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Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 H.O.:
Yellowfin 26 Hybrid Hits
62.5 MPH WOT
This Yellowfin 26 Hybrid is a fine example of a rugged offshore boat that was built and powered to run to distant canyons and back. The tested weight of the 26 Hybrid was 7,250 lbs. (3,288 kg). Now, here is the “amazing” part: at 3000 rpm, the Yellowfin 26 Hybrid had a best cruise speed of 29.7 mph (25.8 kts.), burned 9.7 gph combined, giving us a range of 325 statute miles with a 10% reserve. When we compared this performance with other twin-rigged boats of similar weight in class powered by both 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines we could not find one that was more efficient. That was our big take away from this test.
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New Test Video
Yamaha 242X E-Series:
A Wake Sports Focused Jet Boat
Yamaha knows what the high-end wake boat buyers want and loaded this new boat with the equipment to prove it. Yamaha has set out to provide wake enthusiasts with three things: 1) a perfect wake, 2) drive control technology and 3) a thumping stereo system. But Yamaha hasn't stopped there. It has also designed an attractive sportboat with colorful graphics and a full package of amenities.
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New Captain's Tour Video
Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht:
15 Things All Captains Expect
Our test captain, Steve Larivee, presents an inspection of the Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht that is quite different from the one we normally present. Important details that professional captains care about include plenty of space in the engine room for quick systems checks, wide side decks for easy access to bow and stern, PFDs and fire extinguishers throughout the yacht, lots of freshwater washdown outlets, and large rudders for easy maneuvering at lower speeds, among other things.
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New Captain's Report
Volvo Penta V6-280:
New Lightweight, High Performance V6
Volvo Penta's new V6-280 gas engine saves weight with an aluminum block and heads, while variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection provide maximum power throughout the rpm range. Six oil-spraying jets in the block drench the bottom of the piston and the cylinder walls with an added layer of friction-reducing oil. This also reduces engine temperatures and promotes longer engine life. A high-flow intake manifold and electronic throttle make combustion and overall operation more efficient.
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New Captain's Report
Bayliner Element F18:
Economical, Easy-to-Handle "M" Hull
The "M" hull gives the new Bayliner Element F18 the stability of a small catamaran. But it also provides very quick planing and relatively flat turns that will remind new boaters more of an automobile than the banking of V-shaped center console hulls. She's also very easy to fit on the custom-matched trailer that's part of the package, according to our test captain. She's fully-equipped for fishing with an aerated aft baitwell, vertical and horizontal rod holders, an insulated fishbox, and pre-wiring for a trolling motor.
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New Test Video
Tiara Q44:
Dayboat Features,
Overnight Accommodations for 2
We tested the new Tiara Q44 with twin 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 diesel pod drives turning T3 propsets through 1.82:1 gear ratios. She hit a top speed of 37 mph at 3600 rpms. Most efficient cruise was at 3100 rpms and 28.7 mph, where she burned 31.6 gph for a range of 296 miles with a 10% reserve.
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New Test Video
Regal 22 FasDeck ESX:
Sportboat Performance w/ Space and Speed
The new Regal 22 FasDeck ESX powered with a 240-hp Volvo Penta V6-240 gas sterndrive reached a top speed of 45.7 mph at 5500 rpms in our test runs. Best cruise was at 3500 rpms, where she ran 27.3 mph and consumed 7.2 gph for a range of 137 miles, leaving a 10% reserve. Hole shots of about 3.4 seconds should make towsport fans happy.
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Test Video
Hatteras GT54:
48.8 MPH at WOT
The Hatteras GT54 is a giant sportfisher, but one that was born to run thanks to twin 1600-hp Cat C32As turning 5-blade, 56.5" pitch x 35" diameter Nibral props. She topped out at an impressive 48.8 mph in our test runs, and got on plane at just 1250 rpms. When fishing, she has a minimum trolling speed with the trolling valves engaged of 2.3 mph at 700 rpm while burning only 6 gph. The responsiveness of those big props also comes into play when backing down on a fish, where our test captain reported complete controllability while maintaining an average speed of 7 mph.
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Review Video
World Cat 320DC:
Soft-Riding, Well-Equipped Family Boat
The new World Cat 320DC, with a 10'6" (3.20 m) wide catamaran hull, is one of the widest and most stable boats in class. A compact cabin in the port console contains a seating area, TV and microwave, and the seat makes into a narrow two-person berth. There's a head with shower in the helm console. An entertainment center with a refrigerator, sink, 1300-watt electric grill and storage drawers sits on the starboard side under the standard hardtop.
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Test Video
SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 24 XP3:
Triple Pontoon Performance Package
The SUN TRACKER PARTY BARGE 24 XP3 is performance watersports friendly. With a 200-hp Mercury Verado turning a 14 3/4" x 16" Enertia prop, she reached a top speed at 6200 rpms of 40.5 mph. Best cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 15.4 mph. That speed produced a fuel burn of 3.2 gph, giving a range of 152 miles and an endurance of 9 hours and 48 minutes while still maintaining a 10% reserve. She had a time to plane of 3.4 seconds, accelerated to 20 mph in 4.4 seconds and continued accelerating through 30 mph in 7.6 seconds.
