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Sea Ray 19 SPX:
Entry Level Runabout w/ Proven Design
The Sea Ray 19 SPX focuses on a new level of affordability for the brand, but doesn’t lose sight of the Sea Ray heritage of top quality design and engineering. Touches like wood-grain trim on the console and a wood-grain/ faux leather tilt wheel add Sea Ray class to this compact bowrider, and she also displays more freeboard than many in this size, with 29" at the bow.
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Captain’s Report
Sailfish 220CC:
Variable Deadrise Hull for Stability
The Sailfish 220CC's most distinguishing feature may be her Variable Deadrise Stepped (VDS) bottom design: by molding in three different deadrise angles from the keel to the chines, the Sailfish is designed to give both a softer ride and increased stability. Sharp angles at the keel soften wave impact, while the flatter sections outboard help with quicker planing and with beam stability, particularly at rest or when trolling. Another important feature is the use of Kevlar in the layup at strategic points to reduce the chance of stress cracking.
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Test Video
Maritimo M65:
Roomy Flagship w/ Enclosed Flybridge
The Maritimo M65 is a sizeable yacht with an 18'6" (5.63 m) beam and a dry weight of some 79,000 lbs. (35,834 kg). Our test captain found handling effortless with the optional hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, dual lever control at the helm, and separate joystick stations for both the helm and cockpit. The joystick systems control both the thrusters and the main engines, providing just the right amount of low-speed control when docking.
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New Test Video
Yamaha V1 Sport:
Entry-Level PWC w/ Rocket-Sled Acceleration
With minimal weight and lots of power from the company's new TR-1 High Output engine, the 681 lb. (308 kg) Yamaha V1 Sport delivered impressive acceleration in our test runs and topped out a 53.0 mph (85.3 kph). The new 3-cylinder 4-stroke is 40% smaller in exterior dimensions than the engine it replaces, yet puts out 12.7% more horsepower, according to the company. The V1 Sport is a three-seater with a full aft platform and ski-tow eye, but lacks the bells and whistles of some other, more expensive models, thus keeping the price moderate and making her a good entry level PWC.
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New Captain’s Report
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 755 Marlin:
Versatile 24' Outboard Cruiser
The Merry Fisher 755 Marlin lines are somewhat unusual in North American waters, but are increasingly seen in Northern Europe. She's for boaters who want the weather protection and much of the utility of a larger cabin boat or express, without the financial outlay that such a boat requires. Add the optional cushions in the compact trunk cabin, and she can overnight two, and a dinette table is handy for lunch in the cockpit, while the seat in the front of the wheelhouse opens into a sun lounge. Two- or three-door access to the cabin is available.
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New Captain’s Report
Dusky 252 Open Fisherman:
$52K w/ Single Evinrude E-TEC G2 300
By keeping extras to a minimum, Dusky can sell the 252 Open Fisherman at one of the lowest prices of any CC in this LOA: she goes for about $52,000 with a single Evinrude E-TEC G2 300. The 252 Open Fisherman includes the "Dusky Drive" System, an extended motor bracket that allows the boat to have a full-height transom like an inboard, thus improving her performance. Placing the motor several feet aft of the transom also has the effect of increasing the LOA for a smoother ride in bumpy seas. Dusky is a small builder in Dania, Florida and sells factory-direct.
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Test Video
Volvo Penta Forward Drive:
A Sterndrive for Wakesports
The Forward Drive combines the best attributes of three of Volvo Penta’s designs -- the sterndrive, the Duoprop, and the IPS pod -- in a versatile propulsion system that works equally well for cruising or towing watersports. The drive mounts on the same gimbal as a Duoprop and is trim-able to customize wake size and shape for watersports. The twin propellers mounted on the front of the drive also provide quicker acceleration and better top speeds than an inboard. Exhaust gases flow out the aft end of the drive and into the prop wash rather than through outlets in the boat’s transom, making the overall experience of riding in a boat with the Forward Drive more pleasant.
