In the marine world, so many new outboard vessels are parading along, it’s easy to forget the sterndrive—until you get your hands on one. Then the advantages in power, control, the open swim platform and easy service, such as checking the oil, coolant, gear-case lubricants and more, make the ownership of a sterndrive great again.

There is something comfortable about the slightly forward center of gravity you can feel in crossing chop, slicing wakes or carving turns. Our Volvo Penta 380 hp Duoprop provided power-steered torque to maneuver through the tightest turns and a satisfyingly low-engine rumble only a V-8 inboard block can supply for enjoying a sunset cruise.

When partaking in such a cruise, bring a crowd because we discovered ample seating throughout the cockpit that gives everyone a stadium view of the warm ­horizon. At the bow, wraparound seating offers thickly padded, richly upholstered seats, with phone chargers, cup holders and storage nooks. Under them is generous storage that will keep your gear neat and dry. 

If the weather is too cool to take the breeze head-on, close the walk-through window and wind dam to protect the cockpit and snuggle up behind the windshield. There are two captain’s chairs there, and each swivels, slides fore and aft, and boasts a flip-up bolster. Only on Chaparral do we find these fantastic adjustment controls on the top of the seat bottoms, near the thigh where you can reach down without looking or crawling under the seat to swivel them aft to join the conversation circle provided by the large transom lounge.

The aft lounge offers a conversation circle in one setup. Swing the seat back forward and it converts to a reclining headrest, making the aft seat a full-length sun lounge wide enough for three. It’s up to the skipper and their passengers to decide how best to use it. Worried about the sun? The cool (and cool) shade from the electrically raised hardtop covers that, but this isn’t the only benefit. It also provides a tow point for watersports.

High Points

• Infinity Power Step on the transom platform lowers electrically into the water for reboarding.
• Simrad display gives digital switching, navigation and engine data.
• Best seat-adjustment controls in the business. Period.

How We Tested

• Engine: Volvo Penta V-8 380 DP Catalyst
• Drive/Prop: VolvoPenta Duoprop DPS-B Type FH4
• Gear Ratio: 2.14:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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A deck boat, Bayliner’s D22 strives for jack-of-all-trades status—carrying the family to a beach on one day, entertaining friends the next, and proving versatile enough for more specific pursuits such as fishing and watersports are the order of the day. 

A deck boat’s boxier bow style, however, can sometimes produce a more jarring ride. The D22 avoids this drawback by adding a steeper point of entry and progressive V. Boat buyers will note that the result is a drier, softer ride, ­particularly in rougher waters. In the course of the design process, the D22 also received a sleeker, more athletic appearance while retaining Bayliner’s trademark deep and secure seating in the cockpit. 

That depth and a deck boat’s more rectangular profile equate to plenty of seating options on the interior for family and friends. Forward, a U-shaped lounge wraps the bow cockpit with not only the typical forward-facing seatbacks for those who like to stretch out, but also padded backrests at the forward wall to allow passengers to face aft or watch watersports action in the boat’s wake. 

Step through the walk-through windshield and find a well-appointed helm and swiveling bucket seat with a flip-up bolster. Opposite, the port console adds lockable storage or can be optioned with a portable head. An 6-foot-8-inch-by-­​5-foot-2-inch L-shaped bench runs the remainder of the port side and across the transom. Behind, a large sun pad faces the swim platform. Pivot the bench backrest forward to fashion a recliner perfect for coving or visiting the sandbar. The ­adjoining swim ­platform is covered in comfortable EVA foam, while a locker waits below the seat’s port end for larger items or water toys.

The Bayliner D22’s standard 150 hp Mercury outboard was upgraded to 200 hp on our test boat. That power pushed the hull onto plane in 4.7 seconds and proved more than worthy of popping skiers and board riders from a deepwater start. Its most economical cruising speed proved a brisk 29 mph, where the engine consumed less than 8 gph. Top speed? Just under 45 mph.

High Points

• Entertainment center includes freshwater sink and an optional refrigerator.
• Storage abounds, from underseat compartments to an in-floor ski locker below an aft bench/sun pad. 
• Optional packages add a tower, stereo upgrades and more. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 200
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Enertia 14.8″ x 16″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 375 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Tahoe’s 1950 is a high-performing family runabout that provides a stable entertainment platform for a good-size group. It’s a near-50 mph family deck boat that retails for just $44,000 and gives solid creature comforts as well as an exciting, smooth ride. This one is a thrifty winner that punches above its fighting weight in price and quality.

