|
Yamaha GP1800:
High-Performance Lightweight PWC
Powered with Yamaha's 1.8 liter supercharged and intercooled high-output jet, the Yamaha GP1800 is a high-performance PWC with a weight of just 769 lbs. (348 kg), thanks to a hull made with Yamaha’s exclusive NanoXcel2 sheet-molded technology. She features the RiDE system for rapid stops and easy reverse control, a big plus around the docks, and the comfortable seating is large enough for three riders.
More...
|
10-Year Coverage on All
Evinrude E-TEC Engines
Recently, Evinrude announced the most remarkable outboard engine coverage we have ever seen: 10 years on all Evinrude E-TEC engines from the 15 H.O. to the 300. There is nothing more important on any boat than the engine. Should any problems arise with the engine, not having to worry about the financial consequences takes a tremendous burden off of any boat owner. It also speaks to Evinrude’s faith in the reliability of its engines. The company has quite literally put its money where its mouth is. Talk is cheap, extended coverage is not, and as the company points out in its ads for this promotion, if purchased, extending coverage an additional 7 years on top of the standard 3 year warranty would have a retail cost of up to $7,500, depending on the size of the engine. This is a special “boat show season” promotion and will end on March 31, 2017.
More...
|
New Teaser Video
Chaparral 287 SSX:
New Sportboat w/ Roomy, Upscale Interior
Standard features on the stylish new Chaparral 287 SSX include dual Garmin 741xs GPS Map/Sonar inset into a glass dash, LED pushbutton switches, double-stitched upholstered consoles, head with vanity sink, folding Bimini, and more. An electric folding arch for wakesports is among several upscale options. A dual battery setup with crossover switch ensures plenty of power not only for starting, but also for powering the sound system for many hours.
More...
|
Test Video
Grady-White Canyon 306:
Top-Shelf Blue Water Center Console
The Grady-White Canyon 306 is a large center console designed for long-range blue water fishing trips in any fishable weather. The standard fiberglass T-top has an extended windshield, radio box, dome light, fore and aft spreader lights, radar flat, and outrigger plates. The newly redesigned console features a large flush mount electronic area with enough room to easily accommodate two 16” monitors. She includes a standup wet head with sink and electric toilet.
More...
|
Captain's Report
Prestige Yachts 460:
Exterior Style, Interior Luxury & Space
The Prestige Yachts 460 has a standard two stateroom, two head layout, with a crew-size single optional near the transom -- this area is roomy enough for lazarette storage if the option is not chosen. The oversized swim platform is available with a hydraulic lift system as well as an outdoor grill, which will turn this area into one of the focal points of the yacht.
More...
|
New Features Video
Sea Ray Sundancer 460:
For Comfortable Two-Couple Cruising
With two private staterooms below, each with large heads and separate shower stalls, the Sea Ray Sundancer 460 is directed at gracious -- and private -- two-couple cruising. She comes fully-equipped with generator, AC/heat, power windlass, electric sunroof, radar and lots more. The Digital Throttle & Shift system comes standard, and the joystick control system is an option with shaft power -- both ideal for navigational precision, particularly when docking.
More...
|
Test Video
Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution:
Owner-Operator Design w/ Pod-Drive Handling
The Ocean Alexander 70 Evolution has four staterooms plus an optional crew berth in the stern, making her suitable for owner-operator or crewed use. A 70’ (21 m) yacht, particularly one with a joystick, can be competently managed by nearly any experienced boater with a little practice. That is why this size is so popular. By fitting in four staterooms plus providing entertaining venues on the bow, flying bridge and aft deck, she has virtually all of the basic amenities that are found on far larger and more costly motoryachts.
More...
|
Updated Test Video
Formula 34 Performance Cruiser:
New Swim Platform for Added Utility
The Formula 34 Performance Cruiser is a premium-quality performance cruiser designed to deliver comfortable weekend cruising as well as the speed and handling of a sportboat. She comes loaded with standard equipment, including an electric windlass, remote control search light, radar arch, Bennett tabs, fire suppression system and an 18,000 BTU cool/heating system. New for 2017 is the swim platform extension and a reversible back on the aft cockpit seat, among other touches.
More...
|
Test Video
Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly:
German Engineering at Affordable Pricing
The American edition of the Bavaria Virtess 420 Fly includes a bow thruster, windlass, TVs in the salon and staterooms, air-conditioning throughout and a generator system, all as standard equipage. She sleeps six in three staterooms, including a forward en suite owner’s cabin. Each stateroom has hull side windows with opening portlights.
More...
|
Test Video
Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore:
Capable Offshore Fisherman w/ 56.8 MPH WOT
Anglers will never run out of bait aboard the Wellcraft 262 Scarab Offshore; she's got two aerated wells in the corners of the cockpit, a third in the leaning post/rigging station. There are rod holders everywhere, large fishboxes and lots of space to swing a rod. She's also family-friendly, with exceptional cockpit depth, a hardtop providing shade, a full set of cushions for bow seating and removable chaise-type seat backs.
