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79 Articles

VOLVO PENTA’S FORWARD DRIVE STILL SHINES

When Volvo Penta first introduced the Forward Drive to the world, it presented boaters with a total game changer. Boaters who wanted to try the rising sport of wakesurfing without giving up the versatility of their beloved runabouts and deck boats suddenly didn’t have to choose. The Forward Drive provides the advantages of a Volvo Penta sterndrive engine while safely tucking the Duoprop under the boat and out of harm’s way so that boaters can ride the wave right behind the transom without fear of injury. That’s why the Forward Drive still stands as technology that is truly forward-thinking.…

VOLVO PENTA’S FORWARD DRIVE STILL SHINES

EXCITING TIMES FOR BOAT BUYERS

The level of excellence, variety and innovation found in recreational boats and engines at this moment exceeds that of any time in the 30 years I’ve been writing and speaking about them. One only needs to look at the boats our Tech Team tested for this year’s Boat Buyers Guide to see what I mean. There’s a pontoon powered by a 600 hp outboard; sterndrive boats that allow wake-surfing while offering trimmable, steerable propulsion; fishing boats ranging from dual consoles intended for multiuse dayboating to high-speed bass boats; a bowrider that pushes 60 mph and sleeps four; dedicated watersports boats evincing tournament-level performance and oodles of technology; and more. Engines deserve a shoutout too. Whether you prefer inboard, sterndrive or outboard, today’s marine propulsion is quiet, rocksolid reliable, and more…

EXCITING TIMES FOR BOAT BUYERS

Nicole Spenc Outdoors Entrepreneur

Known for showing the rest of us how it’s done on Instagram and YouTube, Nicole Spenc also owns and single-handedly operates Nicole’s Fishing Bed and Breakfast (nicolespenc.com), offering a range of lodging including houseboats, plus charter and guide bookings, in Venice, Louisiana. She’s a spokesperson for Bubba Blade and Salt Life. We caught up to Nicole, appropriately, in the Florida Keys, fresh from boating her third swordfish in two days. We can see you on Instagram and YouTube, but how would you describe yourself? I’m a social media influencer who inspires more women to get outdoors. I also own a bed and breakfast. What are some of the challenges that you face on a daily basis? It’s a man’s world, but I like to fish, hunt, go mudding…everything outdoors. What…

Nicole Spenc Outdoors Entrepreneur

Trailering is something most boaters have to do, if you’re not fortunate enough to live on the water or keep your boat at a marina. So, it’s necessary to have a safe trailer—one that fits your boat well, and is maintained and ready to tow—and that includes your tow vehicle, which is easily half the equation. How well do you know trailering safety and good towing practices? 1. What is the function of hydraulic surge trailer brakes? A. To help your rig stop when trailering by providing braking to the trailer wheels. B. To add complexity and maintenance to the boat trailer. C. To cause other boaters’ jealousy and angst. D. To meet state towing regulations where trailer brakes are required. E. A and D F. None of the above…

69TH EDITION OF CHAPMAN PILOTING & SEAMANSHIP

For boaters, the name Chapman is synonymous with seamanship, as countless mariners have referred to its book for guidance on navigation, boat handling and the rules of the sea. Last fall, Hearst Books published the 69th edition of the reference affectionately known as Chapman’s but formally titled Chapman Piloting & Seamanship. The latest updated version includes 1,500 color photos, charts and illustrations, tackling subjects such as day- and night-time navigation, trailering, radio communication, line handling, understanding weather, and more. Even in this electronic age, a hard copy of Chapman’s is a must-have for any serious boater. Kindle ($19.99) and hardcover ($65) versions are available for preorder on amazon.com.…

69TH EDITION OF CHAPMAN PILOTING & SEAMANSHIP

LAUNCH RAMP ETIQUETTE

The ramp. The boat launch. The put-in. Heck, much of the info I’ll be sharing here applies even to the Travelift slip or dock for those who store their boats high and dry. There’s an etiquette and a bunch of best practices for using these facilities that experienced boaters know and usually abide by without thinking too much about them. For those who count themselves as members of this group, this article serves as a review. For those of you who are new to trailer boating—according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, as many as 500,000 of you have joined the ranks during the last year—consider the following three things as essential rules that will help all involved have a better day. LOADING Arrive at the ramp loaded and ready…

LAUNCH RAMP ETIQUETTE

The runabout is synonymous with summertime on countless lakes and rivers across America. Whether towed to the ramp via a trailer or untied from the dock, as soon as the key turns the ignition, everyone on board knows they’re in for a great day. That is why so many people who grew up with this style of boat return to it in adulthood: It delivers a lot of happiness in a small package. Good for tubing and skiing, cruising, rafting up, beaching, or taking a trip to the local dockside restaurant, the runabout can do it all. Take a look at some of the best new runabouts of the year.…

TIARA YACHTS 43 LE

Choosing where to begin the story of Tiara’s 43 LE proves difficult. It’s filled with features that will impress discerning boat buyers. And it displays Tiara’s time-proven ability to deliver boats that have evolved right along with the way boaters use them. And so, aboard the 43 LE, there’s no need to stuff the bilge with folding chairs. (Although, thanks to outboard power, there’s stowage in spades.) The boat’s layout handles the seating vagaries of boat owners who might entertain the extended family, set off on a romantic weekend, or do anything in between. Note how the All-Sport Module manually rotates into multiple positions and locks firmly in place to face forward, aft or toward the opening terrace on the port side. Flip down the middle armrest and drink holders…

TIARA YACHTS 43 LE

When Aviara designers began their work, they struck out every conventional rule in boat styling and set a waypoint for their own destination. The AV40 is a perfect representation of new ground in style and performance. Immediately, you notice the stainless-steel-clad stem, nearer to vertical rather than slanting sharply aft. It’s a wave-piercing look that speaks to the boater who marches to the beat of their own drum. At the stern, cockpit coamings lie down level with the swim platform at the touch of a button to form the largest cockpit-surrounding playground patio afloat in a 40-footer. Actuators on the terrace mechanisms are linked with the ignition switch to prevent operation while the key is on. The helm station is edgy too and also employs electrical actuators on the helm…

FORMULA 380 SSC

Super Sport Crossover. That’s what the model suffix designates. What it means is a series of Formula boats that meld crisp handling, smooth riding, high performance, the amenities of a full cabin, and the option for crowd-pleasing dayboating all in one sexy-looking hull. But first: Dat platform, doh? The 380 SSC’s huge swim platform provides excellent water access via the undermount swim ladder installed on both sides. Additionally, this expansive platform offers a great place to mingle with guests, extending the sociability and crowd-swallowing ability of the cockpit. There’s a standing-height table, and we’d suggest considering the upholstered sport station fitted with drink holders and safety rails. The platform also serves to mount the outboards (should you choose that route; sterndrive power is readily available). The 380 SSC we previewed…

FORMULA 380 SSC

SEA RAY SUNDANCER 370 OUTBOARD

What happens when one of the most luxuriously versatile boats on the water combines with arguably the most innovative new marine propulsion system going? You get a Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Outboard powered by twin Mercury Marine V-12 600 outboards. This is coming in early 2022. Editor-in-Chief Kevin Falvey originally tested this boat with triple 300 Verado outboards, and the performance data he gathered is compiled for you in the chart (far right). We’ll get back aboard a Sundancer 370 Outboard for a run with the V-12s so you can compare. Just be advised that there is a lot more to Mercury’s V-12 600 outboards than just mega-power. Mercury’s V-12 600 outboard is fundamentally changing the experience of being aboard the boats it powers. For one thing, it’s a poster…

