Overview

Robalo’s R300 is the latest introduction into its ­center-console lineup, and it’s ­impressively equipped with standard features for beachcombing, touring and, in keeping with ­Robalo’s ­heritage, serious ­fishing.

Robalo reinvented its popular 30 with a Michael Peters running surface and a ­Robalo-engineered fishing-and-­­­fun machine on top. The new hull offered impressively crisp handling during sharp turns and while crossing ­aggressive chop. Top speed tapped nearly 60 mph. At rest, the 10-foot-6-inch beam held steady footing for efficient fishing or comfortable sunbathing. 

Engines

Twin Yamaha 350s with the Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system, joystick, and integrated autopilot system provides exciting handling and confidence-enhancing easy docking. It also supplies station-­keeping capabilities that can hold the vessel on a GPS point in an orientation that the skipper selects—a feature essential for awaiting a slot at the gas dock. It also allows the vessel to drift in its current orientation along whatever line the seas determine.

Interior and Accessories

A spacious ­10-foot-6-inch beam is equally suited for ­relaxing or battling fish. The console has three adjustable bucket seats with flip-up ­bolsters. Driving seated or standing, the tilt wheel is within comfortable reach. The ­hardtop underside is powder-coated black to contrast with the custom white hull color on our test boat, an effect pleasing to the eye. It seemed to reduce glare from the sea. Overhead handrails stabilize riders in rough water. 

In the cockpit, standard mezzanine seating faces electrically actuated foldaway ­transom seating. There’s a Yeti cooler ­under the mezzanine seat cushion, and seatbacks and cushions for the port and starboard lounges can be stowed for fishing.

For anglers, there are ­ample rod holders in the transom, gunwales and hardtop. Dual 28-gallon livewells with acrylic lids flank the transom seat and are plumbed through a sea chest. Fish can be landed via transom and portside dive doors. The console itself opens from the front, offering easy access to the deep compartment plumbed with a toilet and sink. 

Fishability, performance and family amenities make the R300 a pride to own and a top resale brand in the boater’s ­marketplace.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha 350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/ SWS II 15″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 140 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Crisp handling with the efficiency of a Michael Peters hull system optimizes speed and fuel efficiency.
• A protective, three-sided bonded-glass windshield opens on sturdy stainless-steel struts while running at sea.
• Silicone upholstery is nearly stain-proof and UV-proof for long, mildew-free life.

Low Point

• The transom seat switched from electrically operated to manual.

Toughest Competitor

Blackfin’s 302CC ($452,108 base with joystick and dual Mercury 350s) also specializes in building tough, fishable and luxurious boats. Blackfin boasts a stepped bottom for efficiency, stowable cushions for convertibility, and a comparably high bow for seaworthy reliability. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Robalo R300 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The 210 Vantage is the newest and smallest of Boston Whaler’s dual-console fleet. It shows its versatility immediately upon entrance to the cockpit, where its comfy, flip-up jump-seat backrests fold down flat to the deck when not in use to create a roomy, raised casting platform for anglers.

Interior and Accessories

Up front, the recliner couches and backrests feature the perfect amount of recline. High gunwales and low-profile grab rails offer excellent security without impeding fishability. An optional side-mounted table ($2,006) supports a filler cushion and transforms the bow into a playpen. Or stow the cushions to create a raised casting ­platform.

Engine

I was surprised that our test Whaler came with a 3.4L V-6 Mercury FourStroke 200—the smallest engine available. But many dual-console buyers ­aren’t go-fast boaters, and with a light load of two people and 30 ­gallons of gas, the 200 reached plane in 4 seconds without excess bowrise and cruised to 30 mph in 8.4 seconds. Top speed? 42.9 mph. You can bump up the power to a 225 hp version of the 3.4L V-6, which posted a top speed of 45.6 mph during Mercury testing, or go for the Merc 4.6L V-8, which cracked 50 mph during another factory test.

The 210 Vantage comes standard with Mercury’s Active Trim, which keeps the boat in proper trim automatically. The 210 weighs a beefy 3,810 pounds, which lent a more substantial feel than some other dual-consoles I’ve tested. A big reason for that is the Whaler’s Unibond construction, wherein closed-cell foam is injected into every available cavity between the hull and liner to make it ­unsinkable. Our test boat’s optional 12-inch Simrad NSX chart plotter ­flush-mounted into the dash. The portside console features a cozy head ­compartment with a pump-out toilet when equipped with the Plumbing Package ($1,568), which also includes a stern ­shower fed by a 9-gallon tank.

Read Next: Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

Other options? Get the portside lounge ($4,690) with its three-position backrest that can provide comfortable seating for two facing rearward or forward when cruising. Anglers will want the Fishing Package ($1,943), which requires the portside lounge option to house the 18-gallon livewell. The bundle also includes raw-water washdown and two ­additional rod holders. The option also includes a lockable rod storage ­compartment.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury V-6 FourStroke 200 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 16″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• Extended swim platformettes help those boarding from the dock or the water. 
• The 26-inch minimum cockpit depth is above average for a boat this length and improves safety.
• A wind dam in the walk-through reduces the breeze into the cockpit on cool days.

