Buyers Guide to 207 Outboard Engines | Boston Whaler 150 Montauk - 05/06/21

BoatTEST Buyers' Guide to Outboard Engines – More Than 200

Most boaters we know don’t do much due diligence before they buy an outboard engine. Increasingly, boat brands come with the outboard brand already chosen by the factory. That’s because, in the late 1980s and 1990s, engine companies were in a feeding frenzy to buy boat companies to increase market share.  This “sales” strategy was easier than actually convincing consumers their engines were better. It was called “buying transoms.” In addition, some engine makers struck exclusivity deals with builders who didn’t want to be purchased.  Today, only about 30% of the outboard boat brands sold allow the consumer to have a choice. People buying those boats would do well to study our Outboard Buyers' Guide. While virtually all outboards on the market are good, they are not all the same.

Repower has become increasingly important.  This is a growing segment because new boats are becoming so expensive. Here, the consumer does have a choice. By carefully reading the specifications on our Outboard Buyers' Guide, a consumer can judge which engine is best for his/her application. Now, BoatTEST has made it easy and quick to check out all of the outboards available. To see it, just click the button below.

Boston Whaler 150 Montauk

An Unsinkable Adventurer

Countless veteran boaters got their start in a boat like the Boston Whaler 150 Montauk. For parents, there’s something reassuring about knowing their kids are out on a boat that is unsinkable. The 150 Montauk is a compact center-console that can catch fish, tow tubes and spend hours exploring the coves of a lake or anchoring on a sandbar for a swim. When the fun is done, just hose her down. More...

Riviera 575 SUV

Pay Attention to Beam — Wider is Better

With a beam of 16’10 (5.13 m), the Riviera 575 SUV is nearly a foot (.3 m) wider than many other 60’8” (18.5) express yachts, especially those from Europe and even the United States. Beam is something that most consumers don’t pay much attention to, but it’s important. Greater beam is also why some boats are more expensive, but you get what you pay for. This attribute contributes to her stability and comfort when underway and makes the gathering areas and staterooms more spacious. Also rare, the 575 SUV is available with straight-shaft or pod propulsion. More...

NW Explorations Mother Goose Flotilla

Boats Available

Grand Banks 52, Sleeps 5

Out Islander 64, Sleeps 6

Grand Banks 46 Classic, Sleeps 4

Ketchikan to Sitka – May 18-31 | Glaciers of SE Alaska – June 2-16 |

Juneau to Sitka – June 18-30

Baranof Is. Circumnavigation – July 3-15 |

Juneau to Ketchikan –July 30 - Aug 11

This is the last call for the start of this year’s NW Explorations Mother Goose Flotilla in Alaska’s panhandle that begins on May 18. There are three boats still not chartered, most of them on the two largest and most expensive boats. As we have mentioned before, the best way to cruise anywhere is in a large boat and these are easy to handle. Full instruction is given prior to departure. For those who have never considered bare-boat chartering in a flotilla with a leader, we suggest seeing our video about this cruise. For those who have been thinking about booking, now is the time to make your move. More...

Sovereign Boat Club's Fleet

Expands to 4 Florida Locations

The Sovereign Boat Club fleet is expanding this summer with some exciting new boats. A Robalo R317 is available for immediate membership in Bradenton, FL. A Regal 33 SAV is available in St. Petersburg and is taking members now for a June 1 commissioning, joining the Pursuit DC266, which is completing her first season. Later this summer, a Grady-White Freedom 375 will make its club debut in Ft. Lauderdale and a Contender 35 will be located in West Palm Beach. It will be joined by an Edgewater 370 that will be spending its second winter in Florida. Club memberships in these large premium-brand boats are available and are limited to 8 memberships each, for virtually unlimited availability.

For more information, contact SBC general manager Greg Sweeney at [email protected] or 727-200-3474.

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300

Alpha-Level PWC

Sea-Doo calls the RXP-X 300 the “ultimate race-inspired watercraft,” and it’s hard to argue. It’s powered by a Rotax engine and has a racing handlebar with a revised, rounded design for improved grip comfort. The Variable Trim System (VTS) fine-tunes the trim of the jet nozzle for more precise handling and more adrenalized acceleration. Closed-loop cooling prevents saltwater corrosion damage and keeps debris from entering the engine. A polished high-performance impeller provides the thrust. More...

72 Wakeboats On Display

On display at BoatTEST's Spring Virtual Boat Show are 72 wakeboats from nine different manufacturers. Browse the selection by clicking below.

How to Safely Enter a Harbor

When a captain is entering a harbor for the first time, he should have examined charts and researched the area beforehand to ensure safe passage. Looking up a harbor on Google Earth before arriving can provide a pretty good idea of what to expect. Anyone who thinks it doesn’t help to plan ahead should check out the Youtube videos dedicated to navigating Florida’s Haulover Inlet. More...

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"Perch catching on Lake Erie."

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