SEA RAY SUNDANCER 370 OUTBOARD

CRUISERS YACHT 34 GLS

The newest in Cruisers Yachts’ fleet of GLS boats, a group of boats that ranges up to 42 feet in length, the 34 GLS shines as an example of a design informed by the desires of those boaters who seek to impress and entertain their guests while retaining the ability to enjoy weekends aboard with a smaller group in high style and plush comfort. Of course, any boat’s ability to fulfill its promise starts with its ride and performance. The 34 GLS utilizes Mercury outboard power to deliver brisk speeds, shallow-draft capability for visiting beaches and coves, and quiet, vibration-free operation. The exclusive JPO joystick greatly enhances maneuverability—and lowers the stress level of the helmsperson—while docking or in other tight spots, giving the captain confident control. Just twist or push…

CRUISERS YACHT 34 GLS

SCARAB JET 285 ID

The Scarab Jet 285 ID is a wide-beam luxury runabout with all the advantages of jet propulsion, a perfect accessory for a dockside boat lift. The largest, most powerful jet-powered runabout on the market, this Scarab features an enclosed head, a huge sun pad and transom platform, a new digital helm, and a long list of options you can use to create a custom version to fit your ambitions. Updates for 2022 include a new standard helm with twin touchscreens that replace all switches and instruments. A display above the dash presents boat data, while a screen to the right of the wheel controls audio, lighting, diagnostics and more. The Scarab Jet 285 ID is now equipped with two wireless phone-charging pads and has a new foldout snack table in…

SCARAB JET 285 ID

JEANNEAU LEADER 7.5 SERIES 3

Jeanneau builds an incredible number of amenities and accommodations into its boats, using the space on board so well, they seem much larger than the length and beam dimensions suggest. Take the new Leader 7.5 Series 3, a 24-foot runabout with a closed deck and an open cockpit. Before the key is turned in the ignition, one is impressed by the sleek shape of the vessel, the wide-open space in the cockpit, and the sun pad on the bow. Where most boatbuilders would open that area to seating, Jeanneau chose to close it to allow a cozy cabin belowdecks. The cabin features a double V-berth for overnighting, a flushing porcelain head, a freshwater sink and space for an optional refrigerator. That’s all possible because the designers kept the topside sun…

JEANNEAU LEADER 7.5 SERIES 3

STARCRAFT SVX 210 IO

If Starcraft’s SVX 210 IO looks familiar, it’s because a similar boat already resides in the manufacturer’s lineup. The difference here is that the boat is now available with sterndrive power rather than the previous outboard-only option, meaning owners can enjoy a full, unencumbered swim platform and a clear view aft. That makes the SVX 210 IO a favorite for watersports, as well as those who love to pull into their favorite cove or sandbar, turn off the engine, and gather at the swim platform. The latter now spans the boat’s entire beam, extends nearly 3 feet in depth, and even briefly wraps around the port and starboard sides to facilitate boarding. Sterndrive power also means a sun pad is added atop the engine compartment. Raise the forward cushions to…

STARCRAFT SVX 210 IO

FOUR WINNS H2 OUTBOARD

Combine outstanding design and features with an attainable price, and you’ve got the premise of the new Four Winns H2 runabout. It’s about value with style, whether you choose this outboard-powered version of the similar H2 model with sterndrive power, including the surfable option of a forward-facing drive from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. The near-vertical stem, the compound curves and graceful arc of the windshield, and the gentle taper of the beam abaft midship give this runabout uncommon style for the category. Our test boat was equipped with the Elevate Package, which includes a deluxe interior in near monochrome black cool-touch vinyl with a leatherlike texture, stitched hexagon pattern, and a single bright accent on the rear seat. This is no basic runabout. The H2 Outboard has a generous 2-foot-10-inch-deep…

FOUR WINNS H2 OUTBOARD

YAMAHA FX LIMITED SVHO

The FX Limited SVHO combines an extremely agile, three-passenger hull with Yamaha’s most potent 1.8-liter supercharged Super Vortex High Output marine engine. Mix in a large offering of upscale standard features, and you’ve got a craft worthy of the builder’s flagship title. The FX hull has long been impressive in the roughest conditions, even busting through ocean chop with predictable accuracy. A minor change for ’22 relocates the hull sponsons to produce a noticeably drier ride, with little splash coming off the hull. The powerful SVHO engine gets this nearly 12-foot, 877-pound three-seater to 30 mph in as little as 1.5 seconds and peaks at an impressive 68 mph. Toggle down the electric trim and power into a corner, and you’ll slice through the water with a slalom skier’s precision.…

YAMAHA FX LIMITED SVHO

YAMAHA JETBLASTER

Horse power-to-weight ratio often creates a profound influence on a personal watercraft, as can an agile, responsive hull. Yamaha’s all-new JetBlaster combines both, resulting in one of the most fun, playful models on the market, ideal for those who like a little old-school spin mixed into their riding. If the JetBlaster looks some what familiar, it’s because the craft is essentially a modified version of the now-departed EXR, the performance-minded model in Yamaha’s recreational EX lineup. Like that craft, the hull and deck are made from NanoXcel 2, Yamaha’s lightest weight, nano-engineered construction material. Into that form factor Yamaha drops the TR-1 HO engine, a compact powerplant capable of 110 hp with a higher 8,000 rpm rev limit, along with a top-loader intake grate and pump extension for maximum performance.…

YAMAHA JETBLASTER

GREEN AND CLEAN?

SQUIRT Pour this hull cleaner into a spray bottle for easier use. It’s safer and less caustic than other hull cleaners. Q:I am a new boater and understand that plant growth and barnacles on my boat’s bottom will detract from the boat’s performance. However, I would like to use the most environmentally friendly bottom paint possible. What is your recommendation? Sharon Vignascenti Brooklyn, New York A: There are no completely environmentally friendly antifouling paints. But some are cleaner than others. Most of the major paint companies make paints that are solvent-free (Pettit Hydrocoat, for example) or that use no heavy-metal antifouling agents (Interlux Micron CF, for example). You can limit your initial selection to these, filtering down to your final choice by researching which h one best suits your boat-use profile…

GREEN AND CLEAN?

