Overview

The new Electric Legacy, a collaboration between Lancer Craft and Elco, combines rich mahogany looks with 100 percent fiberglass construction, electric-power performance, and impressive run time and range from solid-state batteries. 

Engine

Compare the Legacy to Lancer Craft’s Elite model, which is built on the same hull and powered by a 365 hp 5.3L Ilmor V-8 gas engine. Estimates put gasoline cruising range at three to four times farther.

We tested the Legacy, the first with Elco’s EP-250 electric motor, an hour into its initial sea trial. Our top speed equaled 33.9 mph. (After some tweaks, Elco reports 35.7 mph.) Hole-shot tests made clear the EP-250’s quick acceleration. When the brushless, permanent magnet electric motor engages, the boat just goes. Power steering eases the Legacy effortlessly into turns, and the ­one-piece rimless windscreen leaves ­vision unobscured. While we never hit choppy water, the boat’s sharp entry, 14-degree deadrise, and narrow beam should all conspire to deliver a reasonable ride in chop.

Interior and Accessories

Lancer Craft imprints mahogany grain onto fiberglass to form the boat’s outer ­laminate. Crisp white seams mimic planked decks. Its deep-gloss woodgrain look mirrors the faux transoms now common on sport-fishing yachts—and for the same reason: to replace high-maintenance varnish with wash-and-wax convenience.

The boat’s classic lines are equally striking. Along the ample deck edge, glistening stainless-­steel highlights the sheerline as it rises from the bow, crests near the helm, and then flows into a graceful S-curve toward the stern. The aft deck slims to meet the tumblehome hullsides and raked transom, where those curves play in light, shadow, and watery reflections of wake and sky. Polished chrome bejewels the deck, and wide mahogany planks appear to flow from the deck edge to form the cockpit sides and dash, where the steering wheel is the only real, once-living wood aboard. Two rows of bench seats—their soft vinyl textured in diamond-weave stitching and accented with red and blue piping—accommodate six adults in luxury.

With the Electric Legacy, and in collaboration with Elco, Lancer Craft welcomes boat buyers seeking classic runabout style, modern convenience and  the latest electric technology.

How We Tested

• Motor: Elco EP-250 186 kW/250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Inboard/14″ x 16″ 3-blade bronze
• Gear Ratio:1.9:1 Battery Capacity: 96 kW Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• The Elco EP-250’s 1.9-to-1 reduction facilitates a larger prop that aids performance, acceleration and efficiency.
• Faux wood emulates rich, full-grained mahogany but doesn’t add weight, environmental impact or maintenance. 
• Besides woodgrain, Lancer Craft offers boats in a variety of gelcoat colors.

Low Point

• Electric propulsion is quiet, but our test boat requires some tweaking to mitigate the 103 decibels we recorded in one very narrow rpm range (4,500).

Toughest Competitor

The decidedly unclassic XShore 1 is a 21-foot-by-8-foot-6-inch runabout with a 125 kW motor ($168,000 well-equipped). Prefer gas IC power? Lancer Craft’s Elite runs $164,749 (base price with a 365 hp Ilmor inboard); shipping ($1,800) and trailer ($7,500) are extra. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Lancer Craft/Elco Electric Legacy appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Bluewater Sportfishing Boats’ newest, the 25T, proves itself a purpose-built fishing boat ready to tackle offshore conditions like few boats its size.

An Armstrong engine bracket holds the twin ­Yamaha F200s and adds 3 feet of length to its 25-foot hull. It has a wave-slashing 24 degrees of deep-V goodness at the ­transom and an even-sharper 44 degrees at the entry. Yet, because deep deadrise can make a boat tender, all Bluewaters now come standard with Seakeeper’s Ride system. This replaces standard trim tabs with what’s called a Vessel Attitude Control System. While underway, this makes 1,000 observations and 100 corrections per second using unique cupped blades that travel only a fraction of an inch when at planing speeds. The system reduces pitch and roll by up to 70 percent while the boat’s at speed.

Hardcore anglers will love the absence of fixed bowrider seats and a molded-in stern bench, which can rob a boat of ­angling space. The ­fishing cockpit is roomy. I taped 47 inches of deck aft of the ­leaning post. You can add family-­friendly seat options, but they are easily removable for ­fishing. Other features that let you know the 25T is a real-­deal fishing boat include the twin 24-gallon transom livewells, twin in-floor 20-gallon fish boxes, and a 133-gallon bow fish box/storage locker that can hold tuna up to an estimated 250 pounds. Our test boat sported 21 total rod holders, including 12 set into the gunwales (eight are standard).

The helm features a pair of flush-mounted Garmin 8612xfv multifunction displays and can accommodate up to 16-inchers. Rather unusual was the optional thin windshield, made of the same polycarbonate material as the optional side panels, which, despite being curved, provided a distortion-free view.

The twin Yamaha F200 outboards proved an ­excellent option. Time to 30 mph was 9.1 seconds, and the best cruise speed was 25.5 mph (3,500 rpm), which yielded an impressive 2.3 mpg. Along with its jumbo 189-gallon fuel tank, it offers it a theoretical range of nearly 400 miles. ­Bluewater also rigs twin Suzuki and ­Mercury outboards up to 500 hp, with a single 300 hp option. Choices in power: just another benefit of owning the ­Bluewater 25T.

