (5.28 m) LOA will allow storage on the included swing-away tongue trailer in most garages.

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Features Video


Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution:


Innovative 4 Stateroom Yacht


Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution
Large windows and an automatic toe-touch sliding door bring lots of light into the broad salon of the Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution.

The Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution includes a hydraulic swim platform, allowing storage of the ship's boat here and opening up the aft portions of the large flying bridge as an entertainment venue. A C-Zone monitoring system and 20 kW generator are also standard. She has a range of over 550 NM at 10.1 knots, and top speed was 26.7 knots in our tests.

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Test Video


Regal 29 OBX:


Twin Outboard Runabout w/ 52.6 MPH WOT


Regal 29 OBX
The Regal 29 OBX proved a capable performer with twin 200-hp Yamahas turning 19 Reliance props, reaching a top speed of 52.6 mph at 5250 rpm in our tests.

The Regal Boats 29 OBX is a big, family-oriented bowrider that combines luxury and lots of storage space thanks to the outboard design. The swim platform extends well past the outboards on both sides, adding usable space for watersports. The doublewide aft bench seats can be extended 10" into the cockpit at the touch of a button.

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Test Video


Scarab 255 Impulse WAKE Edition:


Twin Rotax Power & 53.2 MPH WOT


BOAT NAME
The Scarab 255 Impulse Wake Edition is all about tow-sports, but plug in the portable table and the swim platform becomes a good spot for lunch.

With twin Rotax 4-TEC 250 ECT jet power, the Scarab 255 Impulse WAKE Edition is a spirited performer, with a 3.1-second hole shot and a top speed of 53.2 mph. She comes loaded with upscale features including a folding wakeboard tower with Bimini, four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, and a tandem-axle trailer with brakes, chrome wheels and swing-away tongue.

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Comparison

We Compare 21'-23' Center Consoles:


Six Boats For Fishing Plus More

Boston Whaler 210 Dauntless running
Boston Whaler 210 Dauntless

Mako 214 CC running
Mako 214 CC

Sailfish 220 CC running
Sailfish 220 CC

World Cat 230 CC running
World Cat 230CC

Robalo R222 ES running
Robalo R222 ES

Wellcraft 222 Fisherman running
Wellcraft 222F

This week we'll compare six center consoles between 21 and 23’ LOA. Boats in this class open the doors to many boating adventures, while remaining affordable to more people. They mount enough horsepower to cover lots of water quickly; they carry sufficient fuel for over 250 n.m. range at best cruise; they have lots of stowage for fishing and sports gear; and they are seaworthy enough to venture offshore under the command of a skilled skipper. And while most CCs this size are targeted toward serious fishermen, these six offer benefits to non-anglers, too.

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Test Video


Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius:


Exterior Style, Interior Innovations


Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius
The Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius provides the harbor-hopping capabilities of a large dayboat, but innovative design touches also make her a comfortable cruiser.

The Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius combines the feel and exterior line of an express boat while providing the interior luxury of a sedan. An electric sunroof with shade and power vent windows let natural light and fresh air in, but she can be buttoned up when time for the AC or heat. The cabin includes two side-by-side recliners for watching TV that can be quickly converted to a berth at bedtime.

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Test Video


Wellcraft 222F:


Dessigned for Inshore and Offshore


Wellcraft 222F
Rod holders on the transom, leaning post and center console allow anglers to head offshore fully rigged-up in the Wellcraft 222F.

The Wellcraft 222F has a 21-degree deadrise, helping to ease the ride offshore, and yet she draws only 16'' (0.41 m) with the motor up, allowing her to hunt coastal fish on the edge of the shallow flats. She's available with a Scarab Package that adds color, style, and fishing extras, including an upgraded leaning post and a non-slip foot pad at the helm. With the maximum 250-hp Yamaha in our tests, she reached a top speed of 48.4 mph.

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Test Video


Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe:


Designed for Offshore Work


Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe
The high freeboard of the Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe not only provides her additional safety in a seaway, but increases interior space, allowing over 7' (2.13 m) of headroom in some areas below decks.

The Bavaria Sport 400 Coupe has the sporty lines of an express, but the main deck includes a full-sized, air-conditioned salon and dinette. The summer kitchen in the cockpit allows cookouts, while a full galley is found below decks, along with a second dining area and the two staterooms. Large hullside windows bring plenty of light below.