YETI PANGA DRY BACKPACK

In my nearly two decades as a working photographer, I’ve been through my fair share of bags and cases, but I’ve never found a comfortable, capable backpack that is completely waterproof. So, for an adventure through the Bahamas on board the Roswell Marine Invincible 37 Cat last summer, I decided to combine one of the best dry-bag backpacks—the Yeti Panga—with a camera insert from an acclaimed camera-bag-maker called F-Stop Gear. To my surprise, it worked even better than I’d originally thought. The size-large internal camera unit (ICU) insert fit side to side perfectly, and left some room at the top of the bag to store extra items, like a jacket or miscellaneous gear. The semirigid structure of the Panga and the padding on the back made it more comfortable to…

YETI PANGA DRY BACKPACK

Q:HARD STEERING

Boat Doc, this summer I bought a 2015 22-foot pontoon with a 115 Yamaha. It is super hard to steer. It’s a single cable-type steering. What can be done that will make this boat more enjoyable to drive? Thanks. Ron RollinsGolden, Missouri A: Simple things first. Are you trimming the engine up as you accelerate? An engine at speed with no trim will be harder to steer. Next, your engine has a trim tab (fin) located above the propeller. This is designed to be slightly offset to one side in order to counter that natural tendency of a propeller to exert a steering force (prop torque). If the trim tab is not adjusted correctly, steering will be harder than it needs to be. Assuming your outboard is a right-hand rotation,…

Q:HARD STEERING

In terms of family fun, it’s a no-brainer: a boat built specifically to hold a crowd that will be entertained for hours, whether by surfing, wakeboarding or water-skiing, and then climbing back on board and watching their friends, brothers and sisters, or even mom and dad. That’s why we took a look at some of the best of the best new watersports boats around in a wide price range to help you pick the one that you and your family will enjoy the most. It could be the wave shape, it could be the seating array, or it could come down to the stereo system, but one of these boats fits your bill.…

CHAPARRAL 28 SURF

My first impression of Chaparral’s new 28 Surf was the large number of guests it will fit. The second impression was how easy it is to board, with a wide swim platform and a walk-through gate into the cockpit so there is no ungainly clambering over rear seats. My third impression? These seats are really comfortable, with high backrests, armrests on the two bow chaises, and an aft seat that flips to face forward or astern. Our test boat was the Black Edition, with a black gelcoat hull, cayenne silicone upholstery with black accents, and black bits, like the seat pedestals and ski mirror. A word to Rolls-Royce: Pay attention here. Engine choices include the Mercury 8.2L (380 to 430 hp) Bravo Four S or Volvo Penta EVC (380 to…

CHAPARRAL 28 SURF

Wake-surfing continues to grow in popularity, but not every buyer is best served by a boat with V-drive power. Regal’s LS6 Surf, powered by Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive, offers an alternative for those seeking the sterndrive attributes of higher speeds and more efficiency. With its contra-rotating, forward-facing propset tucked well forward of the swim platform, Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive offers the safe surf zone of a V-drive but maintains a sterndrive’s ability to trim, both to build wakes and to compensate for load or water conditions. Regal’s Surf System 2.0 adds 2,000 pounds of ballast to that Forward Drive, plumbed to easily fill faster and quieter thanks to a new ballast pump system. The pumps can dramatically increase the size of the wake. Newly redesigned surf tabs create an improved…

Supreme’s ZS252 grabs attention with its striking, aggressive lines. The sheerline, unlike any other, sets this boat apart (and provides inspiration for the “ZS” prefix). The lines are complemented by the cutout windshield and the optional Roswell F-series tower, which also houses the large Bimini shade, speakers and board racks. Notably, the Roswell Bomb racks hold any size of wakesurf board and can be equipped with flag mounts. Fly your colors! There’s room aplenty aboard the ZS252 for a crew of 17 and all their gear. Seating features hinged cushions to access stowage and is also customizable. The sliding rear bench slots into three positions, and removable backrests allow crew to face forward or aft. An optional table creates a lounge ready for entertaining. The GatorStep flooring delivers comfortable footing…

It’s a badly kept secret that the Axis line of watersports boats comes from industry-leading Malibu Boats. And it’s also no secret that the Axis line is entry level boats for price-conscious boaters who still want the ability to dial in big waves for surfing, tune the wake for boards, and tow water-skiers and water toys alike. The Axis T250 is the builder’s first 25-footer, and it delivers bold styling, spacious seating (up to 18), and engine performance that doesn’t disappoint. Sitting next to a 2022 Malibu, it’s clear that Axis has its own styling—more chiseled than the Malibu lines, and with fewer paint and upholstery choices. But when it comes to what serious skippers want, the T250 scores on all fronts. It’s nimble on the water, making rider pickups…

MALIBU WAKESETTER 25 LSV

Malibu’s Wakesetter 25 LSV is the biggest and baddest model in the manufacturer’s most popular boat series. Translation? You know this boat is going to build truly massive, pro-level wakes capable of satisfying even the most hardcore wake-sports enthusiast. The Wakesetter’s magic formula starts with the hull. Malibu’s Wake Plus is designed to displace a lot of water, naturally producing a sizable wake behind the boat. Pumping up that wake even further is the job of a trio of subfloor, molded ballast tanks, which add 2,070 pounds without eating up storage space. Add an optional subfloor bow tank, plug-and-play bags aft, and the optional Power Wedge III that simulates an additional 1,500 pounds, and serious riders will find a drool-worthy 5,180 pounds of weight at their disposal. And that’s before…

MALIBU WAKESETTER 25 LSV

MASTERCRAFT XT24

With a higher freeboard, more ballast and a slew of new features, MasterCraft’s XT24 ushers in a new era of versatility and performance for watersports fans. Aesthetically, the XT24 blends sleek lines with aggressive touches. With room for 17, comfort and storage abound. MasterCraft’s interior construction is some of the most comfortable available. Take a seat in the sculpted rear cabin seats to port and starboard, and you’ll quickly understand. When it’s time to lounge, opt for the flip-up backrests on the transom seats and enjoy watching the kiddos swim. When it’s time to ride, the convertible rear bench and flip-up backrests make it easy to watch the on-water action. The fun behind the boat is where the XT24 shines, thanks in large part to the all-new SurfStar system. With…

MASTERCRAFT XT24

Designed to bring more value to the customer and deliver more bang for the buck, Supreme’s all-new S240 delivers 24 feet of comfort and endless wave capabilities at a lower price point. With a new running surface, higher freeboard and unique hybrid bow, the S240 is nothing like previous iterations of the model line. The S240 displays a more traditional sheerline, which, when combined with the shape and slope of the bow, makes for a great-looking boat on and off the water. The EZ-V hull, similar to sister company Centurion’s Opti-V hull, features a deep 20-degree deadrise at the transom. This gives the S240 a smooth ride in choppy water, while also displacing more water and kicking up excellent surf waves. To help create the wakes and waves, the S240…

CENTURION Ri230

With last year’s debut of the Ri245 and Ri265, Centurion upped the game of its premium water sports boats. For 2022, the mojo continues with the Ri230, behind which the wakes and waves are world-class and customizable, making the new boat a must-see. The boat sports the new Opti-V hull. It features some of the deepest deadrise in the segment—20 degrees—which helps shape wakes and waves, and delivers a smoother ride in choppy water. With 5,400 pounds of onboard ballast available at the push of the touchscreens, the Ri230 can displace a lot of water, further adding to the performance capabilities. Centurion also updated QuickSurf, its transom-mounted plates to port and starboard that deploy to create the sizable, endless waves. A center-mounted plate at the transom can customize the wave’s…

CENTURION Ri230

MASTERCRAFT XSTAR S

The XStar S offers pro-performance capabilities like its sibling, with 200 extra pounds of internal ballast and new transom chaise-style lounge seats. With the new SurfStar system engaged, the XStar S boasts 4,300 pounds of ballast to help produce clean, endlessly rideable wakes and waves. Integrated user profiles make it simple to get started riding, while a sliding scale on the touchscreen display allows for easy customization. Slide the scale down to 1 to stretch the wave and mellow its face. Slide it up to 7 for maximum height and vert. Additionally, surf plates mounted at each transom corner can be individually tweaked to modify wave characteristics. With all this, the XStar S is equally great for families just getting started as for experienced riders dialing in a wave exactly…

