Sailfish 240CC:

Bluewater Center Console

With lots of freeboard both fore and aft and a 9' (2.74 m) beam, the Sailfish 240CC is at home trolling off the beaches as well as making fast runs to offshore reefs.

The Sailfish 240CC's Variable Deadrise Stepped Hull maxes at 24-degrees at her keel, but steps down to 22-degrees at her chines. She's got 40" of interior cockpit depth forward plus plenty of bow flair, helping to keep her as dry as an open boat can be in blue water runs. Construction includes Kevlar reinforcement in the keel and transom, for long-term durability. Equipped with twin Yamaha 150s, she runs 52.3 mph, according to company tests.

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Comparison

42'-50' Sedans:

Four Boats in the Sweet Spot

This week's roundup includes four sedans from 42' to roughly 50' that range from 25,000 lbs. to twice that. These boats are capable of extended cruising, but also for day tripping. They are fast with standard twin-diesel power -- all cruise in the mid 20-knot range -- but engine horsepower and drive systems vary greatly. They are all seaworthy enough for offshore passages, but easy to handle in close quarters thanks to joystick control or a bow thruster. Nevertheless, the boats in this roundup are quite different in layout, exterior design, and in general approach to what a sedan should be.

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Test Video

TAHOE® 2150:


Family Deckboat w/ Fishing Options

The TAHOE® 2150 ran 51.1 mph in our tests. Her 8’6” (2.59 m) beam is carried as far forward as possible, which creates a spacious bow seating area.

The TAHOE® 2150 standard version includes a drop-down changing room attached to the standard Bimini, bow, and stern ladders and a carry-off ice chest stowed under the cockpit seat. The optional fishing package includes swiveling fishing seats that can be mounted bow and stern or stowed away in a dedicated compartment when not needed. The package also includes an aerated livewell in the bow, a fishfinder, and a trolling motor. She ran 51.1 mph in our tests, powered by a 225-hp Mercury Verado.

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Test Video

World Cat 230CC:


Deckboat Space, Twin-Hull Comfort

The sharp forward entry of the twin hulls on the World Cat 230CC delivered an exceptionally smooth ride in our test runs.

The World Cat 230CC has the combined roominess of a center console and a deckboat thanks to the squared-off bow of her catamaran design. With twin 115 Yamaha four-strokes, she got on plane in just 2.6 seconds and topped out at 44.7 mph. Economy is good as well -- best cruise is at 19 mph and 5.55 gph for a range of 295 SM.

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Captain’s Report

Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht:


Customizable Motoryacht w/ 22'6" Beam

The open and airy salon of the Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht takes full advantage of her 22'6" (6.86 m) beam. Note the interior stairway to the flying bridge.

The Hatteras 90 Motor Yacht will be offered in both open and enclosed flybridge options, each climate controlled with a 48,000 BTU reverse-cycle A/C. Optional fold-out balconies for the main deck can be incorporated into the bulwarks, providing more exterior space when desired. The flybridge includes an outdoor galley with grilling center, sink, refrigerator/freezer and icemaker and storage cabinets as well as plenty of lounging spots. Like all in the Hatteras line, she offers massive power options to twin 1920-hp MTUs and is intended to go to sea.

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Test Video

REGENCY® 254 LE3:


Tri-Toon w/ 47.1 MPH WOT

With three 26” diameter pontoons fitted with lifting strakes and V-6 outboard power, the REGENCY® 254 LE3 can get up on plane and run.

The REGENCY® 254 LE3 comes with three 26” diameter pontoons fitted with lifting strakes and base power is 250-hp Mercury Verado, producing a top speed of more than 47 mph in our test boat. Many of her metal parts, including the pontoons, Bimini top hardware, deck brackets and rails, feature powder-coat baked on paint that will last for years. A power Bimini top with LED lights is standard, as is plush upscale upholstery throughout. The transom swim deck is finished in faux teak.

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Captain’s Report

Regal 30 Express:


Upscale Pocket Cruiser w/ Twin Engines

The cockpit of the Regal 30 Express is clearly designed for entertainment: Note the aft facing lounge at the port console as well as the convertible aft seats, which can work for booth-style seating or drop flat to become a sun pad.

The Regal 30 Express may be just the right size for those moving up to cruising boats from day boats, according to our test captain, thanks to her easy handling as well as her unusually long list of standard features. Included are the radar arch, electric head, water heater, depth sounder, remote-control spotlight, and even a gas generator and air-conditioning system -- all extra cost options on many competing brands.

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New Test Video

Sea Pro 219 Deep V CC:


Biobutanol Fuel, Family Features

The Sea Pro 219 Deep V CC includes all the essentials for bay and near-shore angling, but also adds some family-friendly features like cushions and reclining backrests at the bow and Polk audio with four water-resistant speakers.

The Sea Pro 219 Deep V CC we tested was powered by a 200 HP Evinrude E-TEC G2 burning Biobutanol fuel which does not have phase separation as does ethanol. Our test boat had a best cruise fuel burn of 3.8 mpg at 4000 rpm and 27.5 mph for a range of about 290 SM. Top speed with the eco-friendly fuel was 44.0 mph. All drains in the boat run into a single manifold that discharges via one thru-hull fitting, and it includes a shutoff valve -- the system greatly increases the safety level and is rare in boats of this size.

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Test Video

Beneteau Gran Turismo 35:


Sleek Day-Tripper w/ Overnight Accommodations

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Beneteau Gran Turismo 35 is her profile, which at first glance looks like a European express cruiser. Side window frames flow into the standard fiberglass radar arch, which is also the anchor for the optional Bimini tops that extend fore and aft.

