/*
*/

New Riviera 6000 // Sailfish 290 // Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius // 18 Reports


BoatTEST Newsletter January 6, 2016
Click here if you cannot view the newsletter.

Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust
IN THIS ISSUE
- Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht

- Yamaha AR192

- Bayliner VR6

- Beneteau Sense 46

- Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius

- Premier 290

- Prestige Yachts 620

- Regal 53 Sport Coupe

- Robalo R247

- Sailfish 290CC

- SUN TRACKER FB 24

- TAHOE 500 TS

- Tiara 44 Coupe

- World Cat GB 2780

- Formula 290 Bowrider

- Shurhold Combo Brush

- Picture of the Week

- Boating Course On DVD

Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht:

Style, Functionality
and Flexible Layouts


Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht
With twin Volvo Penta IPS950 diesels, the Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht combines impressive performance with easy handling at the docks.

The Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht has a flexible four-stateroom layout with a luxurious full-beam master, three bathrooms, contemporary and stylish hull windows and portlights, dual electric sliding sunroofs and fixed skylights...as well as a large, open cockpit with grill and undercover seating and dining areas. Dual stairways access the broad teak swim platform, and there's a "toy garage" that can handle a tender up to 10.5' (3.20 m) long under the cockpit. Large hullside windows provide lots of ambient light below decks.

More...


Test Drive


Dealer Contact

cross ruler


New Captain's Report


Yamaha AR192:


A High-Performance Entry-Level Jet Boat


Yamaha AR192
With a single 1.8-liter supercharged engine, the Yamaha AR192 is an exciting watersports platform.

The Yamaha AR192 is competitively priced, but includes such upscale features as a standard wakeboard tower, cruise control, a stainless steel impeller and the company's Articulating Keel for improved control both at speed and around the docks. She is powered by a Yamaha 1.8L supercharged engine that provides plenty of pop throughout the power band and makes her a pleasure to drive.

More...

cross ruler


New Test Video


Bayliner VR6:


Roomy 22'4" Bowrider w/ 48.7 WOT


Bayliner VR6
The "Beam Forward" design of the Bayliner VR6 gives added seating space in the bow area while the integral swim platform adds useful space aft, creating the feel of a larger runabout.

Powered by a 250-hp MerCruiser 4.5L V6, the Bayliner VR6 is a spirited performer. She reached 48.7 mph at WOT in our tests. Best cruise was at 3000 rpms where she ran 27.2 mph and got 4.9 mpg. Range at this speed would be about 144 statute miles, according to our test team. She was also quick out of the hole in just 3.4 seconds, a plus in towsports.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


New Test Video


Robalo R247:


Multi-Mission Dual Console


Robalo R247
The Robalo R247 comes standard with a single 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard and a stainless-steel propeller, but is also available with twin 150s or 200s.

Top speed of the Robalo R247 with a single 300-hp Yamaha 4-stroke was 43.1 mph at 5800 rpm. Backing off on the throttle, we found the best cruise speed of 23 mph at 3500 rpm, where she burned 9.35 gph, giving us a range of 287 statute miles. A 22-degree deadrise and recessed trim tabs help tame the ride.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Captain's Report


Beneteau Sense 46:


Practical Luxury in a World-Ranging Sailboat


Beneteau Sense 46
The Beneteau Sense 46 is easy to sail short-handed according to the company, and sailed within her design capabilities she provides a comfortable ride with only moderate heeling.

The Beneteau Sense 46 is a monohull capable of sailing worldwide with a limited crew. All of the sail controls for both the headsail and the main (except the topping lift) have been brought back to the cockpit where they are stopped by cam cleats forward of the boat's two secondary winches. A roller furling headsail and a fully-battened main with lazy jacks and a lazy bag make sail-handling quick and easy.

More...

Beneteau Sense Line Learn the concept behind Beneteau's Sense line.


