BoatTEST Newsletter October 19, 2016

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Scarab 255 Impulse WAKE Edition:

Twin-Jet w/ 53.2 MPH WOT

The Scarab 255 Impulse WAKE Edition features the company's innovative digital throttle control system and lateral-thrust steering buckets that make handling much easier around the docks than in most jet boats, according to our test captain. She comes loaded with upscale features, including a folding wakeboard tower with Bimini, four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, and a tandem-axle trailer with brakes, chrome wheels, and swing-away tongue.

Comparison

42'-45’ Express Cruisers:

Six Select Yachts for All Seasons

This week, we have selected six 42’ to 45’ express cruisers that are large enough to offer what we call “genteel cruising” for two couples or a family. Among the six boats above, three are fairly similar with beams and displacements that are relatively close one to another. Two are definitely a cut above, both in terms of beam and displacement, and one, the Hatteras 45 Express, is in a league of its own. Explore these diverse cruisers, and you will quickly discover the important differences. For example, not all have two heads. Each is designed for a specific application and clientele. We help you compare and decide.

More...

New Test Video

Robalo R247:

45.1 MPH WOT w/ 2x Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O.s

The Robalo R247 is loaded with all of the usual quality fishing features, but she's also fully equipped for a comfortable and relaxing family outing on the water. Options like a teak and holly deck, granite countertop, and electric toilet in the enclosed head, a double-wide swiveling companion seat at the port console, and an entertainment center with wet bar convert her to day-boating rig that should please many families. Our tested weight of the R247 was 7,102 lbs. (3,221 kgs.), and she has a 8'9" (2.67 m) beam. Powered by twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 H.O. engines, best cruise was at 3500 rpm, 26.8 mph, where she got 2.7 gph for a range of 325 statute miles.

Test Video

Beneteau Monte Carlo 6:

60’ Retro Classic w/ Modern Interior

With the characteristic sharp entry of the brand, the Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 should be sea-kindly in all reasonable weather, and our captain reports she is remarkably comfortable. She displays the usual Beneteau flair in modern design throughout the interior. The forward deck is flat rather than arched as in many trunk cabin models, and Beneteau designers cleverly hide a pair of broad, teak-finish chaises flush there, ready for action when cushions are added. Teak decking is used throughout while the interior joinery is Alpi wood in brushed oak.

New Test Video

Four Winns HD270 OB:

Roomy Bowrider w/ 48.6 MPH WOT

The Four Winns HD 270 OB has the eye appeal of a bowrider with the added space up front of a deckboat, thanks to carrying her 8'5" (2.55 m) beam well forward. She offers numerous upscale touches, including soft-cover footing on both the swim platform and at the bow entry from the fold out

beach ladder. Her deeply-padded, sculpted, and French-stitched upholstery is a match for most anything in class. Outboard powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP outboard means there's added space aft for storage and seating, as well as the advantage of reduced weight, ease of maintenance, and, with the Evinrude G2, no scheduled engine maintenance for five years.

Test Video

Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht:

Ready for World-Wide Cruising

We happen to think that 90' is an ideal size motoryacht for a couple who plan on doing some serious world-ranging cruising with family and friends. She is big, but not over-the-top. And she is finished in good taste. With high bulwarks all around the bow, a 22'5" (6.83 m) beam, 3,000-gallon (11,356 L) fuel capacity and standard twin C32 Cat ACERT 1622-hp engines, the Ocean Alexander 90 Motoryacht is comfortable and seaworthy. She has four elegant en suite staterooms plus a couple of crew cabins. She can seat eight for dinner in the formal dining area, eight more on the aft deck, and there's a third large dining area on the flying bridge, making her an exceptional entertainment venue.

Test Video

Boston Whaler 330 Outrage:

New Offshore Fishing Machine w/ Dayboat Comforts

The all-new Boston Whaler 330 Outrage features a variable deadrise hull leading down to a flat running pad that provides quicker hole shots and higher top speed than pure deep vee designs, as well as allowing her to stay on plane at lower engine rpm according to our test captain. While the aft cockpit contains all of the offshore angling amenities expected from Boston Whaler, the bow is designed for family days on the water with a broad sunlounge directly ahead of the console. This lounge flips up to access hidden and lockable storage for 8' rods as well as dive tanks and other gear. A useful and creative option aft is the flip-out table that's part of the family-package helm seating.

