Table of contents for Boating Buyers Guide 2017 in Boating

WHAT IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL BOAT that comes to mind when most boaters reflect back on their days on the water? Odds are it’s a runabout, stemming from those early days punting around with the family on the local lake or maybe during adolescence when you were finally able to enjoy some freedom on the water at the helm of the family bowrider. Needless to say, the runabout is still a staple of the American boating family, although now they come in many more shapes and sizes. Be it a 16-footer or a 30-footer, the mission is still the same. That holds true whether it’s powered via outboards, sterndrives or even jet engines. These selections we present to you are some of the best available family boats for tubing, joyriding or,…

THE NEW FOUR WINNS HD 220 OB HAS a trunk for your junk. When the Michigan boatbuilder converted its 22-foot HD 220 from sterndrive to outboard power, it was left with an empty space where the engine used to be. After considering a number of options, Four Winns decided to simply throw down a floor and let the owner figure out how to best use a space bigger than the trunk of a Buick Electra. Most boaters would agree that one can’t have enough stowage space aboard a boat. Four Winns could have eliminated the sterndrive motor box and opened up the aft cockpit of this boat. As useful as stowage can be, a larger cockpit is a desirable attribute as well. However, that structure also serves as the base…

THERE IS A REVOLUTION TAKING place in the marine industry, and, while no shots have been fired, it’s happening at an explosive rate. Outboards are storming into turf once held firmly by sterndrives. Why? Because they are convenient, easy to maintain and as fun as all get-out to operate. This variation of the M4 sterndrive boasts 250 horses of supercharged power that makes the M45 both economical to run and a blast to drive. In our test, it had tons of power for watersports. It tilts easily and fully for beaching up, and it drains quickly for cold-weather operation. This variation of the M4 sterndrive boasts 250 horses of supercharged power that makes the M45 both economical to run and a blast to drive. In our test, it had tons…

WITH ITS LIGHT WEIGHT AND PLAYFUL hull, Sea-Doo’s Spark is a natural trickster. The new Trixx model boosts that freestyle orientation with a few modifications to showcase the boat’s full potential. The highlight is Sea-Doo’s variable electric trim, retooled for the Trixx to more than double the directional nozzle’s range of motion. Pivoted to its maximum 17-degree upward setting, that trim allows even novice riders to put the craft into a wheelie with minimal throttle input. From there, tricks will expand into old-school tailspins, sky-high hops, broncolike nose stabs or whatever the rider’s imagination invents. A manually adjustable handlebar sits 3 inches higher than on the standard Spark to increase the rider’s leverage over the craft. Open its bicycle-style quick release and the aluminum bar stem can be lengthened an…

STARCRAFT PUT TOGETHER A GENUINE “family truckster” of a rig in this MDX 201 IO deck boat, without the geeky looks of the Griswolds’ ride. To the contrary, the MDX 201 has sleek and incredibly sporty lines that are not normally associated with a family platform. Its performance reflected its style. Fitted with a MerCruiser 4.5-liter V-6 engine and time-tested Alpha One sterndrive, the 201 gave a lively but family-friendly (read: easy to pilot) performance. With an 18-inch-pitch four-blade Mercury Black Max aluminum propeller, our boat hit a maximum 43 mph at 4,700 rpm — a good turn of speed with 33 gallons of fuel and crew totaling 400 pounds. We suspect performance won’t suffer much even with triple that load, thanks to the MDX’s wide hull footprint. At a…

YAMAHA’S EX SERIES WAVERUNNERS are designed to give personal-watercraft fans the best return on investment possible in both performance and long-lasting good looks. After spending a day on the water with all three trim-level models, we agree. There are three trim levels on the EX series, each offering significant upgrades in terms of style, features and convenience. But all three, beginning with the entry EX priced at $6,599, boast a full fiberglass marinegrade hull. It’s light, rigid, durable and, best of all, as we discovered on test day, nimble. All EXs are powered with the TR-1 three-cylinder engine, which provides dizzying acceleration and rewards riders with top-end speeds exceeding 50 mph with two riders. All three models boast generous dry storage for phones and other gear you need to take…

TO SOME, WATERSPORTS MEANS HIGHflying action, like that which occurs when expert wakeboarders catch big air behind your boat. To others, it means water skiing in all its forms, from trick to slalom to the most generalized carving with family and friends. The hottest ticket, these days, is wakesurfing. If you didn’t know, this watersport takes place right behind the boat, where those “shredding” can talk to the crew in the cockpit. There’s no rope, except to get started; participants literally surf a wave created by the boat. Wakesurfing is fun, easy to do, and so easy on the body that everyone from young children to seniors find themselves getting in on the action. To produce the various waves and wakes required for these sports, a special breed of boat…

THE WAKESETTER 24 MXZ HAD A complete redesign for 2017, from the hull up. This new hull was designed to maximize wake and wave size. Did it work? We think so. The wave that the 24 MXZ threw during testing was absolutely massive, with so much power and push. This 24-foot boat features Malibu’s Integrated Surf Platform technologies, which consist of the Surf Gate vertical surf tabs, the hydraulic Power Wedge II and an integrated ballast system. When working in concert, these features allow the boat to displace so much water that a really heavy but consistent wave is created on either side. The wave’s pocket size had a ton of length and a fun lip at the end. However, the most impressive characteristic of this boat’s wave is its…

SURFING HAS MOVED INLAND, AND Starcraft rides this latest wave by turning to a wakesurf-friendly Volvo Penta Forward Drive to power the SCX 231 Surf Edition. Unlike a conventional sterndrive, Forward Drive positions the prop at the front of the gear case to protect surfers in close proximity to the boat’s transom. The big kahunas of this surfin’ safari, however, are the wake-boosting combination of surf tabs, Zero Off speed control and 1,000 potential pounds of onboard ballast. Together, they build and shape a wake with an impressive pocket and plenty of push. Transitions between a left- or rightfocused wake are quick enough that an experienced rider can cross over on the f ly. Controls for all of these features are conveniently grouped into a Murphy touchscreen display, which…

THE SLEEK SUPRA SR 450 BOASTS 14 seats and measures 21 feet long, so it’s ready to take a big crew out on big water en route to the watersports action. It’s also a versatile boat, allowing skiers, wakeboarders and wakesurfers alike to carve, catch air or shred. In pursuit of these goals, the SR 450 is equipped with a host of systems to help you optimize and personalize the watersports experience. The list includes 3,000 pounds of ballast capacity, Zero Off GPS speed control, Supra Launch System 2.0, Swell System 2.0 and the Smartplate 2.0. You harness all of this wake- and wave-shaping technology via the graphic, intuitive helm interface that Supra calls its Vision Touch System. We found the Vision Touch System slick and effortless to use. It’s…

WITH A PICKLE-FORK-STYLE BOW, custom vinyl wrap and upgraded interior design, the Supreme S226 turns heads before you even leave the dock. Once you’re out on the lake, serious wakeboarders and surfers will appreciate the V-hull design and Stinger Wake Plate for creating some of the tastiest waves on the water. Thanks to the QuickFill ballast system, this Supreme is ready to be surfed in mere moments. QuickFill f loods the ballast using gravity, and it takes the stress out of a chore that’s usually time-consuming. It produces 1,000 pounds of ballast in minutes. Toss in Supreme’s Plug and Play ballast bags, which add another 1,100 pounds of ballast, and you’re looking at a boat that has awesome displacement for generating great waves. You can also opt for QuickSurf…

