New Sea Ray Sundancer 370 OB | Affordable Eastern 248 Islander | Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC - 02/22/21
BoatTEST Newsletter February 22, 2021
New Test Video
New Sea Ray Sundancer 370:
Outboards Power the New ’Dancer Series
Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Outboard
The 2021 Sundancer 370 Outboard is the first of a new line of Sea Ray day boats with outboard engines. She is powered by triple 300-hp Mercury Verados that pushed our test boat to a top speed of 50.8 mph at 5900 rpm. We found best cruise at 4500 rpm, where the boat ran 38.2 mph and got .9 mpg, giving her a range of 201 statute miles. Her helm has a thoroughly modern execution – yet the operator can sit or stand at the helm and have virtually un-obstructed visibility with thin mullions and lots of glass going all the way up to integrate with the hardtop. This is not your parents' Sundancer, she’s a whole new game. More...
Test Video
Eastern 248 Islander:
Outboard-Powered Downeast Cruiser
One of the things that adds to the Eastern 248 Islander’s appeal is that she’s powered by a 150-hp outboard. The New Hampshire-based builder will bolt on more power upon request, but the 248 Islander isn’t about getting to a higher speed. Her bottom is a Downeast design, so it’s comfortable with the 150. Adding more power would result in the boat trying to oppose the seas rather than accommodate them. Besides, she still hit a stop speed of 39.8 mph at 5700 rpm. Back off to 3500 rpm and 17.3 mph and her range is 257 statute miles. Most important, she’s affordable. By keeping the boat simple and uncluttered without expensive equipment, she is within the price range of most boaters. More...
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Captain's Report
Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC:
Bang for an Angler’s Buck
The Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC is an affordable, easily trailered boat. She rides on the manufacturer’s Advanced Inverted V (AIV) that provides stability, improved acceleration and a 9” (22.86 cm) draft. She’s also a good value with a nationally advertised price of $29,030 with a Mercury 115 Pro XS outboard. The included single-axle trailer has a fold-away tongue so the whole rig can be tucked into the garage. More...
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Test Video
Yamaha VX Limited HO:
Limited in Name Only
Yamaha’s VX Limited HO is one of the company’s best-selling WaveRunners. That’s because it’s loaded with some of Yamaha’s most popular features such as a Connext LCD touchscreen, the RiDE throttle control system, a full accessory package and a multi-mount system for accessories like wireless Bluetooth speakers, GPS fish finder, cameras and smartphones. It also brings exciting performance and handling. She features the same bottom design as the builder’s performance-based GP series watercraft with dynamic stability. Want more? She’s powered by a 1.8-liter, 1812cc High Output (HO) engine and includes control-enhancing features like RiDE technology, Thrust Directional Enhancer and a Cruise/No Wake button. More...
Kayak Caveat
7 Tips to Keep Kayakers Safe
Hardly a week goes by that we don’t hear about several deaths involving kayaks or canoes, usually by drowning. We can only assume it was because in many cases these people were not wearing a PFD. Operators of powerboats must also remember that they have to keep a sharp lookout at all times, and they are responsible for their wakes. Increasingly, we now see stand-up paddle boarders on the water as well, and sometimes far from shore. Many cruising boats carry kayaks and boards for recreation and fun, so we have 7 safety tips for them. Never be too proud to take basic precautions. More...
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