Sealegs 7.1m Sport RIB:


Amphibious RIB w/ Aluminum Hull

Beach homeowners who need to bust through surf to get back to their house should welcome the Sealegs 7.1m Sport RIB.

The Sealegs 7.1m Sport RIB is a multi-purpose watercraft with three fold-down wheels and an auxiliary 22-hp air-cooled internal engine that makes it capable of launching and retrieving itself on nearly any beach. With the wheels up, it performs like a conventional RIB. Powered by an Evinrude E-TEC 150-hp outboard, it ran 44.2 mph in our tests. The heavy gauge aluminum hull is made to rest on the sand, allowing the boat to be kept at the ready for a quick launch through surf or simply to act as a go-anywhere tender for a large yacht. She is ideal for people who own waterfront homes.

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New Captain’s Report

Ocean Alexander 112 Tri-Level Motor Yacht:


Multi-Deck Yacht w/ 5 En Suites

The Ocean Alexander 112 Tri-Level Motor Yacht offers an accommodation deck, main deck, and bridge deck, and atop all of that is the Jacuzzi/observation deck.

With five luxurious en suite staterooms, including the spacious master forward on the salon level, the Ocean Alexander 112 Tri-Level Motor Yacht is an ocean-ranging megayacht with a beam of 24'6" (7.47 m). A compelling feature is the very private observation deck atop the sky-lounge/flybridge, complete with the raised Jacuzzi and settee with coffee table. The master stateroom features what amounts to a four-part windshield, providing wrap-around natural light, all provided with electronic shades. The bath is four steps down from the master stateroom and features a marble Jacuzzi, as well as separate his and hers vessel sinks. Crew space for six is also provided.

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Test Video

Sea-Doo RXP-X 300:


High Performance PWC w/ New 300-hp ROTAX

Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 300 is designed for experienced high-performance enthusiasts desiring maximum control, speed, and carving ability.

The Sea-Doo RXP-X 300, with a dry weight of just 850 lbs. (386 kg) and the new ROTAX 300 power system is -- not surprisingly -- a rocket on the water, with a top speed of 67.0 mph in our test ride. She has many performance features, including trim tabs and adjustable three-position rear sponsons, which offer a range of cornering stability. She combines an adjustable handlebar with inward-angled footwells and a narrow profile racing seat -- the Ergolock -- with hollows the rider can grip with his or her knees, helping reduce the effort to hold in high-speed turns.

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Test Video

Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge:


Bluewater-Capable Cruising Sedan

One option on the Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge stores the inflatable RIB on the foredeck with a davit. An optional hydraulic swim platform allows tender stowage aft.

The Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge has the hull and mechanicals of a serious bluewater fisherman, including engine air intakes located high on the superstructure rather than on the hull. A solid fiberglass build below the waterline makes her ocean-ready. The interior areas, however, are all luxury yacht. The three-stateroom layout offers flexibility, with the master suite forward or amidships. The flying bridge deck is protected by a hardtop and is enclosed on three sides, closed off aft by deck-to-ceiling strata-glass with three-sided zippered openings.

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Test Video

Volvo Penta D3-220:


Lightweight, State-of-the-Art Diesel Power

The five-cylinder Volvo Penta D3-220 weighs just 800 lbs. (363 kg), considerably less than many gas V8s, yet produces comparable low-end torque, as well as improved fuel economy and fire safety.

The Volvo Penta D3-220's high power-to-weight ratio and excellent fuel economy make it a natural choice for mid-level planing hulls. It delivers excellent economy compared to gas inboards of similar power, particularly in the cruising ranges and at trolling speeds, where it could double the range of some boats. It's a common rail, electronically injected engine equipped with EVC for bringing engine communications to the helm. State-of-the-art turbo design with adjustable vanes inside the housing makes turbocharging effective at low rpm for nearly instant power and clean burning.

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Captain’s Report

Beneteau First 35 Carbon Edition:


Performance-Oriented Yacht w/ Practicality

With halyards, sheets, and control lines all leading to the cockpit, the Beneteau First 35 Carbon Edition can be raced with a crew of four...or cruised single-handed.

The Beneteau First 35 Carbon Edition features a sleek carbon wheel mounted to a unique pivoting pedestal that locks in three positions, port, center, and starboard by simply stepping on the pedal at the base. She has a keel-stepped, double spreader, fractionally-rigged carbon fiber mast, and the boom is a matching black aluminum spar. A black carbon retractable bow sprit allows for setting an asymmetrical spinnaker and also shaves off weight at the bow.

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Updated Captain’s Report

Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:


Fast Express w/ 3 Staterooms

The arching windows provide a sleek look to the exterior of the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius, as well as bringing lots of light to the salon and galley areas. The large hullside windows open to the master stateroom below decks.