Low Points

• Opening the storage hatches in the bow requires reaching under the cushions. Side paddle latches would be an improvement.
• The backrest on the optional port lounger gives only those sitting in one direction the proper amount of recline. The other side is vertical.
• The head compartment needs a sink for post-use wash-ups.  

Toughest Competitor

The Grady-White Freedom 215 sports eerily similar specs to the 210 Vantage. Boston Whaler offers Mercury exclusively, and the Grady-White is exclusively Yamaha. The Vantage 210 is heavier by 660 pounds and is rated to carry nine people, which is one more than the Freedom 215, which is offered at an MSRP of $114,480 with a Yamaha F200.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 210 Vantage appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new Blackfin 262HB redefines hybrid bay boating with a perfect blend of rugged offshore performance and agile inshore maneuverability. Measuring at length overall of ​​28’6” and powered by the latest Mercury V10 technology, the 262HB is built to handle it all—from battling big offshore game to relaxing family cruises in shallow bays. Every inch is engineered for excellence, featuring dual 30-gallon livewells, aerated pitch wells, expansive fishing platforms, and an advanced hardtop system with integrated electronics.

Beyond its impressive capability, the 262HB offers the comfort and innovation Blackfin is known for. Carbon fiber reinforced construction, premium seating, and intuitive storage solutions come together to create a boat that’s as tough as it is refined. Whether you’re chasing trophies or chasing sunsets, the 262HB is ready to lead every adventure with confidence and style.

The post Meet the 2025 Blackfin 262HB: Built for Bold Adventures appeared first on Boating Mag.

Bayliner D22

Bayliner has a long history of building boats aimed at enticing new boaters, and the D22 fits that profile. It’s a deck boat, designed to maximize crew space so that you can cruise with the family one day and entertain friends the next, while throwing in the opportunity to go fishing or tubing. Bayliner improves the D22’s ride by adding a steeper point of entry and progressive-V. The result is drier, softer handling in rough waters, and smoother turns at speed. In the process, the D22 also gets a sleeker and more athletic appearance while retaining Bayliner’s trademark deep and secure feel.

Because Bayliner carried the D22’s beam forward into the bow area, there’s plenty of seating options in the interior. 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 wakes. Step through the walk-through windshield to find a well-appointed helm and swiveling bucket seat with flip-up bolster. Opposite, the port console adds lockable storage or can be optioned with a portable head. An L-shaped bench measuring 6 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 2 inches runs the remainder of the portside 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 the sandbar. The adjoining swim platform is covered in comfortable EVA foam, while a locker waits below the port end of the seat for larger items or water toys.

Tested: Read Our Test of the Bayliner D22

The D22 comes standard with 150 hp Mercury outboard, with a base price of $52,295. Our test model featured the upgrade to a 200 hp Mercury, which increased the price by $6,000. With the 200, we felt that the boat handled really well in the midrange rpm, while providing plenty of oomph to tow skiers and tubers. We climbed onto plane in 4.7 seconds and found the most economical cruising speed to be a brisk 29 mph, where the engine consumed less than 8 gph. Top speed? Just under 45 mph.

SunChaser Lucerne 20 LR DH

Perhaps no other boat category has seen more evolution and innovation of late than pontoons. The downside? A lot of pontoons now fall into the luxury-boat category, with six-figure price tags and complicated systems. Thankfully builders such as SunChaser still make affordable pontoons and, in the case of the Lucerne 20 LR DH, ones that still score big on style points.

With its roto-cast corner pieces that match the side paneling, the Lucerne 20 LR DH is an eye-catcher on the water. On pontoons, roto-molded plastic is typically found in seat bases and the occasional helm station, but SunChaser embraces it for a large percentage of both furniture and exterior walls on the Lucerne 20 LR DH. No less than four roto-molded modules are featured in each corner on the top deck. They form not only the Lucerne’s four primary seating areas, but also the ­adjacent exterior walls. Tied together along port and starboard sides with stretches of ­traditional aluminum fencing and backing panels, the combo strikes a thoroughly modern mix, with the roto-cast’s matte gray finish offset by a bright pop of color off the aluminum.

Tested: Read Our Test of the SunChaser Lucerne 20 LR DH

Move to the interior, and those four roto-cast modules reveal a passenger-focused floor plan. Bow lounges feature forward-facing backrests for those who want to stretch out, with wraparound back cushions for when the crew is ready to socialize. The port bench continues down the entire side until it meets the aft gate. Continue that big comfy couch on the starboard side where it backs up to the captain’s high-back swiveling helm seat. Overhead, a Bimini top, ­color-matched to the fence accent hue, offers shade to a large portion of the deck. The sculpted roto-cast helm console features a tilt wheel, gauge array, and Wet Sounds MC5 Bluetooth sound system with four speakers. Swap out the gauges for an optional Hummingbird Helix 5 ­in-dash GPS.

Belowdecks, the Lucerne rides atop a pair of 23-inch-diameter pontoons. Our test boat’s 90 hp Mercury outboard proved a value-minded match to the ­affordable Lucerne. Handling was precise for an entry-level model, with ­pontoons hooking up to deliver exceptional cornering with just a hint of ­outside lean. Paired with a 90-horse Mercury outboard, our test boat peaked just short of 27 mph. At a leisurely 13.5 mph cruising speed, its most economical, that consumption dropped as low as 2.9 gph.