WE PUT A TEAM OF RIDERS FROM A sister publication, Wakeboarding, aboard the Tigé RZX2, and these experts concluded that the RZX2 stands as one of the best boats in the entire Tigé lineup. It’s a star that shines for wakeboarding, wakesurfing and even water skiing. Let’s discuss this boat in more detail. The RZX2 is an all-new model for 2017 and is a smaller version of Tigé’s f lagship model, the RZX3, formerly known as simply RZX. This boat offered a huge wave with a ton of push and a really substantial lip that every top-level wakesurfer would appreciate. The wave’s heavy and powerful characteristics are in large part due to Tigé’s innovative surf system, TAPS 3. Since last year’s debut, TAPS 3 has become a desirable feature, earning…

In hockey, scoring three goals is called a hat trick. In outboard engines, it’s called Evinrude’s E-TEC G2. BRP met three lofty goals engineering its revolutionary E-TEC direct-injection fuel system. More power. Less fuel consumption. Fewer emissions. The result took the big-motor world by storm in 200 High Output to 300-horsepower iterations. Now, the family has grown to include 150 hp, 150 hp H.O., 175 hp and 200 hp members. E-TEC, of course, is the industry-leading direct-injection fuel-delivery system perfected by BRP. Each cylinder gets its own precisely injected mix of fuel and oxygen so fuel particles are turned into power, not passed through as emissions. The powerhouses of some of the world’s most esteemed automobiles are fed much the same way. Original E-TEC technology was a hit, but the…

BENNINGTON CALLS THE SX 24 A “premium entry-level” boat, so it’s a step up from the basics. The amenities show just how it gets there — they’re anything but sparse. The exterior styling might be classic, but inside, where you’ll spend your time, this boat is advanced and elegant. The forward layout is traditional, with wraparound seating offering two forward-facing backrests. The aft layout is a different story. Featuring a huge portside lounge with a reversible “swing-back” backrest, this area is great for watersports and sightseeing; its stainless-steel rail enclosures allow for riding here even at speed, safely surrounded. The effect of the plush two-tone vinyl, with its detailed stitching, coupled with the Seagrass Slate vinyl f looring, is one that conjures an ambience of high quality. It’s not hard…

LIKE THE MAJORITY OF PONTOONS, the Cypress Cay Seabreeze 233 follows a predictable pattern in the forward seating area. Matching 4-foot-6-inch couches span the port and starboard sides, with forwardfacing backrests, low-maintenance roto-molded storage below — and in our test boat’s case, plump pillowtop upholstery with quilted lumbar region, contrasting piping and generous bolster behind the knee. Head aft, however, and the status quo gets thrown overboard. To port, our test boat featured optional dual 3-foot-6-inch-wide love seats, placed pew-style. Use them in this configuration for couples when cruising, or f lip over the front bench’s seat back to form what Cypress Cay calls a picnic configuration. A pedestal table inserts into a floor mount to form a waterfront dinette. Or maybe you’d prefer a U-shaped lounge; just add…

THE HARRIS GRAND MARINER 250 offers a classic example of the upscale furniture found aboard today’s luxury pontoons. Couchlike seating features plump pillow tops, with diamond-pattern lumbar regions and generously bolstered support at the bottom cushion’s edge. Below, more buttery vinyl dresses the roto-molded seat bases. Gutters to drain away water and two-part hinges to allow seats to pivot fully out of the way are standard issue. It’s a theme followed throughout the interior, from the twin forward lounges with their forward-facing seat backs and flip-down armrests, to the L-shaped aft bench with its shared pivoting backrest and adjacent sun pad. Only a portside entertainment center breaks up this loungefest, complete with granitestyle countertop, covered sink and trash bin, and a flip-up table that makes use of the space…

MANITOU IS KNOWN TO PUSH THE performance limits of luxury pontoons, and the 25 X-Plode XT SHP doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with twin Evinrude 300 E-Tec outboards, our test version of the 25 X-Plode jumped onto plane in a quick 3.3 seconds, passed 30 mph a mere two seconds later, and topped out at a blazing 62.8 mph. Handling is equally impressive. Manitou’s top-of-the-line Sport Handling Package (SHP) closely mimics a V-hull by pairing its twin outer pontoons (25 inches in this twin-engine application) with a 27-inch diameter center tube that sits a full 5¼ inches lower in the water. The result is nimble, aggressive cornering, made almost effortless at the helm by standard power steering. As thrilling as that performance was thanks to the design below the waterline, it was…

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU HANG 250 hp off the back of a pontoon with Premier’s triple-tube PTX package? Start with the lifting pad and outer strakes, add in the 30-inch center tube that extends farther forward of the outer 25-inch tubes, and you get a boat worthy of the performance-oriented name that Premier uses, Velocity. The Premier 250 Velocity handles and corners like a V-hull; we were able to execute crisp hardover turns at 30 mph and make graceful S-curves on test day while racing to a top speed exceeding 44 mph. As typical of performanceoriented pontoons, we found the 250 Velocity climbed onto plane nearly instantaneously; it reached 30 mph in 6.2 seconds. Underway, the driver gets a stellar view from the Opulent Sport captain’s chair in…

REGENCY PLAYS ROUGH AMONG THE competitors in high-quality performance pontoons, and its secret weapon is a handsome, protective powder coating on its tubes, rails and Bimini hardware. We anticipated a stiff price for this unique quality, but Regency offers the DL3 series to give boaters a foothold in Regency luxury — complete with a long list of standard features and a game-changing warranty — all for an attractive price. The 220 DL3 offers 23 feet of deck space secured to triple tubes built with multiple airtight chambers for a solid, safe ride. In our test, the 150 hp outboard motor pushed us to an impressive 36.4 mph and stuck to its guns in hard-over turns. As we powered over wind chop and wakes, we noted the construction offered the same…

SPORTING A TRENDY BLACKOUT-TRIM package, dual fiberglass consoles and unique, deeply tinted windshield, South Bay’s 523 RS DC makes a statement before it even leaves the dock. The appearance package pairs Black Onyx fence panels with swooping, art deco-inspired rails, matching black rub rail and Bimini top. Black also shows up on that windshield frame. Its low-swept profile and short, angular side wings seem mainly for style, but there’s a practical advantage: Driver or passenger can easily reach out for a post or line when docking the boat. Step aboard and an abundance of plush and inviting seating awaits. The 4-foot-long facing lounges forward are mimicked with 4-foot-6-inch lounges aft, creating two distinct socializing areas, each with abundant stowage below the teardrop seat cushions and pedestal mounts ready to…

SYLVAN BUILDS THIS MANDALAY pontoon as a specialty hull, one that provides the ability to haul big loads without sacrificing ride, performance and fuel economy. Our tester had a Yamaha 150 installed, but the max power rating is 300 ponies; with double the power, performance would surely be exhilarating. As rigged, our Mandalay topped out at just over 30 mph turning a 17-inch-pitch Yamaha stainless-steel prop at 5,500 rpm. Best cruise was slightly under 14 mph, where the Yamaha burned fuel at 2.8 gph, netting just shy of 5 mpg. At that speed, the Mandalay is skimming along nicely, giving a solid ride with little banking even in tight turns. Of course, the boat still runs at an economical 7.2 gph (at 2.75 mpg) at the more fun cruising speed…

THERE ARE OVER 30 MILLION fishermen in the United States (and millions more in the rest of North America and worldwide). Each of these anglers may possess their own individual idea of what constitutes the ultimate fishing experience. The fishing boats presented in our 2017 Boat Buyers Guide reflect that diversity. On the pages that follow you’ll find boats capable of braving open expanses of ocean, like Boating’s 2015 Boat of the Year, the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage (pictured, right), to boats suited to a T for chasing trophy catches on sweetwater inland, like the Ranger 1880 MS on page 164. Notably, whether fiberglass or aluminum, whether a V-hull, a pontoon boat or a bass boat, these boats are outboard powered.…