Test Video

Beneteau Oceanis 60:

Versatile Ocean-Ranging Sailing Yacht

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 has two layout versions: one with three staterooms and three heads, and another with four staterooms and four heads. She features a fold-down swim platform as part of the transom assembly, and underneath, there's space to store an inflatable dinghy. Because of her 16'4" (4.99 m) beam and hard chines, she has more space below than expected, as well as plenty of room topside to enjoy a day under sail. Halyards and trim lines lead to the secondary winches in the aft end of the cockpit, easing short-handed sailing, but there's a separate crew quarters in the bow for those who prefer crewed operation.

Test Video

Cruisers Yachts 350 Express:

3-Season Yacht for Entertaining, Coastal Cruising

The Cruisers Yachts 350 Express comes with lots of high-end options in the standard package, including cabin heat and air, trim tabs, electric windlass, water heater, and a wet bar. The walkthrough windshield provides access to the large sun pad on the bow. Below decks are sleeping accommodations both in the bow and a mid-cabin, along with a salon and a good-sized galley complete with cooktop, refrigerator, sink, and microwave.

Test Video

Key Largo 3000 CC:

Competitive Pricing w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 250s

The Key Largo 3000 CC is a relatively affordable bluewater fisherman that turned in a WOT speed of 56.3 mph with the twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 250s during our test. Her tested weight was 6,520 lbs. (2,957 kgs), and she has a beam of 8'9" (2.67 m). She took 4.4 seconds to get on plane. The E-TEC G2 250s delivered best economy at 3000 rpm where she ran 25.9 mph and delivered 2.0 mpg, but bump her up to 4000 rpm and 40.3 mph, and she still gets 1.9 mpg.

Test Video

Maritimo M51:

Two Stateroom Enclosed Flybridge Yacht w/ Aft Master

Maritimo is one of the few builders that makes the enclosed flying bridge a standard feature, adding living/entertaining space as well as giving the captain a commanding view forward. The bridge is in all respects a second salon, albeit a smaller one. A set of internal stairs (another Maritimo signature element) provides a protected transition from the main deck to the bridge. The sofa here can be optioned as a fold out bed, and the teak dining table aft allows a social atmosphere.

Test Video

Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider:

Multi-Mission Sport Boat w/ 46.2 MPH WOT

The Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider shines when it comes to wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, catching some rays, or just spending the day on the water. She's a boutique sportboat with upscale fit-and-finish, superior ride quality, and plenty of sizzle, according to our test captain. Standard features include a stainless steel beach ladder, engine room fire suppression system, halogen docking lights, Bimini top, and forward and aft cockpit covers.

Test Video

Riviera 445 SUV:

Versatile 2-Stateroom, 2-Head Cruising Yacht

The Riviera 445 SUV, powered with twin Volvo Penta IPS600s, delivered very level fuel economy varying from 1.0 NMPG at 2250 rpm and 15 knots to 0.8 NMPG at 3630 rpms and 33.1 knots. This means the captain can adjust the speed to suit sea conditions with little concern for variation in range. She's equipped with a mini galley in the aft cockpit, plus a full galley in the salon area with a large swing-up window, providing easy access between interior and exterior areas.

Test Video

Chaparral 227 SSX:

Competitively-Priced Upscale Sportboat

The Chaparral 227 SSX is the smallest boat in the Chaparral’s sportboat series, designed to compete with luxury bowriders while still coming in at a competitive price. She comes standard with two coolers, convertible seating, a portable table that can be installed forward or aft, a premium stereo, a depth finder, and a Bimini top. The bow includes a fold-out beach ladder as well as an anchor locker with hanger.

Test Video

Beneteau Swift Trawler 44:

Coastal Work for Serious Cruising

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 44, unlike many single-screw trawlers, is very easy to dock, according to our test captain, who found the rudder-angle indicators along with the standard bow thruster helpful. Performance is a strong suit for this semi-displacement yacht, which has a top speed of 25.6 knots. At lower rpms she got 1.1 NMPG at 16.9 knots, and held very close to the 1.0 NMPG number all the way to full speed. She's set up ideally for a couple to enjoy long ICW cruises as well as for weekending with extended family now and then.

Captain’s Report

Grady-White Canyon 271 FS:

Premium-Quality Center Console

One of the more interesting features of the new Grady-White Canyon 271 FS is the bow seating with integrated seat backs that fold out of the way to become gunwale bolsters. A panel that turns the front casting platform into a sun pad doubles as a cocktail table forward. A through-the-stem anchor and electric windlass are among the many standard features. She has high freeboard forward, good bow flare, and Grady-White’s signature SeaV2 hull design, which combine to make her just what she purports to be -- a canyon runner that can double as a family-fun machine.

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