New Test Video
Everglades 273CC:
Designed to Go Offshore
Many boats in this size range feel like a stretched version of a shorter model, but the 273CC is designed to feel more like a smaller offshore boat than a bigger inshore model. She has relatively tall hull sides, a large livewell and fishbox and a bottom design with 20-degrees of deadrise at the transom. The 273CC also has the versatility that a family is looking for with cruising amenities like bow lounges with removable backrests, seats that fold into the transom, and a private head in the console. Overall, she is a premium build with virtually everything done right.
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Test Video
Quicksilver Reman Powerhead:
New Life for the Mercury 2-stroke OptiMax
Though the 2-stroke Mercury OptiMax is no longer being built, those who still own one of these outboards can restore it to like new—or better than new—condition with a Mercury Remanufactured Powerhead. The engines used in this process are taken down to the bare block and then rebuilt from scratch – all worn parts are replaced with the latest technology. These hand-built powerheads are “blueprinted”, which means they’re restored to original factory specs and get all new external parts as well. And, powerheads up to the 300 can be mounted on the three-liter mid-section, turning a 200 into a 300 for those with boats that can handle the added horsepower. Best of all, installation of the reman powerhead takes only two to three hours at an authorized Mercury dealer.
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Test Video
Riviera Belize 66 Sedan:
Functional Control System with Style
The Riviera Belize 66 Sedan has a centerline helm, with an interesting control arrangement: Shift and throttle for the twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350s is to port of the captain’s chair, with the joystick to starboard. While most are not used to operating engine controls with the left hand, our test captain found the setup quickly became familiar. Located just abaft the control levers, a remote control for the Garmin autopilot—note the red “standby” button—also allows for control of the touchscreen displays from the seated position. Switches for operating lights, wipers, sunroof, and other electrical systems are arrayed around the remote. What all of this means is that the captain can navigate without having to leave the seat. The Belize 66 is a premium build with excellent joinery work.
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 35 Express:
Upgrades to a Luxury-Level Express
Sleek design, luxury touches and impressive technology are all found at the helm of the updated Cruisers Yachts 35 Express. The wheel is covered in stitched leather, while the helm panel is finished in wood grains with leather accents and stainless-steel detailing. The widescreen display is part of the base electronics package that consists of the depth finder and GPS. Check out our test, which looks at the updated version of this stylish express, including new oversized hullside windows that not only bring lots of light into the salon and master sleeping area below but also add an exterior styling element.
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Boating Tips
12 Things to Look for in a Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats have come a long way, and not just in deck space and comfort—now they can perform as well. There are plenty of things about pontoon boats that buyers should know, and the most important is knowing how they want to use the boat.
Check out a list of 12 important criteria for pontoon boats here.
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Test Video
Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series:
Happy Hour at the Swim Platform
The swim platform and aft seating area of the Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series are likely to be the happy hour social center, thanks to seating both on the platform itself as well as just above. The cockpit table can be moved to a stainless-steel mount here, and there’s a control for the stereo to starboard as well as waterproof speakers on both sides and plenty of drink-holders. There’s a pullout freshwater shower on the starboard side, and a four-step stainless steel boarding ladder underneath.
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