RECIPIENT OF THE NATIONAL MARINE Manufacturers Association 2015 Innovation Award, this big dual-console model is at once a capable fishing machine and a fully appointed day-cruiser. Everyone will love the portside seating ensemble, whether configured as an inviting dinette (table is optional), laid flat to become an expansive lounge, or serving as supportive and comfortable seating for six while underway. A galley to starboard includes a sink, 18-gallon cooler and prep surface. You can also order an optional grill and fridge. The hardtop integrates with the windshield to provide shade. If you’d rather soak up the sun, try the twin loungers in the bow with stowage aplenty underneath. The rode locker features an in-stem anchor chute/roller and windlass. Astern is a foldout transom bench seat. A passageway in the starboard…

CHARGER BOATS WAS FOUNDED ON the premise that faster is better, but it’s been selling on highly engineered designs that help tournament anglers catch more fish and fish longer in more comfort. The new 210 Elite improves on Charger’s reputation by borrowing from the strongest traditions in bass boats absent since brands like Champion left the building. The 210 Elite is built for speed and agility. You coax the speed out of it by throttling up fully in a slightly downtrim attitude and lifting the bow gently, gradually allowing the Charger to get its head and step up on pad. The pad is a flat area of the keel, about the dimension of half a water ski. When you have everything running right, the 210 Elite will skim along on…

THE ANGLER V17 SF IS MEANT FOR serious fishermen who ply choppy waters and often venture out in inclement weather. A full windshield shelters the cockpit from breeze and rain, while the high freeboard handles chop and protects from spray. A stout, high transom avoids backsplash when back-trolling and handles a kicker. Behind the windshield, we found two molded consoles with formfitting vinyl surfaces, lending an automotive look. A compartment to port stows small gear, and a special mobile-phone holder is handy as well. We liked the lighted toggle switches for accessories since they keep you apprised of their operating status. The Angler V17 SF offers two bucket seats and seven pedestal mounts standard, so you can configure the boat to suit your fishing style. Add an extra pair of…

Getting your money’s worth from a bottle of dinosaur juice with mystery ingredients breeds confusion and sometimes suspicion among boaters and anglers. Is there a way to cut through the marketing and warranty fear when selecting lubricants for your boat? According to Lucas Oil technical director Greg Hewgill and director of Motorsports Tom Bogner, with a bit of layman’s chemistry and some practical engineering, you can make educated choices in lubricants, oils and fuel treatments. While Greg Hewgill’s job is to manage the chemistry of lubricants to ensure they do their job, Tom Bogner’s job is to recruit racing teams who can put their products through hell to provide some quick and useful research and development data. “The first way we prove our products is to put them to work…

FISHERMEN’S ANGLING EXPECTATIONS are as varied as their color preferences for boats. When we saw our Ranger 1880 MS test boat paired with an Evinrude G2, it hit a home run in both style and fishability. In terms of style, Ranger’s gelcoats and metalflake colors are resilient and brilliant — and, thanks to the G2’s changeable panels, there are now dozens of color combinations to accent them perfectly. And, if you prefer black, white or gray power, Ranger happily rigs that, too. In terms of fishability, the solid hull provides a stable ride in the roughest conditions. Its deep cockpit and full windshield also protect from wind and spray. And at rest, Ranger’s exclusive Rite-Track Keel design keeps windage down, holding its position cast after cast. The 1880 is also…

REGULATOR BOATS SET A STANDARD for delivering one of the best rides on the water over two decades ago. In that time, countless anglers have made untold trips through the world’s oceans in pursuit of game fish, and they are a loyal bunch, praising their boats and reluctant to trade them in or sell them — unless it’s to acquire another hot new Regulator model. Now comes the new Regulator 31. Like its f leet mates, this new bluewater center console first took shape on the drawing board of naval architect Lou Codega, a master of the modern deep-V hull. As our daylong sea trial running the inlets of New Jersey — and fishing the Atlantic beyond — proved, this newest Regulator lives up to the reputation the boats that…

ON BOARD WITH ... Bill McGill MarineMax CEO, Barefoot Skier Bill McGill has always followed his passions. He turned his back on a stint in the space program and a corporate gig to take a chance on Florida dealership Gulfwind Marine. Later, McGill partnered with fellow Sea Ray dealers to form MarineMax. At 72, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. When I caught up with him, he was fresh off a weekend of not only barefooting but also slalom and trick skiing. — Jeff Hemmel READ MORE! To read the full interview online, go to boatingmag.com/barefoot-ceo. A lot of people will probably read “barefooting CEO” and think it’s just about stroking your ego, but I’ve actually seen you — you don’t just barefoot, slalom and trick ski; you do…

THE NEW ELEMENT E21 IS A FRESH expression of the Bayliner mission: create boats that are affordable to buy and easy to own. Priced as low as $25,500, the 20-foot-8-inch E21 is a wide-open, dual-console deck boat that in its base configuration has no windshield — a glass windshield is a $1,271 option. The base-price boat is rigged with the Mercury 115 Command Thrust outboard. The upgrade Mercury 150 FourStroke adds $4,142 to the bottom line. The E21 features a deep transom platform, plus a pair of wing platforms port and starboard. The cockpit is self-bailing, and there is stowage under each of the three U-lounge seat cushions. The battery and battery switch are below the starboard seat and will be easy to reach for service. The backrests curve with…

THE GLASTRON GT-180 ENTRY-LEVEL bowrider can be described in one word: fun. It might be entry-level due to its size and attractive price, but in a world filled with bowriders, this is one that stands out for finish, quality construction and, yes, because it’s just plain fun. This is a great boat for a family, and one that they can count on growing into over the years. As a starter boat for families with young children it has high coamings, thoughtful padding and good handgrips that make it secure physically — as well as psychologically. Both are important for boating parents with little kids. But when the youngsters become teenagers, you can hand over the boat keys without worrying. It’s not too fast (45 mph-ish), but it still provides plenty…

ONE OF THE FEW ALUMINUM DECK boats, the Ventura 220 WS features sleek lines, seating for 12 and a contoured wraparound windshield. Swing open the windshield walk-through to access the inviting loungers in the bowrider area. In the cockpit, you’ll find L-shaped seating with a pedestal table. Swivel the captain’s chair to join the gathering when you’re not piloting the 220 WS. Ice your drinks in the cooler within the port console. Want to catch some rays? Check out the padded sun deck that stretches across the entire stern beam. Enjoy tunes while afloat thanks to the boat’s kickin’ four-speaker Bluetoothenabled stereo system. With the optional Entertainment Package, you can also treat family and friends to watersports thanks to the included ski tow bar and starboard swim platform with…

THE MDX 191 OUTBOARD FROM Starcraft is a family craft that’s also light on the checkbook. It’s a well-mannered boat that’s easy to trailer, launch, start and pilot — great for newbies as well as seasoned salts. With its low freeboard, boarding and debarking are no hassle for the family either. The styling is sweet and sleek, with a curvaceous foredeck that cheats the wind. While it’s rated for a 200 hp outboard, our tester was rigged with a Yamaha F115 four-stroke outboard; with this power, top speed was a tick over 40 mpg at 6,000 rpm, spinning a standard Yamaha 17-inch-pitch aluminum propeller. Best cruise speed for ultimate mileage was achieved at 4,000 rpm, where the Yamaha sipped unleaded regular at just 4.4 gph and 5.2 mpg. With a…

THE APPEAL OF A DECK BOAT, SUCH AS the Starcraft MDX 211 E OB we tested, resides in the unfettered space provided by a minimalist helm, a broad bow and clever seating, combined with unparalleled boarding and water access that fore ’n’ aft swim platforms with ladders provide. Combine this most userfriendly layout with a nice running hull and the exciting power of an outboard engine, like the 150 hp Evinrude E-Tec G2 that powered our test boat, and you’ve got a combination that’s tough to beat. It should come as no surprise that the MDX 211 E OB graces the cover of this edition of our Boat Buyers Guide. Deck boats embody the best of boating. The MDX 211 E OB provides many examples of why that statement is…

