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Sea Ray SLX 310 OB // Prestige 630 // Wellcraft 242 // 18 Reports


BoatTEST Newsletter June 28, 2017
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Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust
IN THIS ISSUE
- Chaparral 287 SSX

- Prestige 630

- Sea Ray SLX 310 OB

- Wellcraft 242 Fisherman

- Ocean Alexander 100

- Cruisers Yachts 390

- Four Winns TS 242

- World Cat 2740

- 30’-32’ Express Cruisers

- Beneteau Gran Turismo 40

- Boston Whaler 250 Outrage

- Sun Tracker Fishin' Barge

- Intrepid 410 Evolution

- Yamaha 190 FSH

- Sailfish 325 DC

- Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW

- Formula 240 Bowrider

- Seacocks Boat Buying Tip

- Picture of the Week

- Boating Course On DVD

Chaparral 287 SSX:


Runabout w/ Rough Water Capabilities


Chaparral 287 SSX
With a 9' (2.74 m) beam and plenty of freeboard, the Chaparral 287 SSX is ready to head outside the inlet as well as cruising the largest lakes and rivers.

The new Chaparral 287 SSX offers MerCruiser or Volvo Penta power options to 430-hp for maximum performance. A convertible chaise lounge aft provides multi-position seating and sunning, and the dual touchscreen "Glass Dash" helm monitors all major boat functions. Upscale touches include diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery and lighted push-button switches for all controls.

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New Test Video


Prestige 630:


For All Types of Adventures


Prestige 630
The flying bridge of the Prestige 630 includes a windshield to help cut down wind and spray, while an optional hardtop with sliding roof provides shade or sunshine, as desired.

Vacuum-infusion and balsa coring in the layup helps keep weight down in the Prestige 630, making it one of the lightest boats in class. That improves speed, fuel-efficiency, and range. An outdoor galley on the flying bridge welcomes entertainment, and an optional hydraulic swim platform allows easy launch of a tender as well as functioning as a teak beach.

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Test Video


Sea Ray SLX 310 OB:


Outboard Sportboat w/ 53.4 MPH WOT


Sea Ray SLX 310 OB
Outboard power cuts weight and improves performance in the Sea Ray SLX 310 OB, which had a top speed of 53.4 mph in our test runs with twin 300-hp Mercury Verados.

The Sea Ray SLX 310 OB includes the "Dynamic Running Surface" tab system, utilizing large, triangular planes set into the hull to create an articulated running surface that improves acceleration, reduces bow rise, and keeps the boat at optimal trim automatically, according to the builder. The system allows for recording presets, useful for calling up individualized wakes for skiers and wakeboarders. The standard watersports tower is electrically operated and includes a Bimini top.

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Captain's Report


Wellcraft 242 Fisherman:


Center Console w/ Designer Styling


Wellcraft 242 Fisherman
The Wellcraft 242 Fisherman offers distinctive hullside graphics, readily matched by the color schemes available on the Evinrude E-TEC G2.

The Wellcraft 242 Fisherman is a well-equipped center console fishboat, but with numerous options, she becomes a handsome and comfortable family rig complete with cocktail table, sun pad, booth-style seating, and even Seagrass floor mats. A portable toilet in the console is standard, as is a flip-down bench seat at the transom. Powered with an Evinrude 300 E-TEC G2 turning a 15 ¼” Rebel stainless-steel three-blade propeller, top speed was 50.1 mph (43.6 knots) at 6000 rpm.

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Accommodations Video


Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht:


Custom-Built Quality in a Semi-Custom Yacht


Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht
Twin guest staterooms aboard the Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht include twin berths that convert to queens. Note the large ocean-view windows.

The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht is a meticulously finished yacht that is truly "turn-key" for the fortunate buyer. She comes fully-equipped with everything necessary to push off and head for distant shores right down to full 4,000-gallon (1,814 kg) fuel tanks, spare parts, 10-person life raft, full china and cookware, and much, much more. The four staterooms are ensuite, and countertops in the heads are Svevo marble with china sinks and Ancient Crepito marble decks.