Read Next: How Fishing and Boating Can Change Life for the Better

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F200 outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Reliance 14 ½” x 18″ stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 80 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Gunwale height starts at 26 inches aft and grows to 31 inches moving forward.
• Equipped with Gemlux friction hinges, hatches remain open until you close them, so there is little fear of smashed toes and fingers. 
• Bluewater is a custom family-owned builder, and with its wide range of options, it can design a boat that gives buyers precisely what they want.

Low Points

• Unlike similar boats, there is no tuna door for landing extra-large fish and helping guests board.
• When deployed, the removable stern bench and bowrider have support legs that stand on some hatches, making these lockers inaccessible.

Toughest Competitor

Parker Boats’ 2600 CC ($255,616 MSRP) measures 26-feet-by-9-feet-6-inches—wider than the Bluewater. The T-top, with a powder-coated frame, rocket launcher, lights and more, is standard equipment. The lockable console offers 65 inches of headroom and comes with a portable -toilet. Power it with up to twin 250 Yamaha outboards.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Bluewater 25T appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Given the widespread popularity of taking one’s boat to The Sandbar, or The Cove, or The Island (I’m using proper nouns because in every boating locality these places are referred to as specific locations), it’s a wonder we haven’t tested a boat with this name in the 69 years we’ve been in publication. Way to go, Sea Pro! And, not just for the name. The 225FLX Sandbar Boat is designed and outfitted with features to make it shine for boat buyers who regularly visit their local gathering spot, the beach brigade, the cove captains, the sandbar bosses.

As our test proved, this is a versatile boat. Read on to discover more about it.

Engines

You can power the Sea Pro FLX with a variety of outboard engine brands. That is to say, a given dealer may offer it with one or more brands of power. We think boats that offer you a choice of power is a good thing.

Our test boat was powered by a single, inline-4 Suzuki 200-hp outboard. This delivered good performance for this boat. Check out what we thought.

See a video review of our test boat’s Suzuki outboard, here.

The 225FLX rides on a conventional V-hull with a moderate 17.5 degrees of deadrise. This is not a boat that is going to offer a high cruising speed on choppy water, like other boats that sport a deeper V.

That said, properly handled the 225FLX can readily traverse open water safely and comfortably when properly handled. In fact, our test took place on a day of questionable weather, with 20-knot winds whipping up steep, 3-foot whitecaps. In these conditions, the Sea Pro’s ability to stay on plane at 15 mph—something a similar boat with a deeper V would be challenged to achieve, by the way—allowed proceeding in dry, slam-free comfort. The optional Zip Wake auto trim tabs helped in this. It’s all about setting your expectations.

Shallower deadrise also results in higher efficiency due to easier planing. This allows the boat to achieve good performance with a 200 hp Suzuki inline-4 outboard. Our tester hit 30 mph in 10.3 seconds and topped out over 40 mph. The chart shows the fuel burn, which I deem excellent for a coastal boat this size. Larger 250 hp options are available.

Also, the scant 14 inches the 225FLX draws can be attributed to its hull form. That’s knee-deep, easy-wading, even for kids. You might consider that shallow draft one of the “sandbar features.”

Interior and Accessories

Wading around the boat is what Sea Pro envisioned when it developed the innovative Sandbar Table that mounts to the transom, just above the waterline. This facilitates serving snacks while beached or anchored shallow.

Other sandbar-specific features include a tremendous head compartment—the largest we’ve seen in a boat this size. There’s a sink, porthole and our tester sported the optional marine head with a pump-out. For long days beached or at anchor, your crew will need relief and this head provides it comfortably.

Let’s review the seating. Forward, the V-shaped seats combine with the seat on the console front to allow a group to gather around the optional table. Optional backrests convert the seats to lounges. Pull the cushions (these fit inside the head—we checked) and use the optional table as a filler to create a casting platform. The seats conceal draining storage.

Aft, folding jump seats create a three-to-four-person-wide lounge out of the aft platform. Big storage is inside. Want to face aft? The leaning post backrest flip flops to do just that. Additionally, an optional cooler slides out from beneath the leaning post to form either a footrest or another seat, or for easy access to the cooler itself. 

Flip that backrest the other way and take your spot at the helm. There is comfort seated or standing thanks to the footrest and there was enough room at the helm, further enhanced by the tilt helm power steering. There’s also space for a variety of electronics, including big-screen MFDs, to add to the standard Simrad 9-incher. An Audison Marine Audio stereo is also standard, along with a compass, and the Sea Pro Connect app. I appreciated the dry box atop the console: Every boat needs a “Captain’s Box” at the helm for wallets, licenses, glasses and more. Overhead, the T-top provided good sun coverage and impressed me in several ways. Made in-house by Sea Pro, the top features powder-coated pipework, an underside that matches the hull color, and a grab handle incorporated into its perimeter that I found perfectly placed for boarding the boat from a high dock. 

Fishing standards include trolling-motor wiring, raw-water washdown, under-gunwale rod racks, four gunwale rod holders, a 68-quart stern cooler-box, two 120-quart boxes under the bow seats and a 12-gallon livewell.

The price is definitely a feature. Offered for $81,932 as a nicely equipped version with hull color, trim tabs, and a 200 Suzuki, the MSRP for a loaded version like we tested runs $103,361. This boat is a deal in today’s boat market, dear reader.