Starcraft SV 16 OB

Is it a runabout or a deck boat? 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. Few builders offer fiberglass boats under 20 feet these days, and Starcraft is one of those companies that still builds boats that can be trailered by a typical family vehicle.

While inexpensive, the SV 16 OB 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 price tag. Rounding out the standards are MarineMat, EVA-covered bow and stern platforms, and a Wet Sounds MC5 stereo.

Tested: Read Our Test of the Starcraft SV 16 OB

The SV 16 carries its beam well forward in typical Starcraft fashion, which results in a ­rectangular profile that notably increases ­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 helm to 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-tiered EVA-covered swim platform. The latter is a great spot to hang out or gear up for watersports. Stowage awaits below for wet gear such as snorkeling gear or watersports towropes.

Our test boat was equipped with a 70 hp ­Yamaha outboard, a rig that delivered reliability, fuel efficiency, and enough performance to satisfy the target audience. Slam down the throttle, 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. As to that fuel efficiency, we noted a mere 6 gph consumption at that top speed, burning 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.

Tahoe 1950

Tahoe is another builder that’s dead-set on providing new-boat opportunities for first-time buyers, and you can find these boats all over the country, typically on display at your local Bass Pro Shop. The 1950 is a smooth family runabout that provides a stable entertainment platform while not breaking the bank. In today’s world, a family boat that sells for just $44,000, complete with trailer, is a thrifty winner. With that, Tahoe punches above its fighting weight.

Rigged with a Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard, the 1950 proved to us that it’s ready for towed watersports and family cruising to the sandbar or raft-up cove. Hitting 30 mph from an in-gear idle in just 6.5 seconds, we topped out at just under 49 mph with a 17-pitch Mercury Enertia propeller. At a best cruise of 28 mph (3,500 rpm), the Mercury was sipping fuel at just 4.9 gph—that’s nearly 6 miles per gallon. With a 40-gallon tank, that’s a 209-mile range, leaving 10 percent ­reserve in the tank. Translated, that’s a weekend of fun for maybe $150 in gas.

Tested: Read Our Test of the Tahoe 1950

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 well-complemented by the ­vinyl interior.

Ten can ride; there’s wraparound bow seating with storage underneath, an aft ­L-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 are 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 trolling motor, graphs, livewell, added batteries and chargers), can add even more versatility.

Tracker Pro Team 175 Tournament Edition

Not everybody who wants to go bass fishing needs a rocket ship that can blast out of the hole and soar to 90 mph. Sometimes 40 mph is all you need to enjoy a full day of looking for lunkers. Enter the Tracker Pro Team 175 Tournament Edition.

This well-equipped fishing platform brings style, fishability, and performance together at a real value. Rigged with a thrifty Mercury 75 hp outboard, its no-haggle price is just $24,715 (plus freight and tax), and it scoots to 41 mph. It’s a ­strong-running and well-equipped fishing package.

Tested: Read Our Test of the Tracker Pro Team 175 Tournament Edition

Mercury’s 75 hp FourStroke, fitted with a 17-pitch standard ­aluminum propeller, zings this 17-footer to 30 mph in just 7.6 seconds. Fuel costs won’t break the bank: At its best cruise speed of 25 mph at 3,500 rpm, it burns just 3 gph to deliver over 8 mpg. With a 21.5-gallon tank, that calculates to a 160-mile range, leaving 10 percent in reserve. A whole weekend of fishing for less than a hundred-dollar bill is truly economical.

For its low price tag, the Pro Team 175’s offerings are top-shelf in construction and accessories. The hull is all-welded 0.100-gauge aluminum and carries a limited lifetime warranty. It’s finished in Diamond Coat powder-coat, available only on Tracker hulls. Lifting strakes and chines are pressed in—not riveted on—for a cleaner look, less drag on the water, and more durability. It’s a quiet ride, which comes from better hull stiffening and added foam (10 percent more than required by USCG standards) for sound deadening.

A Minn Kota Edge 12-volt trolling motor is standard, mounted on the bow, with a recessed tray for the control pedal. Upgrading to 24-volt is an option. An elevated bow deck houses a center tackle-storage locker flanked by port and starboard rod lockers that accommodate up to 16 8-foot rods. A 30-quart insulated cooler is standard.

The driver’s console features a new roto-molded design, and is fitted with a Tracker touchscreen digital gauge display and standard Lowrance Hook graph. Single-cable no-feedback steering is standard and was smooth in our tests. New, more-comfortable pilot and navigator seats make long rides easier and less tiring. An elevated aft casting deck features molded dual storage boxes, each capable of housing three Plano 3700 tackle boxes. A 21-gallon aerated livewell with ­divider, timer and pump-out system is standard.

All that—plus a custom trailer—makes this the MVP in out-the-door, ­fishing-ready family fun.

Highfield Velox 420

The new Highfield Velox 420 is a welcome addition to the entry-level-boat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by other popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat ideal for younger captains.

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features a powder-coated aluminum hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The hull incorporates the boat deck, integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank, and swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive, the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet-pump intake and the aft center of the running surface to provide efficient intake flow in a shape that would be challenging to form in aluminum.

