New Manitou 23 Encore SHP | Triton 206 | 5 Safety Blunders - 09/09/19
BoatTEST Newsletter September 9, 2019
New Test Video
Manitou 23 Encore SHP 575 Dual Engine:
53.0 MPH WOT w/2x Evinrude E-TEC G2 200s
Manitou 23 Encore SHP 575 Dual Engine
Those who love the space and seating capacity of pontoon boats but hate going slow on the water will love the Manitou 23 Encore SHP 575, powered with twin 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards. Thanks to the windup and torque of the direct-injected 2-strokes, the 4,829-lb. (2,190 kg) package planed in 3.2 seconds and had a top speed of 53.0 mph. An interesting feature of the Manitou with the SHP package is the oversized 27” (68.58 cm) center pontoon, which allows the boat to lean in when turning at high speed. Evinrude’s iDock joystick is a relatively low-cost option, compared to other engine brands. More...
Schedule A Test DriveDealer Contact RequestPricing Request
Features Video
Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover:
Multiple Entertainment Venues
Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover
With quad Mercury 350-hp outboards, the Formula 400 Super Sport Crossover has the power and speed to deliver sportboat thrills (61.1 mph at WOT in our test runs) but she is also all about entertaining. One of the more inventive features is the powered deck section surrounded by the U-shaped cockpit lounge, which rises partially to form the base for a large sun pad or rises higher to become a table. The walk-through transom provides easy, wide-open access to the swim platform, which is considerably larger than what is found on many outboard models. More...
Test Video
Triton 206 Allure:
Ready for Fishing or Family
Triton is known for building premium bass boats, so it’s no surprise that the Triton 206 Allure is more about fishing than skiing. She has a Minn Kota 112 foot-control trolling motor up front, a locking rod locker, bungees to secure ready-rods on deck, a tool rack and a 30-gallon (114 L) divided livewell aft. However, she also has family-friendly features including a large walk-through windshield that will greatly cut down on spray and wind on chilly mornings, jump seats that flip out of the aft casting deck and swiveling seats for four, including two movable fishing seats that can be mounted on the bow and stern platforms. More...
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Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 35 Express:
Luxe-Class Helm in a Luxe-Class Express
Lots of multi-tone faux leather and polished stainless-steel give the helm of the Cruisers Yachts 35 Express a distinctive and upscale feel while putting every function of the boat within easy reach for the operator. The dark tones and the brow over the instrument panel cut reflection, and the base electronics package includes large-screen displays for all nav and operational functions. The Axius joystick mounted on the console is optional, providing intuitive control of the twin V8 outdrive systems from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. The helm seat is double-wide and includes separate flip-up bolsters. More...
Test Video
Hampton Yachts 650:
Fine Fit-and-Finish, Smartly Equipped
The pilothouse helm in the Hampton Yachts 650 is finished in the same grain-matched cherry paneling that’s found throughout the yacht, including even the facing on the waterproof door to starboard as well as in all living areas. Note the cherry and stainless-steel wheel. The large display screens are set low enough that they don’t interfere with vision through the windshield, but still provide ample room to display all the yacht’s functions. A Garmin rear-view camera is installed in the cockpit hardtop and viewed from this helm, valuable when maneuvering in reverse. More...
Boating Tips
5 Common Safety Blunders
Statistically speaking, boating is a shockingly safe activity, yet there’s always a danger to being out on the water and safety should always be foremost on our minds. Plus, as captain of your boat you personally are responsible for every crewmember aboard. So, it’s incumbent on you to watch out for these five safety blunders that many boaters make. More...
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