With Mercury’s 150 FourStroke outboard, the 1950 proved to us it’s ready for towed watersports and swift family cruising to the sandbar or raft-up cove. It hits 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and tops out at just under 49 mph. It’ll take a 175 if ­50-plus mph speed is your jam. But at our test boat’s best cruise of 28 mph (3,500 rpm), the Mercury was sipping fuel at just 4.9 gph, giving a 209-mile range with fuel to spare. That’s a weekend of fun for ­maybe $150 in gas.

Tahoe calls its hull design Powerglide, with a reverse chine and HydroStep lifting strakes for increased overall performance. It works—the hull is nimble, carving turns and slicing through wind chop and boat wakes with the sure-footedness of a larger hull.

You might think that as a high-volume builder, Tahoe might skimp on quality; you’d be wrong. The 1950 is 100 percent hand-laid, no wood involved, with a full-length foam-filled stringer grid. Visually, it’s clean and crisp—the full hull and deck gelcoat colors (white, black, blue, red and gray are available) are complemented well by the vinyl interior.

Ten can ride; there’s wraparound bow seating with storage underneath, an aft lounger and a standard Bimini top. Folding stainless-steel ladders fore and aft make boarding easier. The captain sits on a plush swiveling/sliding bolstered bucket seat behind a fully digital dash with toggle switches to control all boat functions. An in-floor ski locker and removable aluminum watersports tow are standard, as is a digital depth gauge and four-speaker Bluetooth sound system. If you’d rather fish, an aerated 11.5-gallon livewell in the bow coupled with optional fishing packages (including a trolling motor, graphs, a livewell, added batteries and chargers) can add even more versatility.

High Points

• Kicker stereo and wakeboard tower options make the 1950 even more appealing to watersports enthusiasts. 
• Aft lounger features removable 25-quart cooler and plenty of storage underneath. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 150XL FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.92:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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At only 16 feet, 10 inches, Starcraft’s SV 16 is one of the smallest deck boats on the market but offers big value for the family buyer looking to spend a great day on the water. In the process, it also never looks cheap. Rather than a simple white base with applied graphics, the hull is available in a choice of bold primary shades, like our test boat’s Electric Blue. That color carries over as an accent onto a generous array of interior upholstery that further belies the boat’s low price tag. Rounding out the standards are MarineMat, EVA-covered bow and stern platforms, and a Wet Sounds MC5 stereo. 

The SV 16 carries its beam well forward in typical Starcraft fashion, resulting in a rectangular profile that notably increases the usable interior space. Seating is arrayed into three primary zones. Two lengthwise couches line the bow, inviting a pair of passengers to stretch out and lounge or multiple family members or friends to sit up and socialize. Aft, a three-passenger bench spans from the helm to the portside gunwale. When on the hook or at the sandbar, its wrap-over backrests cushion passengers sitting on a third area, the upper deck of the two-tier EVA-­covered swim platform. The latter is a great spot to hang out or gear up for watersports. Stowage awaits below for wet gear like snorkels or watersports towropes.

Our test boat was equipped with a 70 hp Yamaha outboard, a power choice that delivered reliability, fuel efficiency, and enough performance to more than satisfy the intended audience. Slam the throttle down, and the boat reaches a top speed just shy of 31 mph in about 8 ­seconds flat. Crank the wheel at speed, and the craft nimbly carves a turn, staying hooked up at the stern. Encounter some unwelcome chop on the way back to the dock, and you can hold plane as low as 16 mph for a more comfortable ride. 

As to that fuel efficiency, we noted a mere 6 gph consumption at top speed and burned only 2.9 gph at a comfortable cruising speed. The combo makes the SV 16 affordable not only on the showroom floor, but also through years of ownership. Add in all that interior space, and you get more than you pay for.

High Points

• Optional Fun Package includes ski tow bar, bow rails and bow lounge backrest.
• Expansive, EVA-covered bow functions as a boarding or casting platform.
• Underseat storage compartments are covered in a durable, truck-liner-style coating.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha 70
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 13 1/2″ x 12″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.33:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Tiara applied its considerable experience with boatbuilding magic to conjure a unique sport yacht. The outboard-powered 43 LE provides the best attributes of a cruiser and a dayboat. 