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat—wide enough for two or a tight-fit three people. The pivoting backrest enables facing forward or aft. The deep boarding platform is covered with the same MarineMat material that covers the deck. There’s also a small seat on the forward helm console and a seat pad in the boarding step. Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat.

The helm console holds a Medallion touchscreen display that can be used to select Rotax performance modes (Eco, Docking and Ski). Switches for lighting and the head for the optional audio system ($920) are to the left of the wheel. There is a wireless-device charger next to the display screen. The console is topped with a small windscreen and a robust grab handle.

The jet pushed this 1,060-pound vessel to a top speed of 38 mph with a light load. Performance is typical jet: Strong acceleration starts at about 5,500 rpm, and at speed in a hard turn, the radius tightens until the boat starts to slide a bit, but this is easy to control. Fuel economy is outstanding at better than 6 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That’s a lot of fun per gallon.

Alumacraft Trophy 185X Sport

Multispecies fishing boats have been a ­staple of lakes, rivers, and inland waterways forever because of their utility and versatility. They offer a way to get fishing without paying more than you did for your house. The Alumacraft Trophy 185X Sport does all that with an added twist—no outboard ­motor hanging off the transom.

That’s because the Trophy 185X Sport features a Rotax 150S motor that resides below the Max Deck, its horizontal powerhead sealed in a watertight case. Moving the engine inboard means extra deck space for you and your crew, and also not having to worry about a prop in the water in skinny situations or while taking a dip at anchor.

Tested: Read Our Test of the Alumacraft 185X Sport

The extra space is amplified when you consider one of Alumacraft’s key upgrades. Our test boat came with the new Max Deck option that features 25 square feet of elevated casting deck. The Max Deck surface is covered with soft MarineMat and has LinQ integrated attachment points to secure an accessory cooler or cargo box. The deck also has a pair of fishing seat bases, hatches covering a pair of small storage compartments, and a sturdy grab handle for the ­retractable boarding ladder.

The Max Deck is great for angling, but it also provides extra space for family boating—room to lounge, a built-in diving platform or a spot to secure a tube. Alumacraft Trophy models feature a deluxe interior, padded backrests on the front of the consoles, a full-height windshield, and a ­four-speaker audio system.

New for 2025 is a redesigned, injection-­molded helm with a standard 7-inch ­Garmin EchoMap multifunction display for instrumentation, a switch panel to the lower right, and room on top of the dash for two 12-inch displays. A new bow control center provides a recessed position for a ­12-inch graph, plus a well for storing a trolling-motor pedal, a tool holder, and cellphone holder with a USB port. A new Flex Module system offers the choice of three ­configurations at the aft end of the cockpit: Flex 29 with a carpeted bench/step and a 29-gallon livewell, Flex FSX with a pair of jump seats flanking a 30-gallon livewell, or Flex 50 with a 50-gallon livewell.

The Trophy rides the Alumacraft 2XB double-plated aluminum hull with a ­seamless one-piece bottom designed to be durable and feel solid on the water. The running surface is slightly concave from keel to chine to help the boat carve smartly through turns. A pair of 16-inch X-Pod ­extensions flanking the drive are designed to improve planing performance and ­stability at rest.

Essential Gear for the First-Time Boat Buyer

Before heading out on your maiden voyage you’ll want to make sure that your new boat is stocked with the proper gear, and that you have some of the basics for when you return home.

• Life Jackets/PFDs
• Docklines
• Fenders
• Anchor
• VHF Radio
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Flare Kit
• Boat Hook
• Boat Soap, Brush, Sponge
• Boat Cover
• Cooler

Upgrade!

• GPS
• Subwoofer/Extra Speakers/Amp
• Towing Subscription (Sea Tow; BoatUS)

Also: First time buyers should consider taking a boating safety course, These can be taken online or in-person. In fact they are required to do so in many localities. Get more info about safety courses and boater licensing and find a directory of boating safety courses, here.

The post Best Boat Choices for First-Time Boat Buyers appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Scout’s 261 XSS is a 26-foot crossover offshore/bay boat that’s as well-suited for bay-hopping as it is for afternoon sandbar gathering, family watersports outings and, of course, big-water or shallow-water fishing. Scout calls it a “luxury bay/offshore hybrid.” With Mercury’s 400 Verado V-10, it topped out at nearly 60 mph, planed in 7 seconds, and hit 30 mph in 11 seconds. The Merc teams with Scout’s double-stepped hull to deliver efficiency and yee-haw!

Shoppers will note that Regulator’s 26XO compares closely with the Scout on a number of fronts. At $225,395 equipped with a Yamaha 425 hp XTO outboard, the Regulator tops out at 53 mph and also features top quality and versatility.

The 261 XSS’s hull reacts quickly to throttle and steering input, whether at lower or higher speeds. It carves turns sharply and with authority, even if the turn is interrupted or made sharper midway through. The sharp V-entry at the bow flattens to 15 degrees deadrise at the transom, so the hull can ply the flats and shallows while the sharp entry knife-cuts the stiff waves out in the rough. From a forward angle, alongside or viewed from the stern, the 261 XSS shows a sporty, arrowlike profile; it looks fast even when trolling, thanks to the smooth lines of the tumblehome sheerline and reverse-angle transom.

