Test Video
Chaparral 223 VRX:
High-Performance Twin Jet w/2.1 Second Hole Shot
The Chaparral 223 VRX, equipped with not one but two Rotax 4-TEC 205-hp jet systems, is predictably athletic. She leaped on plane in a scant 2.1 seconds in our tests, making her a match for pretty much any PWC to say nothing of conventionally-powered sportboats. She blew past 30 mph in 6.2 seconds and top speed was 52.9 mph. She is safe and easy to handle despite the great power-to-weight ratio – no chine-walk in turns, clean wake penetration, and a solid feel throughout the test runs. The “Lateral Thrust Control” reverse/neutral bucket makes her much easier to handle around the docks than some jets.
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Test Video
Jeanneau NC 1095:
Quiet Cruising in an OB-Powered Weekender
The Jeanneau NC 1095 can fit an optional third stateroom within her 34'5" (10.49 m) LOA - in part because she is outboard-powered, which opens up interior space. The relatively light (compared to I/O) twin 300-hp Yamaha 4-strokes also put her on plane in just 3.9 seconds and pushed her to a top speed of 40.2 mph. The best cruise was measured at 4000 rpm and 26.1 mph, at which the 22.4 gph fuel burn translated into 1.2 mpg and a range of 222 statute miles. The outboards delivered their power quietly, just 81 dB at the helm at cruising speed.
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Test Video
Ranger Z520C:
2-Stroke Evinrude Power, 71.7 MPH WOT
The 20’5” (6.32 m) Ranger Z520C is in the preferred size range of many top tournament anglers. She is big enough to carry all the needed gear and handle a 250-hp outboard for maximum speed but not so big that she’s weak on performance, carries excessive draft or is difficult to tow. She is loaded with lots of premium features including a 24-volt Minn Kota troller, a pair of Lowrance GPS/Sonar systems mounted at the bow and console, and a factory-matched tandem trailer. She delivered on performance — the 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 2-stroke turning a 26” (66 cm) pitch Raker HO prop pushed her to a top speed of 71.7 mph. And, unlike with some 4-stroke engines, the high-torque V6 showed no lag in hole shot with the high-speed prop — she planed in 3.8 seconds in our tests.
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Features Video
Hatteras GT45X Flybridge:
For the Serious Bluewater Angler
There’s a lot to like in the cockpit of the Hatteras GT45X Flybridge, including all that teak on the caprails, which is a signature Hatteras sportfisher inclusion. Full teak decking is optional as is the rocket launcher, shown here, or a full-size swiveling fighting chair. The mezzanine seating provides an elevated position for anglers to watch the baits from the shade created by the overhang of the flying bridge. A bait freezer sits under the seat here. A large aerated baitwell is located in the center of the transom, a “tuna door” to starboard, and there are twin insulated fishboxes with macerators set into the deck.
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Equipment Promo
Imtra Side-Power Stabilizers
Controlling the motion that causes seasickness in some people is a challenge, but stabilizers can definitely help. Check out this review of Imtra Side-Power Vector Fin Stabilizers that explains how they work and their advantages for cruising boats.
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