Twin Mercury Verado V-12 600 outboards power the 43 LE to nearly 50 mph. These “big boat” engines are super-quiet and can go a long time between scheduled maintenance. They are also loaded with the latest technology. Did you know that only the gear case of these V-12s turns when you spin the steering wheel? That allows mounting them closer together, which in turn provides space for other nice things, such as the expansive platform extensions the 43 LE boasts on each side of the engines.

Speaking of rotation, Tiara incorporates a seating and entertainment module in the cockpit that you can spin around to suit the moment. For instance, while underway, you might face it aft. While enjoying a beach or cove at rest, you can align it to face the portside terrace—the foldout cockpit side—to see family and friends coming and going from the water. The seats of this module feature plush upholstery. On its back half, we discovered a stylish faux-stone counter, with flush lids concealing a sink and grill. 

Now that you’re at the cove swimming and grilling, how about co-mingling with those in the cabin? The aft bulkhead of the 43 LE’s deckhouse opens wide to bring the outside in and the inside out.

On the other hand, you can close up the cabin and cruise in climate-controlled luxury. In the salon, you’re treated to amenities such as a teak sole, pop-up TV, ­expansive portside lounge with a teak ­table, and a galley with beautiful cabinetry, a sink, microwave and dual-burner cooktop. There’s a great view through the expansive windows for all aboard. The helm has a solo swiveling captain’s chair and teak dash bedecked with all controls.

Belowdecks, find two large cabins, each privatized by a bulkhead. The 43 LE’s forward cabin features an island berth, while the aft cabin (make this space yours) spans the complete beam of the boat. A well-appointed head features designer style and a separate shower stall.

High Points

• Cockpit lounge rotates to face the portside “terrace” or up to 180 degrees to face fully aft.
• Portside gunwale folds out with the push of a button to create a “terrace” to the water.
• High bow rail and handholds on the hardtop ensure safe transit.

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin Mercury 600 Verados
• Props: Verado 12 15 ³/₄” x 26″ 3-blade and 17 ¹/₃” x 26″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 438 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Regal’s LX36 is an inviting dayboat with all the amenities for a family or friends to enjoy a comfortable, fun day on the water. Start your tour at the bow, where a trio of seats invite gathering around an optional cockpit table. Add the portside filler and really stretch out. A roomy quarter berth waits inconspicuously behind the starboard seat. The washable space is perfect for storage, with wall-mounted tie-downs for items like beach chairs. Equip the air-conditioned space with an optional mattress and it’s ready for tired-out kiddies who need a break from the sun and fun.

The main cockpit is accessed via a sliding walk-through windshield and covered with a hardtop featuring an electric sunroof. Close up for shade or weather, or open to let the sun shine in. The helm is highlighted by an adjustable doublewide seat and twin 16-inch Garmin multifunction displays. Keep tabs on vitals, navigation, or even catch the game on satellite TV. Opposite, an oversize head compartment is equipped with a standard electric marine toilet. Directly behind, the cockpit wet bar includes a sink, refrigerator and optional electric grill. There’s dedicated storage for a slide-out Yeti cooler below and a drop-down television overhead.

Moving aft, find opposing L-shaped seating in the cockpit, each with an individual table. Underseat storage is complemented by a large in-floor compartment, and a macerated fish box behind that doubles as a cooler. Atop the engine hatch is comfortable seating with a three-position backrest to face forward, aft or recline. Pop-up rumble seats are perfect to keep an eye on the kids swimming. Transom speakers supply the tunes. An optional power shade extends from the hardtop.

Underway, twin Mercury Verado 400s pushed the hull onto plane in 8.4 seconds, reached 30 mph in 12 flat, and peaked just over 50 mph. The hull displayed nimble handling, carving nicely without fear of blowing out the prop and holding its line in varying conditions. The hull stays on plane as low as 16 mph. The most economical cruising speed proved a brisk 31.3 mph, where the Verados burned a combined 15.4 gph.

High Points

• Garmin MFD on the port side lets a companion navigate or entertain kids with satellite TV.
• Layout is thoughtfully arranged to allow free movement throughout and a great view from every seat. 
• Starboard cockpit dive door provides access to water and easy boarding dockside.   

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin Mercury Verado 400
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 16.6″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 175 gal. Crew Weight: 860 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The Flagship of Crownline’s XSS ­series of sporty dayboats, the new 330 XSS stands out in a crowd, and its amenity-laden interior is sure to please.