Scout’s build utilizes computer-generated state-of-the-art ­design and no-wood construction. The vacuum-epoxy infused layup uses closed-cell foam for flotation, for sound deadening, and for a high strength-to-weight ratio, as well as an automotive-rated Class A gelcoat finish. The double-stepped hull features a set-back transom to put the engine’s gear case in cleaner water for higher mounting capability, which means less drag, more performance and better efficiency.

Interior and Accessories

Aboard, the cockpit is self-bailing. That provides convenience washing down, and a great comfort on big waters. Spacious raised casting decks fore and aft provide ample room for anglers or sunbathers, depending on your plans. The bow’s large upper foredeck proves a great spot for mounting a trolling motor and houses a large anchor locker. Step down, and the bow seating area features a wraparound three-piece lounge with dry storage underneath, and removable backrests. Cubbies, cup holders and charging ports are at hand. All of the bow cushions stow in the console, adding to the 261 XSS’s versatility.

A great comfort and convenience feature about Scout decks is that the entire deck of the 261 is fitted with SeaDek EVA closed-foam nonskid in an array of colors.

The center console features a large storage box forward, its lid sealed with a rubber gasket to keep contents dry, and mounted to articulating stainless-steel hinges for ease of access. The storage locker is topped with an oversize, diamond-pleated upholstered lounge seat, with foldable armrests and a phone charger. The center console and T-top assembly form an integral part of the boat, crafted from fiberglass, carbon fiber and epoxy. The windshield is automotive safety acrylic, bedded in place, same as on your truck, for a clean, seamless appearance. The T-top features a forward ­laser light bar, spreader light, forward-firing stereo speakers, and a horn. The port side of the console opens to access the inside, where a ­porcelain head resides in a surprisingly open space, not cramped in the least.

The entire dash is a flat screen—“glass helm” is the colloquial description—featuring inset digital graphs and digital switching. Our test rig featured a 24-inch Garmin MFD that provides navigation and fishing information, engine data, and touchscreen boat controls. A panel with traditional push-button switches to control vital functions is positioned overhead in the T-top as backup, as are Mercury’s Vessel View digital gauge and added controls for the Power-Pole shallow-water anchors. The Mercury binnacle control falls easily to hand, and it’s flanked by twin cup ­holders to ­starboard and the JL Audio stereo and Zip Wake ­controls to port. A tilt steering helm with stainless-steel steering wheel for the Mercury power-hydraulic-steering system completes the dash. A cubby underneath offers ­storage for phones, with a built-in wireless charging pad. A two-tier footrest provides choices for the most comfortable piloting position. The leaning post is smartly upholstered and ­features flip-up bolsters.

On the aft side of the leaning post, Scout has equipped the 261 XSS with a fully aerated livewell, freshwater sink, cutting board, trash can, tackle drawers, cup holders, aft spreader light, aft-facing speakers and a Yeti cooler. The cooler is lit inside for ease of use at night (so cool!). A handrail encircles the leaning post, providing stability for aft-standing riders.

At the stern, there’s a large casting deck that converts to three-wide aft seating. Under the starboard-side seat resides a livewell; the center lid hides access to the bilge and all pump, hoses and wiring. The portside seat base hides a second livewell.

Engine

The transom shows off Scout’s factory rigging prowess, with a standard Bob’s Machine Shop 10-inch set-back hydraulic jack plate supporting the big V-10 Mercury outboard. At 26 feet long and capable of 60 mph, the Scout 261 XSS is a formidable angling machine ready to tackle most any water, from backwater bayous to big-water offshore runs.

Read Next: Scout 357 LXF

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury Verado 400 hp V-10
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution X 23-inch pitch 4-blade ­stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 64 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• With a sleek appearance and the speed and performance of its double-stepped hull to back it up, the 261 XSS walks the walk.
• The helm is a master class in “a place for everything, and everything in its place.” Controls, touchscreen and steering falls right to hand naturally. Kudos to Scout’s ergonomic focus. 

Low Point

• While the folding stern seats sit flush to the deck when stowed, they could use a bit more padding when open. This would be tough to fit in, but in rough seas, ­comfort rules.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Scout 261 XSS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

On our outing aboard the newly revamped Pursuit S 328 Sport, I realized why Pursuit is the perfect name for this builder. Fishermen are always in pursuit, but the conditions, well, they’re not always perfect. This applies equally to boaters simply seeking to head home after a day at the beach or a weekend up the coast. In fact, conditions can be downright crappy, as we discovered after leaving the dock. I’m not exactly inexperienced, having endured everything from meltemis on the Aegean to mistrals in the Med to Santa Anas in the Catalina Channel. But the Gulf Stream—that massive ocean river flowing implacably north at several knots—can turn growlers into whitecapped square-edged opponents.  

Engines

Set the stage: It was blowing a solid 30-plus, and we were heading directly into it at over 50 mph with the twin Yamaha 350s hard against the stops. That gave us an 80 mph breeze across the deck, or easily a Category 1 hurricane. 