MASTERCRAFT XSTAR S

How many times will feet step on your seats during the course of your boat ownership? Supreme might not be keeping count, but the builder is keeping it in mind. The upholstery aboard the S220 is Comfort Strong Marine Vinyl by Spradling. It is super-tough, sewn together with Gore Tenara thread by Gore-Tex—not what we find aboard most so-called value boats, but Supreme is out to redefine that term with its S220. This 22-footer sports the new EZ-V hull design, seats 14, and carries up to 4,400 pounds of ballast in six locations evenly distributed around the boat. Yeah, big waves and monster wakes without lots of big, clumsy bow rise. Choose between the new stainless-steel Supreme Shine tower (SST) or the upgraded F-Series tower by Roswell with gelcoat color-matched…

Before you change a successful product, you’d best be sure the new one is better. In the case of upgrading the Axis T22 with the new T220, Axis nailed it. This midsize (21 feet, 11 inches) wake-sports boat is a price-conscious entry from the builders of Malibu boats, and it not only tows easily but is also easy on your wallet. At first glance, it has the traditional bow for slicing through wakes, but that flares quickly into a larger forward lounge, where the seating easily converts from lounges to a sun pad surrounded by speakers and thoughtful grab rails. The freeboard remains high, which translates into not only a dry boat, but also a safe one, with high inside coamings to keep the kiddies in place. Next stop is…

MALIBU WAKESETTER 21 LX

Malibu’s new Wakesetter 21 LX replaces both the 21 VLX and 21 MLX models in the boatbuilder’s lineup, yet the unique bow characteristics of those two outgoing models still influence the design of this 2022 boat. As with the pickle-fork bow the MLX sported, the 21 LX’s bow cockpit is squared off, creating more room for passengers. And as with the VLX, it resists distinct pickle-fork styling, sloping toward the bow’s central point in a more traditional fashion but with gentler, more angular lines. The result is a hybrid that gives the 21 LX a unique, modern look while providing kids and adults alike with a comfortable spot from which to enjoy the ride. While Malibu uniquely offers buyers the choice of both ski- and wake-oriented hulls for the 21…

MALIBU WAKESETTER 21 LX

WASHING YOUR BOAT

Somehow, your neighbor’s 15-year-old boat looks showroom new. How? Elbow grease, my friends. Elbow grease. But, for me, that work doesn’t include lugging a bucket of soapy water around. WASH Most boat soaps suggest several ounces of soap per gallon of water. That gets a good suds going and, when applied with a sponge or soft brush, does a good job of lifting dirt. It also does a good job of wasting soap. A utility spray bottle from a discount or hardware store costs a couple of bucks or less. It’s better to use the soap concentrate straight if the spray bottle will pump it, but you might have to dilute the soap. This bottle (pictured above) from Walmart sprayed Blue Coral soap straight. Some boat soaps are of higher…

WASHING YOUR BOAT

If you are serious about buying a particular new boat, ask the sales rep if you can demo that model before making a buying decision. It is the only way to determine how the boat feels and handles on the water. Your sea trial may take place at a boat show, a special demo day staged by the dealer or factory, or by appointment. Here’s how to maximize your sea trial once you push away from the dock. OH SAY, CAN YOU SEE? Make sure you see well from behind the wheel. A dash, hardtop crossbar or windshield that impairs vision is a safety concern and disconcerting for the helmsman. If you can’t see well, move on to another boat. HOLE-SHOT APPRAIS-AL The boat should jump onto plane when you…

Ask yourself the following questions: Do you like to bring a lot of people on board? Do you like to keep them comfortable and entertained at all times? Do you like a boat that’s easy to board and makes a great platform for beaching, swimming and watersports? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a pontoon boat might be in your future. Lucky for you, we put some of the best new pontoon boats on the market for 2022 to the test, running-and-gunning them, docking them and idling them to help you find out which pontoon boat is for you.…

BENNINGTON QX28 WIDE-BEAM FASTBACK

Among pontoons, this is a Q ship others will follow. It’s a power cruiser of a pontoon, just over the top in so many ways. Bennington never fails to surprise, and to throw us a twist, it rigged this flagship tri-toon with the largest outboard available: Mercury’s new V-12 600 hp Verado. Primarily designed for and aimed at the multi-engine offshore market, the Verado provided this beast with refined, quiet, jet-aircraft-like power. It launched like a rocket from zero to 30 mph in just 4 seconds flat. Top speed was a heady 57.5 mph at 6,450 rpm, with the decibels at 89.5 dB(A) even at that high-rpm level. Best cruise speed was achieved at 2,500 rpm, where it burned 6 gph and 3 mpg at just under 18 mph. It’s…

BENNINGTON QX28 WIDE-BEAM FASTBACK

PLAYCRAFT POWERTOON X-TREME 3000

Jim Dorris, founder of PlayCraft Boats, started the genre of super-fast pontoons back in the 1990s, and the Powertoon X-Treme 3000 is PlayCraft’s top of the line. It’s dual Mercury 450R powerplants boost the Powertoon X-Treme 3000 to a top speed of 77.8 mph at 6,450 rpm. It ripped to 30 mph in 3.5 seconds. With 900 horses on tap, the Powertoon is also poker-run-ready, delivering a range of 150 or more miles on a single fill-up. While it’s a huge party platform, handling proves surprisingly agile for an 8.5-foot-wide 30-footer. It turns flat, predictably and smooth, with a clean arc and no banking. That’s due to PlayCraft’s lifting strakes that get the boat on top but hook into turns, helping the boat avoid that uncomfortable outward heeling of some…

PLAYCRAFT POWERTOON X-TREME 3000

BENNINGTON L25 QUAD BENCH TOP DECK

Anchored in your favorite party cove or nosed into the nearest sandbar, Bennington’s L25 Quad Bench Top Deck isn’t just another pontoon boat—it’s your own personal water park. Thanks to the water-fed slide that allows passengers to plunge off the platform on the boat’s second-story top deck. It’s big fun, as is soaking in the rays on the pebbled 10-foot-by-6-foot-4-inch starboard platform that offers a bird’s-eye view from nearly 6.5 feet above the main deck. That platform can handle up to four occupants (or 585 pounds), meaning it’s also a great spot to simply hang out and soak up some sun. Bennington surrounds that upper deck with a low-profile rail, maintaining a sleek appearance while adding a touch of security for those topside. A moat like channel is grooved into…

BENNINGTON L25 QUAD BENCH TOP DECK

MANITOU 27 XT SRW

With a blazing-hot red and black color scheme and an imposing pair of Mercury 450 Racing outboards at the transom, it was clear from the start that Manitou’s 27 XT SRW came to perform. And perform it did, consistently galloping to a top speed of over 77 mph. While those numbers came as no surprise from this kind of horsepower, how confident the captain and passengers felt at those speeds did. Manitou’s patented V-Toon Technology provided an ultra-stable, ultra-responsive platform, proving comfortable and predictable at speed, and displaying nimble, agile handling when driven into a high-speed corner. Consisting of a pair of 25-inch outer pontoons, which are flanked by a larger 27-inch pontoon dropped a full 5¼ inches lower in the water, and a full complement of lifting strakes, it…