THE LETTER X IS LEGENDARY IN American lore. Planes like X-15, autos like the XKE, and even rockets like SpaceX bear “X” in their name. It denotes special designs, skunkworks performance and mystique. Yamaha’s 212X follows that trend. Sure, to glance at it, the 212X sports traditional Yamaha DNA, including the company’s classic transom swimming-platform with wraparound seating, fastback transom lines and dual jet-pump engines, but the similarity ends there. You might have to look twice to see what X means, but the minute you launch it, you get it. First, the dual jet-pump engines are quieter than ever before, and more powerful. The 212X reaches planing speed in 2.6 seconds and 30 mph in 5.5 seconds. Top speed crested at 52 mph during our tests. Then glance upward at…

IN THIS WORLD, MORE MONEY OFTEN buys mediocre fun and quality. On the rare occasion when utility, speed and durability improve, price typically skyrockets, too. When we climbed aboard the GP1800, we’d already learned it was the new PWC of choice for the racing circuit and for technical advisers like Brian Baldwin. So when we pulled the throttle trigger on the stock GP1800 and hit over 70 mph, we weren’t surprised. But the dizzy feeling in our belly as the boat accelerated to top speed blew us away. It would be easy to accelerate the GP1800 out from underneath you if you weren’t ready for it. When our tester jumped on the GP1800 in the late afternoon, the cocktail crowd had headed to the showers, leaving him a smooth lake…

AXIS WAKE RESEARCH, A SPINOFF OF legendary builders Malibu boats, aims to provide buyers with a killer wake at a more affordable bottom line. Such is the case with the Axis A24, which proved to shape one of the best wakesurfing waves we’ve ever ridden. The pocket was incredibly long, and the face of the wave had a ton of steepness and power to it. From the start, it was easily configured and tweaked to our liking. For crews of varying ability and style, the Axis A24 may just be the ideal watersports boat. Want to know more about how it surfed? The wave behind this A24 was so big and clean thanks to its wake-shaping hull and the surfing features it shares with the hulls of its big-sister company,…

THE RI257 REPRESENTS THE PINNACLE of the Centurion line. This 26-foot tow boat seats 18 people in luxurious and innovative interior accommodations that include the Centurion Slide Seat with four different positions, available backrests and a table. Upholstery is crafted with double- and triple-stitched seams from soft, resilient Comfort Strong vinyl by Spradling. A 41-quart Grizzly cooler with GatorStep nonskid stows perfectly below the f loor. Two Side by Side (SxS) HD Touch Vision dash-mount displays put the driver in control of all onboard systems. The boat’s angular styling is complemented by the rakish Maximus Tower by Roswell, which folds down almost effortlessly. Optional bungee-less clamping racks by PTM secure your boards. Opt for the DownFire Marine Surround System with dual-zone volume controls that isolate the down-firing from rear-firing speaker…

PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL SKIERS DON’T ask for much — just a boat that tracks as straight as a ruler on a slalom course and throws the smallest, softest, f lattest wake known to mankind. The Malibu Response TXi delivers on all counts. Look a little closer, and you’ll find that it delivers even more. At the helm, the driver works off of both a 12-inch and 7-inch touchscreen display to set the boat up to his liking, as well as monitor speed and fuel. With Zero Off GPS cruise, the driver can set the speed, the course and go, so he or she can focus solely on giving the skier the best possible tow. The standard adjustable rudder tab allows the driver to set the rudder torque to his or her liking.…

LOOKS DON’T ALWAYS TELL THE whole story. Sure, the Wakesetter 22 MXZ has the signature pickle-fork hull shape that Malibu made famous with its wakeboats. Only the 22 MXZ had a hull redesign for 2017 that, combined with the Integrated Surf Platform technologies, helps it produce even larger and more consistent surf waves. The most notable thing about these waves is how much power and body they had. The waves behind this boat were heavy and substantial. They weren’t quite as long as the waves behind the VLX line, but they still had a really big pocket and enough power to play around farther back. Another thing you’ll notice once behind this boat is how tall the wave is. This boat isn’t huge by any stretch, but it produces a…

WITH MALIBU, IT’S ALL ABOUT producing the perfect wake, whether you’re surfing, skating or wakeboarding behind one of its boats. The Wakesetter 25 LSV, Malibu’s biggest boat, strives to provide this — with a large, clean wake. The Wakesetter 25 employs a ballast system that can total up to 1,825 pounds of wake-producing weight thanks to the rigid built-in tanks located below both the bow and stern. For the truly hardcore watersports enthusiasts, more ballast bags can easily be added via proprietary Plug and Play connections. Additional wakeboosting capability comes from Malibu’s exclusive Power Wedge II. This optional transom-mount hydrofoil helps the boat climb onto plane in “lift” mode, then creates a bigger wake when it is set to the “rider” position. Combined with the optional, stylish G4 watersports…

THERE’S A LOT TO BE SAID FOR BOATS that can serve multiple missions and perform those roles at the highest levels. So one of the first things we’d like to note about the 2017 Supra SA 550 is that when it’s time to surf, you don’t need to switch any weight around after your wakeboard session. Instead, as our expert riders from a sister publication, Wakeboarding, discovered, simply use the Supra Vision Touch touchscreen, select which side you want to surf, and adjust with the huge wake plate. That’s it: The Supra Swell System takes care of the rest. Also operated via Vision Touch, AutoWake impressed our test team. AutoWake optimizes the angle of the boat to produce precision wakes and surfing waves. It is fully integrated with the Supra…

SOME LAKES HAVE IMPOSED LENGTH restrictions, and the new Supreme S202 is sized to meet those regulations while still offering a top-of-the-line riding experience and a great value. It’s also one of the first dedicated tow boats built completely through the vacuum-infusion process. This 20-foot V-drive tow boat gives up nothing in terms of styling. A forward-swept Skylon S5 Tower enhances the boat’s sleek lines; the new wrinkle-coat finish is matched on the exterior air vent and throughout the interior by new grab handles. There’s seating for nine, and the top-grade upholstery work features brightly colored satin-matte Spradling vinyl sewn with Gore Tenara thread for long-term UV and mildew resistance. With the QuickFill 750-pound ballast system and an available 1,500 pounds of Plug and Play ballast, the S202 can…

THE FLAGSHIP OF THE SUPREME TOWboat lineup, the S238 can accommodate as many 16 people. The chop-taming, wavegenerating V-hull works in conjunction with the QuickFill ballast system, Plug and Play ballast and the available QuickSurf system to fine-tune the wake and wave to every rider’s desire. The Octo Tower by Skylon enhances the traditional styling of the S238 while offering the optimal elevated tow point. The tower folds down effortlessly for storage. It features a wrinkle-coated finish to match the fresh air vent on the exterior and grab handles inside. A new large SmoothTrack tracking fin and an option of a second fin combine to keep the S238 tracking straight, even with a rider cutting aggressively in tow. The system also acts as a pivot point to improve handling.…

THE RZX3 IS THE TIGÉ BOAT THAT competes with the big boys. Coming in dry at 6,000 pounds with a 65-gallon fuel tank and 3,000 pounds of under f loor ballast, the RZX morphs into a 5-ton wake monster with the press of a button. And that’s easy to do with Tigé CLEAR, a touchscreen software system that provides customizable control of ballast, wake shaping, rider profiles and audio. The Tigé RZX3 is designed to proficiently carve large, clean surf waves and create pro-level wakeboard wakes during every session. The experience of our test team from a sister publication, Wakeboarding magazine, who rode behind the RZX3 proved it could do both. For our test, we pumped the Tigé RZX3 full with 3,000 pounds of ballast, invited a crew of six…