Interior and Accessories

I was settled comfortably in the aft-facing foldout couch behind my two companions in the helm seats, who were protected from that hurricane and occasional misting of spray by the dashboard-to-hardtop windshield and side glass. The (remaining) strands of my hair were barely ruffled as I watched the long white ribbon of wake behind us. It may not have been perfect weather, but it was clearly Pursuit weather. Let’s go!

The S 328 is a reimagining of an earlier 328, which was the ­bestselling 32-footer on the market for more than eight years. It takes courage to tinker with success, but Pursuit interrogated owners and dealers to find out how to make it better. And Pursuit did.

Consider the cockpit. It now has a transom cooler with dividers but without sacrificing any transom rod holders (five behind the cooler, eight on the hardtop, with two facing out for ­kingfish, more in the coaming). The opening of the Oceana Blue 24-gallon livewell is bigger to take larger nets and, in the sole, there are two large fish boxes with 2 inches of insulation. Two fold-down lounges face a pair of removable tables (dedicated storage is provided) that can also be used forward. An oversize hatch opens to a mechanical space with filters, plumbing, and the optional 5 kW Fischer-Panda diesel genset ($27,285 with a 16-gallon tank). All are easy to reach and all clearly labeled.  

Unlike many boats with either one or the other, the cockpit seat folds away, revealing an entertainment center with an extra-wide sink—better for laying out your ballyhoo full length—and a Kenyon grill. Tackle storage fills the drawers, and there are ample under-gunwale rod racks, plus more in the hardtop and cabin. And the fully opening port boarding door has hinges and a latch that may have been stolen from Fort Knox, plus a dive-style four-step boarding ladder.

The skipper and one (or two) ­companions get the royal treatment with comfy seats, ­bolsters and flip-down footrests at the helm. The dash features twin 16-inch Garmin recessed monitors above Yamaha throttles, Lenco trim tabs and Carling backlit rocker switches. The monitors also display the custom-configured Pursuit interface as part of the Puretech Suite, which also includes a Siren Marine app-based remote monitoring and security system. JL Audio throughout includes multiple hardtop speakers. A Lewmar electric bow thruster makes maneuvering painless. The sliding hatch above the seating provides a breeze if needed, as does the electric vent at the top of the windshield. A hinged panel under the dash folds down to become a raised floor for skippers who want some extra height. I liked the DC power panel that was knee-high next to the helm seat. 

Forward, D-shaped seating (with electric backrests) wraps around the bow, sharing removable tables with the forward-facing lounge. Kids love the bow, and this Pursuit has high-backs for secure bowriding. A Lewmar horizontal windlass is beneath a foredeck hatch, with through-bow roller and both fresh- and saltwater washdowns. 

Getting forward is both safe and easy, with 35-inch-deep walkways and 22 inches ­between console and coaming. No ­scrunching sideways here!

While the console seems low-profile, it has 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom and a convertible settee that slides out one-handed to become a V-berth. A VacuFlush porcelain toilet is just aft of the berth, and a Skandvik ceramic sink is on a mini vanity. With the Panda genset, you get an air-conditioned cabin for overnighting, and the 40-gallon diesel tank ­provides 40 hours of running time.

Underway, the S 328 Sport was a delight. Even in our “hurricane winds,” the spray was cast aside by the chine flats, the steering was precise and predictable, and the boat seemed immune to the seas and chop that we encountered. A Seakeeper gyrostabilizer is an option, but I don’t think that Aunt Edna would need it to keep from turning green. At trolling speeds, this Pursuit was solid.

Shopping around? Check out the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage, which costs $424,016 with twin Mercury 300s ($464,580 with twin Mercury 400 V-10s) and no berth, just a head inside the console.

A motto often linked to Pursuit is “­Fishing First,” and that’s certainly true, but I think a better adage is “Fishing and ­Family First.” This Pursuit checks a lot of boxes.

Read Next: Pursuit OS 325

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F350 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/15″ x 20″ SWS II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 275 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

High Points

• Flush ports for both engines are easily accessed in aft cockpit.  
• Deep, 2-inch cockpit gutters handle spray, rain and exuberant washdowns.
• Flush transom platform allows walking across. 

Low Points

• Cabin entry is narrow.
• Bow seating cushions are not removable. They won’t blow away, but this might ­hinder some casting efforts.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Pursuit S 328 Sport appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The newly redesigned Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater ­Edition is a light-tackle ­angler’s dream. It’s a skinny-water boat that’s packed with standard features that will help you find and chase fish.

Engine

Running with two aboard and a 22-gallon fuel load, we pushed the 18 Pro Skiff to 52 mph, reaching 30 mph from idle in 5.8 seconds. For a relatively flat-bottomed boat, it held true in hard-over turns at planing speeds, never slipping or blowing out the prop. It climbed onto plane in 2.4 seconds. The standard jack plate lets you raise or lower the engine’s running height to keep on plane in skinnier water. With a draft of just 12 inches, you can get shallow and deploy the standard Minn Kota Terrova electric trolling motor and maneuver to find the fish. Also, you can stake out in waters up to 8 feet deep with a standard ­Power-Pole Pro Series II.