For comparison, I suggest you look at the Sportsman Open 212 ($89,495 with a F200XSA2 Yamaha in white). It’s a new 2025 model, and though it’s console head compartment is not as large as that of the Sea Pro, it comes with a tall, tempered-glass windshield, which I prefer to the short standard windshield aboard the Sea Pro.

In characterizing the Sea Pro 225FLX Sandbar it may be easy to say that it is a good boat for the money. I’ll just say I think it is a good boat. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

How We Tested

• Engine: 200 hp Suzuki DF200
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16” x 20” 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• The built-in-house T-top proved sturdy in rough water and offers an integrated handrail to ease boarding from the dock.
• You’ll appreciate the dry box atop the helm for a variety of reasons.
• This boat boasts the biggest head in its class.
• Through-bolted hatch lids finished on both sides.

Low Point

• The standard windshield is too low to provide any real protection. Order the optional and removable hard enclosure.

Extra Point

• The standard Sea Pro App keeps you in touch with bilge-pump activity, battery status and is your direct line to service help should you need it.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

The post Boat Test: 2025 Sea Pro 225FLX appeared first on Boating Mag.

Room is always at a premium on angling boats. For 2025, the Alumacraft Competitor line of aluminum multispecies boats offers a clever idea that expands the aft casting deck without compromising cockpit space or making the boat longer. The X-Pods on either side of the outboard ­extend the aft deck by 16 inches. This gives the angler more foot room and makes it easier to fish around the motor. Each X-Pod also incorporates stowage space. The X-Pods are not an extension of the running surface but do act as fixed tabs to improve planing performance and handling in turns. The X-Pods are a feature of 12 new Competitor models, including the 22-foot-2-inch-long 205X Side Console we tested.

Competitor models also feature a new bow control center with a recessed well for the ­trolling-motor pedal, a phone holder with a USB port, and fishing-tool slots. The center panel is designed for gimble or recessed mounting of a ­display up to 12 inches. A handsome new molded dash area at the helm features a standard 7-inch Garmin EchoMap MFD for instrumentation, with room for two 12-inch graphs above the dashboard.

The bow livewell holds 21 gallons. A choice of three new Flex Module configurations is offered for the aft cockpit: the Flex 29 with a carpeted bench/step and a ­29-gallon livewell, the Flex FSX with a pair of jump seats flanking a 30-­gallon livewell, and the Flex 50 with a 50-gallon livewell. Full-length ­13-inch-wide steps in the cockpit port and starboard make it easy to kneel and reach the water. The tops lift to reach stowage and the 46-quart cooler to starboard and 10-foot rod stowage to port. There’s additional rod stowage below the forward deck.

Alumacraft has not changed the revered Competitor running surface, which is slightly concave from keel to chine to help the boat better carve turns. The Alumacraft 2XB double-­plated hull with a seamless ­one-piece bottom is designed to be durable and feel solid on the water. The Competitor 205X is rated for up to 400 hp, but the 250 hp Mercury on our test boat provided satisfying performance, hopping on plane in less than 4 seconds and holding plane at just 17.5 mph—ideal performance when the water is rough.

Read Next: Alumacraft Trophy 185X Sport

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury FourStroke 250 DTS
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.2″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 48 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• X-Pods expand the aft deck, making it easier to fish around the outboard motor.
• The 48-gallon fuel tank wraps around a house and cranking battery below the aft deck, moving battery weight forward for improved boat balance.
• Three Flex aft livewell options permit customization for your fishing activity.
• Bow control center offers flexible mounting options for up to a 12-inch ­display, with space for two more 12-inch displays at the helm.

Low Points

• Competitive boats come with a standard trailer, while this one does not.
• Innovative Rotax S outboard and Max Deck is not an option for this model.

Toughest Competitor

The 21-foot-2-inch G3 Angler V21 F (about $70,000 with a Yamaha F250 and EZ Loader trailer) is offered only as a dual-console with full windshield, with room for a single display above the dash and traditional analog instruments, and does not have a bow console for electronics. The optional Flip Deck ($688) expands the aft casting area and incorporates jump seats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Alumacraft Competitor 205X SC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Robalo Boats are tough and stylish, offering optimal deck space for crew as well as top-shelf production quality at a ­modest price. The R257 dual-­console punches above its class in performance, ­fishability and comfort.

The R257 proves a seriously fishable saltwater SUV that’s ready for diving, snorkeling, cruising and beachcombing—and, yes, it offers some ­luxury too.

The R257’s ride is smooth thanks to its deep, wave-cleaving deadrise. Well-positioned chines aid in crisp turns, and available Helm Master joystick steering makes mooring easy. The full-­maneuverability joystick system holds the boat when waiting for your turn at the fuel dock too.

Interior and Accessories

A wraparound ­windshield and a walk-through wind dam protect the cockpit from the elements. Wraparound bow seating is deep and safe, ­providing comfortable bolsters and rails all the way around. Standard silicone fabric upholstery is inherently UV- and mildew-resistant, supple, cool to the touch, and  stain-repellent. We love the look of the multiple textures and colors, complementary to any of the almost infinite color schemes available. The premium upholstery makes the custom captain’s chair even more luxurious and cool to the touch, and the ­bolster gives a better view when docking

For the No. 1 companion, a portside convertible lounge has a backrest that adjusts to form a single forward-­facing seat with a back-to-back aft-facing seat. Flip the backrest forward for an aft-facing lounge. Behind the captain’s bucket seat is an entertainment galley with sink and  pullout shower. A fold-away transom seat adds comfortable seating on the fly. 

