BoatTEST Newsletter June 14, 2017

Click here if you cannot view the newsletter.

Robalo R302:

Bluewater CC w/ 55.2 MPH WOT

The Robalo R302 is an updated design with pronounced hull strakes and wide reversed chines that provide a dry ride, according to our test captain. The Kevlar-reinforced keel with variable deadrise also produced rapid planing for a 10,000-pound (4,536 kg) boat at only 3.7 seconds. Top speed with twin 300-hp Yamaha four-strokes was 55.2 mph. The tempered-glass windshield with side panels helps keep spray off the helm area.

Test Video

Yamaha EX:

Entry Level PWC w/ Lots of Extras

The Yamaha EX WaveRunner models are shorter, lighter and more affordable than any three-person 4-stroke PWC in the company lineup, but they're not short on features. The 3-cylinder 4-stroke 1019cc engine is 40% smaller, 20% lighter and more fuel-efficient than its 4-cylinder M1 predecessor, according to the company, yet produces better overall performance. The Deluxe model we tested included the RiDE system, which has pushbutton braking, reverse, and neutral.

New Captain's Report

Regal 26 OBX:

Sporty Upscale Outboard Runabout

The new Regal 26 OBX has an extended seating/lounging area forward plus an "Ultralounge" convertible seating/sun pad at the transom. RTM hatches are finished on the inside for ease in maintenance preventing mildew, and Faria fog-free analog gauges add a sporty touch to the dash. Fusion Marine sound with six speakers and Bluetooth is standard. She is one of the few 26' (7.93 m) outboards on the market with a stepped hull for added performance.

Captain's Report

Monte Carlo Yachts 80:

High-Tech Yacht for the Space Age

Despite her 20'2" (6.15 m) beam, the Monte Carlo Yachts 80 has a sleek and sporty profile, and with power options to twin 1650-hp MAN V12s, she has plenty of speed when the captain desires, topping out at better than 30 knots during our test of her. She's roomy below decks and can sleep up to 10 including the aft crew quarters. The full-sized galley is also below decks, adding more living space in the salon on the main deck.

Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly:

Express Styling Plus a Flybridge View

The Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly combines the sleek lines of a large express with the navigational advantages and added open-air entertainment opportunities of a flying bridge. She has a 15'6" (4.72 m) beam and sleeps six in three staterooms. One leg of the galley’s U-shaped countertop extends beyond the window out into the cockpit, creating a breakfast bar and seamless flow from one space to the next.

Features Video

Hampton Endurance 658 LRC:

Long Range Cruiser w/ Classic Style

Docking control aboard the Hampton Yachts Endurance 658 LRC is simplified by twin “wing stations” to port and starboard on the aft deck which control the engines and bow and stern thrusters -- she's readily handled by an owner-operator, but also has an extra aft cabin for those who prefer paid crew. She's a quality build throughout; excellent joinery and woodwork are found in all interior areas, according to our test captain. With twin 1000-hp Cat 12.9s she's a true ocean ranger at 10-knot displacement speed, with a range over 1,300 NM.

Test Video

Intrepid 407 Cuddy:

Light, Strong and Fast: 58.0 MPH at WOT

The Intrepid 407 Cuddy is an exceptionally fast 40' (12.2 m) fishing boat with crossover potential. Powered with triple 400-hp Mercury Racing outboards, she topped out at 58.0 mph in our tests. Her on-deck seating makes an exciting entertaining platform and her cuddy adds an extra dimension that turns the boat into an overnighter or weekender. The hull is vacuum-bagged during molding, controlling the glass-to-resin ratio for maximum strength at minimum weight.

New Test Video

Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge:

A Comfortable Flybridge Cruiser

The Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge is designed for veteran boaters who appreciate a well-executed flybridge yacht that is offshore-ready and a good value. She comes with an air-conditioned salon/dinette area on the bridge, and large windows, sliding glass doors, and an electric sunroof. The bridge also includes an aft control station just on its aft deck, a reminder that this yacht can also double as a serious sportfishing boat. Overall, the fit-and-finish and design details are among the very best in class.

