Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover | Tiaqra Sport 38 LS | Boston Whaler 315 Conquest
With quad Mercury 350-hp outboards, the Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover has the power and speed to deliver sportboat thrills (61.1 mph at WOT in our test runs) but she is also all about entertaining. One of the more inventive features is the powered deck section surrounded by the U-shaped cockpit lounge, which rises partially to form the base for a large sun pad or rises higher to become a table. The walk-through transom provides easy, wide-open access to the swim platform, which is considerably larger than what is found on many outboard models.
The folks at Sea Ray have told us that they have upgraded their boats and that is evident when looking at the upholstery on the Sea Ray SDX 270. Patterned, double-stitched, two-toned and embroidered upholstery is a visible signal for a premium boat. The double-wide helm seat includes a flip-up bolster, and the back is reversible for cockpit conversations when at the docks. She has seating for up to 15. The builder continues its QuietRide technology, which we tested and compared some years back. It is not marketing hype, and a boat we tested was significantly quieter than an earlier version.
Our test captain recently tested the Tiara Sport 38 LS with a pair of Seven Marine 527-hp DuoProp outboards on the transom. The big V8s feature closed loop cooling, the only outboards in the industry with this feature. The engines have both an engine oil cooler and a transmission oil cooler ensuring durability. A supercharger boosts the horsepower output on this 6.2-liter engine, producing considerable torque to quickly get the boat out of the hole and keep her on plane at relatively low speeds. These engines aren’t for everyone, since they are the most sophisticated and most expensive outboards on the planet.
The Azimut designers managed to fit three staterooms, a full galley and salon/dinette below decks in the Atlantic 51. That way, topsides has been cleared for pure entertaining, with just enough room for driving. She has space for a 10’ (3 m) tender in the transom garage. Twin IPS 800 drives and a standard bow thruster make low speed maneuvering a simple matter. The 47,781-lb. (21,673 kg) package had a top speed of 32.1 knots.
A cockpit grill is a useful feature to have aboard, but it definitely takes up space that could be used for fishing or lounging in a multi-mission boat like the Boston Whaler 315 Conquest. The Whaler team came up with a useful bit of engineering by making the grill a slide-out from the large storage chest just abaft the port lounge seat. It’s out of the way, but ready in seconds when it’s time to grill. The cockpit sink and refrigerator are to starboard.
Based on the feedback we've been getting about BoatTEST.com's Video Boating Course, it's clearly not only for beginners but 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...
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