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT you knew about pontoon boats from growing up with twin logs topped with folding beach chairs. Today’s pontoons are every bit as nautical as the fiberglass and wooden boats that previously did the most to capture our fancy. Today’s pontoons are big, bad and as fast as all get out, with quality construction and performance and handling that can hang with almost any style of boat. Still, for pleasure cruising, there is no better boat to fit the bill. Pontoons still shine their brightest when carrying a big crew of people along for a joyride. The only difference is, that joyride could be at around 70 mph instead of 17 mph. Take a look at some of the best pontoons boats available on the market today.…

MOLDED FIBERGLASS, NOT conventional aluminum fencing or panels, constructs the look of Bennington’s 25 QX Fastback Windscreen Sport Arch. Forward, it wraps the sides before curving stylishly to the deck, incorporating dual storage compartments into the real estate created at the bow. Amidships, it’s fashioned into dual consoles, topped off with a low-slung wraparound windshield. Aft, it finishes off the boat’s matching lounges with a sloping radius to the deck. The only aluminum is found in subtle perimeter railings, the bow gate, and our test boat’s cladded sport arch overhead; it’s strong enough for watersports and features an integrated Bimini. The overall effect is a decidedly upscale, cutting-edge combination that Bennington says will inspire creativity. More than 20,000 color options are possible, allowing owners to truly make their individual…

BERKSHIRE’S 25 SPORT RFX9 IS A quick-performing pontoon boat with the Mercury Verado 300; we dropped the throttle handle and had it planing at 14 mph in just 3.75 seconds, and we hit 30 from a dead idle in just 6.9 seconds. Ours was a 50 mph performer, and we achieved our most economical cruise at 3,500 rpm, 22.5 mph and 7.7 mpg. At that speed, the 52-gallon tank (mounted in the center tube) yields a range of just over 118 miles, with a 10 percent reserve. That’s solid performance from a boat that’s competitively priced. Below deck, three 25-inch diameter tubes with four stepped lifting strakes and two outside spray rails give the Sport RFX9 3.0+ a sturdy ride at cruising speeds without sacrificing comfort or rough-water capability. For…

IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT THE V322 SS pontoon works so well with its compact Yamaha 150 hp outboard; G3 has been a Yamaha-owned boat brand for years, and the combination of quality power and sturdy, handsome aluminum-boat construction means this is an attractive package. The triple-tube design adds our favorite fun factor in pontoons: speed! But G3’s unique U-tube shape that is square at the top makes for an extremely solid connection between tubes and crossbeams eliminating brackets to mate them. Each tube is sealed and, for added safety, filled with closed-cell foam. When we applied the throttle, the results were rewarding, as our test data below and online video reveal. Even more rewarding is the easy handling at speed from sporty triple tube construction. Other unique construction features…

WE GET ONLY SO MUCH TIME WITH each boat we test for this guide, but when we climbed aboard this Infinity 270 RFL, we pushed the deadline as long as we could. We did that so we could continue to enjoy the air-cushioned soft ride as the three tubes slid over the chop. And no matter where we sat, the thick upholstery dampened the vibration even more. At the helm in the captain’s seat, armrests, a reclining back, and foreand-aft adjustments provide the ideal driving position regardless of the skipper’s height. A tilt wheel ensures additional ease, plus an unobstructed view of the instrumentation and the Lowrance Elite 5 GPS/sonar on our tester’s helm. Navigational visibility forward was also enhanced by the raised platform, upon which the skipper’s chair stood.…

THE DORRIS FAMILY BEGAN PLAYCRAFT back in 1974 in the earliest days of powerboating, when six-cylinder 150-plus hp outboards began to emerge. Soon after, Jim Dorris stretched the wings of his aluminumboat company to high-performance pontoons tried and tested in the Lake of the Ozarks Rescue Shootout. In fact, he was the first to enter his pontoon in the performance proving ground; because of this, some say he’s the founder of performance pontoons altogether. His latest, the Powertoon X-Treme 3110, is proof that PlayCraft intends to continue setting records with its boats. Everything about it screams “Winner!” Livorsi controls and gauges give the helm the performance edge. Twin Mercury Racing 400 hp outboards respond to every twist of the power-assist helm, and every degree of throttle rewards with more…

LET’S FACE IT: NO MATTER HOW WELL a pontoon performs, you’re probably buying one because you can bring a party on the water with you. Perhaps no other boat can fulfill that mission quite like the Premier 260 Grand Entertainer, a massive pontoon with a full bar built into the aft section. First off, this boat is rated to carry 16 passengers. That’s a lot of best friends to bring aboard. The crescentshaped Entertainer bar in back has been upgraded from past models with four total bar stools, now with higher backs for increased comfort. A shade overhead keeps everyone in comfort and features built-in racks to hold wine, martini and margarita stemware. (Two apiece come standard with the boat.) Behind the bar, there’s a sink and cooktop, with space…

WRAP YOURSELF IN TRIPLE-TUBE pontoon luxury and performance in this new 254 LE3. The glossy, powder-coated tubes, rails and ladder really caught our eye. And that finish is tough and resists stains to keep the boat looking great for years. Color schemes include black and beige or blues with whites and browns with beiges — all richly accented with interior design that includes several textures of vinyl over multidensity foam for a cushy ride in the biggest waters. Woven-grass-mat flooring adds richness and easy maintenance, and a faux teak aft platform sole is ideal for reboarding from a swim. The luxury is enhanced with whisper-quiet Verado power that thrills you with speed without drowning the rushing of wind and water beneath a clatter of hardware. Further enhancing the quiet,…

MUCH OF THE POPULARITY OF Starcraft’s EX 23 C SG is traced to its additional starboard gate. Located right in front of the helm, it increases the docking options for those who don’t always pull up portside. That gate isn’t a skinny afterthought, but a full 2 feet 6 inches wide, just like the gate across the aisle. That dimension not only makes it more usable, but it is also wide enough to handle passengers in wheelchairs. Once aboard, though, the comfort and convenience of the Cruise layout seating clearly steals the show. It includes a 5-foot-5-inch-by-1-foot-10-inch sun pad aft, directly behind an L-shaped lounge with over 8 feet of linear seat space. Pivot the helm chair and you’ve got a social floor plan with room for at least half…

TAHOE’S 2385 CASCADE IS A NEW model for 2017, and a solid contender in the midrange performance pontoon boat segment. It shows and performs well and, in our opinion, the 2385 Cascade is on par with other pontoon boats that sell for more money. Bow to stern, its length overall measures 24 feet 6 inches. It possesses an 8½-foot beam. Dry weight is 2,900 pounds, with a 2,560-pound capacity (including 12 people at 1,600 pounds total). Tahoe fits the 2385 Cascade with a Mercury 90 outboard as the standard engine; the boat we were given to test boasted an optional Mercury 150 FourStroke installed. This was spinning a 15-inch-by-15-inch Mercury Enertia stainless-steel performance propeller. Performance with the standard 90 would likely be adequate, but remember that few boaters complain about…

THERE IS A NEW SURGE OF INTEREST in serious bass fishing, and as a consequence, a renewed emphasis on styling up new tournament-ready bass boats. The Jaguar is Bass Cat’s latest model and the finest extension of its performance DNA. On pad, the Jaguar can move out at 80 mph with a modest load of fuel, one angler and three deep-cycle trolling-motor batteries. That feat is easily accomplished by jumping it up on plane in a negative trim position to about 45 mph. When throttled up, feed in trim to let the rpm climb to wide-open throttle. Once on pad, the Jaguar is stable and steady. That steady ride comes from its rigid construction accomplished with a full-beam, compressionmolded composite transom and a stringer grid vacuum-molded into the hull. The…