More...
|
|
Comparison
We Compare 18'-20' Center Consoles:
Six Entry-Level Center Consoles Compared
|
Mako 204 CC
|
Wellcraft 180 Fisherman
|
|
Boston Whaler 190 Montauk
|
Grady-White Fisherman 180
|
|
Sea Fox 206 Commander
|
Robalo R200
|
This week we've rounded-up six entry-level center consoles, at 18’ to 20’, sized just right for family adventures or near-shore fishing trips. Each one is trailerable, so when home waters get stale...Like most boats that are about the same size the differences are in the details which are not obvious on a spec sheet. Let’s take a look and compare.
More...
|
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius:
Bold, Modernistic Style Plus Joystick Handling
Below decks, the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius has three staterooms separated by a lower level lounge area that makes the boat more accommodating (and private) for two couples or more during a weekend getaway. A sliding window makes the topside, aft galley counter into a cocktail bar accessible from stools in the cockpit, and an open-air grill welcomes cookouts. During our tests her top speed was 37.1 knots; best cruise was 25.3 knots for a range of 285 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
More...
|
Test Video
Sea Ray 280 SLX:
Upscale Runabout w/ Seats for 15
With luxurious seating for up to 15, the Sea Ray 280 SLX has lots of room to party. Upscale options include a hydraulically-actuated swim platform, an articulating Bimini/watersports tower and the Dynamic Display "glass cockpit" on the dash, among many others. Wrapped grab-rails are standard, as is plush, diamond-stitched and embroidered upholstery. The aft seat is convertible to a large sunlounge.
More...
|
Accommodations Video
Monte Carlo Yachts 105:
Distinctive Style w/ a Main-Deck Master
Advanced construction techniques and materials make the Monte Carlo Yachts 105 some 15% lighter than yachts of similar size, according to the builder, allowing greater range and reduced fuel use. The open monocoque construction also allows for a wide variety of interior layouts, since structural bulkheads are not an issue. The dramatic exterior styling is the product of Nuvolari & Lenard Design.
More...
|
Test Video
Scarab Open 195 Fish:
Jet-Powered CC Rigged for Fishing
Powered with a single Rotax 250-hp supercharged jet, the Scarab Open 195 Fish reached a top speed of 41.9 mph in our tests. She can run in just 12'' (30 cm) of water thanks to the jet system, and she has the usual PWC/sportboat agility found in jet drives. There's a console changing room with space for an optional Porta-Potti. A baitwell, fishbox, and rod holders, among other things, are included.
More...
|
Test Video
Ranger Z520C:
71.7 MPH WOT w/ Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O.
With the Evinrude E-TEC G2 250 H.O. on the transom turning a Raker HO 14½“ x 26” prop, the Ranger Z520C planed in 3.8 seconds and reached 71.7 mph at 5700 rpm wide open throttle. Ranger’s patented Power Ventilated Rod Storage System (PVRS) uses a blower to circulate air throughout the bow storage lockers to keep tackle and equipment dry. She comes equipped with a 24-volt Minn Kota trolling motor plus two Lowrance HDS7 fishfinders/chartplotters at the bow and console.
More...
|
Test Video
Riviera 445 SUV:
Multi-Mission Yacht Sleeps Up to 7 Guests
The Riviera 445 SUV is a sport utility vessel that can be used for fishing, cruising, entertaining, scuba diving, and a variety of day-boating activities. With a sharp forefoot and a strong flair at the bow, she's well designed for offshore travel, and her 528-gallon (1,998 L) fuel capacity gives her plenty of range for most passages. A CZone Mastervolt touchscreen system allows owners to control multiple systems for entertainment, lighting, and climate control.
More...
|
Test Video
Rotax iNR:
Positive Neutral Control of Jet Systems
The Rotax iNR Control system brings digital control to Rotax water-jet power. The control offers the ability to adjust the jet pump’s neutral position from the helm, keeping the boat from wandering as most jets do at idle and making docking easier. The system also delivers rapid, predictable deceleration when shifting into reverse while the boat is underway. These systems, which were inspired by the iBR system on BRP’s Sea-Doo PWCs, are available on Chaparral, Scarab, and Glastron jet-powered boats.
More...
|
Captain’s Report
Galeon 500 Fly:
A Creative Entertaining Platform
The Galeon 500 Fly includes many clever engineering touches, including unusual fold-down and out bulwarks, creating an additional deck/entertaining area of nearly 90 sq. ft. adjacent the cockpit. With the starboard bulwark deployed, the salon couch can be reversed to face the water through sliding doors, while on the port side the galley counter converts to an open air bar, complete with removable stools. The quality of her build and finish work is first rate.
More...
|
Test Video
World Cat 230CC:
Shallow Draft for the Flats, Freeboard for Offshore
The World Cat 230CC has the 9" (23 cm) draft of a flats boat, the roominess of a center console, the legs for long distance, and the rough water comfort and safety of a deep-V, according to our test captain. She's set up to perform well on twin 115s, giving the get-home redundancy of two outboards, and she planed in just 2.6 seconds in our tests. Top speed was 44.7 mph.
More...
|
New Consumer Article
Boat Launching Made Easy
Backing a boat down a ramp and launching can seem a daunting task to those new to trailer boating, but a few simple tips and a bit of practice make the task very manageable. Whether you launch and load on your own or with help from several friends or family members, these suggestions will make things easier.
More...
|
|
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
|
|
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences,
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 BoatTEST.com advises its readers that content
that appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners’ Reports, and other contributions which
are all clearly labeled as such.
|
|
