New Test Video
Quicksilver Repower Engines:
100% New 3.0L, 350, 383 & 496 Engines
Owners of old boats with tired or worn-out GM sterndrive or inboard engines can now replace them with completely new engines tooled and built by Quicksilver, a division of Mercury Marine. Sterndrive and inboard engines that were marinized by any brand – including Volvo Penta, MerCruiser, Crusader, PCM, and many others – can now be replaced with engines that are better than the old ones because all of the improvements made to those engines over three decades of production have been baked into the new Quicksilver engines. For example, they are built with exclusive “Black-X” valve technology that reduces valve wear by 42 percent, even when using modern alcohol fuel. They’re also more fuel efficient, and in most cases the engines fit into the existing engine boxes, avoiding costly structural changes. They’re available in 3.0 L, the small block V-8 350 and 383 versions, and big block 496 V-8. All have a three-year warranty.
We think that this is a very important new product introduction because it can literally save the investment that a family has in an old boat. Now, old engines ready for the graveyard don’t have to take the boat with them. Just replace them with a new Quicksilver engine and preserve the boat and investment for the next generation. See our video and report that explains it all.
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Test Video
Ocean Alexander 112 Tri-Level Motor Yacht:
A Helm Designed for Professionals
The Ocean Alexander 112 Tri-Level has a main helm station that is patterned after commercial vessels where practicality, simplicity, and good visibility take precedent over a “cool-looking” design. The flat helm counter has instruments and controls slightly recessed in descending order of importance as they move outward from the helm. Three nav screens are fixed to raised mounts that can be easily adjusted to suit the captain’s eye. The dark leather dash reduces glare and there are ample vents for defogging the windscreen. The autopilot controls are on the right armrest of the electrically-adjustable Stidd chair. Note that there are also no cupholders. This is one of the best laid-out and designed helms we have seen of a boat in this class.
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Test Video
Boston Whaler 150 Montauk:
Improved Ride in an Updated Classic
The Boston Whaler 150 Montauk is one of those classic boats that many of us remember from youth around the water, but the original had a few peculiarities, including a bone-jarring ride running upwind. The redesigned 150 we tested solves that problem with a sharpened forward entry and a 16-degree deadrise, delivering a much softer ride in a chop. She maintains minimal weight—just 950 lbs. (430 kg) dry—which should make her popular as a ship’s tender as well as a very easy-trailering rig behind even smaller tow vehicles. And of course, like all Boston Whalers, she remains totally unsinkable.
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Accommodations Escape Hatches
In case you haven’t noticed, virtually all forward cabins have an overhead escape hatch. Portly boaters, in particular, should make sure they can fit through it. There is an ABYC spec for its size and you should know it. But having an adequately-sized hatch is only half the story – can you reach it?
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Factory Video
Jeanneau/Prestige Yachts Factory Resin:
Quality Control Taken Seriously
Engineers at the Jeanneau/Prestige Yachts factories ensure a quality build in all their yachts through continuous testing of all materials that go into the finished product. They give the resin and coring materials particular attention, with a lab devoted to studying the chemical quality of the resin when it’s received, as well as at various points in the build process. Thermal, mechanical and hydrostatic testing guarantee that the resin is exactly what’s needed in a marine environment. After finished parts are built, samples are put to “deconstructive testing” to measure the exact ratio of resin to glass.
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Test Video
TAHOE® 215 Xi:
Competitively-Priced Package w/Upscale Touches
The TAHOE® 215 Xi is a competitively-priced turn-key package, but she includes some upscale touches like the faux burl-wood dash, a full set of analog gauges rather than just speedo and tach, and aircraft-style stainless-steel switches below. There’s a digital depth finder on the left end of the panel and a compass directly in the center. The wheel, with burl-wood-finish accents, is mounted to a tilt base. A comfortable armrest is formed by the wide caprail to starboard. Engine control is flush-mounted to the bulkhead.
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Test Video
Galeon 500 Fly:
Ready for a Trip to the Islands
While the salon, galley and dining area of the Galeon 500 Fly are climate-controlled, the windows can be electronically opened to allow a free flow of air. With the bulwarks deployed and all side and aft doors and windows retracted, she opens up almost entirely to the atmosphere, giving a large, shaded and well-ventilated area where the party can go on, rain or shine.
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