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Wellcraft 180 // Hargrave 116 // Swift Trawler 30 // 15 Reports


BoatTEST Newsletter July 27, 2016
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Boattest.com: Tests You Can Trust
IN THIS ISSUE
- Wellcraft 180 Fisherman

- Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht

- Sea-Doo SPARK

- Fortress Anchors FX-7

- Regal 22 FasDeck ESX

- Hargrave 116

- Beneteau Swift Trawler 30

- Boston Whaler 230

- Hatteras GT 70

- Cruisers Yachts 54

- TAHOE 500 TS

- Formula 330 Crossover

- Ocean Alexander 90

- Beneteau Gran Turismo 40

- Ranger Boats 2510

- Picture of the Week

- Boating Course On DVD

Wellcraft 180 Fisherman:


Entry-Level Fisherman with 20-Degree Deadrise


Wellcraft 180 Fisherman
The Wellcraft 180 Fisherman is a compact center console with enough freeboard and deadrise to function well on open bays and large lakes in most weather, and it will also fit into most garages on the factory-matched trailer.

With a 20-degree deadrise, the Wellcraft 180 Fisherman should deliver a good ride in a chop, and she'll float in just 15" (.38 m) with the outboard tilted up, making her good for prowling the edges of the flats. Livewell, rod racks, and trolling rod holders are all standard. Small swim platforms on each side of the motor well are adequate for getting into the water for a swim or for some wadefishing, and a stainless-steel boarding ladder to port assists in getting back aboard.

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New Test Video


Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht:


European Style, American Muscle


Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht
The Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht can be powered by twin diesels, ranging from 1600-hp to 1900-hp and achieve speeds of 30 knots, cutting down on passage times or keeping a cruising schedule nearly independent of adverse conditions.

The all-new Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht has a 21’0” (6.40 m) beam, wider than most in class, and a 5'3" (1.60 m) draft -- considerably less than most boats in class. Both are significant advantages. She is designed to go anywhere, to entertain as the ultimate day or night boat, or to go long-distance cruising in high style. With interior wood bulkheads, cabinetry, and trim in grey oak with a satin finish, the crisp contemporary look of Mediterranean-inspired lines outside comes inside -- a look that is easy on the eyes, yet totally customizable.

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Test Video


Sea-Doo SPARK:


Low-Cost PWC w/ High-Tech Features


Sea-Doo Spark
The Sea-Doo SPARK is the company’s entry-level watercraft, designed to provide maximum fun for all skill levels at an affordable price.

A distinctive feature of the Sea-Doo SPARK is the weight, or lack there of. The SPARK is constructed of Polytec, a lightweight, scratch-resistant material that lends itself to being a more interactive ride than most full-size watercraft and more engaging with younger riders. Parents will like the “learning key fob” that can replace the standard lanyard. This key fob interacts with the electronic throttle and reduces the performance level of the engine to give a new rider the chance to slowly get acclimated to the handling characteristics of the vessel. At only 405 lbs. (184 kg), the SPARK ranks among the lightest vehicles on the water. She offers quick acceleration with the standard Rotax 900 ACE 60-hp engine, or upgrade to a 90-hp H.O. model for an added $600.

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New Product Video


Fortress Anchors FX-7:


Stronger, Lighter Anchor for Vessels in 16-27 ft. Range


Fortress Anchors FX-7
The Fortress Anchors FX-7 is lightweight at 4 lbs. with the capability of replacing heavier anchors.

The Fortress Anchors FX-7 is constructed from a rust-proof and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, creating a light-weight but strong anchor primarily for vessels in the 16-27 ft. range. The anchor is anodized for a durable, long-lasting finish, making the parts much smoother than steel so to not hurt your hands or leave rust stains on your deck. It also comes with a Life Parts Replacement Warranty -- like all Fortress Anchors.

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Test Video


Regal 22 FasDeck ESX:


Nimble Performer w/ 8'6" Beam


Regal 22 FasDeck ESX
The Regal 22 FasDeck ESX has more freeboard than most deckboats and runabouts of her size, making her better suited for large, open bodies of water.

