BoatTEST Newsletter June 21, 2017

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Formula 350 Sun Sport:

Ilmor-Powered w/ 57.7 MPH WOT

Powered with twin 480-hp Ilmor engines and drives, the Formula 350 Sun Sport ran 57.7 mph in our tests, an impressive speed for a 15,000-pound (6,804 kg) yacht. The large optional hardtop provides shade for the console, and an electric sun-awning provides even more shade for the cockpit when desired. She can function as a sleek cruiser for four, thanks to a mid-cabin berth plus a convertible settee forward.

New Captain's Report

Cheoy Lee Bravo 72:

A Well-Equipped 4-Stateroom Yacht

The Cheoy Lee Bravo 72 includes two Kohler 23 kW generators and a large-capacity AC system as standard features. Bosch and SubZero appliances are also standard. She has four luxurious staterooms, including a midships master that spans the 19'10" (6.05 m) beam. A TNT hydraulic tender lift allows carrying a dinghy on the transom, while there's a broad seating and lounging area on the bow.

Features Video

Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe:

Sporty Coupe w/ Accommodations for 6

The Sea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe can be ordered with either sterndrive (twin 350s to 380s) or V-drive propulsion to twin 375s. She can sleep up to six, with two single beds abaft the companionway, a pull-out couch in the salon, and an offset forward berth with memory foam mattress at the bow. The 16,000 BTU cooling system for the accommodations area is standard, while added AC for the main deck is an option.

New Product Video

Mercury Active Trim:

Automatic Trim Adjustment

The Mercury Active Trim reads the boat speed and trim angle, then adjusts the engine trim for the best performance at any speed. There are five factory preset trim curves. The higher the number, the more aggressive the trim for a given speed. Manual override is instantly available, and the system can be adjusted for boat load and sea conditions.

New Captain's Report

Jeanneau Leader 33:

Sterndrive Power in a New Cruiser

The Jeanneau Leader 33 has a double berth cabin amidships as well as a full master forward, with the salon, galley, and head between the sleeping accommodations. All areas below deck benefit from multiple large windows and overhead hatches. She's available with twin sterndrives to 300 horsepower from Mercury or Volvo Penta, with joystick optional.

Test Video

Grady-White Express 370:

Family Express for Offshore Angling

We like express fishboats for work far offshore because they are more seaworthy than open boats. The Grady-White Express 370 includes a double amidships berth as well as a convertible settee at the bow, providing overnights for four. There's a standard grill in the cockpit plus a full galley on the lower deck and a standup head/shower; she's fully equipped for cruising.

Snapshot Review

Galeon 380 Fly:

New Cruiser w/ Versatile Layout

The Galeon 380 Fly is a family-friendly cruiser that sleeps five in two staterooms while offering a convertible dinette which can sleep two additional guests. Her foldable radar arch and mast allow passage under bridges; a plus for waterway cruisers. The interior fit-and-finish is consistent with the quality found on much larger Galeon models and is sure to impress even the most discerning critic.

Review Video

Yamaha SX210:

Twin-Jet Shallow-Draft Bowrider

The Yamaha SX210 has all of the features of a conventional runabout, but she's powered by twin Yamaha TR-1 jet systems for maximum acceleration and handling. She floats -- and runs -- in just 1'5" (.43 m) of water, greatly reducing the chances of lower unit damage compared to a sterndrive, and cleanout ports allow easy removal of grass and debris from the jets.

Captain's Report

Regal 42 Fly:

New Sport Yacht with Flying Bridge

The Regal 42 Fly has a two-stateroom layout with either one or two heads, which makes her appropriate for a small family or two cruising couples. The flying bridge includes a sunlounge ahead of the helm and double-wide convertible seating adjacent the command seat. A lower helm station is also standard, giving the captain protection in inclement weather.

New Test Video

Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht:

Smooth Operator Sport Yacht

The Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht features striking exterior lines, but also maintains plenty of beam to allow for two staterooms and two heads below decks, as well as an open atrium bringing light to the sitting area. The stern grilling area spreads across much of the transom, and is accessed from the swim platform. A sliding sunroof, the salon sliding door, and an awning window opens to the cockpit to blend the inside with the outside and creates one large living and entertaining space. This lets natural light pour into the main deck areas as well.