Some of the performance attributes can be credited to this boat’s construction. Mako builds a closed-cavity foam-filled hull that’s bonded together right in the mold. It’s rugged and durable, but it doesn’t need a stringer system, which helps it shed weight to float in shallower water. Mako’s Rapid Planing System design creates a little pocket in the running surface at the transom that allows water to flow to the prop no matter how high you raise the jack plate. Mako installs a tube in the bilge that flows air into the pocket to ventilate it and enhance the flow.

Interior and Accessories

What about the fishing features? The spacious bow and stern casting platforms feature camo decking for comfort underfoot. Fold-down cleats ­minimize line snags. A ­26-gallon livewell resides in the aft deck, with a second 7-gallon well under the seat forward of the console. Three vertical rod holders line each side of the console, as well as three undergunwale rod racks per side that are long enough to stow fly rods. There are two more vertical holders in the removable helm bench backrest.

Read Next: Mako 414 CC Bluewater Family Edition

Besides being a fishing machine, this boat just looks cool. Its army-green hull with Mako Sand accents and camo decking stand out at the ramp and help it hide in the mangroves. The scalloped hullsides above the waterline are a nod to the sleek profile of a real mako shark.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 175 Pro XS
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Tempest 14 1/2″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 22 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Standard jack plate, Power-Pole and Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor make this boat ready for skinny-water duty. Scalloped hullsides are inspired by a ­real-life profile of a mako shark.
• Standard Wet Sounds stereo with four speakers lets you pump up the jams.
• Trailer comes standard, so you can head straight to the launch ramp.

Low Points

• You can pole it in skinny water, but it’s best-suited for trolling-motor duty.
• Could use grab handles near the aft jump seats.

Toughest Competitor

The Maverick HPX-V is more of a true poling skiff that’s lighter and has a shallower draft, but the price jumps significantly to $84,088 with a Yamaha 150.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Mako 18 Pro Skiff Backwater Edition appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Ranger Boats has built top-shelf fiberglass bass boats for 60 years and tank-tough aluminum craft for more than 10. The new ­center-­console RB210 bay boat is long and broad but boasts a ­shallow-draft hull rivaling flats boats while ­bringing more ­walk-about ­stability to anglers. 

Engine

A Mercury 150 outboard is standard, which we predict would rocket it to 50 mph, but with the Mercury 200 bolted to the transom, top speed is dead-on 60 mph. It rips to 30 mph in just 4.1 seconds and is really on plane the instant the throttle is touched. Its V-bottom pad hull rises out of the water like a performance bass boat. It’s thrifty too: Best cruise is at 30 mph and 3,000 rpm, where the big 200 sips 4.9 gph making a heady 6.1 mpg. If the 40-gallon tank is filled, it’ll take almost 220 miles to empty it, leaving 10 percent in reserve. 

Its low freeboard eases bringing fish aboard, and its broad 8-foot-2-inch beam provides a safe, confident feeling on the water. The combination of smooth acceleration and crisp turning makes it easy and fun to drive. Ranger names the mechanics and the effect Broad Beam Stability, and it fits. ­Ranger designed the pad-V hull to float and plane in very shallow water, so the boat can shine fishing the flats and ­bayous. It’s also a quiet performer; the foam-filled all-welded hull deadens sound and makes for a solid, rattle-free ride. 

Interior and Accessories

The deck layout is purpose-­driven. The bow casting deck is dominated by the Minn Kota trolling motor and loads of storage, with twin rod lockers flanking center storage compartments and a recirculating aerated livewell just forward of the step down into the cockpit. The captain steers with hydraulic steering and monitors performance with the standard Ranger System Monitor 7-inch touchscreen display. A Lowrance Eagle 7 graph is standard atop the console. 

An upholstered padded ­leaning post is comfortable yet firm, and it tilts forward to provide access to the livewell. Situated to port and starboard are twin folding jump seats that hide more dry storage underneath; when stowed, the backs of these seats serve to complete the aft casting deck. They flank a 25-gallon aerated livewell. And for long-term easy maintenance, a large bilge hatch provides generous access to the fuel tank and transom ­rigging. 

Read Next: Ranger Alpha 208

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 200 Pro XS outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Tempest 14.6″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

High Points

• Rawhide coating—similar to spray-on truck bed liner—on gunwales and throughout the interior provides a tough, lasting finish.roughout the interior provides a tough, lasting finish. 
• Foam-filled, all-welded hull provides a smooth, quiet ride.ab rail is sturdy and attractive.
• A trailer weight of less than 4,000 pounds makes it easy to tow behind most midsize SUVs and trucks.

Low Point

• Though maximum capacity is listed as five, its layout is best-suited for two anglers. Adding more crew means ­utilizing the aft jump seats, positioned low and to the port and starboard of the leaning post.

Toughest Competitor

• Crestliner’s 2000 Bay measures 20 feet, 5 inches in length and 8 feet wide, maxes out with 150 hp, and has a 32-gallon fuel tank. Packaged with a trailer and some options, pricing is in the $50,000 range comparably equipped. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Ranger RB210 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

It is Grady-White’s consistent adherence to its style points that tells all other boaters that they are looking at a Grady, even when the nameplate is not visible. So it is with the new Freedom 345 dual-console. Its high bow deflects seas and their spray and sweeps gently to gunwales in a cockpit ideally proportioned to allow anglers to manage fish boatside or entertain a crowd.