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Test Video
Prestige Yachts 620:
Agile-Handling, 30-Knot Motoryacht
Powered by twin 700-hp Volvo Penta IPS900 drives, the new Prestige Yachts 620 is agile at speed thanks to 2.5-turn lock-to-lock steering, a plus for those who must avoid lobster pot or crab trap floats on occasion. She reached top speed at 2350 rpm and a respectable 30 knots in our tests. Fuel consumption is flat at 52.8 gph down to 2000 rpms and 22.2 knots, so the captain can set the speed to sea conditions without special concern for maintaining range.
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Test Video
Robalo 246 Cayman:
Inside/Outside CC Fisherman
The new Robalo 246 Cayman is a hard-core fishing boat designed for coastal flats and bays, but with a beam that's 6” (15 cm) wider than most in her LOA class and lots of bow flair, she also offers potential for fishing well off the beach in good weather. Like all bay boats, she was designed for protected water. Her beam and slightly higher freeboard makes taking her coastal fishing doable.
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Test Video
Formula 400 FX8:
Comfort and Luxury at Speed
The new Formula 400 FX8, powered by twin MerCruiser 565-hp racing engines for our tests, is designed for people who like to go very fast, in style, with sumptuous luxury and every amenity imaginable in class. The FAS3TECH hull, a double-stepped hull which sucks air under the bottom to reduce friction, makes the boat even faster — maximum speed was 63.5 mph during our tests. Best cruise was at 4000 rpm and 40.9 mph. At that speed she burned 42.15 gph, giving the 400 FX8 a range of 218 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
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Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider:
Luxury Sportboat with Comfy Ride
The new Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider is designed as a luxury sportboat with an exceptionally comfortable ride at speed in a chop. During our test she cut through wakes and waves with hardly a bump. And despite her considerable displacement, she was quick to respond to the helm. The new "South Beach" special edition in gray is as cool as the name implies.
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Test Video
Sailfish 275DC:
Full-Featured Family Multi-Tasker
The Sailfish 275DC comes fully-equipped for offshore fishing, with a 30-gallon (114 L) aerated and lighted livewell on the starboard aft quarter, six vertical rod holders on the stern caprail, lots of horizontal rod storage under the gunwales, and exceptional freeboard throughout for a dual console of this LOA. The variable deadrise hull, measuring 24-degrees at the transom, should provide a smooth ride in a wide range of speeds and conditions.
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Test Video
Glastron GTS 187:
A Supercharged Jet for Fast Starts
With Rotax waterjet power, the new Glastron GTS 187 offers something akin to PWC performance and handling. We recorded hole shots under 2 seconds in the test boat, which was equipped with the 250-hp supercharged engine option. The aft-facing "rumble seat" is an ideal place to put on skis or wakeboards. The integral swim platform becomes the second seat, and the extended swim platform is the launching pad for watersports. Quarter-turn steering lock-to-lock adds to the PWC feel.
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Test Video
Beneteau Sense 55:
For Bluewater, Long-Range Cruising
The combination of an optional pod drive coupled with a bow thruster — both controlled by a joystick — make docking the new Beneteau Sense 55 as easy as handling any fingertip-controlled powerboat. Under sail, she performed well for a yacht of these dimensions, reaching almost 9 knots with a true wind of 12.97 knots at 40-degrees apparent wind angle (AWA). Top speed under power of the 75-hp Yanmar diesel was 10 knots, at which point our test crew measured 79 dBA in the cockpit.
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Test Video
TAHOE 450 TS:
New 18' Outboard Sportboat
The new 18' 5'' TAHOE 450 TS is a rig that comes complete with a color-matched trailer with fold-away tongue. Her on-trailer package dimensions are : 20'3'' in length, 8'4'' in width, and 6'8'' in height.This makes it a good fit for garages that are 21' deep. Tested with the 115 Mercury EXLPT 4-stroke outboard turning a 17" pitch prop, the boat got on plane in 4.6 seconds and topped out at 43.5 mph at 6000 rpms. Power options up to a 150 Mercury XL 4-stroke or OptiMax Pro XS are available. $22,995 with the 90-hp Merc.
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Product Overview
Shurhold Dual Action Polisher Pro:
Fast-Action Pro-Grade Polisher
The new Shurhold Dual Action Polisher Pro has a 21mm orbit, can work up to 4800 orbits per minute (OPM), providing fast and efficient polishing on larger hulls. It weighs only 6 lbs. An entirely new pad system was created for the Polisher Pro, accommodating pads that are larger than the standard ones and have a tough Velcro backing. The oscillating motion can cut through oxidation faster. FREE $100 Bonus Pack Exclusive Boat Test Offer.
Expires 12/31/15.
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