The Regal 22 FasDeck ESX carries much of her maximum 8'6" (2.59 m) beam all the way to the bow, adding lots of lounging space forward, as well as increasing stability at rest. The sharp forward entry and a 20-degree deadrise keep the ride comfortable in a chop, according to our test captain. The FasTrac stepped hull provided quick acceleration ahead of the 240-hp Volvo Penta V6 with DuoProp drive, getting on plane in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed was 45.7 mph.

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New Test Video


Hargrave 116 Raised Pilothouse:


First of a New Megayacht Series


Hargrave 116 Raised Pilothouse
The look of the new Hargrave 116 Raised Pilothouse is at once, streamlined and modern...and huge.

Hargrave has recently launched the first of its new 116’ (33.4 m) series of motoryachts and made it available for showing at the 2016 Miami Boat Show. We got a chance for a private showing shortly after, and with our cameras in tow, we went through her from stem to stern. This particular model is laid out for charter, which manifests itself in her many entertainment features and, of course, the fact that the crew and guests are kept discreetly separated throughout the beautiful yacht.

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New Features Video


Beneteau Swift Trawler 30:


Couple's Cruiser w/ 23 Knot WOT


Beneteau Swift Trawler 30
A sliding door next to the helm and a pass-through in the starboard gunwale assists the owner operator in docking maneuvers in the Beneteau Swift Trawler 30.

With a top speed of 23 knots, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 is a semi-displacement hull that would leave the typical displacement trawler far behind. But her overall configuration has the look and feel of a modern recreational trawler, and at 1000 rpms and 5.0 knots, her range reaches out to over 1000 NM. With a single cabin, she's clearly set up for a cruising couple, but a Pullman bunk below and a convertible settee in the salon allow for a few visitors over the weekends. With an 11'7" (3.53 m) beam, she's considerably wider than most cruisers this size, adding both space and stability.

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New Test Video


Boston Whaler 230 Outrage:


New Upscale CC w/ Excellent Engineering


Boston Whaler 230 Outrage
Plenty of freeboard and bow flair plus a 21 degree deadrise make the new edition of the Boston Whaler 230 Outrage a capable offshore performer.

The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage displays the typical quality build from this venerable fishing boat company, but abundant options can turn her into a very comfortable dayboat for the family as well. By pushing the padded coaming out farther and narrowing the caprails, engineers maximized deck space, legroom, and seating throughout the length of the boat. The helm seat is well done -- it functions as a standard two-place leaning post with bolsters or flip down a cover on the back, and it forms a rigging table -- or a small buffet table when the mission is sundown cocktails. Flip the seat back a bit farther, and the area behind the leaner becomes an aft-facing couch -- truly distinctive.

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Test Video


Hatteras GT 70:


Offshore Big Game Fishing in Style


Hatteras GT 70:
The Hatteras GT 70 has a beam of 21’4” (6.50 m), a draft of 5’0” (1.53 m), and a weight of 120,000 lbs. (54,431 kg).

The Hatteras Yachts GT 70 flagship, Hatterascal, recently won the yellowfin tuna species record for the Blue Marlin Grand Championship (BMGC) of the Gulf, hosted by The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. Team Hatterascal, with angler J.P. Arceneaux on the rod, won first place in the tournament's tuna division, earning a check for $53,550. Because of the GT 70’s 21’4” (6.50 m) beam, the cockpit deck is 136 sq. ft. (12.64 sq. m), and the salon area is large and open, providing plenty of space for anglers to enjoy cocktails or host guests. On an extended cruise, guests can comfortably sleep in one of the five well-designed and roomy staterooms.

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Test Video


Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:


Motoryacht with Luxury Design


Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius
Designed as a smaller version of the 60 Cantius, the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius still holds the functionality and solid performance of her big near-sister.

