New Captain's Report
Tidewater 198 CC Adventure:
Tested w/Evinrude’s New E-TEC G2 140
The Tidewater 198 CC Adventure -- powered during our test by the all-new Evinrude E-TEC G2 140 -- is an economical and very fuel-efficient package. At 3500 rpm, the direct-injected 2-stroke pushed the boat to 24.3 mph and burned only 4.2 gph, delivering 5.0 mpg. At a 1000 rpm trolling speed of 4.6 mph, she got 13.0 mpg. Full speed was 41.8 mph and she got 3.6 mpg. She’s also quiet -- just 67 dBa at 1000 rpm and 86 dBa at cruise. The outboard is one of the lightest in this power range, some 88 lbs. (40 kg) lighter than some of the competition. The engines feature a five-year anti-corrosion warranty -- longer than all 4-stroke engines.
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Test Video
Prestige 460 Fly:
Euro-Styling from Garroni Design
Like all of the company’s larger yachts, the Prestige 460 Fly exterior lines are from Garroni Design and include the characteristic traits that define the brand, with black gel work separating the forward hull side window from the master, giving the illusion of one long, continuous window. Additionally, the salon windows have the usual pronounced dip that allows for a better line of sight to the horizon from the seated position in the salon. She has a large lazarette under the aft deck that can be optioned as a captain’s cabin. Twin IPS drives with a joystick are standard, making handling around the docks simple.
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Test Video
TRACKER Targa V-19 WT:
Dual-Console Aluminum Fishboat
The TRACKER Targa V-19 WT is an aluminum dual console fishing boat designed to chase walleyes, smallmouth and other inland species -- primarily on big northern lakes where wind and waves are frequently part of a day on the water. She has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom, far more than most aluminums, as well as more freeboard and high windshields. The model we tested -- the “Tournament Edition” -- includes sonar/GPS at both the console and the bow, a Minn Kota® Terrova® 80-lb. (36.3 kg) thrust, 60"" (1.5 m) shaft trolling motor with i-Pilot® Link™ and upgraded features on the tandem-axle trailer that’s part of the package.
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Features Video
Hampton Yachts 650:
Old World Craftsmanship in Woodworking
The pilothouse helm station of the Hampton Yachts 650 has the same striking level of fit-and-finish in matched-grain satin-finished African Makore cherry found throughout the rest of the interior areas. A pantographic door to port gives the skipper quick access to exterior views for docking, while the stairs to starboard -- made of cherry wood, of course -- lead down to the accommodations level. The galley is on the same elevation as the helm station, with the salon down a couple of steps aft.
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Test Video
Leopard 51 PC:
Fuel-Friendly Cruising Cat Sleeps 8
An unusual feature of the Leopard 51 PC is the absence of a wheel at the lower helm. She’s designed to be operated from the upper helm for the most part, except when well offshore under auto-pilot control, thus the omission of the main-deck steering. The wide separation of the props due to the twin hulls -- beam is 25’1” (7.65 m) -- also eases throttle-only control around the docks. Twin 370-hp Yanmars make her very easy on fuel, with a range of over 1,000 NM at 8.2 knots. Three or four cabins can be fitted below, allowing overnights for up to eight.
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