Before diving into the creature comforts, just looking at the sculpted hull design will show you that the 330 XSS is meant for performance. It starts underneath the water with Crownline’s patented F.A.S.T. Tab hull design. Spelled out, that stands for Fin-Assisted Safe Turn. Crownline deploys vented chines about two-thirds of the way aft to provide ventilation to the running surface, decreasing drag and improving efficiency. Crownline also extended the outer lifting strakes along the running surface back to the transom along with a Delta pad, providing additional lift out of the hole while decreasing bow rise. Vortex generators help curb low-speed wander. All this combined with the 330 XSS’s steep 23 degrees of transom deadrise help it carve through the water safely and efficiently. Paired with the standard twin white Mercury 350 Verados, the 330 XSS is capable of speeds over 60 mph.

The 330 XSS has a spacious cockpit with doublewide seats for the helm and portside console. Aft, the rear-facing backrests allow crewmembers to kick back, while the padded gunwales create opposing lounges for more to sit and form a conversation pit. The versatile seating doesn’t stop there, with lounges with electrically adjustable backrests to both sides of the transom walk-through. The captain has a great view from the helm, which features twin flush-mounted 12-inch Garmin touchscreen multifunction displays. The standard joystick steering system comes in handy at the fuel dock or while navigating through crowded marinas.

The spacious bow features wraparound U seating with forward-facing backrests abutting the dual consoles. The portside console hides a head that features an electric-­flush toilet. The long list of standards includes a windlass, trim tabs, and a Wet Sounds stereo system with eight speakers. Fast, fun and versatile—the Crownline 330 XSS checks all the boxes you’d want in a large, luxurious dayboat.

High Points

• Crownline-patented Electric Assist swim platform with a stainless-steel grab handle makes for easy reboarding from the water or the dock.
• F.A.S.T. Tab hull design makes for safe and responsive handling at idle or planing speed, with improved overall efficiency.
• Aluminum hardtop hides an electric SureShade that keeps the cockpit crew protected on sunny days.
• Extensive options list lets you customize the boat to your liking.
• Power choices go from twin 300s all the way up to a pair of powerful Mercury 400R racing outboards.

Pricing and Specs

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Crownline has been building high-quality bowriders for decades, and the all-new outboard-powered 310 XSS takes that tradition to the next generation, providing a sporty and stable platform for a family or group of friends to ­enjoy a great day on the water.

With Crownline, everything starts with the builder’s patented F.A.S.T. Tab hull design. The “FAST” acronym stands for Fin-Assisted Safe Turn. This running surface combines a Delta pad at the transom with extended outer lifting strakes, vortex generators to quell the turbulence that leads to “stern wander” at idle speeds, and vented chines that provide ventilation to the running surface, reducing the friction caused by flowing water. The hull design helps the 310 XSS track straight while idling out, quickly hop on plane, and retain stability in hard turns at speed. The 310 comes standard with a pair of white Mercury 300 Verados, but can be equipped with twin 250s or even up to 350s. With the standard 600 hp on the transom, Crownline reports top speeds exceeding 60 mph.

At the dock, the 310 XSS flashes the looks to match its reported performance. The curved sheerline highlights the molded-­in accents that give the 310 a sports-car feel. The arched aluminum hardtop only adds to the curb appeal while providing shade for passengers in the cockpit. The cockpit’s layout invites lazy lounging or serious socializing. Twin doublewide benches with flip-up armrests and bolsters adorn the helm and the portside console. The helm holds two flush-mounted 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays. The aft sun lounges feature electrically actuated adjustable backrests. The bow lounge offers plenty more seating for socializing. All the seats hide storage compartments to hold all the gear you need for a day on the water. The standard head compartment is large enough to serve as a changing room and includes an electric-flush head plus a vanity with a marble countertop and sink.

Whether you want to go full throttle or leisurely cruise, the Crownline 310 is built to make for a fun day on the water.

High Points

• Standard joystick steering really provides 360-degree turning capability and helps take the stress out of docking and close-quarters handling.
• Extensive standard features list includes a Wet Sounds stereo system with eight speakers as well as a windlass, LED cockpit and underwater transom lighting.
• Crownline-patented Electric Assist swim platform with a stainless-steel grab handle helps swimmers and watersports enthusiasts quickly get back into the boat.
• Sporty aluminum hardtop provides shade for the cockpit on those sunny days.