For anglers, there’s a 30-gallon livewell with a high-­capacity pump that will keep hundreds of baits alive all day. Rod holders surround the cockpit, with six on transom, one on each gunwale and six in the hardtop to keep extra rods ready. Two 50-gallon fish boxes under the deck are macerated, and pulling your catch into them will be easy through either the transom door or the portside boarding door.

The Robalo R257 is ­hardcore fishable, with durable crew-pampering features and reliable outboard power.

Read Next: Robalo R250

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha 200 hp outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Reliance 14.25″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

High Points

• Optional Lenco Pro Control trim tabs automatically adjust for a smooth, level ride.
• The transom seat adds seating while still leaving space for a transom door.
• Standard hardtop includes six rod ­holders, dual storage boxes, LED spreader lights, tricolor overhead LED lights, four speakers, outrigger-ready mounts, and a ski tow point.

Low Points

• More tackle storage would be useful but would come at the expense of seating or the deck galley.
• The 9-foot-2-inch beam makes a permit necessary for trailering in some states.

Toughest Competitor

Blackfin does a good job of blending style, comfort and fishability in its 252 DC ($230,760 with twin 200 hp Mercury outboards in white). It is available with Mercury outboards in twin 150 or 200, or single 300 to 400 models. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Robalo R257 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Mathematicians and philosophers have long debated whether there can be more than 100 percent of anything. I remember this from the mists of math class, while I dreamt of boats. But until I saw the new Cobia 265 CC Open, I hadn’t formulated Caswell’s Theorem.  

Here’s a simple explanation: At first glance, the Cobia 265 CC looks to be an ­angler’s dream—decks dotted with rod holders, two rows of rocket launchers on the ­hardtop, rod racks along the cockpit sides, plus a livewell and fish boxes. So, let’s call it 95 ­percent a fishing war wagon.

Interior and Accessories

But then, it also has a family-friendly head inside the console that ­surprises everyone who unlatches the forward opening door, with easy entry steps, 6 feet of headroom, a sink and mirror, a shower, and a toilet. Add in the folding bench seat for Aunt Edna aft in the cockpit, the hinged lounge backrests forward around a high/low sun pad/munchies table, and you have a boat that is 75 percent for families.  

It’s clear that if there can be no more than 100 percent of anything, then philosophers have never seen the Cobia 265 CC Open because it disproves everything: This boat is far more than its numbers. It blends serious angling with family fun. This is Caswell’s Theorem of Fun Boats at work.

Because the percentages favor fishing, let’s start there. The 265 CC Open is just that: a wide-open cockpit, a 30-gallon livewell aft, and a dedicated console behind the helm with tackle boxes, a cutting board, and an ice chest. Need to chase a fish forward in a hurry? The ­24-inch-wide side decks are deep and secure, padded thigh-high, with grab rails ­everywhere.

Once forward, a removable casting platform (with dedicated stowage) gets you up high, and our test boat had the optional Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor with enough length so that the prop continues to find a bite (excuse the pun), even in rough seas. Tucked forward under a hatch is a Lewmar anchor windlass with helm remote for easy anchoring.

That helm is going to be a feature for both anglers and families, protected by an integrated frame with a tempered-glass enclosure, full-width wiper, and an electric vent for those hot days. A big glove box for suntan potions and shades is backed up by another in the hardtop, and two levels of skipper footrests fit ­everyone. The dash is designed for a pair of ­Garmin ­16-inch displays, and the row of toggles is ­backlit for night running.

Read Next: Cobia 350 CC

Engines

For our test, we had the midsize Yamaha 200s (150s are standard; 250s available), which seemed just right, topping out at over 50 mph while getting better than 1 mpg (38.3 gph!). Ease the throttles to 4,000 rpm, and you’ll sip fuel at 17-plus gph while getting better than 2 miles per gallon (35 mph).

Just as important—whether you’re ­heading to an offshore canyon or yanking kids on ­inflatables—is the hull, and here is where the 265 excels. Your starting point is the 21-degree ­deep-V, with twin strakes and wide chine flats that throw spray to the side. And the 265 is just plain fun to drive. I flipped the stainless-steel wheel to its flat bus-driver position and cranked the Cobia hard over with the Brody knob. It banked solidly, with no cavitation, even when I did it into a passing yacht wake. Solid for ­offshore, comfy for families.

Its construction is what you’d expect from this sister company to Pursuit Boats, with its proprietary VARIS (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System) for a wood-free stringer grid. That’s a fancy way to say rock-solid, with no creaks or groans.  

What about families? They’re going to love the bowrider seating forward, and the big enclosed head is where they can change clothes, rinse off and, of course, do the usual stuff. Aft, the transom platform is free of the typical outboard-rigging tangle (it’s hidden underneath), making it easy for adults to drop snapper baits straight down and for kids to use the pull-out swim ladder safely. Access is via a locking sealed door, so no water enters the cockpit even if you back down hard. Another freshwater shower on the transom gets rid of salt or sand from ­swimming or a sandbar.

Speaking of ladders, the inward-opening side door abaft the helm is of equal interest to anglers and families. Big enough to pull in a trophy-size fish (or a well-fed diver), it has a removable ladder that stores neatly in a dedicated alcove. That door is right next to one of the two 46-gallon insulated fish boxes, so you can drop your catch from the water and into the box. And whether you’re splashing water or fishing around, the EVA faux-teak decking (an addition from Malibu boats, which recently acquired Cobia) proved itself on our 100-degree test day by maintaining its cool on our bare feet, while giving a solid grip as well.