We think the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius has an almost hybrid feel between an express coupe and an open cockpit yacht. Below decks she has three staterooms separated by a lounge area that makes her more accommodating (and private) for two couples or more during a weekend getaway. With a top speed over 42 mph and a cruise of around 30 mph with the twin Volvo Penta IPS950s, she can extend the range of weekending significantly.

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Captain’s Report

Grady-White Canyon 336:


Classic Canyon-Runner CC

The Grady-White Canyon 336 has all of the rod holders and other fishing gear any angler could want. She is available with twin 300-hp or 350-hp Yamaha outboards, or with triple Yamaha 300-hp outboards.

The Grady-White Canyon 336 is a classic, upscale center console designed to deliver a comfortable and stable ride in long offshore runs to remote fishing areas. She features heavy-duty construction that promises long-term durability, and she's loaded with world-class fishing features. She has more interior space than many in class, thanks to an 11'7" (3.53 m) beam, and her 333-gallon (1,260 L) fuel tank provides serious range. The head in the console is roomy for a CC and hides a one-person berth. The sink faucet doubles as a shower wand, and the toilet is a VacuFlush.

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Test Video

Monte Carlo Yachts 70:


High-Tech Build in a Stylish New Yacht

The teak decking and plush furnishings on the bow of the Monte Carlo Yachts 70 add an additional chic entertainment/sunning area that's absent in most yachts of this size.

The Monte Carlo Yachts 70 features a striking design that delivered strong performance in our test runs, topping out at 32.9 knots ahead of the twin 1200-hp MAN engines and ZF POD 4000 drives. The joystick system made for exceptionally easy maneuvering around the harbor. Large fold-away glass doors open the cockpit to the salon, breakfast nook, and galley area.

See the whole yacht here...

Test Video

TAHOE Q7i:


53.7 MPH WOT w/ 260-HP Sterndrive

The TAHOE Q7i features a 20-degree deadrise and a sharp forward entry that cuts cleanly through waves, easing the ride in most conditions. The tower shown is optional.

The TAHOE Q7i comes fully-equipped with Bluetooth streaming audio plus MP3 and USB ports, a Lowrance sonar, a color-matched trailer with fold-away tongue and lots more, all at a competitive price. The 250-hp 5.0 MPI MerCruiser engine turning an Alpha drive with a 14.5 x 19 Black Max propeller provided a hole shot of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 53.7 mph.

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Test Video

Chaparral 284 Sunesta:


Upscale Sportboat w/ Innovative Bow Design

The "picklefork" bow of the Chaparral 284 Sunesta, which the company calls "Wide Tech," gives the interior space of a deckboat forward, while the deep vee bottom means less weight and the usual overall monohull performance and handling.

The Chaparral 284 Sunesta is a sportboat with a number of unusual features including the broad "Wide Tech" bow, providing added seating space forward. The outdrive sits in a transom notch, and the hull carries back past the drive on both sides, providing added lift for quicker planing. The hull has Kevlar in the keel and dual lifting strakes on both sides leading up to a reversed chine. The deadrise is 22-degrees at the transom, and combined with the sharp forward entry, this should give a good ride in bumpy water.

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Test Video

Formula 34 PC:


Premium 48-MPH Performance Cruiser

Like all in the Formula line, the 34 PC displays the classic high-gloss painted exterior finish that is a company trademark. The fiberglass hardtop seen here is optional.

The Formula 34 PC comes loaded with high-end features that are often options on other boats in class, including 18,000 BTUs of A/C, an electric windlass with 200’ (61 m) of all-chain rode, a chain counter at the helm, a polished stainless anchor, and a handheld remote control. She also includes an internal vacuum cleaner system and Bennett hydraulic trim tabs in the standards list. A wet bar is found in the cockpit, and steps up and through the windshield provide access to the sun lounges on the bow.

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Test Video

REGENCY 254 LE3:


Upscale Tri-Toon w/ 47.1 WOT

The REGENCY 254 LE3 delivers strong performance when powered with a Mercury Verado 250, topping out at over 47 mph. The bronze powder-coated pontoons and railings add eye appeal.

Riding on three 26" diameter powder-coated pontoons, the REGENCY 254 LE3 is a top-shelf pontoon boat that provides performance comparable to many runabouts, but with far more seating and entertainment space. Thickly cushioned lounges and supple upholstery give the boat an upscale feel and should keep passengers happy. The transom gate just ahead of the swim ladder closes on its own and has a magnetic latch, a good safety feature for families with little ones or pets. The Lowrance HDS Touch depth finder comes standard with an aft-facing camera to help keep drivers aware of what’s behind.

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