Pricing and Specs

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One of the emerging trends in the US is the popularity of ­European explorer-type boats, such as Axopar. Brunswick, maker of ­Mercury outboards, is all in with a new boat brand called Navan. Built to be an all-purpose adventure boat, the S30 model we tested is the more-open model of its two-boat lineup. Unlike its counterpart, the C30, which has an enclosed pilothouse that will be right at home in places like ­Sweden, Finland, and in the US ­Northwest and Great Lakes, the S30, with its more open design, is made for fun-in-the-sun places such as the South of France and Miami Beach. The ­cockpit layout features twin forward-facing, high-back bench seats with a large expanse of open area between them. A ­clever innovation is that the forward bench tumbles rearward to reveal the Exterior Preparation Center, aka the alfresco galley, complete with a 12-volt electric grill with an inverter system, a tub for ice, and a sink with a ­spigot. In this position, the forward bench now faces the rear one to form a social zone for guests waiting to be served their shish ­kabobs.

Our test boat was loaded with ­options, like the hardtop with four overhead smoked-glass windows and rocket-­launcher rod holders. It also had a RELiON lithium-ion battery bank that replaces the generator for duties like air-conditioning the cabin, which has a berth for overnighting. A yacht-style stand-up head compartment also includes a ­shower, sink and vanity. Up front, there’s a raised doublewide sun lounger with twin flip-up backrests for comfort.

The Navan S30 features Brunswick’s first patented twin-step T-Step Hull, which helps it attain impressive handling and outstanding performance when paired with twin Mercury 4.6L V-8 300 hp Verado outboards, this boat’s maximum power option. Despite being more than 33 feet length overall with a 9-foot-10-inch beam and weighing 8,010 pounds, it shot on plane in 4 seconds, reached 30 mph in 7.1 seconds, and had a top speed of 57.1 mph. Maybe even more impressive was its fuel economy of 1.6 mpg at a cruise speed of 30 mph.

High Points

• Extra-long swim platformettes on the stern provide easy entrances into the cockpit.
• CZone digital switching makes controlling systems easy.
• No fumes; a RELiON battery system is in lieu of a generator.
• Fast, efficient twin-step T-Step Hull design. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury V-8 4.6L 300 hp Verado outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Rev 4 14.6″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Ownership records prove ­bowriders are the most popular boat type, but performance buyers have been slow to jump aboard, clinging to the traditional closed-bow, sportboat style. Checkmate’s 2400 BRX may just change their mindset. Equipped with a 500 hp Mercury Racing outboard mounted on a Bob’s Machine Shop 10-inch hydraulic jack plate and set back 10 inches off the transom, this family-friendly speedster rocketed to near-85 mph on a windblown test day. The setup allows higher elevation of the motor, reducing drag and allowing the surface-piercing cleaver prop to be positioned at the optimal height for maximum performance. In better conditions, Checkmate claims to have seen 90-plus mph from the 2400 BRX. We believe it.

The 2400 BRX is spun off from Checkmate’s legendary Pulsare, giving performance enthusiasts the sleek go-fast they demand while also being able to share the fun with family and friends. The sizable bow features a pair of lounges that, like other bowriders, invite stretching out in the sun or pulling up to four passengers together for socializing. Move aft and the Pulsare’s familiar cockpit sets the stage. Captain and mate get comfortable bucket seats, optioned to include welcome flip-up bolsters on our test boat. Aft, a full-width bench awaits. The DEKit flooring underfoot is branded with the Checkmate logo. Spanning the consoles, a frameless smoked windscreen provides sleek protection from the wind. Plenty of underseat storage adds an ounce of practicality to the performance.

Still, given the target audience, the best seat in the house will likely always be found at the helm. Throttle and shift are classic Livorsi, as is the color-matched wheel. Controls for the massive Mercury K-Planes are within easy reach. Crank the wheel at speed and the 2400 boasts not only straight-line speed, but also confident, aggressive handling. Credit Checkmate’s optimized 22-degree deadrise hull. It features a narrow, V-shaped running pad and multiple lifting strakes that ­deliver the intended ride without ­alarming those not experienced with high-­performance hulls.

High Points

• High-performance thrills combined with loads of seating. 
• Fiberglass hull-to-deck joint.
• Standard 7-inch SmartCraft display, optional 9-inch SmartCraft or old-school analog. 
• One-piece anchor locker includes a notch for rode.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Racing 500R
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Precision Series Outboard CNC Cleaver 14.5″ x 26″ 5-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 435 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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