New Review Video
Quicksilver Reman:
The OptiMax Outboard Rides Again
In May 2018, Mercury Marine discontinued manufacturing all of its 2-stroke engines, commonly called the OptiMax series. Because tens of thousands of boats on the water were designed for 2-stroke outboards, and because many boaters prefer the instant acceleration that only 2-stroke engines can provide, the Quicksilver division of Mercury Marine, is now re-manufacturing 2-stroke engines from its old Optimax powerheads and making them available. Find out how these powerheads are remanufactured, how and old 200-hp powerhead can be upgraded to 300-hp, and why it only takes 2-3 hours to make the switch.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 345 Conquest:
Solid Build, Soft Ride, Secure Boat
The 345 Conquest weighs 14,200 lbs. (6,441 kg.) dry, without engines. Add the standard triple Mercury 250-hp Verado’s, fill up all of the tanks, add gear, food, drinks, and six adults and she weighs over 20,000 lbs. (9,090 kg.) Despite the weight, turning 17” Rev 4 four-blade props, she planed in 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 50.0. Her weight is indicative of her solid build, and coupled with her sharp forward entry and 20-degree deadrise at the transom, delivered a comfortable ride in our tests. Her hull is foam filled which gives the ultimate security because she will float level if swamped.
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Features Video
Palm Beach 50 Fly:
Downeaster with Added Eye Appeal
Compare the Palm Beach 50 Fly to other Downeast boats her size and she looks lower and longer. The reasons are that her house is longer, her windshield is raked about 34-degrees, and the cowling on her flying bridge is raked even more. All of these subtle details make an immense difference to the eye. It is important to note that she has a secure American-style flying bridge and not a European-style one with toad stools stuck on the coach roof.
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Test Video
Regal 42 Fly:
Anchoring Made Easy
The Regal 42 Fly makes the anchoring operation easy with touches like the standard Lewmar windlass and through-the-stem anchor. A courtesy light is provided alongside, and foot control switches are ahead and to the left. The remote spotlight is forward. Note the cleat upon which to tie off the rode, a detail many builders are omitting these days. There’s self-draining storage for fenders and lines under the hatch to port and rode access and the wash-down to starboard.
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Test Video
Chaparral 191 SunCoast:
A Place for Everything
The Chaparral 191 SunCoast is a compact, entry-level bowrider, but our test crew found she’s loaded with storage, taking advantage of every space under the seating and below the deck to pack away all the gear boaters enjoy afloat. In the walkway from the stern to the cockpit, a hatch opens what can either be a cooler (standard) or a livewell (optional). There’s storage under all the seat bottom cushions, and the table secures in a dedicated slot beneath the forward-most port seat. The large hatch in the cockpit deck opens the ski and board locker, which includes a liner to prevent scratching equipment.
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