OUR 2015 BOAT OF THE YEAR, THE Boston Whaler 420 Outrage, led the pack in the new trend toward oversize center consoles — outboard-powered boats that can essentially replace the traditional inboard express fisherman. Here in 2017, it still leads the pack as a standout boat. Of course, the 420 Outrage turns heads at the dock for its stylish hardtop and raked windshield, cabin windows and the four 300 hp Mercury Verados on the transom. When you pull away from the dock (Joystick Piloting at the helm makes it easy), the 420 performs as well as it looks. It has one of the best attitudes of any large center consoles we’ve tested. That means the captain’s vision from the helm is never compromised while climbing onto plane or at cruising…

THE OUTBOARD-POWERED 24 Resorter offers a deep-V fiberglass hull and a dual-console interior that lets families enjoy watersports, offshore fishing and day-cruising in comfort. Our test boat featured power steering, electronic throttle and shift, and digital switching via a Raymarine eS127 Hybrid-Touch 12-inch multifunction display that also serves as a fish finder/chart plotter. The optional hardtop grants abundant shade, as well as a ski-tow eye for wakesports, six overhead rod holders and four built-in stereo speakers. Twin loungers bracket the open bow. An optional clear acrylic table lets you enjoy snacks and beverages. Under the bow seating, a pair of lockers double as insulated fish boxes. An anchor locker on our test boat concealed a Lewmar windlass and a telescoping beach-boarding ladder. The portside passenger seat comes with four…

DUAL-CONSOLE BOATS ARE ONE OF the fastest growing runabout styles on the market. For starters, they capitalize on the new enthusiasm for outboard power and its easy maintenance. Second, dual consoles provide the cruising comforts of a bowrider but with the ruggedness and smooth ride of an offshore boat. Third, they incorporate the best of all possible fishing features to make them as fishable as they are fun. The Freedom 235 sets the bar high in this category, blending all three important characteristics in one finely designed boat. For anglers, you have an optional livewell on the transom with Grady’s signature plenum circulation system that eliminates pesky standpipes and improves circulation. There is also a large fish locker in the transom for keeping your catch fresh — or to…

SCOUT HAS ALWAYS STOOD FOR continued innovation, high-quality builds and unique solutions to challenges great and small as they practice the art and execute the science of boatbuilding. Those attributes make this South Carolina boatbuilder stand out from any boat-show fleet. The new 215 XSF carries on that tradition, providing bigboat performance, clever thinking, excellent use of space, and a confident ride in a compact 21-foot package. Our test 215 XSF was rigged conservatively with a 150 Yamaha; still, it produced a solid 45 mph top speed despite being no flyweight calm-water hull. Weight without engines is almost 2,900 pounds, ensuring a hull that can take a pounding. Its efficient hull design coupled with the fuel-sipping Yamaha gave a 3.9 mpg best cruise economy at 4,000 rpm and 29 mph.…

Home Base When financing a boat, think about tapping into your home’s value. “You might be paying interest, only at less than prime. That’s really cheap money,” says Rob Messenger, senior vice president of Title Mortgage Solutions (titlemortgage.com). He’s referring to a line of credit against home equity. Typically, 10 years of interest-only payments lead into another 10 years of monthly payments to eliminate the balance. Rates and payments adjust monthly. A second mortgage for a set dollar amount usually fixes the interest rate and payments for 10 or 15 years. Refinancing a first mortgage comes with significant closing costs (which are often absorbed by lenders in other home-equity solutions). Rule of thumb — consider refinancing with at least a 1 percent interestrate improvement. You’ll be a cash buyer…

FORMULA’S BOATS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN solid and satisfying, and the 310 BR, the company’s f lagship bowrider, continues that tradition. Twin MerCruiser 6.2L 300 hp V-8s fitted with Bravo Three drives provided a 51 mph top speed, with zero to 30 mph acceleration in a hair over seven seconds. Finding the hull’s best cruise speed was easy; at 3,500 rpm, our speed was a steady and swift 29.5 mph, burning 17.8 gph at 1.7 mpg. Using 90 percent of the 130-gallon tank, that’s a 199-mile range. Performance is more than numbers, and the 310 BR is steady from idle to wide-open. Getting used to the trim tabs and power trim takes some practice because the deep-V is extremely responsive to adjustments. There aren’t many days that could keep this smooth-riding…

THE JEANNEAU NEW CONCEPT 795 IS A French import that introduces the notion of the “pocket cruiser” to North American waters and, indeed, to North American boaters. This is an immensely popular European-style boat because it does a number of things surprisingly well. How well? It’s based on the 755 model, of which more than 1,000 were built by the massive Jeanneau-Beneteau operation. This new boat benefits from a number of upgrades and improvements designed to enhance the ownership experience. Certainly one of the selling points is that this is an all-weather cruiser perfect for families. When it’s warm, open the huge cabin sliding doors and savor express cruiser outdoor living. But if it’s cold or wet, slide the doors closed and enjoy the snug comfort. The large windows and…

IF THE NAME SCARAB MAKES YOU think of Sonny Crockett blasting around Biscayne Bay chasing bad guys in Miami Vice, well, think again. This isn’t the big oceangoing 38-footer you might remember: It’s way, way better. First of all, the Scarab 195 Open has a center console steering station, and second, it’s water-jet-powered. These two features combine to help make this new boat a sport utility for the water: wakeboard, dive, fish, water-ski, tube and just have fun with your family. Easily towed (2,600 pounds dry weight) even behind smaller tow vehicles, the 195 will be loved by all because — ta-da — it has an enclosed head! The Scarab 195 Open clearly fulfills the promise of weekend adventures in a size, and at a price, that will appeal to…

STARCRAFT HASN’T FORGOTTEN THE original appeal of deck boats. The MDX 201 EIO’s family-friendly open design encourages socializing in the cockpit, but it retains the handling attributes of a V-hull below. Instead of being narrow, the bow cockpit squares to maximize passenger space and prevent occupants from doing the Top-Sider tango. Abaft, an L-shaped lounge spans much of the remainder of the interior, continuing the seating started forward and inviting yet more family and friends to join the cruise. The generous bow platform is great for fishing as well as boarding, thanks to its depth and covered telescoping ladder. Aft, an equally generous 5-foot-4-inch-by-2-foot-11-inch sun pad awaits those intent on soaking up the rays. That’s not to say the MDX is old-school in its approach. That sun pad features…

STARCRAFT’S SCX 210 IS A COOL FAMILY craft with an aggressive look and a nice turn of speed. Our tester, fitted with Yamaha’s lightweight, four-cylinder F200 XB fourstroke outboard and 14.5-inch-by-17-inch stainless-steel Yamaha propeller, turned in a 48 mph top speed and a most economical cruising speed of 22.4 mph at 3,500 rpm, where we achieved 4.8 mpg. Since that’s the speed where a lot of cruising would be done, it’s a good measure of range as well; at this speed, its 44-gallon fuel tank allows the SCX 210 OB EXT to roam for 190 miles, with a 10 percent fuel reserve. That’s efficient performance from a near-22-footer that weighs in at 2,785 pounds dry. For those interested in more speed, the horsepower rating is 250, so for a few…

LOOK CLOSELY AT THE AR 210. COMPARE it to any performance runabout you wish. We did when we tested it at Yamaha’s press introduction on Lake Oconee in Georgia. We stepped on board via the swim platform. Its two-tier arrangement made for smooth boarding and, even more important, excellent lounging comfort when at anchor on the lake. You can deploy the boarding ladder from in the water, an important safety feature, or from on deck, a great convenience. Also convenient is the jet-pump clean-out ports. It snaps open easily, thanks to a redesigned system. It’s still patented, and no other jet boat gives you access to the jet intake from inside the boat. Think about that on a crisp, cool March outing. In the cockpit, the upholstery is fashioned from…

