Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300:

Luxury Meets Performance

The 3-person Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 combines luxury and comfort with the raw power of its 300-hp engine to produce a machine that offers the best of both worlds.

For those riders who are drawn to a high-end Beemer or Audi where luxury and performance converge, the new Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 should fill the bill. It is at the pinnacle of luxury and performance that can be built into one ride. Our test captain reports that as soon as he settled into the seat it became clear that this was something different. And with 300-hp throbbing under the seat, no one would imagine that this big beauty has the sheer power to blast off when needed. Choose the style of ride that suits the moment, touring for light handling, or sport for more extreme… all at the touch of a button. And it comes with a host of accessories making this ride loaded as loaded comes.

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New Captain's Report

Hysucat 8.5 RIB:


A High-Performance Hydrofoil Power Cat

The Hysucat 8.5 measures 27’8” (8.43 m) long with a 9’5” (2.87 m) beam. The bow is up-swept for a drier, safer ride in big waves.

Hysucat has set out to create a faster, more fuel-efficient, and inherently more stable high performance planing power catamaran. She is intended to be a more functional platform for a wide range of uses — day boating, fishing, marina hopping, diving and snorkeling, a tender to a larger yacht — any activity in which a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) usually excels.

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New Captain's Report

Hatteras GT 70:


47.2 MPH WOT w/ 21'4'' Beam

Powered by twin 2600-hp MTUs, the Hatteras GT 70 cuts an impressive figure at speed: She reaches a maximum of 47.2 mph at WOT.

For bluewater anglers who want it all, and have the budget to afford it, the Hatteras GT 70 will be compelling. This striking sportfisherman has the range (over 600 nm at a cruise of 24.2 mph) to fish anywhere in the world, and the accommodations -- five staterooms and four heads -- to keep everyone aboard comfortable while doing so. We count no fewer than seven major distinguishing features on this boat including her practical layout below, painted hull, lower draft, lightweight Carolina flare, beam and speed. We'd say a Hatteras convertible has never been better.
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New Test Video

Bayliner Element F18:


Quick-Planing Compact Bay Boat

There's plenty of fishing space on the aft casting deck of the Bayliner Element F18, and the raised toe-rail aft helps prevent slips when eyes are on fishing action.

The unique "M-Hull" of the Bayliner Element F18, with pronounced sponsons on each side of a vee bottom, results in very quick planing times of just 2.4 seconds, a big plus in a fishing boat designed for use on shallow flats. She comes pre-rigged for an optional trolling motor, and there's a dedicated space for batteries under the bow casting deck. A 27-gallon (102 L) aerated livewell is found in the center of the aft casting deck.

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New Captain's Report

Chaparral 227 SSX:


Upscale Bowrider with V-Plane Hull

The Chaparral 227 SSX has plenty of eye appeal in the Stealth Grey gelcoat, and she's also available in three other colors.

Sections of the running surface on the Chaparral 227 SSX's "V-Plane" hull extend aft past the drive, providing a fast hole shot (just 3.6 seconds) as well as assisting the 20-degree transom deadrise in smoothing the ride. The upscale interior includes a stainless steel windshield frame, cup holders and dash trim, and the plush aft sun pad can convert to a chaise as well as providing a flip-up walkthrough to the transom.

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New Captain's Report

Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge:


Cruising Yacht w/ Sportfisher Genes

The enclosed flybridge on the Riviera 52 adds entertainment and lounging space, and is likely to be the most popular spot aboard when the boat is underway.

The Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge powered by twin 735-hp Volvo Penta IPS950s, reached a top speed of 38.6 mph at 2560 rpm, while best cruise can be anywhere between 1250 and 1750 as the engines consistently deliver 0.6 mpg in this range, allowing adjustment for sea conditions without fuel penalty. At 2000 rpm and 26.0 mph, she has a maximum safe range of 503 statute miles. An L-shaped lounge, dining table, wet bar and refrigeration make the flybridge an added salon-in-the-sky.

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New Captain's Report

Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series:


Upscale Twin Jet Runabout

The Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series has the lines of a premium sportboat/runabout, but under the hood she sports jetboat performance and maneuverability.

Yamaha has unveiled its all-new flagship 242 Limited S E-Series jetboat that has stepped up its game in both performance and luxury appointments. Equipped with a forward swept tower and Bimini, this boat is ready for an active family or watersport enthusiasts of every kind. It also embraces the highest level of advanced technology that Yamaha has ever brought to the market, including Yamaha’s Connext control system, throttle by wire and the first ever push-button engine starting — just to name a few.

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Design and Style Video

Prestige Yachts 550 Flybridge:


Fresh Design in a 3-Stateroom Motoryacht

With combinations of wenge wood, stainless steel and leather furnishings, the salon of the Prestige Yachts 550 Flybridge creates a contemporary mood.

Form follows function in the Prestige Yachts 550 Flybridge, with stylish materials that are both practical and beautiful used both in the living areas and the staterooms. Durable wenge wood finishes, hard and straight-grained, are found above and below decks. Smart engineering takes advantage of available space in the yacht to provide lots of storage, including a cedar-lined walk-in closet in the master.

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Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 338 "South Beach":


Bowrider with Weekender Cabin Below

With a beam of 10'6" (3.20 m), the Cruisers Yachts 338 Bow Rider provides a lot more seating than the typical runabout, and also fits a compact weekending cabin and standup head below decks.