MANITOU 27 XT SRW

AVALON 2785 CATALINA PLATINUM

A bright, white Mercury Racing 450R outboard engine bolted to the 2785 Catalina Platinum’s transom powered this nearly 29-foot pontoon boat to 30 mph in just 5.6 seconds and topped it out at nearly 56 mph. At 3,000 rpm, the powerful outboard netted 2.4 mpg, making the range 216 miles from the 100-gallon tank. It is built to perform too. Waveglider triple 27-inch pontoons are mated to the Avalon’s deck with heavy-duty, double bolted hat-channel crossbeams. Together with the lifting strakes, an aluminum underdeck Wave Shield improves airflow and efficiency, and provides lift and performance. The deck, made of ¾-inch PTP marine flooring, has a lifetime warranty and optional in-floor storage. A 3-inch tall perimeter rub rail caps the deck, with a black rubber insert to cushion docking. All seat…

AVALON 2785 CATALINA PLATINUM

BENNINGTON Q27 TWIN-ENGINE FASTBBACK

Twin-engine pontoons can be potent performers on the water, but it takes a special running surface to make them fly. Enter the new ESP-3 running surface on Bennington’s Q27 Fastback. It provides the performance of twin-engine power with a more traditional and convenient 8-foot-6-inch beam, rather than the 10-foot beam of the renowned ESP-10 package. With twin Mercury 300 outboards on the transom and a trio of unique 32-inch elliptically shaped pontoons belowdecks, our test boat peaked near 58 mph. Elliptical tubes maximize buoyancy on a boat carrying twin-engine weight and lower the center of gravity, giving the boat a sporty feel. Long characterized by its radius bow, the Q line gets refined for 2022 with a new rail design and integrated docking lights. Step through into the bow and…

BENNINGTON Q27 TWIN-ENGINE FASTBBACK

HARRIS GRAND MARINER 250 SL

Harris always provides above the-bar pontoon boats, and this year’s Grand Mariner 250 SL did it again. Fitted with a Mercury Verado 300 FourStroke outboard, it romped from a dead idle to 30 mph in a cat-quick 5.8 seconds and topped out at a tick under 48 mph. At its best cruise speed of 17.2 mph at 3,000 rpm, the 300 Merc consumed 5.1 gph for a 3.4 mpg gait. It’s a driver’s boat too, responsive and nimble considering its near-28-foot length. Three 25-inch pontoons help it along, featuring the Performance Level III package, with in-floor storage, lifting stakes on all three tubes, and a wind-cheating skin cover underdeck. It’s responsive to engine trim, and pops and flies when the Mercury 300 is trimmed out, like driving a high performance…

HARRIS GRAND MARINER 250 SL

SUNCHASER ECLIPSE 25 SBX

SunChaser brings in its 2022 Eclipse 25 SBX as a solid performer with a Mercury 250XL outboard at an attractive price. It has the dual distinction of running well and looking good too. Our tester featured the Xtreme PR25 Performance Package, which added a third tube, lifting strakes and hydraulic steering. The boat reached a near-43 mph top speed while turning a standard aluminum propeller; a few more miles might be gained with a stainless-steel prop. It zipped to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds, enough low-end oomph for use as a watersports tow platform, even with a big crew aboard. We reached a best of 4 mpg at a sedate cruise of 15.7 mph and 2,500 rpm; at that speed, range is 216 miles using 90 percent of the 60-gallon…

SUNCHASER ECLIPSE 25 SBX

BENNINGTON R25 SWINGBACK BOWRIDER

Think of Bennington’s R25 Swing back Bowrider as the split-level ’toon. From the helm and port console aft, the deck sits atop the pontoons below at a level we’ve come to expect from the category. Move forward, however, and you find a separate bow cockpit recessed a full foot lower than the norm. Bennington accomplishes this feat by putting bow seating essentially at the floor level and dropping a sizable molded fiberglass footwell into the central V-hull that sits between the pair of 23-inch outer pontoons. It’s like a sunken living room from the ’70s, except this styling choice features multiple real-world benefits that both the captain and crew can appreciate underway. For starters, the crew in the bow is now lowered below the captain’s line of sight. Add in…

BENNINGTON R25 SWINGBACK BOWRIDER

PLAYCRAFT POWERTOON X-TREME 2700

PlayCraft Boats builds proven pontoon platforms and customizes each one to the particular desires of every customer so that no two are alike. A Mercury Racing 450R delivers exciting power and speed. It’s mounted to a Bob’s Machine Shop hydraulic jack plate for the ultimate precision in setting the ideal prop height for optimal speed and control. Jack-plate controls are on the steering column so adjustments are made without taking your eyes off the water to find them. A tilt helm, a full complement of red-bezel instruments, and a 5-inch Simrad multifunction display and chart plotter complete the control station. PlayCraft pontoons are constructed of 0.09-inch-thick aluminum, 24 inches wide, round on the bottom, and flat on the top. Sharp lifting strakes—chines, if you will—are welded to the side of…

PLAYCRAFT POWERTOON X-TREME 2700

BARLETTA CORSA 25U

In a sea of pontoon boats that share much in common with luxury sedans, Barletta’s Corsa 25U stands out like a sleek Italian sports car. An attractive rail design and contrasting color scheme set the stage on this new ’toon’s exterior. Within the fencing, furniture continues the visual contrast and features a minimalist vibe, with flatter surfaces and more angular corners. Speaker grilles could be works of art. And then there’s the modern helm, with its sleek lines, molded fiber glass facets and clean dash layout. The Corsa 25U might be built in the Midwest, but the vibe feels more like Milan. That’s not to say this Barletta isn’t still comfortably plush. Forward, a pair of 6-foot lounges are ready for a large crew to gather or a pair to…

BARLETTA CORSA 25U

PRINCECRAFT QUORUM 25 RL

The mettle of a pontoon is only as good as the metal used to make it. That’s Princecraft’s position, and so the Canadian builder chooses to form its pontoons and major parts from 5052-H36 aluminum. It provides the best balance of formability, tensile strength, and scratch and impact resistance. Princecraft offers the Quorum in two pontoon chassis: sport and performance. The sport model uses a center tube about two-thirds the length of the boat and couples it with a wedge-shaped performance engine pod behind it. The design boosts speed and acceleration, but holds the line on weight, making midrange motors a good selection. The performance model has a full-length center tube that increases carrying capacity and performance capabilities with larger engines. But for most people, it’s what happens on deck—not…

PRINCECRAFT QUORUM 25 RL

STARCRAFT EXS-5

Starcraft’s EXS-5 gave us 43-plus mph performance with its Yamaha 250 outboard spinning a 15-inch pitch stainless-steel Yamaha propeller at 6,000 rpm. It’s a quiet package; at our best recorded cruise speed, our decibel meter read just 76 dB(A), perfect for normal conversation levels. At 2,500 rpm and 14.5 mph, the big Yamaha sipped just 4.2 gph for 3.5 mpg. Using 90 percent of the 60-gallon fuel capacity, that’s a range of just over 186 miles of slows peed cruising. And cruise you can, especially with a group; the deck layout features two distinct conversation pits, one in the bow and a near-mirror image one abaft. Upfront, twin facing loungers can carry four or five in comfort, and another four in the stern. Add twin captain’s chairs amidships—one each for…