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Test Video


Four Winns HD 270 OB:


Stylish & Roomy Runabout


Four Winns HD 270 OB
The 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 is a styling match for the Four Winns HD 270 OB thanks to more than 400 color patterns available from the outboard maker.

The Four Winns HD 270 OB carries her 8'5" (2.55 m) beam well forward in deckboat style, adding seating space at the bow. Outboard power via an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP outboard means there's added space aft for storage and seating, as well as the advantage of reduced weight, ease of maintenance, and, with the Evinrude, no scheduled engine maintenance for five years. A matching low-profile, tandem-axle trailer is packaged with the boat.

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New Entertainment Video


Monte Carlo Yachts 105:


Precision Construction Plus Custom Interiors


Monte Carlo Yachts 105
The huge flying bridge on the Monte Carlo Yachts 105 covers some 800 sq. ft. (74 sq. m), allowing for multiple lounging/entertaining areas topside.

The Monte Carlo Yachts 105 is fully-customizable, which means each owner can have the interiors pretty much as he or she prefers. Options include a massive hydraulic teak beach at the transom, an outdoor cinema in the bow lounging area, and fold out balconies along the midships sections. The flawless hull finish is achieved via multiple coats of DuPont paint, easy to obtain for touchup worldwide.

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Test Video


Sea Ray Sundancer 460:


Sport Yacht w/ Accommodations for Six


BOAT NAME
Powered with twin 550-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 diesels, the Sea Ray Sundancer 460 provides performance that makes her a sport yacht.

The Sea Ray Sundancer 460 is a 46’ 8'' (14.22 m) sport yacht which aims to provide luxury entertainment and accommodations as well as a powerful, smooth ride. The large windshield not only provides a good command view, but also creates an atrium effect for the accommodations level, bringing lots of light below decks. She can sleep up to six, and has two luxurious heads.

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Test Video


Mercury Verado 350:


Light Weight 4-Stroke Muscle


BOAT NAME
The Mercury Verado 350 is relatively svelte for its tremendous power output, thanks in part to its in-line six-cylinder design.

The Mercury Verado 350 is a 2.6-liter four-stroke with an impressive power output thanks to an intercooled supercharger and an advanced engine computer. Mercury says the motor is nearly 95 lbs. (43 kg) lighter than its closest competitor at 668 lbs. (303 kg). It's available in optional shades of white, Cold Fusion and Warm Fusion, as well as the traditional “Mercury Phantom Black”.

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Test Video


SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 DLX:


Family-Friendly Pontoon w/ Extra Features


Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 DLX
The bow of the SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 DLX becomes a comfortable spot for lunch when the portable table is set in place.

The SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 22 DLX comes with a QuickLift Bimini top, easy clean vinyl decking, 26-ounce marine-grade UV resistant upholstery, and LED navigation and courtesy lights. The swim platform is full width, providing easy access to the outboard for maintenance checks as well as a good place to gear up for tubing. A double-wide lounge faces aft, a great spot to watch the kids on the tow-line.

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Test Video


Sea-Doo GTR-X 230:


Priced Right w/ Premium Features


Sea-Doo GTR-X 230
The Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 is powered by a Rotax 1500 HO ACE that's supercharged and intercooled, and which includes a closed loop cooling system for improved durability in coastal areas.

At $12,999, the Sea-Doo GTR-X 230 is among the lowest priced performance models in the industry but she still includes many premium features. The Ergo-Lock seating allows the rider to more effectively use the leg muscles to lock the body into position for a more confident and comfortable ride. And the iBR braking system provides fast, safe stops as well as much improved control when launching, loading or docking. The distinctive flowing facet design style gives the GTR-X 230 a very technical look while the 16-degree dead rise hull provides playful, yet precise handling.

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New Consumer Article


How to Choose the Right Tow Vehicle


How to Choose the Right Tow Vehicle
The right vehicle can make towing even larger boats easy with a bit of practice.

Trailering a boat opens new and distant vistas to owners, but it all starts with the right tow vehicle. Plenty of torque and a rated towing capacity that's well above the total weight of the boat, trailer, fuel and gear stowed aboard will cut maintenance issues with the tow vehicle and also make for safer towing. Here's how to choose the right vehicle to tow your boat.

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