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 35 is primarily a stylish and seaworthy dayboat built for harbor-hopping and generally enjoying the boating lifestyle, but she also includes a double bed tucked aft beneath the helm area to provide ample overnight accommodations plus a convertible couch in the salon. A 16,000 BTU air conditioning system keeps things cool when necessary, and an optional "rumble galley" on the swim platform is available to keep cooking odors outside and the chef in the middle of the social scene.

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Test Video

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage:


An Outboard-Powered Battlewagon

With 1200-hp hanging on the transom, the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage is predictably fast, topping out at 48.2 mph in our test runs. The engines feature joystick control for easy docking.

The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage combines top quality angling amenities with entertainment features, including a "summer kitchen" in the cockpit and a hull-side dive door that can also double for hauling a tuna aboard. There are three seats at the helm with a secondary row of seating. The two outer seats can swivel to face aft. Though she functions as an XL bowrider, she also has a cabin below, including galley, head with rain-shower, and a U-shaped settee around a cocktail table. The area makes into a double bunk, naturally, and air conditioning and a 40-watt generator are standard.

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Test Video

Beneteau Monte Carlo 6:


Flybridge Cruise w/ Spice

Round portlights and hullside windows coupled with the nearly vertical stem and "tulip" forward entry are now trademarks that have come to define Beneteau Monte Carlo yachts like the new BMC 6.

The Beneteau Monte Carlo 6 combines a nod to classic lines with modern construction techniques and plush interior materials to create a luxury yacht that displayed impressive sea-handling capabilities in our test run. Her forefoot is remarkably sharp and cuts through waves rather than pounding into them. The main-deck command station includes controls mounted to the helm seat for both the joystick and the panel electronics, including control of the autopilot. The flying bridge lounging area is large enough for 10 guests and includes an entertainment center with grill and refrigerator. Though she's easily handled by an owner-operator, a separate aft accommodation is provided for crew.

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Test Video

Key Largo 2486 WA:


49.5 WOT w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O.

The Key Largo 2486 is designed for bay and offshore fishing, and the compact cabin provides a spot to escape a rain storm as well as for the kids to catch a nap.

The Key Largo 2486 WA (walk-around) produced impressive performance in our test runs, considering that she was powered by a single Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O. outboard. Tested weight was 5,370 lbs. (2,436 kgs.). She got on plane in 4.8 seconds, reached 30 mph in 8.1 seconds, and topped out at 49.5 mph. She draws around 20'', making her suitable for bay and lake fishing as well as offshore work. She's light enough to be trailerable behind a full-size truck, and the compact accommodations provides a place to get out of the rain as well as a spot for an occasional overnight.

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Test Video

Glastron GTS 187:


Jet Runabout w/ Quick Starts

The distinctive three tone upholstery, roadster style dash, and hullside graphics indicate the mission of the Glastron GTS 187 -- she's a nimble jetboat that's built for high-speed fun.

With supercharged jet power options for the Rotax 250 intercooled engine in the test boat, the lightweight Glastron GTS 187 is exciting to drive. She popped on plane almost instantly and raced quickly to her top speed of 46.2 mph. And with lock-to-lock steering in just a quarter-turn, she's as nimble as a PWC but offers seating for up to eight. This boat is designed for thrills but also safe towing, thanks to her jet power.

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Test Video

MAKO® 284 CC:


Fast, Seaworthy Fisherman

The upswept bow of the MAKO® 284 CC marks her mission as a get-to-the-fish-fast offshore fishing machine; she ran 54.5 mph in our tests, powered by twin 300-hp Mercury Verados.

Standard equipment on the MAKO® 284 CC includes the T-top with electronics box, LED courtesy and spreader lights, and five rocket launchers, plus a bait prep station with 50-gallon (189 L) livewell, including backup pump. Her 9'10" (2.99 m) beam provides lots of space to get past the console while fighting a fish as well as making her more stable than some in beam seas. Her nationally-advertised price, before freight and dealer prep, is $103,995 powered by twin 200-hp Mercury Verado outboards.

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New Test Video

Key West 210 Bay Reef:


Bay Boat w/ Head/Changing Room

Hullside colors in the Key West 210 Bay Reef are well matched with the vast choice of panel colors available in the Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards.

With a draft of just 12" (.31 m), the Key West 210 Bay Reef can fish shallow when that's where the fish are, but her 19-degree deadrise allows her to run outside when conditions are right, as well. Performance was strong with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 HP outboard, with the boat getting on plane almost instantly and topping out at 51.3 mph. There are two jump seats with backrests aft, but, when needed, the seatbacks fold flush to provide a non-skid walking surface for fishing. She is one of the few bay boats in class to offer a changing room and Porta-Potti within her console space.

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Test Video

Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider:


Sportboat w/ an Upscale Build

Bold colors and graphics define the Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider. Her 22-degree deadrise and high freeboard should make her a more comfortable ride in bumpy water than many in class.

The Cruisers Sport Series 278 Bow Rider is designed for wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, catching some rays or just spending the day on the water cruising. Our test captain reports she delivered a superior ride along with plenty of styling sizzle. Soft-touch faux teak on the swim platform provides the classic look without the necessary maintenance for real teak. The three-way convertible seat at the transom area provides plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining, and this whole assembly lifts on dual gas struts to provide ease of engine access.

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