If you are shopping, you might consider the Sea Pro 262 DLX. It is available with your choice of twin Mercury, Suzuki or ­Yamaha outboards, and it comes in at $155,183, ­well-equipped, with twin 175 hp Suzukis.

Well-built, thoughtfully equipped and just plain fun, the Cobia 265 CC Open proves my theorem: This is a boat that adds up to fun.

High Points

• Deep gutters on hatches and doors.
• Good access to electrical and plumbing, including batteries.
• Multiple cellphone chargers.
• Fish-box lids lock in the “up” position.

Low Point

• For anglers, a single livewell can be limiting.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/13 ¾” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

The post Boat Test: 2025 Cobia 265 CC Open appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Sailfish Boats was one of the first fishing-boat companies to embrace a Fishing-Focused/Family-Friendly Boats mantra in the early 2000s. According to internal research at Sailfish, those buying center-consoles 27 feet and shorter didn’t list fishing as its primary purpose, unlike owners of its 30-plus-footers who overwhelmingly had fishing as their No. 1 activity. Accordingly, Sailfish designers applied that owner input when designing the new 232 Center Console. It is a versatile craft designed to please angler and family boaters in equal measure and delivered with more standard features than other boats offered at comparable prices.

Engine

Our test boat was powered by a Yamaha F250 that provided excellent performance. Time to plane was 3.6 seconds, and the 232 CC reached 30 mph in 7.4 seconds. The top speed was 48 mph (a Yamaha test driver got 49 mph in calmer water just before our test). In addition, owners can choose a 200 hp engine, which may not be enough if watersports are on the agenda.

Available 300 hp engines would push it past the 50 mph mark. Sailfish gives buyers a choice of outboards from Mercury, Yamaha and Suzuki. We like that boat buyers can choose their engine brand,  and thus have a choice of servicing dealers. Bravo, Sailfish. 

As we shoved off from Point South Marina in Port St. Joe in the Florida Panhandle and idled into Saint Joseph Bay, we were greeted by a corrugated surface created by 15 mph winds.

Fortunately, the new 232 CC employs Sailfish’s three-hulls-in-one Variable Degree Stepped Hull (VDS), which uses a sharp 24-degree keel section to help slice through the chop, the next section outward moderates to 23 degrees that, when combined with its downward turned strakes, creates lift when accelerating or running. The outer section of the hull is a flatter 22 degrees, giving it greater stability at rest. The other factor that makes Sailfish boats ride well in rough water is their relative beefiness, thanks to a stout layup with quad-axial fiberglass mat, reinforced by Kevlar at high-stress points, contributing to its 5,065 rigged weight. The 232 CC easily ate up the 2-foot chop while running at its best cruise speed of around 25 mph, which netted an impressive 3.5 mpg.

Interior and Accessories

Prospecting for redfish and seatrout, I fired a plastic lure with a gold spinner in all directions at the designated fishing spot, where the depth ranged from 2 to 6 feet deep. I had no problem moving around the boat’s perimeter thanks to the minimum 16 inches of walkaround space around the center console. A generous 27-inch minimum gunwale height at the stern grew to 30 inches amidships, and with standard bolsters all around, I felt contained and comfortable. I left the bow and stern cushions in place, and we didn’t have the filler board to insert between the bow rider benches up front, which would have created a roomy casting platform. I only saw one fish that day and identified it as a 40-pound black drum lazing on the surface. But, to paraphrase the scariest line in “The Shining,” it was only a floating “dead drum” clearly past its expiration date.

When trying to figure out a boat’s intended purpose, a good guideline is if there are more places to park a beverage than to store a rod, it’s a pleasure boat, not a fishing boat. Our test boat has 22 standard rod holders and eight cup holders. 

Vertical racks for two rods each are set inside recesses on either side of the center console, keeping them tucked out of the way but ready for action. Other holders are set into the gunwales and on the hardtop. The 232 Center Console has twin 10-gallon livewells beneath the rear bench seat for those who fish with live bait.

The 232 CC comes well equipped with standard features that most companies charge extra for, such as the well-braced hardtop, premium Fusion stereo with Rockford Fosgate lighted speakers, 58-quart slide-out Engel cooler, raw-water washdown and trim tabs with auto-retract, to name a few. To up its fishing game, add a 75-inch Garmin Kraken trolling motor with a 36-volt lithium-ion battery ($10,700) and a 12-inch GPS/fishfinder from Simrad NSX 3012 ($4,509) or Garmin GPS/Map 1243xsv ($7,700). One of the most innovative features is the optional, reversible leaning post ($1,467) that lifts and can be securely reinserted into rocket launcher-like receivers to face aft, not only to increase fishing area in the cockpit but also to provide a rear-facing throne while fishing or watching the kids swim.

It’s easy to enhance the 232 CC’s non-fishing game by adding the Entertainment Package ($3,296), which includes a retractable ski pylon, removable bow table, Fusion transom stereo remote control and Hella underwater lighting.