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Features Video


Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe:


12'8" Beam Adds Comfort and Space


Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe
The convertible sun lounge in the cockpit of the Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe provides plenty of space for two couples or more to relax both underway and at the docks.

The Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe has an unusually wide beam for a 40-foot (12.2 m) yacht, spanning 12'8" (3.86 m), giving lots of space both above and below deck. A sleek Euro hardtop profile makes her handsome, and movable seating modules add versatility to the cockpit. A midships master and four convertible Pullman bunks at the bow allow her to sleep six, which is unusual in this size boat.

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Test Video


Four Winns TS242:


Dedicated to Wakesports


Four Winns TS 242
The Four Winns TS242 has a broad, deckboat-style bow providing added seating space, but she rides on a 20-degree deadrise bottom that should deliver an easy ride even in chop.

The Four Winns TS242 is the company's first dedicated wakesports model, fully-loaded with all the necessary extras including 1,800-pound (817 kg) ballast tanks, ZeroOff speed control, and wakeboard tower. The props are tucked forward of the lower unit, providing safety for a surf boarder, and, along with the trim tabs, excellent fine-tuning for the quality of wave. She's rated to seat up to 14, near the top in class.

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Test Video


World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2740:


Sea-Taming Twin Hulls and 40.1 MPH WOT


World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2740
The tall, sharp twin bows of the World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2740 are a big part of her exceptional ride offshore, according to our test captain.

The World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2740 is a well-equipped dual-console blue-water fishing boat riding on twin hulls with a very fine forward entry designed to soften the waves, even at full speed. Powered with economical twin 150-Yamaha fourstrokes, she delivered 40.1 mph at WOT, and at a 3000 rpm cruise of 18.1 mph she had a range of more than 380 SM. The interior offers unusually broad seating areas across the 8'9" (2.67 m) beam, particularly at the squared-off bow.

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Comparison

Express Cruisers 30’ to 32’:


We Compare 4 Models

Regal 30 Express Cruiser
Regal 30 Express Cruiser

Formula 310 FX5
Formula 310 FX5

Chaparral 310 Signature
Chaparral 310 Signature

Regal 32 Express
Regal 32 Express

Express cruisers 30’ to 32’ (9.14 m to 9.75 m) are large enough to take offshore and to the islands, but most people will use them for weekend entertaining and short cruises. On the outside they each have their distinctive styles, but inside their layouts are even more different. Join us as we compare four of the best express cruisers in class.

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Features Video


Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:


For Weekending and Longer Cruises


Beneteau Gran Turismo 40
The electrically-operated sunroof of the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 allows air to flow freely through the cockpit, both at anchor and underway.

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 has the look and performance of a sportboat, but she also offers all the amenities needed for comfortable cruising. Glass panels overhead create an atrium effect for the salon/galley area below decks, and there are sleeping accommodations for four, or six, if the couch is converted. An additional outdoor galley is accessed via the swim platform.

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Features Video


Boston Whaler 250 Outrage:


Comfortable Offshore Center Console


Boston Whaler 250 Outrage
The Boston Whaler 250 Outrage is designed to be a mini offshore battlewagon. She has Mercury power options to twin 225s providing plenty of speed to get there fast.

The bow of the Boston Whaler 250 Outrage comes with standard U-shaped seating with a forward console seat that's more practical and comfortable than the usual V-seating thanks to the 9' (2.74 m) beam. The helm seats are deeply padded and include armrests and flip-up bolsters, while a livewell, bait-rigging area, and heavy-duty tackle storage drawers on stainless steel slides are built into the aft side of the seat platform. A portable head is standard. She is a premium boat in every way.

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Captain's Report


SUN TRACKER® FISHIN' BARGE® 22 XP3:


Spacious Family Fishing Package


Sun Tracker Fishin Barge 22 XP3
The SUN TRACKER® FISHIN' BARGE® 22 XP3 has swiveling fishing seats fore and aft, as well as rod holders, livewells, and other fishing extras.