THE BEST MOMENT IN RUNNING Yamaha jet boats is the initial acceleration. Jamming the throttle forward gives dramatic performance (in our test, it pushed the boat to planing speed in 2.5 seconds and hit 30 mph in 5.6 seconds). Top speed was a satisfying 52.4 mph — and this was all on a single, economical jet-pump engine. In fact, our powerful tester got 3.3 mpg at 22.4 mph. But jet boats are slippery, skittering out of their turns or losing their track, reminiscent of a wakeboard rider cutting back and forth, right? Wrong. In 2015, Yamaha introduced what it calls an articulating keel. Think of a small rudder set near the jet-pump nozzle as sort of an extension of the hull’s keel. In turns, it carves into the water, holding…

THE NEW, POPULARLY SIZED RI217 from Centurion combines worldchampionship level tow-boat performance with posh seating for up to 14 people. Upholstery work is second to none. The Ri217’s V-hull slices though rough water for a smoother ride. Deploy the Centurion Stinger Wake Plate for maximum performance on a choppy day. Other wave-enhancing features include the ability to add 4,950 pounds of ballast (including the available Plug and Play ballast system). The Centurion Ramfill system floods the ballast in a matter of minutes. The available QuickSurf Pro gives you the ability to surf a finely tuned wave on either side of the boat. Simply turn on the QuickSurf Pro system and choose right or left. The adjustable Centurion Articulation Tracking System (CATS) helps keep the boat tracking the way you…

WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BREAK THE news about the new Sea Ray SLX-W 230 here in our 2017 Boat Buyers Guide. Though Sea Ray’s history building watersports boats goes back — experienced boaters will recall the vaunted Ski Ray line of the 1970s — the SLX-W 230 is the first design to focus on the sport of wakesurfing. But, as Sea Ray spokespeople are quick to point out, “This is a Sea Ray you can wakesurf behind, not a tournament-level wakesports boat.” WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BREAK THE news about the new Sea Ray SLX-W 230 here in our 2017 Boat Buyers Guide. Though Sea Ray’s history building watersports boats goes back — experienced boaters will recall the vaunted Ski Ray line of the 1970s — the SLX-W 230 is…

SUPRA’S SE 550 SHOWS THAT LUXURY and performance are not mutually exclusive. We found it loaded with the features and technology that we think will impress riders, captains and onlookers at the dock alike. The Supra SE boasts a “cab-forward” design — the helm and windshield are proportionately farther forward than is typical. This maximizes the cockpit, helping to provide seating for 18 and ensuring super sociability and a great view for all aboard. The helm seat, especially, was notable for its luxury and for its ability to move up and down at the touch of a button. Aft, the comfortable cockpit seating is convertible and customizable. Surfing this boat proved a unique experience. The wake is clean and well-developed, a thing not all boats this big can produce. Our…

THE S211 GIVES FAMILIES THE ultimate experience in wakeboarding and surfing fun, cool styling and essential features at a price that won’t break the bank. This compact Supreme model exudes quality, beginning with the unibody reverseshoe-box construction fit between the hull and liner. Double and triple-stitched upholstery work ensures years of durable comfort. The V-hull settles the ride in rough water, and the large SmoothTrack Tracking Fin keeps the boat tracking straight, even when a rider in tow cuts aggressively. The fin surface area acts as a pivot point, significantly improving slow and high-speed handling as well as navigating in reverse. The forward-swept Skylon S5 Tower enhances the lines of the S211, introducing a wrinkle-coated element that is matched on the exterior by a fresh new air vent and…

THE TIGÉ R21 BOASTS A LONG LIST OF features not typically found aboard most value conscious entries in the watersports boat category. Yet, our extensive evaluation did not reveal any shortcuts in construction or rigging, nor did the boat’s performance lack for joy, despite its attractive MSRP. It demonstrated versatility at a range of watersports and made an impact on members of our test team who rode behind the boat, like Emily Dale of a sister publication, Wakeboarding magazine. “The R21’s wave was really substantial and had a ton of power,” Dale says, noting that this is something you won’t always find from a boat that falls into the 21.5-foot range. Dale credits much of the wave’s awesomeness to TAPS 3, Tigé’s surf system that consists of three adjustable…

BENNINGTON’S 23GSBA IS A GREAT value, with plenty of room and power for a reasonable price. Traditional exterior styling helps keep the cost down without skimping on amenities, features and muscle. Up front, new docking lights in contoured ABS plastic housings provide needed guidance at night. Contoured plush lounge couches with tons of storage underneath offer an opulent party spot; the two-tone perforated vinyl lends a sporty look similar to seating in luxury performance cars. Dual captain’s chairs give comfort whether underway or at rest. A huge, raised driver’s console is fitted with SeaStar hydraulic steering with tilt helm, in addition to all the instruments needed to monitor the Yamaha’s performance. A Kicker sound system with stern-mount remote boasts good quality sound. Storage abounds under all couch cushions, in both…

BENNINGTON’S 25RSFBA IS A BIG pontoon boat inside and out. It makes an ideal platform for hosting huge parties out on the lake, and with the Elliptical Sport Package and Yamaha’s 300 hp outboard, it reacts to steering, throttle and trim input like a much smaller, nimbler craft. The big V-6 Yamaha has the push to back up the growl: With a 15-inch Yamaha stainless-steel prop, the Bennington 25RSFBA launched from zero to 30 mph in a cat-quick 6.4 seconds (that’s faster than many hot-rod bass and performance boats!). Top speed was a cool 43 mph at 6,000 rpm, which is more than enough oomph to carry a load of partyers back to port ahead of a storm. All the zoom comes at an efficient fuel burn as well; the…

THE SEABREEZE 211 IS AN ENTRY-LEVEL model with the added pull of low, nationally advertised pricing. That could suggest a stripped-down boat with no frills, but Cypress Cay isn’t one to scrimp on the details. Step aboard the Seabreeze 211 and you’ll note comfortable furniture with two-tone, supple vinyl and attractive style lines. The roto-molded furniture bases might not boast a vinyl cover, but they’re perfectly color-matched to the seats above. They also offer a welcome twist: Both bow and stern portside couches end with a stylishly molded elliptical armrest adjacent to the side gate. Bases are recessed to provide a toe kick, and they feature low-maintenance storage compartments with both gutters and drains to channel away water. The stowage is easy to access thanks to hinged cushions that pivot…

BIG PONTOONS LIKE THIS CROWNE SL 250 bring out the curiosity in just about everybody around the dock, sandbar or marina — it looks like no other. True to form, this Harris piqued everyone’s interest, and it didn’t fail to win approval. If top speed is an asset you require, the Crowne should please you since it is a solid 60-plus mph performer. With some seat time and by finessing the twin hydraulic jack plates and power trim together, the best top speed we could wring from it was 63 mph at 6,300 rpm, though Harris’ driver, with more experience with this boat, was able to eke out 66 mph. Twin Verados drink a lot of fuel; our best cruise speed was at 2,500 rpm, where we were ticking along…

PRICE TAGS FOR TRIPLE-TUBE performance pontoons can easily leap north of $50,000, so we weren’t surprised at the luxury on the Retreat 230 RFL’s spacious deck and the amenities for comfort and fun. We weren’t surprised it had a standard Bimini top to shade the cockpit. We were surprised, though, that the tow pylon was a standard since it is so often an option. While those were obvious musthaves, we also noticed the sole was covered with expensive wovenvinyl matting with a teak and holly pattern that added richness that an owner of a pricey pontoon would demand. When we sat, regardless of where, we sunk deeply into multidensity foam cushions covered with supple vinyl. The look was finely tailored and more like a Lincoln Continental than a boat. The…