STARCRAFT EXS-5

BENNINGTON L23 SWINGBACK

Bennington’s 2022 L23 Swingback is a high-quality, feature-packed, midpriced performer, with Mercury 200 FourStroke power reaching speeds of 40 mph at 5,850 rpm. It is an economical cruiser; our best mileage was a thrifty 4.7 mpg at 3,000 rpm and 17 mph, where the 200 burned just 3.6 gph. This is just the right speed for everyday cruising, be it a dinnertime run or a midday jaunt. At that speed, the noise level was a low 70.5 dB(A), easily quiet enough for normal conversation. It’s sure to be a family pleaser at just over $90,000 as tested. Abovedecks, the diamond-stitched upholstery is surrounded by graphite Simtex vinyl with vibrant Monaco blue accenting. High-speed USB charging ports abound for everyone’s phones. Upfront, forward-facing lounges feature deep well seating and recessed pocketing…

BENNINGTON L23 SWINGBACK

TAHOE 2485 LTZ VERSATILE REAR BENCH

Tahoe’s 2485 LTZ Versatile Rear Bench features a unique reversible aft lounge storage seat and a cool aluminum diving board securely bolted to the aft deck. Powered by a Suzuki DF200 outboard, the 2485 gives excellent performance. We accelerated to 30 mph in 7.6 seconds and topped out at 42 mph. At best cruise speed, we recorded a stingy 4.9 mpg (3.3 gph) at 3,000 rpm and 16.2 mph. At this speed, the noise level was a workable 70 decibels, and the fuel tank range is over 167 miles. All this for an astested price of $62,198 makes the Tahoe a diamond in the rough. Our test boat had optional triple 25-inch-diameter Sport performance pontoons with lifting strakes mated to the deck with heavy-duty, double-bolted hat-channel crossbeams. An aluminum underdeck…

TAHOE 2485 LTZ VERSATILE REAR BENCH

Sylvan dubs the L-3 RLZ a midlevel choice that is perfect for just about everything, whether it’s family cruising, beaching at the sandbar, entertaining friends, or towing your crew on inflatables, skis or boards. It’s a do-it-all pontoon. The boat’s looks go beyond that description. Two-tone fencing features stylish, structural arcs rather than typical boxy rectangles. A gleaming stainless steel aft rail and swim ladder scream upscale. The helm shows off a modern flair and a dash delightfully devoid of almost all exposed fasteners. And then there’s the furniture. It’s covered in soft-touch vinyl, features multiple accent patterns, and includes thoughtful touches, like speaker and wiring covers in the roto-molded storage bases below. Add an extended rear deck and standard power Bimini top, and you’ve got a boat punching above…

VIAGGIO DIAMANTE 23Q

For 2022, the Viaggio nameplate replaces the Misty Harbor brand, aiming at the higher end of the market while remaining price competitive. For example, the 23Q bristles with standards and detailed touches, and also provides an excellent value. At an as-tested price of just under $97,000, this Viaggio gives excellent performance with all the must-haves. First, it’s quick. With a Mercury Verado 250, we ran the 23Q to a 46 mph top speed, and accelerated to 30 mph in just 6.4 seconds. Best cruise was 3,000 rpm and 19 mph, burning 5 gph for 3.1 mpg, good for 155 miles, or a whole weekend’s worth of fun. The sound level at that speed is a whisper-quiet 68.5 dB(A). Handling proved predictable and flat when cornering, and it was smooth, without…

VIAGGIO DIAMANTE 23Q

PRINCECRAFT SPORTFISHER 23-2S RL

The Sportfisher 23-2S RL is a versatile pontoon you can choose in the classic (and economical) two-tube model with a maximum horsepower capacity of 115. There is also a sport model with a center tube and streamlined engine pod behind it. The latter increases horsepower capacity and performance. Choose the sport configuration for optimal performance with a 175 hp engine for crews up to 12. The pontoon chassis includes a two-thirds-length center tube in the front of a wedge-shaped engine pod. The center tube adds buoyancy and helps lift the Sportfisher in the water. The motor pod’s shape guides water to the prop for optimal hookup and control. The durable 5052-H36 aluminum tubes are joined together and to the deck with Z purlin beams and stainless-steel fasteners. Topside, high-gloss side…

PRINCECRAFT SPORTFISHER 23-2S RL

VIAGGIO LAGO 22S

The Viaggio team brought us an entry-level model, its Lago 22S, rigged with a Mercury 150 out board. There’s plenty of punch to satisfy all but the most demanding speed and power mavens; we maxed out at just over 36 mph at 5,900 rpm and accelerated to 30 mph in 7.4 seconds. The 22S is also a fuel-sipper; we recorded a best cruise speed at 3,000 rpm and 15.8 mph, burning 3.6 gph and netting 4.4 mpg, which calculates to a 230-mile range from a full 58-gallon tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve for the ride home. The sound level at that speed is just 72.7 dB(A), so conversing with the party on board is easy. While the midrange acceleration through carved turns reflected the 150 horses, handling overall was…

VIAGGIO LAGO 22S

SEA-DOO 21 SWITCH CRUISE

Sea-Doo turned the pontoon market on its ear for 2022, building a pontoon boat that, in many ways, shares little in common with the rest of the market. Rather than a trio of pontoon logs below its deck, the 21 Switch Cruise rides on a tri-hull, with narrow, outriggerlike hulls straddling a much larger PWC-like center hull. Sea-Doo positions that center hull more than 7 inches lower than the outboard sponsons to provide the Switch with a stable yet responsive ride. And unlike most pontoon boats, the hulls are not aluminum. Rather, those hulls are made from PolyTec, Sea-Doo’s proven durable, lightweight blend of polypropylene and fiberglass reinforcement. Its matte finish is trendy and features a stylish pop of accent color. The Sea-Doo Switch also forgoes a pontoon boat’s typical…

SEA-DOO 21 SWITCH CRUISE

CENTER-CONSOLE HELM SEATS

The transition to boats with open deck space and outboard power over the past few years has led to a profound transformation of the traditional center-console helm seating. Once just a spartan, barely cushioned leaning post meant only for (you guessed it) leaning against, today the modern leaning post is more of a luxury item meant to provide comfort and function for the captain and crew alike. Several companies such as Taco Marine and Llebroc offer high-end seats and helm stations for both OEM and aftermarket customers. We touched base with Nicholas Covey, the sales and marketing manager of Llebroc. Based on his input as well as our extensive boat-test research, here’s what to look for in the helm seating on center consoles. → FLIP-UP BOLSTERS Any good helm seating…

CENTER-CONSOLE HELM SEATS

LIFE JACKETS FOR KIDS

By now, most boaters should be familiar with the statistics. Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them. Fortunately, today’s offerings are more comfortable than ever. While most adults can easily find a life jacket that does the job, selecting a kid’s jacket requires a little more thought. Growing kids don’t always fit the size guidelines as clearly. Younger children especially need additional features to keep jackets secure. Here’s what to look for in life jackets for kids. → TYPE Most kids in a supervised, recreational boating situation will be best served by a US Coast Guard approved Type III life jacket. Featuring the classic ski-vest design, Type III jackets are easy to put on, comfortable and, when properly sized, will keep a conscious child afloat with their head…

