Monte Carlo Yachts 76 // Intrepid 245 // Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 // 15 Tests
There's a lot of class in every corner of the Doral 185, but that's probably not the correct way to put it, mostly because corners are nowhere to be seen on this boat. Rather, she has delicate rounded edges and curving bench seat backs that are just so much more pleasing to the eye, and comfortable for that matter. Even when sitting on the swim platform your back rests in comfortable curves. Of course we've come to expect this sort of thing from Doral, so it's nice to see they can still deliver the goods even on one of its smallest boats.
If you're in the market for a midsized center console, then brace yourself for an onslaught of choices. How can you separate one from another? It's all in knowing how to look at what you're seeing -- and what can't be seen. With the Intrepid 245 CC you'll find a lot more than meets the eye. A completely vacuum bagged hull, thermal imaging of the laminate for exacting quality control, and a stunning amount of options including hull-side dive door and electrically actuated chaise lounge V-seats. Oh yes, there is something else: Your Intrepid 245 CC will be literally one of a kind… built one at a time.
What started out as a simple test, turned into an eye-opening experience on the Flyer Gran Turismo 38. As soon as we hit the throttles, it was evident that this boat was handling differently than we projected. Times to plane were quicker than anticipated, wave penetration was better, and turns were much tighter than what we've come to expect from express cruisers in this class. When we got back to the dock, one question from the company rep brought it all home… "What do you think of the Air Step hull?"
For a company well known for making large sportfish convertibles from 42’ to 73’, the idea of transitioning into the express fish market is a natural evolution for meeting a broader customer base. In the case of the 37 Express, Ocean Yachts turned to its popular 37 Billfish hull as the basis for the new topside layout. Aside from dropping almost 1,000 lbs (453.6 kg) from the dry weight, much of the remaining dimensions are unchanged from the popular hardtop.
If you're operating in protected waters and have a lot of friends, then a pontoon boat may be just the thing for you. If you want it to make a statement, then the Manitou 27 Platinum SES does just that. For entertaining, she has standards and options that let you dial in for the type of partying you want to do. With a max 300-hp rating, loaded she'll still get up and go, so go ahead and drop a towline while everyone watches. In the meantime, let's dig a little deeper and see what else she brings to the party.
The 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 looks to us like something designed for use by US Navy SEALs, complete with a new stealth design. With a radical rethinking of rider ergonomics, the T3 hull, and a long list of technological features this new Sea-Doo PWC is so hot she should probably be classified. To our mind the trifecta of most important innovations are her adjustable sponsons, Off Throttle Assisted Steering, and her Variable Trim System. And there is more.
Sea Ray builds 37 models ranging from its 185 Sport to its flagship you see above. For 2012 Sea Ray has packed this hardtop express cruiser full of amenities, many of which are often optional equipment on boats in her class. The Sea Ray 610 now comes standard with twin 1051-hp MAN CRM diesels with conventional drives, and we recently tested the boat to see exactly how the yacht performed.
There are a lot of features on the Tahoe Q8 SSi: We saw insulated coolers, dual wet-storage lockers at the swim platform, storage under both consoles… and a number of other
At 18'8" (5.68 m) the Z-7 is a scaled down version of Nitro’s larger bass boat, the Z-9, and she is designed to meet the needs of bass anglers who don’t need the size nor the higher price tag that a bigger boat brings to the table. The Z-7 is 25 inches shorter and carries two inches less beam than the larger Z, otherwise she has virtually all of the fishing amenities of more expensive bass boats that seem out of step with the times. Take a look at our test and you'll see what an affordable bass boat can give you.
Thanks to the relatively low weight-to-horsepower ratio, and the close comparison to V8 gas engines, we think that this newest offering from Yanmar will find a home in both new builds, and repowers. It can be connected to straight shafts, or Yanmar's big, new sterndrive lower unit. It's easily adapted to single or twin applications, and with CAN-BUS technology, you can add up to three stations, all with color multi-function displays. Today we put this powerhouse to the test in a single engine application of a 33'11" (10.34 m) boat weighing in at 12,950 lbs (5,874 kg) to see how it fares.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Manufactured with patented NTS Reflex Mesh technology to eliminate kinks, twists and tangles, Shurhold adds yet another product into the world of keeping our boats looking great. Holding true to their focus on technology, they have set the common hose squarely in their sights. Shurhold has taken the hose and tweaked it a bit, with Grip-Tite coupling for an easy, leak-free connection at the faucet. This 100% lead free hose is drinking water safe and available in three sizes of 25’, 50’ and 75’ with a diameter of 5/8''. It has a lifetime guarantee. Visit Shurhold to order...
Where in the World?
Picture of the Week
|
Find out where this picture was taken and when... |
See the larger picture, when and who took it -- and where!
Send us your favorite boating images.
When sending a photo, let us know when, where and what boat you were
on.
Smart Boating
BoatTEST.com's
Smart Boating DVD Course
|
Sometimes it's not what you know, but what you've forgotten. We have the perfect solution for you. Smart Boating, because safe boating just isn't enough. |
Based on the feedback we’ve been getting about BoatTEST.com's Smart Boating Course it’s clearly not only for beginners, but for veteran boaters as well. Perhaps that is why the NMMA started promoting the course after just one look. It's the most complete boating course available...period.
Order here...
Visit us on Facebook and "like"
us to see the latest, plus some behind the scenes looks.
|
 
|
|
PWCs are a lot of fun to drive, but you still need to be careful and know your boundaries if you’re a novice rider. Don’t let an inexperienced person go for a joy ride on your PWC. |
This week Capt. Steve goes over five lessons and guidelines on operating a PWC and some rules to follow. It’s tempting to want to play around on the PWC and perform stunts and jump wakes, but don’t attempt this if you’re a novice since you can fall off, injure yourself coming off a wave, or hurt someone else. Also, just because your PWC looks like it can handle two or three riders it doesn’t mean it was designed to carry that weight. Follow the capacity plate for your PWC. The videos presented this week are part of BoatTEST.com’s USCG-approved Boating Course. Watch these video boating lessons every week on BoatTEST.com.
To view this week’s lessons --
To order all lessons --
|
|
First Place
“Don't forget dear, you are scheduled to perform an appendectomy on Mrs. Demerol this morning at 9:00.” – F. Radcliffe
Second Place
“You were right. With the bigger boat I didn't even get a little bit sea sick.” – J. Miller
What's Going
On Here?
|
You write the caption! Will you win the coveted "Ducky Award" for best caption?
Simply fill in your caption and you may get lucky -- quack here.
We need reader help!
If you have a picture that you think needs some explanation, email it to us.
|
BoatTEST.com, LLC |
|
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other |