Both the helm seat and the companion seat to port are extra wide, and both swivel aft to face the stern couch at cocktail time. A unique design feature is placing the walkthrough to the bow on the port side, which allows more space down the centerline for the entry to the cabin. The below decks area includes a convertible couch and optional TV, a microwave and AC.

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Test Video

Regal 22 FasDeck ESX:


Stepped-Hull Deckboat with Eye Appeal

Though the Regal 22 FasDeck ESX is a deckboat, she sports the graphics and style lines of a sportboat, and delivered strong performance in our test runs.

The Regal 22 FasDeck ESX has a stepped hull, unusual in deckboats, and despite a weight over 4,700 lbs. (2,132 kg), she provides impressive acceleration with the standard 240-hp Volvo Penta V6, jumping on plane in 3.4 seconds and delivering a top speed of 45.7 mph. Maximum beam is carried forward to provide lots of extra space for the family in the forward seating area, and the standard side-mount teak table offers three mounting locations, including one at the swim platform.

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Program Video

Formula Yachts:


“Formula Flex” -- Have it Your Way

The Formula Flex “My Way” program goes so far into personalization that it encourages owners to ask for any changes they want, and as long as it is practical and safe, Formula will make them on a cost-plus basis. Here we see Formula shop floor personnel customizing an interior at an early stage on construction.

Formula recognized that in its rarified air of sport-car-like boat building that some of their customers want something that is totally personalized, different than anything else on the planet, and a manifestation of their own unique approach to life. While the “Formula Flex” program primarily covers graphics, hull colors, upholstery design and instrument panel layout, the “My Way" program covers everything else. Formula has opened up a brave new world of excitement when it comes to pride of ownership with its remarkable yachts.

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Test Video

Key West 239FS:


48.9 MPH WOT w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 250

The Key West 239FS is designed as a fully-equipped nearshore CC fishing boat, but she's also set up for family weekends on the water with removable wrap-around seating forward as well as a transom couch.

Pushed by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 turning a 17" pitch prop, the Key West 239FS delivered impressive hole shots in our test runs, jumping on top in 3.5 seconds and reaching 30 mph in 5.0 seconds. Top speed was 48.9 mph, while best cruise was at 3500 rpm, delivering 26.5 mph and getting 3.4 miles to a gallon. The 24-degree deadrise should deliver a more comfortable ride in choppy water.

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Accommodations Video

Ocean Alexander 72 Pilothouse:


Classic Lines, Contemporary Interiors

The king-sized berth is mounted on the fore and aft centerline of the stateroom. Natural light is allowed to pour in through large hull side windows. Photo by Forrest Johnson.

The Ocean Alexander 72 Pilothouse is available in optional three or four stateroom accommodations. There's a private entrance for the master in the salon, and a separate entrance for the guests forward next to the starboard-side door. The luxurious full-beam master is located amidships for maximum owner comfort at sea. Cruisair AC systems keep all interior areas cool and dry, even in tropical extremes.

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Captain's Report

Sailfish 320CC:


Bluewater Battlewagon w/ Fishing Amenities

Deeply-padded, bolstered helm seats with armrests deliver a comfortable, secure ride in rough going offshore aboard the Sailfish 320CC.

The Sailfish 320CC is designed for serious big game anglers. A useful feature is the console-top tackle storage, with a clear cover to keep salt spray off the gear while underway. Two large aerated livewells, one at the rigging station and one at the transom, will allow carrying lots of bait on those long offshore runs. She is built to take plenty of abuse.

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Test Video

Robalo R160:


Compact CC w/ 10" Draft

With color choices in the gel coat and upscale trim, the Robalo R160 doesn't look like an entry-level boat, but she's very competitively-priced.

The Robalo R160 is designed to be effective in shallow water. The company says the 15-degree deadrise V-Plane hull, which extends sponsons aft of the transom, improves planing time as well as buoyancy at the stern. Priced at $19,795 including a 50-hp Yamaha and trailer, she should fit into the budgets and the garages of young families seeking their first boat.

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Test Video

TRACKER Targa V-20 WT:


All-Welded Multi-Species Fishboat

The TRACKER Targa V-20 WT was surprisingly quick out of the hole, jumping on top in just 3.5 seconds ahead of a Mercury Pro XS 225 outboard.

The TRACKER Targa V-20 WT is an all-welded multi-species fishing boat designed for big northern lakes where rough water is a common part of any trip. With a 102'' (2.59 m) beam she offers exceptional stability for an aluminum boat, and the 20-degree deadrise eased the ride in our test runs. Four movable, swiveling fishing seats and bow and stern baitwells/livewells make it easy to set her up for anything from walleye trolling to casting for smallmouths or drifting for crappie.

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Product Promotion

Shurhold Bucket Base:


Corralling the 5-Gallon Bucket

The Shurhold Bucket Base stops cleaning and bailing buckets from sliding around the deck and marking non-skid.

The Shurhold Bucket Base keeps the ubiquitous 5-gallon bucket aboard nearly every boat from sliding overboard, marking the deck or tipping when there's a mop left in it. It's compact and crushable for easy stowage when not in use, it floats, and the company says it fits most 5 gallon and 3.5 gallon pails with a base diameter of 10.25'' to 10.5''.

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