LIFE JACKETS FOR KIDS

Fiberglass, if you didn’t know, is flammable, and if the boat is full of fuel, a simple spark can lead to an explosive situation. Knowing this, what can you do to prevent boat fires in the first place? Last December, I attended a webinar hosted by the American Boat and Yacht Council, where Jason Green of the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control spoke about common causes of boat fires. While the content was aimed toward investigators and surveyors, I found it useful to recreational boaters. Between presentations like this and information from other experts, we have the knowledge to decrease the risk of fire. Here are common causes of boat fires, and ways to prevent them. ELECTRICAL By far, electrical issues cause the most fires on recreational boats,…

The old adage “as American as apple pie” should be amended to include “and fishing,” because participating in the pastime is a rite of passage in this country. When the pastime turns into a passion—or an obsession—it’s time to find the best fishing boat to chase your trophy dreams. Whether you’re launching at the tiny local lake or heading out the inlet into the vast ocean, there’s a boat that can help you catch what you’re after. Take a look at some of the best fishing boats for both salt and fresh water that 2022 has to offer.…

EVERGLADES 455CC

The rise of the mega-center-console has been one of the most eyepopping trends in boating over the last 10 years. Yet even among these blue water beasts, the Everglades 455cc stands out. Whether you’re a serious angler or super social at the party cove, this boat has the goods to meet your expectations. During sea trials, the 455cc effortlessly climbed onto plane with no loss of visibility at the helm, and handling was absolutely superb. With its quad 425 hp XTO outboards, this boat pushed to a near-60 mph top-end. During our sea trial, we ran the boat with only three of the Yamahas fired up, and the 455cc still managed to climb onto plane in about 5 seconds and record a top speed of 47.5 mph. Even with just…

EVERGLADES 455CC

Solace Boats and Volvo Penta teamed up to produce a boat that will rock the super-console segment. The 41.5 CS features Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic diesel system, with twin 440 hp D6 diesel engines turning through the latest iteration of Volvo Penta’s Duoprop drive units. An obvious Aquamatic advantage is the 41.5 CS’s wide-open, uncluttered transom, an attribute not possible with outboards. The installation of the Aquamatic system allows for a more sociable cockpit that boaters can enter and exit more easily, whether for dockside entertaining or swimming and diving. Note the large convertible lounge with backrests that faces forward or aft, or folds flat to create a sun pad bracketed by transom doors. Additionally, Aquamatic diesel power proves highly efficient, delivering a boat with more range than its outboard counterpart.…

The new S 358 represents the latest addition to Pursuit’s popular Sport family, and it is the company’s first ever center-console in its size class. A row of three deluxe helm seats with fold-down armrests—plus the protection of an over size hardtop and tempered safety-glass wraparound windshield—ensures comfort. Abaft resides a covered summer galley with an electric grill, refrigerator and sink, plus foldout trays that quickly convert to two aft-facing mezzanine seats, complemented by a fold-down transom bench to create a great social center in the aft cockpit. Or take the festivities forward to the wraparound bow seating with actuated backrests that create a pair of lounges. Raise the motorized table halfway and add a cushion for a big sun pad; later on, elevate the table when it’s time to…

The first in Scout’s new luxury crossover series of boats, the 350 LXZ delivers Scout’s robust construction with an exciting new side-console layout that’s packed with high-end amenities. It’s a boat equally at home entertaining a crowd as it is chasing fish. What’s new about the 350 LXZ? By placing the helm console on the starboard side, Scout gives the boat a traditional walkaround feel, but with portside access to a bow lounge and a fantastic setup below decks. With the joystick control at the helm and the twin flush-mounted Garmin displays in the dash, the boat is easy to operate around the docks and underway. The twin displays show both navigation and sonar, plus all the ship’s systems and digital switching at the touch of a button. The fully…

INVINCIBLE 33 CATAMARAN

Invincible’s 33 catamaran is one of the most stable and comfortable to run on the water, thanks to the exclusive, patented Morrelli & Melvin hull design. The Invincible’s hybrid semi-asymmetrical hull applies the best characteristics of an asymmetrical catamaran with the soft-riding symmetrical cats. The result is a boat that makes sharp turns without awkward outboard heeling. Even in quartering seas, the sponsons stand firm in the slop. Double steps increase efficiency. The helm station offers three-wide seating with a centered wheel. The leaning-post seat is comfortable for sitting or leaning. A step below the helm adds comfort while standing or seated. The station itself offers massive room for dual 20-inch (or larger) screens and, in our case, a 9-inch VesselView display, an Icom VHF radio and a Fusion stereo…

INVINCIBLE 33 CATAMARAN

GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 325

Do-it-all dayboats may be common, but Grady-White’s Freedom 325 proves uncommonly capable. Its versatility comes from mixing luxury, numerous amenities, and the builder’s industry-leading, high-quality craftsmanship. Decades of building superior boats well-suited for offshore waters shows up in the form of its SeaV2 hull. The iconic and proprietary design handles open water confidently and is made using hand-laid fiberglass, a painstaking quality-assurance process that other boatbuilders forsake in the name of expediency. Unlike other boats, the 325’s self-bailing cockpit provides safety and convenience because water in the cockpit, boxes, and even in the cup holders drains overboard. Confidence is built into every Grady-White boat. The Freedom 325 also delivers luxury in large doses. The forward lounge is deep and spacious. Close the center windshield for weather protection, and beat the…

GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 325

REGULATOR 31 CC

Regulator Marine is known for boats that are stunning and solidly built, and deliver a great ride in rough water. Now add fast to the list of attributes. The new Regulator 31 CC delivers a top speed of 64 mph ahead of optional twin Yamaha XF425s. Even when paired with thriftier twin F300s, it exceeds 52 mph at wide-open throttle. Who wouldn’t thrill at such swiftness, with anglers eager to reach a hotspot? With either power choice, the Yamaha Next Generation Boat Control System is standard, a proven team of controls including tilt helm digital electric steering (DES), multifunction digital electronic control (DEC), EX Autopilot with waypoint deceleration, and a CL5 multi function touchscreen display. Optional Helm Master EX controls add a joystick, Multimode Set Point and EX Autopilot. The…

REGULATOR 31 CC

NORTHCOAST 255 HT

NorthCoast cabin boats offer excellent weather protection, large cockpits, and cruising accommodations. A fine example is the 255 HT. With 22 wave-cleaving degrees of transom deadrise, the 255 HT rides comfortably in nasty water. It hits 55 mph with twin 200 hp Yamahas (60 mph speeds with twin 250s), and this beamy boat will also run on just one engine at 30 mph, should the need arise. Throttle back to 27 mph and enjoy over 300 miles of range delivered from the 159-gallon fuel capacity. The 9-foot-5-inch beam, a precision fishing tool, allows for a massive cockpit abristle with fishing gear. Twin 139-quart macerated fish boxes reside in the sole, and there are rod racks under the gunwales. There’s a 26-gallon livewell and tackle drawers port and starboard. The two-tone,…

NORTHCOAST 255 HT

GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 307

Grady-White might offer the most complete range of dual-console boats available, with nine models from 21 to 37 feet. Its customers buy them to cruise, sunbathe, beachcomb, and maybe take the larger ones to the Bahamas. And they definitely buy them to fish. The 307 is perfectly equipped to do all of it. Its SeaV2 hull is a variable deadrise hull. Its design is unique to Grady-White and was developed to give crisp handling, cleave waves softly, and provide a stable platform at rest. The 307 is equipped with twin Yamaha 300 outboards, which provide exciting performance and reliability. It’s Grady’s long-term partnership with the reliable Yamaha brand, plus its own overbuilt construction and yacht-quality fit-and-finish, that have kept Grady-White at the top of the list of every customer satisfaction…