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Test Video


Formula 290 Bowrider:


Upscale Sportboat w/ 53.0 WOT Speed


Formula 290 Bowrider
The Formula 290 Bowrider has stylish lines that make her look fast and she is, topping out at 53.0 with twin 320-hp MerCruiser 377 MAGs.

The Formula 290 Bowrider is distinguished by such up-market touches as the optional oversize swim platform finished in synthetic teak. She has fold-out reboarding stairs where others only have a ladder. A Corian-topped wet bar/sink in the cockpit adds convenience for entertaining, while the head in the port console features an additional sink and VacuFlush toilet.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Test Video


Premier 290 Grand Entertainer:


Twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TECs


on a Huge Tri-Toon


Premier 290 Grand Entertainer
The Premier 290 Grand Entertainer has all the expected luxury of a top-tier pontoon boat, plus impressive speed thanks to power options up to twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2s.

A 36'' diameter center pontoon with a flat planing surface on the bottom enhances performance on the Premier 290 Grand Entertainer. Powered with twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp outboards turning 15 3/4" Rebel props, she topped out at an impressive 50.1 mph. Her most fuel-efficient planing speed was 13.7 mph at 2000 rpms, where she got 3.3 mpg, but most users will probably choose to run her around 3000 rpms and 23.5 mph for general cruising, where she got 2.1 mpg. The powerful 2-strokes pushed the 5,400-lb. (2,449 kg) triple-pontoon rig up on plane in just 4.4 seconds. There is nothing quite like 2-stroke low-end torque to get these vessels moving, and the Evinrude E-TEC G2 models are state-of-the-art.

More...

cross ruler


Test Video


Prestige Yachts 620:


Flybridge Express w/ Galley Aft


Prestige Yachts 620
The Prestige Yachts 620 maintains a comfortable 3-degree running angle at most speeds from just beyond planing all the way up to WOT.

The Prestige Yachts 620 offers her captain a wide range of fuel-efficient cruising speeds, getting virtually the same 0.5 mpg figures all the way from 1500 rpm and 14.9 mph up to a WOT of 2350 rpm and 34.5 mph. This allows the captain to adjust for sea conditions without a fuel penalty. Twin 700-hp Volvo Penta IPS drives provide easy maneuvering around the docks.

More...


Test Drive


Dealer Contact

cross ruler


Captain's Report


Regal 53 Sport Coupe:


Versatile Family-Oriented Yacht


Regal 53 Sport Coupe
A sliding sunroof, lots of counter space and solid-wood cabinetry mark the salon of the Regal 53 Sport Coupe as a venue ideal for entertaining.

Three possible main deck layouts and three different accommodation layout options, one including three staterooms, makes the Regal 53 Sport Coupe highly functional for a wide variety of potential owners. The company also offers a broad variety of fabrics and materials for the interior, allowing her to be finished as a durable family cruiser or a luxurious party yacht. A dinghy garage is accessed through a swing-up door at the transom, which also gives easy access to the engine room thanks to her innovative "track" system.

More...


Test Drive


Dealer Contact

cross ruler


Test Video


Sailfish 290CC:


Blue Water Brawler w/ Family Features


Sailfish 290CC
A deep, wide offshore boat that would appeal to any fisherman, the Sailfish 290CC center console also has lots of family features that can make her a watersports platform or a day-cruiser.

The Sailfish 290CC comes fully-loaded for offshore fishing, with 16 rod holders, a 35-gallon (132 L) leaning post livewell, a 30-gallon (114 L) transom livewell with high speed pickup, four fishboxes in the sole and rod storage. Toe rails help anglers brace when hauling up big fish in rough water, and the self-bailing cockpit has large drains for quick dewatering when things get dicey.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Test Video


Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius:


A Connoisseur's Express Cruiser


Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius
With Volvo Penta's POD system, including a joystick, our test captain found the Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius a quick study in docking maneuvers, as well as easy to handle at speed.

Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS500s, delivering 375 horsepower each, our test runs with the Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius hit a maximum rpm of 3630 in 42 seconds, where our test captain reported 31.7 mph or 27.54 knots. We recorded an optimal cruising speed at 24 mph, with a range of 279 miles turning the Volvo Pentas at 3100 rpm burning a total of 28 gph. Just as impressive is her styling and her fit-and-finish which place her firmly in the top tier of her class.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Captain's Report


SUN TRACKER FISHIN' BARGE 24 XP3:


Fishing Platform with Triple Toons


SUN TRACKER FISHIN' BARGE 24 XP3
Swiveling seats aft on the SUN TRACKER FISHIN' BARGE 24 XP3 provide a handy place to watch a rod or keep an eye on watersports action, and a removable table turns this into a spot to grab lunch for the kids.

Four swiveling fishing seats, two forward and two aft, define the primary mission of the SUN TRACKER FISHIN' BARGE 24 XP3. She comes standard with two aerated livewells, locking rod storage, vertical rod holders and a cutting board. The optional $1,025 fishing package adds a bow-mount electric trolling motor and a Lowrance sonar.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Test Video


TAHOE 500 TS:


Quick-Planing 19'10" Watersports Platform


TAHOE 500 TS
The TAHOE 500 TS jumped on plane in just 2.3 seconds in our test runs, proving herself highly capable as a watersports platform.

The TAHOE 500 TS is well-designed for watersports. A built-in, self-draining compartment to port on the swim platform allows for stowage of lines and gear. The platform is finished in non-skid and the swim ladder is recessed flush into the platform, eliminating potential cuts or scrapes. The ladder folds out on an angle away from the sterndrive for added safety when boarding or picking up passengers. A stainless steel tow eye comes standard, and an optional wakeboard tower is also available.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Captain's Report


Tiara 44 Coupe:


Day Yacht w/ Sleek Styling, Premium Finishes


Tiara 44 Coupe
Gleaming finishes complement durable and comfortable upholstery both outside and in aboard the Tiara 44 Coupe.

The Tiara 44 Coupe is finished with premium materials throughout. The boat's exterior seat cushions are covered in attractive Sunbrella which is soft to the touch and fully stain-proof, according to the company, while interior salon furnishings are covered in Ultraleather. Decking in the salon/galley is solid teak, standard. Interior wood is architectural teak and wenge. A standard, high-gloss teak, high-low pedestal table seats four adults. Tiara even includes eight throw pillows and a 29" TV with Blu-Ray DVD player.

More...


Test Drive


Dealer Contact

cross ruler


Captain's Report


World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2780:


Soft-Riding Stability in a Sea-Worthy Vessel


World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2780
Sharp forward sponsons soften the ride in the World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2780, while her broad beam adds side-to-side stability.

The mission of the World Cat Glacier Bay Edition 2780 is to provide a comfortable cruising platform for a traveling couple as well as to serve for offshore fishing expeditions and entertaining. With her hardtop and three sides enclosed, plus a removable aft enclosure, she easily becomes a three-season boat. An entertainment center has a freshwater sink and Corian top and entertainment options include a grill with gunwale mounts and a stainless refrigerator. A queen berth below welcomes a bit of cruising.

More...


Test Drive

Dealer Contact

Price Quote

cross ruler


Product Promotion


Shurhold Combo Brush:


Two Brushes in One


Shurhold Combo Brush
The new Shurhold Combo Deck Brush allows gentle cleaning of sensitive gelcoat exteriors as well as scrubbing hard on interior deck stains, all without changing brushes.

The Shurhold combo deck brush is perfect for gentle washing on easily-scratched surfaces, but can also work well for hard scrubbing on stubborn stains. The combo deck brush features longer, soft fibers for washing and medium short fibers for scrubbing. As users push down harder on stubborn spots, the stiffer fibers take over. As with all Shurhold brushes, this combo deck brush easily snaps into any Shurhold handle and features a solid wood block and rubber wraparound bumper.

More...

cross ruler

Where in the World?

Picture of the Week


Picture of the Week

Find out where this picture was taken and when.


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


Smart Boating


Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you.

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.