New Mako 214 CC | Sea Ray SLX 280 | Outer Reef 700 - 03/11/20
BoatTEST Newsletter March 11, 2020
New Test Video
MAKO® 214 CC:
Trailerable Design for Coastal Work
The 214 CC has some technical touches that show that the builder’s design and engineering teams understand open fishing boats well. All of the hatches are gasketed so they won’t rattle and to discourage leakage in sloppy, wet conditions. The gaskets contact with a high lip around the opening that creates a deep gutter and gravity-feeds water to drain tubes that pipe the water to the bilge rather than allowing it to overflow into the compartment. The non-skid is a raised circular pattern that allows easier washdown and draining than the solid diamond pattern seen on many, and it is also easier on bare feet. Stainless-steel gas-assist struts keep the hatches up when opened. Stainless-steel hawseholes lead to cleats under the gunwale on either side of the boat in the cockpit, preventing fishing line snags. The hull has more freeboard and flair than the company’s inshore or bay boat models — she’s designed to head outside the inlet. At a package weight of 4,535 lbs. (2,057 kg), she’s readily trailerable by mid-size and larger vehicles. She also has some family-friendly extras, including removable chaise-type backrests for the front seats and an upholstered bench seat all the way across the transom. More...
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Captain's Report
Sea Ray SLX 280:
Premium Class Seating for 15
The Sea Ray SLX 280 has comfortable aft-facing transom seating with backrests that can be adjusted to multiple positions — which is a great spot to keep an eye on the kids while they take a swim. Note the thickly-padded upholstery covered in heavy-gauge diamond-stitched vinyl with embroidered logos. She has seating for 15 in the cockpit and bow. Twin stereo speakers with a remote allow those in the water to enjoy their favorite tunes. With the push of a button, the aft section of the cockpit lounge raises on a power ram to provide good access to the 350-hp MerCruiser V8. Power options to 430 horsepower are available. More...
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Features Video
Outer Reef 700:
Excellent Craftsmanship
in a Long-Range Cruiser
Those who love fine woodwork and exquisite fit-and-finish will find a lot to like in the Outer Reef 700, a well-crafted long-range cruiser that is designed in America and built to CE Category A Ocean Standards by Tania Yacht Company in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Kaohsiung is the epicenter of yacht building in Taiwan and many yards are employing third generation shop-floor personnel who have grown up in a tradition of boat building. Indeed, Outer Reef’s partnership with the yard extends back to 1995. The stunning teak woodwork seen in the salon — extending even to the A/C vents, overhead trim and window frames — is repeated throughout the yacht. Even the crew’s quarters and laundry room get the full treatment. Decks and stairs are teak with wenge-wood trim in most areas that are not carpeted. We tested her with twin 750-hp John Deere 6135s, which delivered impressive range. At 1000 rpm and 7.7 knots, she burned 5.8 gph for a range of 2,882 NM, making her truly a trans-oceanic vessel. At WOT, she can hurry to port at 14.5 knots. More...
Features Video
Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly:
Flybridge vs. Express Designs
The Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly adds a flying bridge with two entertainment/dining areas to the already expansive entertainment venues of the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius express. There’s a fold-out dining table aft in the usual position for added flying bridge seating, but also a second seating area and fold-out table to port adjacent the helm, allowing guests to keep the captain company while underway. Between is a grill, sink and refrigerator/freezer. Check out our team’s interesting comparison of the flying bridge with the express model in a rarely-seen, point-by-point review of weight, performance, stability, fuel use and utility, as well as a full walk-through and performance test of the yacht. More...
Test Video
Grady-White Gulfstream 232:
Walkaround for Fishing or the Family
The Grady-White Gulfstream 232 is the right size to allow easy trailering with a full-sized vehicle, and she has a compact cabin including a galley, hideaway toilet and convertible berths for three. The walkaround cabin design and her 9'3" (2.82 m) beam allows easy, safe access to the bow while chasing a fish on either side. A 9’3” (2.82 m) beam in a 23’ (7.01 m) is something rarely seen, and it makes the boat more stable and roomier below. The high windshields help keep the crew dry on an offshore run, and the hardtop provides shade and some rain protection. The flip-down transom seat will provide a smooth ride in bumpy seas, as well as a place to relax when the day is over. We tested her with the optional 350-hp Yamaha, which produced an impressive top speed of 51.1 mph. We like the walkaround design because it gives full 360 mobility to an angler, while at the same time providing amenities that kids and non-anglers will welcome. And, because the bow is closed, she is much more seaworthy than an open boat her size. More...
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Boating Tips
Buddy, Can You Spare
an Impeller?
Shown here are two basic impeller types.
The failure of a simple rubber impeller can spoil a planned weekend on the water. That’s why any well-equipped boat will have spares aboard. While you can’t have spares aboard for everything, you can have spares for a few of the most likely items to fail and impellers are high on the list. You might have as many as seven or more of them here and there on your boat. More...
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