GRADY-WHITE FREEDOM 307

Cobia caters to boat buyers looking for a versatile, easy-to-trailer option under 30 feet. The 262 CC proved capable of navigating safely off shore and offers the shallow draft to stop at a sandbar or fish protected waters inshore. U-shaped seating upfront includes dry storage underneath and foldaway backrests for lounging. A dedicated locker at the bow stows the anchor and rode, and a large compartment forward of the console stores fenders and other hefty gear. The console offers more walk-around space than its predecessor (the 261 CC), and it comes with a head compartment and an integrated windshield frame. Matched with the optional fiberglass hardtop, a full-height, three-sided windshield with a wiper and vent (also an option) effectively shelters the helm from the elements. The helm affords mounting space…

CHARGER 210 ELITE

The Dorris family’s many decades of experience and commitment building Chargers shines in boats such as the 210 Elite. This rig gives stable and predictable 70-plus mph performance with Mercury’s 250 Pro XS on the transom, spinning a 24-pitch Mercury Fury propeller at 6,000 rpm. The Merc was still in break-in mode; expect a few more miles per hour after it loosens up. The Charger hull, with its Champion lineage, provided tight, smooth and crisp handling, with excellent rough-water performance. It’s no light weight flyer; at 1,800 pounds of bare hull weight, the 210 is constructed to last and provide a comfortable ride doing so. Our best mileage was achieved at an unusually high rate of speed. (Typically, best cruise is around 3,000 rpm.) We saw 3.6 mpg at a…

CHARGER 210 ELITE

BASS CAT PUMA STS

STS is Bass Cat speak for “soft touch system,” which refers to the boat’s penchant for soft landings and easy handling in the rough stuff. It’s the easiest boat to coax to 80-plus mph, and in our tests, we touched 79.3 mph with a full complement of gear, half-full livewells, an engine not yet broken in, full fuel, sticky and slick water, and muggy conditions. Best cruise with the 300 Pro XS was at 4,000 rpm and just under 39 mph, where we recorded 9.2 gph and 4.2 mpg, giving a healthy 227-mile range leaving 10 percent in reserve. This Bass Cat’s appeal is not just performance and economy. It’s a thoughtfully designed and executed fishing platform that will delight experienced and weekend anglers alike. First, the fit-and finish is…

BASS CAT PUMA STS

STINGRAY BOATS 173CC

Stingray Boats has been building exciting family boats in Hartsville, South Carolina, for more than four decades. As boaters increasingly moved toward coastal waterways, Stingray enhanced its boats to bring the company’s brand of family fun to salt water. So, it was a natural evolution to morph runabouts and deck boats with rod holders and livewells into serious fishing boats thanks to Stingray’s strong ethic of quality vessels on a family budget. The 173CC is Stingray’s latest nod to that ethic. It’s too new to test but is planned for availability in early 2022. When equipped with a 90 hp outboard—choose your brand—it’s Stingray-exclusive and patented Z-Plane hull will give crisp tracking, a soft ride in bay chop, and good stability for battling fish at anchor or under electric trolling…

STINGRAY BOATS 173CC

BASS CAT DELUXE TOURNAMENT

The Deluxe Tournament has Bass Cat’s 50 years of history stamped all over it. It’s no surprise because Bass Cat President Rick Pierce searched the country to find its original Hull No. 1 to restore and retool for this silver anniversary commemorative boat. The limited edition drew more eyes than a ’72 Cutlass convertible. Like a modern Charger, it clearly has the classic DNA, but with modern all-composite construction as well as state-of-the-art wiring harnesses for both reliability and durability. The Deluxe Tournament is fast and nimble, especially considering it’s basically a 50-year-old design. We saw an easy 48.3 mph with the smooth Mercury 115 Pro XS FourStroke pulling at 5,650 rpm with a 22-inch-pitch Mercury Tempest stainless-steel propeller. Acceleration was brisk; we hit 30 mph in 6.7 seconds from…

BASS CAT DELUXE TOURNAMENT

SEA-DOO FISHPRO TROPHY 170

The FishPro Trophy 170 is the flagship of Sea-Doo’s now three-craft-strong FishPro lineup of fishing-capable personal watercraft. Designed to satisfy both serious and recreational anglers, it features all the amenities that made the original model a favorite, while introducing a number of new upgrades hardcore anglers longed for. We evaluated these features out on the water during our test. The most welcome addition anglers are likely to applaud is a livewell. Fabricated using the existing 13.5-gallon cooler, it features an in-hull pump, quick-connect hose system, and an aerator that can be set to run continuously or cycle on and off to save power while it saves your bait. When disconnected at the cooler inlet, that same water-supply line can be used as a raw-water washdown hose, rinsing away leftovers on…

SEA-DOO FISHPRO TROPHY 170

COX POWERTRAIN CXO300 DIESEL OUTBOARD

Diesel-fueled engines have long attracted boaters with the prospect of great efficiency, range, durability, torque and safety thanks to the low volatility of this fuel. With few exceptions, however, choices in marine diesel power had been limited to inboards in the past, especially in the higher horsepower categories. But in recent years, a number of diesel-fueled outboards have emerged. The latest to hit the market is the Cox Powertrain CXO300, and we put one of these 300 hp engines through its paces in the waters off Long Beach, California. My nose served as the initial test tool as we idled through the no-wake zone. I caught nary a whiff of diesel exhaust smell. What’s more, the motor was surprisingly quiet, with none of the clackity-clack typical of diesel engines. In…

COX POWERTRAIN CXO300 DIESEL OUTBOARD

BUYING IN A BOOM MARKET

“Good luck.” That was the response from a Massachusetts boat dealer this past summer when I asked for tips on finding a new boat in today’s market. And he’s not alone. That kind of response is typical from many dealers these days. From California to the Carolinas and Michigan to Mississippi, new-boat inventories range from limited to nonexistent, and demand is at an all-time high. Blame COVID-19 for it all. The pandemic ignited a boat-buying frenzy, fueled by an influx of new American boaters. Restricted from travel, vacations, dining out, kids summer camps and more, COVID-19-weary throngs of families have sought new ways to recreate, have fun and stay safe. For many, buying a boat has proven to be the best way to achieve all of those goals. According to…

BUYING IN A BOOM MARKET

DEMISE OF THE BRAGGIN’ BOARD

You may have seen the news story about the recycling-center manager in Lerwick, Scotland, who recovered two plastic shopping bags stuffed with photo transparencies. The 300 slides depict life in the rugged Shetland Islands archipelago, images of men and women working and playing with boats on the North Sea in the 1960s. Paul Moar, who recovered the slides, had each one digitized so these memories could be saved. Just last week, Wally and I dug through the snapshots and found a photo of my good friend Chuck Larson with his first wife holding a fish, and a photo of his second wife holding a fish—we all miss his second wife the most. But his third and current wife is of the digital age. The 77-year-old owner of the slides was…

DEMISE OF THE BRAGGIN’ BOARD

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