The ride is gentle thanks to the SeaV2 hull. This trademarked hull design of every Grady gives a smooth ride with a crisp stem and sharp deadrise forward that spreads out to 20 degrees at the transom. The effect cleaves waves, sliding through them without rattling hatches—or teeth. It’s the wider deadrise aft which gives Grady the at-rest stability that eases footing aboard when trolling or bottomfishing and makes ­cruising enjoyable for all.

Equipped with Yamaha’s full-maneuverability joystick, station-keeping while awaiting a slot at the fuel dock is a hands-free affair; just tap the button. Other settings allow the boat to drift a weed line maintaining optimal fishing orientation, or hover over a ­bottomfishing target with efficiency by allowing the boat to rotate to an ­orientation most easily held while maintaining position. 

The 345 is built tough with multiple layers of woven fiberglass that overlap at the keel, further strengthening the build. But before any of that is laid up, the perfectly glossy mold is gelcoated and then protected with a barrier coat that helps resist woven roving print through and ensures that the exterior finish is as smooth as a mirror—and nearly as reflective. This kind of work ensures that owners can take pride in their vessel for decades. 

Interior and Accessories

Also adding to that satisfaction are style points such as ­multiple ­contrasting textures and colors of seating vinyl, including black ­accents, diamond stitching, and durable ­mildew-resistant and stain-resistant washable ­vinyl surfaces that are tough enough to keep the interior as shipshape as the exterior. 

In the compartments below, a head includes a teak hatch to hide the toilet. The sink features mother-of-pearl tile backsplash. Grout joints are ­almost invisible between mosaiclike tile. 

At the elevated helm sit dual Command Elite helm chairs with ergonomic access to electronics and accessory controls, including air conditioning to keep the area cool. 

The options list is short and starts with choosing twin 450 or triple 350 ­Yamahas. The Seakeeper stabilizer is a no-brainer, and if you fish, the outriggers, underwater lighting, and aft refrigerator/freezer/fish box with digital thermostat are a must.

Seeking a luxury dayboat with overnight options and the confidence that comes from owning a bluewater-­capable boat? Check out Grady-White’s ­Freedom 345.

A second compartment provides a lounge that converts to a double berth at the tap of a button. Recessed lighting present in both compartments, along with the upscale decor, adds a comforting, roomy feel, and upholstery is the same tough material found topside. To cap it all, cabinets boast shop-built fluted wood doors that add a craftsman’s excellence.

The 345 is built to carry a large crew with spacious bow seating, a powered extendable lounge seat forward, and a broad, fold-away transom seat. Bow seats include inclined backrests and folding armrests. The seating angle is ideal, and armrests add comfort. Coaming compartments (remember those black ­vinyl accents?) boast dual phone-charger ports on both sides, cup holders, and storage areas for sunscreen. The center forward seat folds up to grant access to the windlass. Cushions all stow away for hardcore angling. Coaming pads complete the wraparound seating backs, as does the transom bolster aft. Both serve anglers, offering a comfortable brace against the fish while they tuck their toes under cockpit rails on the deck. That’s another Grady-White touch that you’ll find on nearly every boat.

The cockpit sports an entertainment ­galley with grill, refrigerator and freshwater sink. Air conditioning in the cockpit is available, as is a genset and Seakeeper to better manage ocean motion for sensitive stomachs. Dual captain’s chairs are positioned well and are adjustable for optimal reach to the helm and throttle. To port is an L-shaped lounge, which can convert to a full sun pad by using a table insert and a cushion.

The Freedom 345 offers dual boarding doors to double boarding options and provide an easy way to slide pelagic trophies on board.

Read Next: Grady-White 231 Coastal Explorer

Boston Whaler is the arch competitor of Grady-White, and its Vantage 330 brings Whaler’s own platform for a casual, luxury approach to fishing in the Vantage 330. Its base price with dual Mercury 400s and joystick steering is $531,097 and pushes the boat to 56 mph. ­Whaler offers a single dive door and a transom door. Grady’s interior decor is more traditional with softer lines, while Whaler’s reads “BMW” with a more angular, rectangular theme. Both offer a retractable cockpit shade and removable bow shades.

Grady’s fishing amenities include well-­positioned rod holders on the transom and gunwales, plus undergunwale storage and hardtop rocket launchers. Optional outriggers will make it pelagic-ready. The livewell features a vertical plenum, which causes water to circulate around the tall tank, ensuring that no bait gathers in corners or finds its way to unoxygenated water. The exclusive design has been proven ­effective for decades.

Access to the bilge is manageable for ­changing filters and servicing mechanics. ­Yamaha flushing ports inside the boat also ease end-of-day chores.

The Freedom 345 is designed to boat in style, fish effectively, and do it free of undue ownership obligations

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha 350
• Drive/Props: Outboard/15 1/4″ x 19″ SWS II SDS
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Dual fuel-fill ports means simpler mooring at the fuel dock.
• Retractable deck shade cools the aft deck. 

Low Points

• Having a transom fish box and livewell eliminates a transom door, replaced by both port and starboard dive doors.
• The 345 is behind some competitors, who are exchanging charger ports for inductive chargers throughout their boats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Grady-White Freedom 345 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.