Formula 270 BR:
Sporty Bowrider w/ Indy 500 Ilmor Power
The Formula 270 BR is a premium, performance-oriented bowrider displaying the company's legendary level of exterior finish. The boat we tested was powered by a 430-hp Ilmor MV8 6.2L one-drive package that combines the Ilmor power with hydraulic clutch outdrive for exceptionally smooth transitions into gear. Ilmor engines have won 19 Indianapolis 500s and the same expertise and precision that has made the Ilmor name famous around the racing world has gone into their marine engines. The engine in the Formula 270 BR has a 5 year, 500-hour warranty -- something almost unheard of with racing engines.
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New Product Video
Mercury Bowhook:
Anchor-Free Position-Holding Technology
Mercury Marine Bowhook allows boaters to easily hold position while allowing heading to naturally settle according to prevailing winds or current, as the digital system controls the engines to "anchor" the boat in place. The feature, like many others, is activated through VesselView. Bowhook is available as a download for existing Joystick systems through VesselView’s Wi-Fi connection.
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Test Video
Intrepid 410 Evolution:
Express Cruiser w/ 53.6 MPH WOT, Sleeps 4
The single-stepped hull design of the Intrepid 410 Evolution provided impressive performance in our tests, reaching a top speed of 53.6 mph powered by triple V-8 Yamaha 350s. The boat has many luxury touches as standard features, including power helm seats, sun roof and cockpit shade, plus an 8 kW diesel generator and AC system. A high-gloss table in the salon rises at the touch of a button, or lowers to become part of an added berth. Like all Intrepid boats, she can be highly customized and finish work is tops.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius:
Express Style, Motoryacht Comfort
The two ensuite staterooms of the Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius are separated by a common area that includes the companionway and an atrium 14' (4.27 m) high, through which light pours to the lower deck. A settee in the lower salon converts to a double bed, making total accommodation for six when desired. It can also be turned into a 3rd cabin if desired. Twin 725-hp engines give her a top speed of better than 33 knots.
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Test Video
Sea Ray 280 SLX:
Upscale Runabout w/ Seating for 15
The Sea Ray 280 SLX is a large, upscale runabout with seating for up to 15. Leather-wrapped grab-rails are standard, as is plush, diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery. Scissor-style hinges keep all larger seat pads in place and provide hands-free access to the large storage compartments below. Options include a submersible hydraulic swim platform and electric tower with articulating Bimini system.
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Test Video
MAKO 414 CC:
Offshore Fishing Machine w/ 60.3 MPH WOT
The console of the MAKO 414 CC hides a folding bunk, hot water shower and sink as well as a toilet, putting this CC a cut above many in comfort. She's clearly all about offshore fishing, however, and fully-loaded with all the needed gear including large twin baitwells in the transom, jumbo insulated fish boxes in the floor and rod holders everywhere. An optional family package adds a cook top and food prep station just aft of the console seating.
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Test Video
Hatteras GT 70:
High Speed Blue Water Battlewagon
Powered with twin 2600-hp MTUs, the Hatteras GT 70 is capable of getting to fishing locations far offshore fast, a huge plus for tournament anglers who chase big game fish. And, she delivers on comfort in more sedate cruising waters, where her flawless woodworking, spacious salon and five staterooms welcome guests. At 21’4” (6.50 m), she is the widest convertible in class, which not only adds living space but also increases beam stability, important to those who troll offshore.
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New Test Video
Tiburon 25 ZX:
Lightweight Flats Fisherman w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 300
With a draft of just 6" and a weight of only 1,400 lbs. (less power), the Tiburon 25 ZX floats remarkably shallow for a 25-footer, making her an effective flats boat. She also has the length and width to function as a capable bay boat in calm conditions. The elevated console gives the skipper a better view of the shallows ahead, and standard Lenco tabs help her to get on top quickly and keep her there at low rpms.
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Comparison
We Compare 24'-28' Center Consoles:
Which Center Console is Best?
Sailfish 270CC
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Robalo R242
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Grady-White 251 Coastal Explorer
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Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore
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Boston Whaler 270 Dauntless
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Mako 284 CC
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Originally designed for serious fishermen, most of today's center consoles can be rigged for tow sports, diving, beach picnics, day cruising and, yes, fishing; when one's ship comes in, a center console makes a great tender. Available in sizes up to 40-plus feet, center consoles like the half-dozen in this week's roundup -- 24' to 28’ -- represent an excellent balance of size, cost, utility and simplicity. But although close in size, these boats are very different. We compare and contrast them so you can find the best one for your application.