The new Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius is designed with her cockpit, salon, galley, and helm all on the same deck level to make movement easy, both in a seaway and when having a cocktail party. Belowdecks, she has three staterooms, which are ideal for two cruising couples or the whole family. Instead of a third stateroom, owners can opt for a lounge area. With an “Atrium” below, she has the feeling of a larger motoryacht with its openness.

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Test Video


TAHOE 500 TS:


Turn-Key Package Runabout for Watersports


Tahoe 500 TS
The 19'10'' (6.05 m) TAHOE 500 TS delivers performance and style in a turn-key package, including a color-matched trailer at a competitive price.

The POWERGLIDE II hull design on the TAHOE 500 TS produced notable performance during our test, jumping on plane in just 2.3 seconds and topping out at 49.7 with the optional MerCruiser 220. TAHOE's two-tone high-density marine-grade vinyl with stain-resistant coating gives the interior of the 500 TS a sporty look. The aft bench and sun pad feature diamond-stitching that adds eye appeal, and each captain’s seat slides and swivels.

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Features Video


Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider:


Premium Bowrider w/ Overnight Accommodations


Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider
The Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider has the sleek lines of a sportboat/bowrider, but she tucks a cabin for overnights as well as a wet head below decks.

The Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider is a new upscale performance dayboat that can accommodate casual overnights. Powered with twin 380-hp Merc 8.2 MAG ECT B3s, she delivers the trademark Formula performance, topping out at 54.0 mph. The compact cabin converts to sleep two and includes a microwave and a removable table. The bow area also converts from a seating/al fresco dining spot to a large sunlounge by repositioning the cushions. Aft facing seats above the swim platform will be a popular spot to relax after an evening swim. Like all Formulas, she displays the remarkable exterior painted finish, given the deep luster of a luxury car via Imron Clear Coat over the paint.

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Test Video


Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht:


Ocean-Ranging Luxury in a Semi-Displacement Yacht


Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht
With a flying bridge extending more than half the length of the yacht, the Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht is clearly made for al fresco entertaining and sight-seeing as well as ocean-ranging voyages.

The Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht has a beam of 22'5" (6.83 m) and at 209,000 lbs. (94,800 kgs.) is one of the most robust boats in class -- two important reasons why she can handle bigger seas in more comfort than some other vessels her size. High bulwarks forward add security at sea, and the large hullside windows make her open and bright on the accommodations level. Fuel tankage of 3,000 gallons (11,356 L) and water capacity of 650 gallons (2,460 L) aids her to long-range cruising in complete luxury.

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Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:


Functional Cruiser w/ Good Handling


Beneteau Gran Turismo 40
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 handles rough water and chop with grace and style.

Designed by Nuvolari-Lenard, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 combines a clean silhouette that this design team is known for with performance and function. With a 41’2” (12.55 m) LOA and a beam of 12’8” (3.86 m), the Gran Turismo 40 features a master cabin and guest cabin with two single berths, which can be converted into a double. An optional electric swim platform creates even more functionality to hold a tender and be teak beach. The Gran Turismo 40 is also an easy cruiser to operate with good handling characteristics and excellent visibility, thanks to relatively narrow windshield side mullions.

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Test Video


Ranger Boats 2510 Bay Ranger:


Bayboat w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 300


Ranger Boats 2510 Bay Ranger
The Ranger Boats 2510 Bay Ranger is one of the larger bayboats on the market and also one of the most stylish, particularly when paired with an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300, which offers a wide choice of cowling colors.

Powered with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 300, the Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger can get to those remote fishing spots fast; WOT was 51.0 mph in our test runs. The auto trim function provided by the Evinrude ICON electronic controls kept the boat at best running attitude from idle to top speed. The boat is fully equipped for chasing everything from sea trout to tarpon both in the back bays and off the beaches with a 102'' (2.59 m) beam to provide plenty of space to swing a rod and also create a stable fishing platform. The level of fit-and-finish, hardware, and overall build are at the top of the fishboat field, as in all Ranger products.

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