Test Video

Bavaria R40 Fly:

Twin Sterndrives in a Roomy Cruiser

The salon and aft deck of the Bavaria R40 are set up for entertaining while the accommodations below deck are roomy, thanks to a beam over 13' (3.96 m) and lots of freeboard. She should be comfortable for two couples or a small family for weekending or coastal cruising. Sterndrive propulsion moves the engines all the way aft, freeing up more usable space as well as making the yacht more versatile and a nimble boat to handle.

Test Video

Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover:

Jumbo Combo w/ 64.2 MPH WOT

The Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover we tested was powered by quad Mercury Racing 400-hp outboards, and, not surprisingly, she delivered on performance, with a top speed of 64.2 mph. She is an outboard-powered express cruiser with a huge bow-riding cockpit. She features the company's signature painted finish topped with Imron clearcoat and offers both a mid-cabin and a plush convertible salon double for overnights. The open bow design adds versatility to the express cruiser concept.

Captain’s Report

Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht:

4 SR Motoryacht for All Seasons

The innovative Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht has a massive flying bridge for entertaining and sunning, but also has space forward of the bridge to allow for a large skylight to let light into the main deck living areas. The open, contemporary salon has deck-to-ceiling windows. She's designed to sleep eight guests in sumptuous accommodations, and there's space for a professional crew aft. A large seating/sunning area welcomes guests to the bow.

New Test Video

Sea Chaser 24 HFC:

52.8 MPH WOT w/ 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2

The Sea Chaser 24 HFC powered by an Evinrude 250-hp E-TEC G2 delivered strong performance in our test runs, topping out at 52.8 mph and getting on plane in 3.2 seconds. The V6 got 4.2 mpg at 31.7 mph for a range of 380 SM. Like many in class, the Sea Chaser is designated as a multi-mission center console.

New Product Video

Mercury Marine Skyhook:

Effortless Digital Boat Control

Mercury Marine Skyhook is a digital system that pinpoints its GPS position and moves the drives independently to maintain location and heading. It's a handy setup for holding position at a bridge or fuel dock in strong winds or current, or over a reef or wreck without having to set an anchor. All of the Skyhook functions can be activated from the joystick and its base.

New Comparison

We Compare Four 21'-25' Dual Consoles:

4 Boats at 3 Price Points

Dual consoles have been around for a long time but they are now more popular than ever, and more and more companies are building them. But as dual consoles get smaller, like the 21' to 25' (6.40 m to 7.62 m) models we compare this week, their advantages shrink with LOA: Builders have to be creative to fit an enclosed head and a sufficiently large cockpit in boats in this size range. The four boats come in at three different price points. For many consumers, price is the most important factor. But more experienced boat owners know that there is no substitute for a well-designed, engineered and built boat.

More...

Public Service Article

What Does "CE"

Certification Mean?

CE Certification is required for all recreational boats being sold in the European Union. The system rates boats on construction, strength, stability, freeboard, resistance to down-flooding, and deck drainage, providing a measure of their seaworthiness in varying conditions. The A, or Ocean, rating is the highest, followed by B-Offshore, C-Inshore and D-Inland. Beneteau has kindly sponsored a video written and produced by BoatTEST.com to explain this European classification system.

Where in the World?

Picture of the Week

See the larger picture, when and who took it -- and where!

Send us your favorite boating images.

When sending a photo, let us know when, where and what boat you were

on.

Expert Boating

 BoatTEST.com’s

4-DVD

Boating Course

Based on the feedback we’ve been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course it’s clearly not only for beginners, but also for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available… period. Order your 4-disc box set...

Watch the trailer...

BoatTEST.com, LLC

51 Bank Street, Suite 2A

Stamford, CT 06901

203-323-9900
[email protected]

All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other

material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual

to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,

or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.

In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content

that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation

or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity

or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which

are all clearly labeled as such.