Shopping? Sea Hunt’s Ultra 234 also offers a fixed stern seating arrangement. It’s less expensive, but unlike the Sailfish, features such as the $7,500 hardtop cost extra. The Ultra 234 has more livewell capacity when you add the optional leaning post with an integrated bait tank. Its max horsepower is 250 compared to the Sailfish’s 300, and Sea Hunt is a Yamaha-only boatbuilder.

Read Next: Sailfish 312 CC

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Yamaha F250
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15.5″ x 17″ 3-blade, stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 55 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Its console interior opens from the front for easy access, and sports 5 feet of headroom plus a standard portable marine head.
• Many high-end standards. 
• There is enough quality seating for 12 people.
• The large dash offers space to flush-mount a 12-inch MFD.

Low Points

• Stern seating is more comfortable than a folding bench, but it comes at the expense of cockpit space.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Sailfish 232 Center Console appeared first on Boating Mag.

2024 Boat of the Year Category Winner: Watersports

V-drive inboards do a great job, so why bother with water-jet power in this specialized category? We didn’t honor Kyma for simply being different.

The 6.2L 575 Indmar jet gives this boat shallower draft, better slow speed handling than a V-drive, and its wakesurf waves rank on par with those produced by V-drive boats, thanks to the innovative use of the Seakeeper Ride stability system.

Overview

Just about the time you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to V-drive wakesports boats, there emerges something new: the KYMA K7 Supercharged. While the K7 looks similar in size, shape and design to other boats in its class, what sets it apart is its power: a 6.2L 575 Indmar motor connected to a single jet-drive unit.

KYMA’s designers did an incredible job of blending multiple styles of boats—jet drive, runabout and watersports V-drive—into the product that is the K7 Supercharged. The looks lean into the watersports side, with high gunwales, a squared-off bow and a tower. On board, it’s a blend of traditional V-drive design with wraparound seating in the cockpit, while the helm takes cues from runabouts with dual captain’s chairs. Of course, it’s the jet drive that makes the K7 different from nearly anything else on the market with similar specs. The biggest advantage with the jet-drive setup is the shallow draft. Kyma lists the draft at “17.5 inches under normal load,” which is significantly less than the 36-inch average of most 23-foot V-drives. Not only does this allow the K7 to access shallower waters, but captains don’t have to worry about bending a prop or running gear. Another benefit to a jet drive lies in the steering. The K7 is easier to handle at slower speeds, especially in reverse, when compared with a V-drive that will pull in one direction or the other due to propeller torque.

Engine

History has shown that jet-drive boats have struggled when it comes to making sizable wakeboarding wakes or wakesurfing waves comparable to those of V-drive counterparts. KYMA changed that, and did so in a major way. First off, the KYMA utilizes a single jet drive, as opposed to twins often found in larger jet-drive boats. The jet drive features a 9-inch pump installed at more of a downward angle—this helps eliminate the rooster tail/wash issue that plagues other jet-drive boats trying to achieve higher-end watersports action. Equipped with 3,000 pounds of onboard ballast, the K7 can displace gobs of water with the push of a button. The result is nice, clean, symmetrical wakeboard wakes. They aren’t huge, but they’re more than enough for beginner and intermediate riders to catch air and learn countless tricks.

Where the K7 Supercharged really shines is in the wakesurfing arena. In fact, it totally surprised me, with waves that are clean, consistent and on par with many V-drives on the market today. This is thanks to the integrated Seakeeper Ride attitude-control system. This highly advanced system senses pitch, roll and yaw, and automatically adjusts the trim and roll with blinding speed while underway to keep a boat running level and smooth (which they can do for the K7). But the Seakeeper Ride actuators can also be deployed manually and independently to create a wakesurf wave. With the ballast full and the K7’s surf mode engaged, watching the wave come into shape is impressive. I’ve never seen a wave this good on a jet-drive boat, and most importantly, it’s fun to surf.

Interior and Accessories

The K7’s systems are controlled via a large, vertically mounted touchscreen to the right of the steering wheel. The menus are intuitive and easy to use, and the screen is flanked by push buttons for redundancy. The interface features constant single-tap access to both the audio and the navigation screens. The Seakeeper Ride system can also be adjusted via a control interface to the left of the steering wheel. The captain’s chair is plenty comfortable and customizable, and I enjoyed sitting behind the taller windshield for added protection from wind and elements. Another unique feature of the K7 is the electric steering system by Dometic. It’s been tuned to work with the performance and ride characteristics of the K7’s hull, ensuring a locked-in feel that you sometimes miss out on in other jet-drive boats.

Merely push a button, and the tower ­automatically lowers while keeping the ­Bimini level. So should you need extra shade or coverage from a rain shower, it’s just seconds away. Passengers are treated to a Spradling vinyl interior that feels different from other vinyls, but in a way I didn’t mind. It fits the KYMA’s vibe, and it’s easy to hose down should you take the K7 into salt water. Ample storage can be found throughout the interior, and the spaces under the cockpit seats are large enough to hold a full-size cooler. The bow features two removable cushions to convert it to a playpen-style layout, as well as dedicated anchor and ladder storage. If you’re going to beach your K7, it’s easy to get back on board.

Read Next: Tips for Shaping the Perfect Wake

To shop against the K7, Yamaha offers a ­series of jet-drive wakeboats. For models with automated wakesurfing setups, look at the 22- or 25-foot XD models (starting at $87,599 and $116,799, respectively).

