Top 10 Researched Boats for 2016

The Hatteras GT 70, a multi-million convertible, clearly captured the imagination of boaters doing research on BoatTEST during 2016 as it was the most researched boat of over 2,700 boats on the website.

While some of the boats in BoatTEST’s “Top 10 Researched Boats” in 2016 were predictable, the Hatteras GT 70 scored first place by a healthy margin over the second-place Hatteras 45 Express. The Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht ranked ninth, giving Hatteras three of the top 10 most-researched positions of all boats researched on BoatTEST in 2016. Hatteras is under new ownership which has invested heavily in developing a new line of boats and it seems clear that there is a resurgence of interest in this iconic American brand. In fact, Hatteras was the first company to build a convertible out of fiberglass over 56 years ago.

Below are the “10 Most Researched” boats on BoatTEST in 2016. Click on their model designation to see our videos and complete Captain’s Report on each model--

10 Most Researched Bowriders

The Formula 350 FX CBR is what Formula calls a “crossover” boat because she is both a bowrider but also has interior accommodations for sleeping, a mini galley, and an enclosed head. It is an exciting concept that is catching on.

The Formula 350 FX CBR is a luxury crossover that has become so popular that Formula is building the concept in other size boats -- little wonder, then, that it scored #1 in the “10 Most Researched” bowriders for 2016. The other bowriders in the list span a wide range of price points, functions, and luxury.

10 Most Researched Center Consoles

The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage ranks #1 among people coming to BoatTEST to research center consoles. She is big and full of innovations.

Boston Whaler scored the top three positions among people researching center console boats on BoatTEST. But overall the brands and types of boats were quite diverse, ranging from the Yamaha 190 FSH jet boat to the luxury 420 Outrage.

10 Most Researched Deckboats

The Tahoe 2150 was the most researched deckboat on BoatTEST in 2016. It is built by Tracker Marine and she is loaded with features.

For the last 15 years deckboats have increased in popularity as consumers have been looking to carry more people aboard for entertaining and watersports. Today some of the larger deckboats can actually carry more people than many pontoon boats.

10 Most Researched Bay Boats

The Robalo 246 Cayman ranks #1 on our list of most researched bay boats and she is also the largest boat we have tested in class.

Robalo has grabbed five positions in the 10 Most Researched Bay Boats, with its brands accounting for both the largest and smallest boats on the list. This category of boats has heated up in the last several years as canals have been developed along the ICW and those living inland have found the class to be easy to trailer and economical to buy and use.

10 Most Researched Dual Consoles

The Sailfish 325DC is the second largest vessel on our list of 10 Most Researched Dual Consoles. She has a deep cockpit that keeps kids secure and has many family-friendly features.

We particularly like dual console boats because they offer the best of two worlds -- fishing and family cruising. They are definitely more family-friendly than center consoles or bay boats, but they also can be fished from and in any case look far more salty than sportboats. Little wonder, then, that they have increased in popularity over the years -- particularly in saltwater locations.

10 Most Researched Express Cruisers

The Hatteras 45 Express tops the Express Cruiser category as the most researched vessel. While her emphasis is on fishing, she is also a bluewater express cruiser for the whole family.

Express cruisers have long dominated the imagination of boaters seeking more room and a vessel with longer legs. They function as classy dayboats for entertaining, and a cozy motoryacht for overnighting or long passages. Our Top 10 most-researched boats range from 30’ to 60’ (9.14 m to 18.3 m).

10 Most Researched Motoryachts

The Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht ranks #1 in the most researched motoryacht category. She is an ideal size for most purposes and can be owner operated.

Everyone likes large motoryachts, including the 3 million people who annually come to BoatTEST to research boats. Who can resist finding out more about these beautiful vessels? They are hard to top when it comes to exciting, elegant entertaining, but they also serve double-duty for most people as a summer (or winter) retreat. Best of all, they can be used for serious adventure travel.

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