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Features Video
Regal 2800:
"Day Yacht" w/ 50.1 mph WOT
The Regal 2800 is a large, upscale bowrider designed to carry a crowd in comfort. Premium features include a standard power tower with Bimini, power helm seat, multi-density foam upholstery, and power engine hatch. A vessel sink and solid-surface counter with wood accents decorates the head. Options include a power swim platform and even a bow thruster, rare in boats of this size.
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New Test Video
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40:
New Diesel Express w/ 44.2 MPH WOT
The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 delivers sporty performance in line with her style, getting on plane in 5.3 seconds in our tests. Powered with twin Volvo Penta 370-hp D6s with DP drives, she reached a top speed of 44.2 mph (71.1 kph), while best cruise was at 2500 rpms and 27.2 mph (43.8 kph), at which she delivered 1.6 mpg for a 240-mile range. Handling at the docks is simplified by the Volvo Penta joystick system combined with the steerable drives.
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Test Video
TAHOE 450 TS:
Versatile, Value-Priced 18'5" Runabout
The TAHOE 450 TS is a entry-level runabout that offers good gear storage capabilities, thanks to the large but unoccupied engine box as well as storage lockers under the deck and seats. The POWERGLIDE II hull bottom features three lifting strakes per side and reverse chines. The design is aimed at making the boat nimble and easy to handle for beginners.
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New Captain’s Report
Stuart Boatworks 23:
Resin-Infused Center Console
w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 300
The Stuart Boatworks 23 is a boutique-level center console with an unusual bottom design concept -- the company says that their slightly rounded keel on a 17-degree deadrise bottom, with a very sharp forward entry, allows the boat to stay on plane at lower speeds than deep Vs, yet still deliver a smooth ride when seas are rough. The hulls are resin-infused for an ideal ratio of resin to fiberglass. Our test boat was powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300.
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Test Video
REGENCY 254 LE3:
Luxury Toon Hits 47.1 MPH WOT
The REGENCY 254 LE3 is loaded with extras that are included in her base price of $64,995. Multi-density foam seating with lumbar supports, a power Bimini, Sea Grass, and synthetic teak deck coverings, LED lighting both on deck and in the hatches, and a wet bar are among the many standard features. She runs as good as she looks thanks to triple 26" pontoons with lifting strakes, topping out at 47.1 mph (35.8 kph) in our tests.
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Test Video
NITRO Z21:
71.7 MPH WOT in a Competition Bass Boat
The NITRO Z21 is a full-sized competition bass boat designed to deliver anglers fast to remote hotspots, even on bumpy days, thanks to an improved hull design and shock-absorbing seats. Padding under the bow and stern carpeting make it easier to stand all day long to cast, as many tournament anglers do. Hatch lids have aluminum bracing to retain their shape and alignment. A welcome feature is a battery switch that allows using the deep-cycle trolling motor batteries to start the engine if the starter battery won't do the job.
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Captain’s Report
Pursuit DC 325:
Fully-Loaded Multi-Mission DC
Pursuit is known for building fishing boats with an extra level of comfort and luxury, but the new DC 325 may actually be more of an XL runabout than fishboat. She has room for a party up front in a circular seating area, yet there's still space for a compact sleeping cabin as well as a head tucked into the consoles, and this entire area can be air-conditioned as an option. The head also has a pull-out shower, and a hot water heater is standard. She comes fully loaded with other extras, including a 3-hp electric bow thruster, electric windlass, hardtop with integrated lights, and much more.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe:
Versatile Mid-Cabin Express Sleeps 6
The dramatic roof line on the Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe not only makes her a striking mid-size coupe, but also gives excellent visibility at the helm. She has the largest sunroof in class, according to the company, opening up the helm area completely when weather is right. A mid-cabin master, plus space for four young guests in the Pullman sleeper, adds versatility for a yacht of this size. The table in this area is large enough to easily accommodate six. Her cockpit seating can be configured in two clever ways in a jiffy.
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