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Bavaria Yachts:
German Engineered,
State-of-the-Art Construction
Bavaria Yachts are built in a state-of-the-art factory in Germany where computer-assisted design and construction ensure a precise fit of wood, glass, and other components. The hulls are laid up with isophthalic resin that resists osmotic blistering, and hull openings are drilled or cut via CNC machining to provide precision fits. Foam-core layup creates stiffness without weight, and bonding agents as well as mechanical fastenings secure the hull-to-deck joints. All cabinetry is built in-house for high quality control, and all yachts 56' (17 m) and under are placed in the company's indoor test pool for operations checks before shipping.
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New Test Video
Prestige Yachts 420:
Easy Handling with IPS Package
The Prestige Yachts 420, powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS500s, proved exceptionally easy to maneuver around the docks thanks to joystick controls at both the upper and lower helms as well as an additional stick in the cockpit. At speed, she exhibited a maximum lean of 19-degrees into the turn, and the pod system also results in a wide, comfortable turning radius as well as simplified handling around the docks. Our test captain calculated that the range changes by only 6 nm from 10 knots up to 25 knots, thanks to the efficiency of the drive systems, allowing the captain to adjust speed for the most comfortable ride with minimal concern for fuel consumption.
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New Features Video
Yamaha TR-1 High Output:
All-New, Lightweight 3-Cylinder Engine
The Yamaha TR-1 High Output engine is an all-new three-cylinder electronic-fuel-injection design that replaces the company's MR-1 four-cylinder. It measures 40% smaller thanks to the elimination of the reduction gear, an integrated oil tank, the compact ECU, and an air filter attached to the motor. The 160 lb. (73 kg), 1049cc engine produces 14% more horsepower than the engine it replaces, according to Yamaha, yet it's 25% lighter. It also has fewer parts throughout its design.
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Test Video
NITRO ZV18:
Extra Freeboard in a Tournament
Fishing Machine
With her taller hullsides, deep cockpit and high windscreens, the NITRO ZV18 is a multi-species fishing boat designed to navigate larger waterways and to keep passengers dry, safe and comfortable. Yet, with an LOA of 18'11" (5.77 m) she fits most home garages. A standard stainless steel four-step swim ladder folds away and locks into place at the stern when not in use, and an optional ski-tow pylon makes the ZV18 a family watersports platform.
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New Captain's Report
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:
Stylish New Coupe w/ Air Step Hull
The new Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 features the company's redesigned Air Step hull, which draws air into the running surfaces to reduce drag and increase speed and fuel efficiency. The enclosed center console design of the helm puts the captain in the center of the action, and Volvo Penta's joystick system simplifies docking even for less expert captains. The sliding sunroof and side windows opens the salon to the ocean air, but vents on the command console can provide AC and heat when the yacht is buttoned up.
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Test Video
Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider:
XL Bowrider w/ Max Seating
The Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider is designed to keep everyone aboard comfortable during a day on the water, whether enjoying tow-sports, swimming or harbor-hopping. The transom bench seat is a three-way convertible design; with the seat back tilted aft it provides a comfortable forward-facing seat. When tilted forward it makes a chaise lounge facing aft. Move the seat back into a horizontal location and a large sun pad has been created. The transom gate is padded on the inside to form a back rest, increasing seating to at least eight in the aft cockpit.
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Warranty Program
Evinrude Offers 7-Year,
Factory-Backed Warranty
Once upon a time, one brand of outboard engine was deemed to be the only one suitable for saltwater use – but over the last decade that situation changed dramatically as other engine makers developed new corrosion-resistant alloys and focused on saltwater reliability. With over 100 fewer parts than 4-stroke engines, fail-safe lubrication, the most sophisticated direct in-cylinder fuel injection system on the planet, internal steering, electronic shift and a robust lower gear case, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 Series of outboards are specifically designed for saltwater reliability. Evinrude is so sure of that, that it is offering a 7-Year warranty on all of its engines from 15-hp and up until March 31, 2016.
Read the fine print (We’ve made it larger!) of this remarkable warranty...
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Features Video
Grady-White Freedom 375:
Offshore Fishing Machine w/ Cabin
The Grady-White Freedom 375 is fully loaded for offshore fishing and also offers many comforts that will encourage the family to join in on a day on the water. Fishing features include both a giant fishbox and livewell with overboard drain, and their access height makes them back savers. Her port side console houses an air-conditioned cabin equipped with a settee that converts to a double berth at the push of a button. The starboard console is a large and elaborately equipped head compartment, with the addition of a mini-galley that supplements the open-air galley topside in the cockpit.