Overall, KYMA set out to create a boat with the versatility of a jet drive and the fun of a watersports V-drive; with the K7 Supercharged, it has done just that. Whether you’re coming from a jet-boat background, looking to get into a watersports boat with added versatility, or wanting to start somewhere ­different than a V-drive, the K7 is a must-see.

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar 6.2L 575 Supercharged
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/NA
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Weight: 370 lb.

High Points

• Integrated tower and transom GoPro mounts.
• Good wakeboarding wake and a great wakesurfing wave. 
• KYMA includes a telematics package for remote monitoring of your boat’s systems.

Low Points

• No flip-up backrests or convertible bench—features often found in V-drive boats.
• Lack of cubbies leaves fewer places for storing drinks, phones and other items.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 KYMA K7 Supercharged appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

When I saw the new Nimbus T8 sitting dockside, its tilted hardtop reminded me of the fedora that Gene Kelly wore rakishly as he tap-danced through Singin’ in the Rain. Following my extensive test, I believe that this 26-footer, designed in Sweden and now built in the US, is going to paradiddle into your heart faster than Gene Kelly’s footwork. Described as the perfect boat for day-to-day activities, I found it is more than that. It certainly deserves to be on the magazine’s cover. 

First, the T8 is a walkaround dayboat with side decks made secure with 20-inch coamings capped by fat stainless-steel rails. Not surprising for a boat designed in a ­country with midnight sun, the foredeck has a convertible couch/sun pad, with an available overhead awning. The aft settee also converts for sun ­worshippers, and again, offers a retractable awning.  

The entire cockpit, from bow to stern platform, is decked in Eco Teak, a Dutch teak look-alike that I loved for its cooling, grippy surface. Forward, a Quick anchor windlass is tucked under a hatch and—ta-da!—there is also a Quick windlass aft for anchoring bow-in to sandbars.

Engine

The Nimbus T8 offers boat buyers a choice of a single 200, 250 or 300 hp Mercury outboard. My test boat sported a single Verado 300, and that pushed me past the 50 mph mark, even with several people aboard and full tanks. When it comes to close maneuvering, a bow thruster is standard.

Interior and Accessories

Skipper and companion get really comfy bucket seats with good side bolstering, so there’s no need to brace if you crank the Nimbus hard over. My test boat boasted a Simrad 12-inch touchscreen multifunction display for user-friendly operation. Nimbus nailed the helm ergonomics, from buttons to placement of throttles.

Just behind the two helm seats is a folding table to use with the rear bench seat and the swiveling helm chairs. This is clearly not a fishing boat, though it does have walk-arounds to the two stern platforms, where there is an impeccably welded towing bar for dragging water toys (it would do justice as a NASCAR roll bar).

Of note, there is storage everywhere—under the cockpit, and in nooks and crannies both ­inside and out. You’ll appreciate this because there is simply never enough stowage on a boat.

But wait, as they say, there’s more. Step down below and, while the console looks low from the outside, its deep-V hull means there’s more space than meets the eye from a dockside look. I discovered a V-berth forward, a mini console with sink, and an enclosed head with hot shower (another hot shower is on the aft deck) and a Bedford toilet. The accommodations certainly provide enough for an overnighter or a place to put the kiddos down for a nap. Air conditioning, powered by a lithium-ion battery bank, obviating the noise and fumes of a generator, is optional.

When it comes to performance, let’s not ­forget that Vikings, from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, were making long ocean voyages when most of the “civilized” world was staring at the sea with fear. So, yes, they’ve been building tough, seaworthy boats for a really long time. And the Nimbus is a proper successor, using modern technology.

Nimbus recently acquired EdgeWater Boats in Florida so, no matter what, consider this an American-built boat with Swedish styling. And the legendary EdgeWater construction, featuring Single-Piece Infusion, raises the bar, from the stringer system to the impeccably finished bilge. How do you say “brick house” in Swedish? 

Originally intended for use as a yacht tender (hence the “T”), the Nimbus has predictable and solid handling. Crank the wheel hard over, and it turns on a krona, banking solidly ­without ­cavitation. The hull shape is clearly aimed at deepwater use, with the 23-degree deep-V of race boats and a pair of steps to aerate the hull for less drag. One telling moment came when I did a hammer-down launch from idle, while forgetting to engage the Zipwake Interceptor trim tabs. Result? The Nimbus still came up flat and hard, with no loss of forward visibility. And as you might expect from a descendant of Viking longboats, it devours wind chop and can take on the Gulf Stream when called upon to do so.

Read Next: Nimbus T11

A thoughtful touch is the optional reinforced hardtop, designed not only for shade, but also to handle American necessities from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards. And there are tie-downs for these toys that double as handrails for going fore and aft.

Need a cold drink? A pullout fridge drawer under the rear seat makes it easy to grab a chilled can. Entertaining at night? Flip on the cool ­underwater LED lights.

Shopping? Check out the Axopar 25m, which costs $139,453 for the base boat with a single ­engine. It does not have an ­enclosed head.  

Stylishly hard-edged Euro styling with slab sides and plumb bow, impeccable ­construction from bilge to polycarbonate T-top, room to entertain, and enough speed to pull water toys, the Nimbus T8 is definitely one to put on your short list if you are a stylish, sporty, ­adventurous boater who occasionally enjoys overnights on the water.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Mercury Verado 300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.6″ x 19″ Revolution 4 stainless-steel 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

High Points

• Stern windlass—clever idea for bow-in anchoring situations.
• Fuse panel located in cockpit locker for immediate access.
• Large forward cargo hatch for loading gear or stashing fenders.
• Hot water with two showers.
• All hatches fully gasketed.