LIFE IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST, but choosing the right pontoon boat can be. Case in point: The 250 Solaris RF is Premier’s most popular pontoon model, which shows you that, despite all the innovations in speed, size, shape and handling, a lot of people are just looking for a ’toon to take a crew on a relaxing ride. The Premier 250 Solaris RF is an excellent choice for doing exactly that. Our test model sported the traditional twin-tube construction and featured a 115 hp Evinrude bolted to the transom. Underway, we enjoyed a comfortable, safe and secure ride. The RF in the model name stands for rear facing, which describes the furniture arrangement abaft the helm and co-pilot’s chairs. The twin opposing couches both feature rear-facing backrests that create…

WITH A LAYOUT BUILT AROUND A lunch table in the aft deck that will seat five people (the captain’s chair swivels to become part of the ensemble), this affordable pontoon is all about relaxing af loat. It accommodates up to 12 people in all. Seating includes a pair of chaise longues in the bow. Gates on both sides, at the bow and in the starboard quarter make for easy boarding. Marine carpet is standard, but you can opt for textured vinyl or the popular faux sea-grass decking. You can also order exterior LED accent lights for under the tubes to give your boat a cool look during evening cruises. A standard Bimini top shades the interior when you want to escape the sun during daylight hours. In the stern area,…

THIS NEW 254 LE3 SPORT BOASTS SO many amenities, so much eye candy and so much luxury, yet it still elicited even more oohs and aahs after delivering a solid, sporty ride. On our overcast test day, the light was dusky under the covered dock, so instead of hitting the Verado ignition button, we tapped on the LED courtesy lights. A candy-colored blue light glowed along the seat bases and around cupholder rims. We had no idea a pontoon could look that great. LED courtesy lights on the Bimini and in the storage compartments were available to assist the crew when needed. The blue glow was present along the top of the pontoons too, and it was doubled in the reflection of their glossy powder coating. Raw aluminum tubes would…

SUNCHASER’S ECLIPSE 8525 Entertainer is aptly named. This is a pontoon that, though wildly versatile, hasn’t forgotten how to party. In fact, the aft half of the boat is practically dedicated to it. To port, a 4-foot-4-inch-by-2-foot-6-inch bar table dominates the floor plan, with a pair of sleek, pedestal stools on each side inviting passengers to belly on up. The faux granite top keeps drinks steady underway with recessed cup holders, each lit with LED accent lighting. Below, a second level offers a place to stash more munchies when you run out of room. Swivel the aft pair of stools 180 degrees and another smaller bar top occupies the rear port corner, maximizing space by placing its four cup holders on an elevated second level. Both bars feature oversize pedestal…

TRIFECTA’S 23RF T 2.75 NEATLY combines current trends with old-school pontoon functionality. The former is seen in the boat’s blacked-out rails, fence panels, rub rail and Bimini hardware, along with an LED-lighting package that shines below the deck, under the water and along the exterior rail. The latter is evident in the RF’s emphasis on passengers and interior space. At the bow, fencing is pushed almost to the limits of the deck, capturing those last precious inches for the 4-foot dual lounges. Passengers will appreciate the space as they settle into pillow-top furniture, and they’ll note the security of the bolster below the thigh. Those couches invite stretching out, but they also incorporate a practical indent midlength that allows those sitting up to have more natural, face-to-face conversation with fellow…

WHEN BELZONA INTRODUCED ITS first center console a few years ago, its slideto-open boarding doors proved to be one of the most intriguing innovations we’d seen. Today, with the 325 Center Console, that still holds true. To really appreciate the boarding doors, you need to see them in person at the dock. The gunwale doors slide aft rather than swing open as dive doors would on other boats. The doors slide on stainless-steel trolleys that mate with the self-lubricating track. Both doors proved rattle-free and watertight. Not to mention, they are much wider than the traditional hinged dive door; they are built wide enough to make this boat wheelchair-accessible — 40 inches fully opened. During rigorous testing on our sea trial, the boarding doors held tight. The doors are just…

THE CAROLINA SKIFF 24 ULTRA ELITE is a coastal fishing boat with enough creature comforts to make it more than family-friendly. If it were a car, you’d call it a crossover vehicle. As a boat, you’d simply say it’s versatile. With a 200 hp Suzuki, the 24 Ultra performed ably, reaching a top speed of nearly 46 mph at a 2.4 mpg fuel burn. It exhibited predictable handling characteristics underway, proving equally adept for tubing or trolling. Evidence of the 24 Ultra’s multipurpose nature can be seen in the bow, where cushion fillers convert the elevated casting platform into a full-on sun pad. Twin forward-facing backrests can be inserted on either side to create lounges. There’s also a padded bench seat on the front of the console, which lifts on…

THERE IS A NEW DEFINITION OF bigger and better among boaters. That new truth is exemplified in the Everglades 273 CC, and it’s this: More versatility means bigger, not necessarily longer and more horsepower. The 273 CC is designed to bring the low windage of an inshore boat together with the capabilities and dual power of an offshore boat. In it, anglers can decide to fish the inlets, bays and beaches on blustery days and, thanks to the high bow flare, venture far offshore when weather allows. Everglades makes this 273 sparkle with dual 250s tapping the speedo at 53 mph, but it will operate nicely on a single 350 Yamaha, sacrificing just a little top speed while reducing fuel and maintenance costs. That leaves a bigger budget for fun.…

NAUTICSTAR DESIGNS BOATS FOR professional and recreational anglers, families and other recreational boaters, in bay, deck and offshore styles — more than two dozen models in all, and they’ve been doing it for 25 years. Pride shows in woodfree construction, limited lifetime hull warranty, and a vinylester barrier coat that’s durable, resistant to cracking and corrosion, and always shiny. Big, comfortable and ready to fish, its one-piece, molded and foam-filled stringer system is tougher than those made of components, the company says. Spaces between elements of the stringer skeleton are also foam-filled for f lotation, sound dampening and vibration reduction. The fiberglass inner liner is also singlepiece molded, meeting the hull shoe-box-style, bonded to the hull with a stainless-steel fastener every 2 inches, then sealed. The 2602 Legacy’s helm offers…

PATHFINDER HAS LABELED ITS NEW 25-footer as the 2500 Hybrid, with “Hybrid” meaning this fabulous new boat is equally at home whether you are chasing redfish or trout in the bay, stripers or tarpon in the pass, or false albacore or cobia in coastal offshore waters. And as a well-designed, ruggedly built, crossover fishing platform, it performs all of these angling tasks well. What did our test reveal? This is Pathfinder’s first boat with resininfused hull and deck, making it stiff and strong and in possession of the ideal resinto-glass ratio. The 2500 Hybrid features a double-stepped hull that allows it to deliver a heart-thumping speed of nearly 60 mph. Yet, unlike many stepped hulls, this one showed no handling foibles. More than one angler can use the forward casting…

RANGER’S Z185 MIGHT BE A BARGAIN in terms of cash, but it represents no shortcuts in terms of ownership satisfaction. The pad hull steps up on top when skimming over the water, hitting mid-50s on the speedo. When it crosses wakes, it holds its ground, skipping over them with minimal sideways rocking. Few bass boats can accomplish this so easily. And when you trim it down and feed in rudder, it cuts an arc on the water that breeds confidence in its handling. Off plane and under trolling power, the platform is as stable as Ranger’s larger 520 Series, a fine feat for its compact size. The foredeck is huge, giving two anglers space to flip docks or brush piles, neither disadvantaging the other. The aft deck is also one…