Test Video

Sailfish 320CC:

54.4 MPH WOT w/ 2 x Mercury 350s

The Sailfish 320CC equipped with twin Verado 350s can get anglers offshore very fast, with a top speed of 54.4 mph, and her 287-gallon fuel capacity gives her a range over 440 statute miles at more than 30 mph. The variable deadrise stepped hull maxes at 24 degrees at the transom in the keel section. The build includes carbon-fiber in the decks for added stiffness and Kevlar in the keel.

Design and Style Video

Beneteau Monte Carlo 5:

Retro Exterior, Modern Interior Spaces

The narrow stem, hard chines, and steep deadrise of the Monte Carlo 5's hull give her a smooth ride in rough water, as well as functioning as a distinctive style element. Her round hullside windows add a classic look to this modern, high-tech build. A tender can easily be fitted on her large hydraulic swim platform, and Beneteau offers a customized tender that matches the Monte Carlo 5 in hull color and upholstery treatments.

Captain's Report

SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 20 DLX:

Affordable Pontoon Boat w/ Quality Touches

The 2016 SUN TRACKER® PARTY BARGE® 20 DLX is available as a turn-key package complete with a 40-hp four-stroke Mercury Command Thrust outboard for $17,595. She rides on two 24’’ (.61 m) diameter, multi-chambered pontoons with wave deflectors and internal bracing. Seating is pillow-top multi-density foam, with UV resistant, marine-grade 26-ounce vinyl coverings. All the seats have rotomolded backs and bases for longevity as well as strength. She's rated to carry up to 10.

Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:

High Style in a 3-Stateroom Sport Yacht

Large windows and a sliding sunroof bring lots of light into the salon of the stylish Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius. Below decks, she has three staterooms in place of a lower level lounge area. Hullside windows and high overheads give this level a spacious and bright feel, according to our test captain.

Test Video

World Cat 280 CC-X:

Fast, Sleek & Soft-Riding

With twin hulls, a 9'2" (2.79 m) beam and exceptional freeboard forward, the World Cat 280 CC-X is ready for long offshore runs in any fishable weather. Her sheerline and tumblehome present a sleeker look than most cat designs, and the broad bow gives far more deck and seating space than conventional monohulls. Unlike some fishing cats, she's fast, topping out at 48.7 mph with twin 200-hp outboards.

Features Video

Beneteau Gran Turismo 46:

Express Cruiser w/ Innovative Features

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 is well suited for the comfort of two couples whether it's for intermediate-term cruising, weekend excursions, day trips, or evening entertainment. She's one of the few yachts with the option of either pod drives or sterndrives, both providing excellent maneuverability at low speeds. Perhaps the most innovative feature of the boat is her port and starboard two-part swinging doors with pivoting seats at the aft end of the cabin.

Test Video

Aquila 36:

Roomy Catamaran w/ 14'7" Beam, 2 Ensuites

The Aquila 36 is a spacious outboard-powered cat that carries her 14'7" (4.45 m) beam all the way to the bow. She includes dual hullside doors for easy entry from the dock, plus twin swim platforms next to the outboards for enjoying the water. She draws just 22'' (.56 m) with the drives down, according to the company, making her unusually handy for poking into shallow coves for a picnic or a swim.

Comparison

We Compare 4 “Pocket” Express Cruisers

There is nothing quite like cruising on the water to escape the hurly-burley of everyday life. One of the best ways to start is with a “pocket cruiser” -- an express cruiser that can be trailered. Since these boats are the smallest of the type, they are also the least expensive. They are a good way for a boater moving up to put a toe in the water to find out if the cruising lifestyle is agreeable. But while the boats look very similar on the outside, they are really quite different once inspected closely.

Take a look at our comparison…

New Consumer Report

6 Tips for Buying Any Boat

There are a number of things that you rarely read about when buying a boat -- new or used -- which should be investigated before writing a check. These issues include finding out the real age of the boat, whether or not it is built to industry standards, does the builder have integrity, the details of the warranty on both the boat and the engine, insurance coverage restrictions, and whether or not you need a marine surveyor. These points are essential to understand in order to avoid making a costly buying error.

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