Low Point

• The cockpit table’s drink holders are so shallow, a paddleboard wake might upset a drink. Give us deeper cup holders, please.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Nimbus T8 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

It was a decade ago that Bayliner last offered a near-30-footer with a cabin, the 285 SB. But by tapping into resources from its international Brunswick sister company, Quicksilver—sold in 87 countries around the world—Bayliner brings overnighting capability for couples and small families back home to the US. Built in ­Poland, the Trophy T29 Explorer reflects current trends in Euro styling.

Pilothouse boats are often seen north of the Mason-Dixon, but Boating’s crew tested the T29 Explorer on a frigid test day in St. Petersburg, Florida. Its let-the-outside-in design also makes it usable in the tropics thanks to a sliding glass door to starboard, windows to port, a large overhead sunroof and a rear sliding glass door. For boats shipped to warmer climates, it’s available with a 12-volt Mabru air-conditioning unit ($16,335) that also has a heater and can be powered by a 36-volt lithium battery bank that allows owners to eschew generators, which are noisy and prone to breakdowns. For boats sent north, there’s a powerful diesel-heater option for $5,380 that also comes with a defogger, which will keep visibility through the huge, curved-glass windshield optimal. So the pilothouse and climate control offer owners benefits in both regions.

Engines

Our test boat was powered by twin Mercury Verado 225 hp V-6 ­outboards, the only package offered in the US. These proved an ideal match for the T29 EX, with its moderate 17 degrees of deadrise. It reached plane in 7.1 seconds and accelerated to 30 mph in 13.3 seconds. The 225 is the largest in Mercury’s V-6 lineup and features the same 85-amp ­alternator as the 300 hp V-8. It also has a pop-open service port on top, so checking the oil doesn’t require removing the cowling. The 3.4L non-supercharged V-6 is a quiet outboard, but when measuring sound levels during the sea trial with the rear cockpit door slid shut, it was downright preternatural, registering just 83 decibels at wide-open throttle, which also netted a top speed of 47.9 mph. Usually, the decibel reading on a center-console boat this size would be about 92, which is nearly twice as loud. At an econo-cruise speed of 26 mph, the sound level was a ridiculously low 75 decibels, allowing people to converse at normal levels.

Interior and Accessories

The compact helm preserves space but is ergonomically sound. The narrow dash is tall enough that shorter drivers might need a riser for better visibility, especially during hole shots, where the bow rise hit 7 degrees. Although most twin-engine Mercury offerings come with the option to add Joystick Piloting for Outboards, the Bayliner doesn’t list this as an option, perhaps because there’s no space in the correct place to physically add a joystick unit. Instead of a joystick, a bow thruster comes as a standard feature to assist with docking.

One of the Euro quirks of the T29 is the ­optional diesel-fired Wallas stove ($1,880) in the galley behind the helm seat. A 54-quart ­refrigerator is part of the Cabin Comfort ­package ($2,770), which also includes curtains and interior carpeting. To port is a seating group that brackets a bifold dining table that drops to create an additional berth. One of the cleverest features of the seating group is the rear-facing seat that transforms into a forward-facing seat by scooting back the seat bottom and ­repositioning the backrest.

Below are twin cabins, plus a stand-up head compartment. The master features a large two-piece mattress with steps on either side, ­making hopping onto the bed easy. There’s plenty of ­storage with a hanging locker and a large compartment beneath the bed. Usually, amidships berths on boats this size feel like crypts, but this one has a door instead of a curtain and plenty of headroom in its entry, allowing guests to change clothes without contortion. There’s a queen-size bed for comfort and a window for natural light.

Read Next: Bayliner Trophy T23 Pilothouse

On many pilothouse boats, the aft deck feels like an afterthought, but the one on the T29 EX is large enough for casual fishing and features a notable seating innovation. The stern bench’s seat bottom resides on tracks. Pull it forward, and the backrest lays flat to create a sun pad for two. In entertainment mode, a large, two-­pedestal table creates an alfresco dining area using the stern bench and jump seat to port. The boat’s 9-foot-9-inch beam adds to the roominess. Twin ­platformettes on either side of the motors make for easy access to and from the water.

Bayliner’s goal has always been to deliver value-­laden boats, and the Trophy T29 EX gets the pump primed with the Premium Package. For no extra charge, owners get an extended stern sunshade, trim tabs, six-speaker Fusion stereo, hardtop spotlight, Simrad 9-inch NSS EVO3S, microwave and cockpit table, in addition to the big-ticket items already mentioned. The base price for this well-equipped cruiser is $214,565, not including taxes and international shipping. The T29 Explorer is like a motor home on water and is ready to head from the dock on Friday to go exploring.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury Verado 225 hp V-6 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Revolution X 16.75″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 1,110 lb.

High Points

• A standard windlass makes anchoring easy.
• Helm-side sliding glass door lets you quickly exit to handle dock lines.
• Twin walkways to the bow allow crew to -easily go forward; tall bow rails boost safety.

Low Points

• The cooktop needs fiddle rails to keep pots from sliding around.
• Only two cup holders are on the boat.
• There should be more fishing equipment, whether standard or optional.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Bayliner Trophy T29 Explorer appeared first on Boating Mag.