The SUN TRACKER® FISHIN' BARGE® 22 XP3 has a third tube and increases the tube diameter to 26” (66 cm), adding stability and flotation compared to two-tube models. The tubes also feature lifting strakes that assist in the performance of the boat, particularly when powered with the maximum 150-hp Mercury outboard. The Fishing Package ($1,025) includes a Mark-5x Pro fishfinder and MotorGuide 12V 55-pound (25 kg) thrust foot-control trolling motor.

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Test Video


Intrepid 410 Evolution:


Intrepid Quality w/ 53.6 MPH WOT


Intrepid 410 Evolution
High-gloss teak finishes and wood inlays brighten the interior of the Intrepid 410 Evolution. The table lowers at the touch of a button to become part of an added berth.

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. The side entry door in the cockpit makes it easier to step on and off the boat at dockside. Fit-and-finish both in the glasswork and wood work is probably the best in class. Every Intrepid is semi-custom.

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Test Video


Yamaha 190 FSH:


Shallow Water Jet Powered Family Fisherman


Yamaha 190 FSH
Not many jet boats include a T-top, but the top and other fishing amenities are standard in the Yamaha 190 FSH, powered with a single 180-hp Yamaha 1.8L H.O. jet system.

The Yamaha 190 FSH includes all the extras to function as a family fishing boat, but she's also ready to offer an exciting jetboat ride when the rods are left at home. The T-top folds down and the windshield is removable to allow easy garage storage. She floats -- and runs -- in just 16" (40.6 cm) of water, allowing safe operation in shallow areas.

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Test Video


Sailfish 325DC:


Dual Console Built to Fish -- or Entertain


Sailfish 325 DC
The Sailfish 325DC is a roomy dual console that can function as a family runabout, even on marginal days, as well as a serious offshore fisherman.

The Sailfish 325DC is a versatile bluewater boat that has the amenities to please a family and still live up to her strong sportfishing heritage. Her broad 10' (3.05 m) beam provides lots of space for fishing or partying, and with twin 300-hp Mercury Verados, she can get offshore at a maximum speed of more than 53 mph. The port cabin has a sink, seating, and an optional microwave, while the starboard console contains a portable head.

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Test Video


TRACKER® Pro Team™ 195 TXW:


Tough, All-Welded Hull w/ 57.9 WOT


Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW
Riding on a lightweight, all-welded aluminum hull, the TRACKER® Pro Team™ 195 TXW in our tests reached 57.9 mph at WOT.

Powered with a 150-hp Mercury four-stroke, the TRACKER® Pro Team™ 195 TXW proved herself both fast (WOT 57.9) and economical, achieving 7.8 mpg at 23.7 mph. She comes equipped for tournament competition with a Minn Kota bow-mount trolling motor, Lowrance fishfinder, a 27-gallon (102 L) lighted livewell, center rod organizer, two huge locking bow storage compartments, and two smaller aft storage boxes. A factory-matched trailer is part of the package.

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Test Video


Formula 240 Bowrider:


Trailerable Sport Boat w/ 53.6 MPH WOT


Formula 240 Bowrider
The oversized swim platform is inset into the transom of the Formula 240 Bowrider, providing extra space to gear up for watersports.

The Formula 240 Bowrider is trailerable thanks to her 8'6" (2.59 m) beam, yet she has the quality build and premium features that the company is famous for. Performance was brisk in our tests with the optional 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG HO engine turning a Bravo III outdrive, planing in 3.6 seconds, and topping out at 53.6 mph. The broad aft-facing rumble seat converts to a sun pad in seconds, and like all Formulas, she has a gleaming hull.

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New Consumer Report


Boat Buying Tip:


Start Your Inspection with the Seacocks


Boat Buying Tips
Note the UL seal on the handle of these ball-valve seacocks. It shows they're listed for marine use; just what we want to see when checking out a boat. No UL seal, no deal: Non-marine valves are verboten on boats.

When looking at a new or used boat, the first thing that should be looked at are the seacocks -- but, of course, few people ever look at them first, or at all. They are not glamorous, cool, or fun. The first rule of running a safe boat is to keep the water out, and that’s what seacocks can do. They also let it in. So they are a critical aspect of every boat. In this boat buying tip, we tell you want you need to know about them.

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Where in the World?

Picture of the Week


Picture of the Week

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