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Test Video
Chaparral 227 SSX Surf:
Wake Surf w/ Extras
The Chaparral 227 SSX Surf has a special bottom design, ballast system, Malibu Surf Gate™ and a Medallion touchscreen at the helm -- all focused on making her an ultimate wake-surfing platform. The cast aluminum folding arch is also standard. The aft sun pad has flip-up wings that convert it to chaise-style seating, and a filler pad turns the bow seating area into a sunpad as well. The drive system faces forward for safety and better handling.
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Test Video
Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC:
Premium-Level Cruising Yacht
The Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC has a Portuguese-style bridge, which features the side decks wrapping around the front of the boat. Seating forward of the bridge adds to the social space on the 658 while bulwarks and railings make this space safe to ride even while underway. The flying bridge includes an entertainment center with Corian countertop, faucet and sink, refrigerator, icemaker and propane grill.
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Test Video
Grady-White Marlin 300:
Blue Water Fishboat w/ Walk-Around Security
The walk-around design of the Grady-White Marlin 300 adds safety for fishing far offshore in sloppy conditions, while the aft cockpit has plenty of space for trolling as well as for after-hours entertaining. She can sleep up to four in the cabin, which also has dining space and a miniature galley. There's also a full head with shower, and air conditioning and a 5 kW diesel generator are optional.
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Features Video
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:
40-Knot Cruiser w/ Stepped Hull
Powered with twin 370-hp diesels, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 displayed plenty of speed, topping out at close to 40 knots in our test runs thanks in part to her efficient Air Step 2 hull design. Her outdoor galley is accessed from the swim platform, while a full galley is available below decks. The roomy master is forward, the twin-bunk guest cabin aft.
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Captain’s Report
Wellcraft 302F:
Roomy CC w/ Family Features
The Wellcraft 302F features a long list of standard equipment for offshore fishing, and comfortable seating at the transom and forward make her a good family boat as well. A T-Top with rod holders and PFD storage is standard, as is an electric toilet and sink in the console head. She's rated for twin outboards to 350-hp, which should allow her to get offshore fast.
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Test Video
Sea-Doo GTI SE:
Lightweight PWC w/ Abundant Extras
The hull of the Sea-Doo GTI SE 90-hp is made of Polytec material, a low density, high-impact composite that includes polypropylene and long glass fiber reinforcements, shaving about 150 lbs. (68 kg) off the weight compared to a fiberglass model. Powered by a Rotax 900 ACE 90-hp jet system she runs about 42.5 mph, and engine options to 155-hp are available for added speed. A plush three person seat and variable trim system are among the many standard features.
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Captain’s Report
Scarab 195 HO:
Jetboat Handling, Runabout Comforts
The Scarab 195 HO offers the thrill and performance of jet boat handling along with creature comforts in line with a conventional family runabout. Aft seating folds down to create a sunpad nearly the full width of the boat, and the soft-top swim platform is a handy spot to gear up for tow sports. A Bimini top, stereo and matching trailer are all standard.
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Captain’s Report
Sailfish 240CC:
Broad w/ Deep Cockpit for Offshore Angling
The Sailfish 240CC has relatively high freeboard for her LOA, resulting in 40” of interior depth at the bow and 30” in the aft cockpit. Her Variable Deadrise Stepped hull, which peaks at 24-degrees at the keel aft, should make her a very capable offshore performer. She has a 9' beam, wider than many in class, and her 30-gallon transom baitwell includes a high-speed pickup to keep bait lively even on long runs offshore.
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Finance Captain's Report
Sterling Associates:
Yacht Financing Specialists
Since 1991, Sterling Associates has provided financing, insurance, and documentation services for those in the process of purchasing a boat. The company has offices in San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, Michigan, Old Saybrook, Ft. Lauderdale, Annapolis, and Houston, with their main office in Whitinsville, MA. The median amount of boat loans handled by Sterling Associates is in the $500,000 to $600,000 range.
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New Consumer Report
12 Important Things to Look for in a Bay or Flats Boat
Some of the largest-selling boats these days are center consoles designed for bays and flats – skinny water or highly protected water. These boats are simple and relatively in expensive, but nevertheless there are important things that every consumer should check to help assure satisfaction. As we always say, the best way to save money on boat buying is the but the right one first. Check out our list of 12 important details any buyer should address.
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