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Test Video
Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht:
Elegant 100-Footer w/ Owner-Operator Potential
The magnificent Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht falls into the realm of owner-operation thanks to joystick control of powerful bow and stern thrusters plus 9 sq. ft. (.84 sq. m) rudders that ease steering even at idle speeds. She’s also a well-stabilized boat: A pair of 5’3” (1.6 m) fins handle the chores underway and zero speed stabilizers add comfort while at rest. She has ocean-ranging fuel tankage at displacement speeds, maxing at over 5700 NM at the 7.2 knot idle of the twin 1925-hp CAT C-32 ACERT diesels. Top speed was 23.0 knots at 2300 rpm.
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Test Video
Mercury Remanufacturing 383 MAG Stroker:
Reliable New Power for Older Boats
The Mercury Remanufacturing 383 MAG Stroker is an effective way to provide new power, reliability and operating efficiency to older powerboats. The 932-lb. (423 kg) engine readily fits the footprint of older V8s. It breathes through a long-runner intake manifold with multi-port electronic fuel-injection, and is driven by the latest 555 ECM (electronic control module) with SmartCraft capability. Both power and fuel efficiency increase an average of about 10% in most installations, and the engines come standard with a one-year warranty, extendable for an added two years.
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Captain's Report
Sailfish 320CC:
Bluewater Fishboat
w/ Family-Friendly Features
With lots of freeboard and impressive interior depth, the Sailfish 320CC is clearly a center console designed for some serious bluewater fishing, and that extra depth -- 31'' aft, 40'' forward, also provides added security for the family. Combined with the Variable Deadrise Stepped hull -- with a maximum 24-degree deadrise -- she's ready to take on some serious sea conditions at speed.
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Test Video
Hysucat 8.5:
New High-Performance Hydrofoil RIB
The Hysucat 8.5 shows a lot of creative engineering in a design that's unusual on the powerboat market. The light weight and buoyancy inherent in RIB designs is bolstered by catamaran hulls with a sharp forward entry to reduce wave impact, and an innovative hydrofoil wing that boosts the boat at speed, reducing wetted surface, cutting wave impacts and improving efficiency.
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New Test Video
Maritimo M48:
New Cruising Yacht w/ 2 En Suite Staterooms
The Maritimo M48 places the full-beam master amidships, while the guest stateroom is located at the bow. Both have en suite heads. A 16,000 BTU air conditioner maintains the climate control of the glass-enclosed pilothouse/sky lounge. Powered with twin 670-hp Volvo Penta D11s, best cruise came in at 20.5 mph at which she traveled 0.6 miles per gallon, giving a range of 486 miles. Top speed was 35.4 mph.
See the new video...
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Test Video
REGENCY 254 LE3:
Roomy, Top-End Tri-Toon
Synthetic teak at the stern and seagrass flooring in the cockpit are among the many upscale touches that set the REGENCY 254 LE3 apart, as does the power Bimini top with standard LED lighting. She rides on three 26" diameter pontoons with lifting strakes, giving a top speed of 47.1 mph powered by a single 250-hp Mercury Verado Pro. Acceleration was brisk, with 0 to 30 mph times around 7 seconds with a 17" Enertia prop, which is more than adequate for tow-sports.
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Captain's Report
Tiara 50 Flybridge:
Fully-Equipped, Ready to Entertain
Solid teak decking, Duette blinds on all of the side windows of the salon and zoned air-conditioning throughout the yacht mark the level of luxury on the Tiara 50 Flybridge. Thanks to the remote control in the right armrest, the driver can scroll through the various functions of the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit without having to leave the comfort of the Stidd captain’s chair. The long standard-equipment list includes covers for all the flybridge, cockpit and foredeck furniture. Windlass, microwave oven and trim tabs are also standard.
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Captain's Report
PowerTech! PowerStop Prop:
Stopping Power for Pontoon Boats
Designing a prop that will drive pontoon boats and other large, high-windage rigs efficiently, and yet still stop them quickly, has long been a challenge for prop makers. PowerTech! appears to have an answer in the PowerStop Series, which is said to stop these bulky craft as much as 87% quicker than conventional props. PowerTech!'s solution is to fair cupping into the underside of the leading blade edges and create an aft tapered cup in the top of the trailing edge. These two cups on opposite sides of the blade grip the water and give better control whether going forward or backward.
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