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

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

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

Navan (rhymes with “baton”) is new boat line from Brunswick Corporation, which also builds Sea Rays, Bayliners, Boston Whalers, Heyday Boats, Princecrafts and others, along with Mercury Marine outboards and sterndrives. Bucking the trend of similar boats imported from the Nordic countries, the S30 was designed at the state-of-the-art Brunswick Boat Group Technology Center, located at Boston Whaler’s compound in Edgewater, Florida, and is built in Merritt Island,  Florida, where the largest Sea Rays are built. (Navan boats sold in Europe are built in Poland.) Navan makes two models: the C30, which has an enclosed pilothouse and has proved to be more popular in northern climes for those seeking to stretch short boating seasons. The model we tested was the S30, which features an open design that will be more popular as a dayboat for those buyers seeking less weather protection and more open space topside.

Interior and Accessories

Navan designers created the ability to board the boat from either side thanks to extra-long swim platformettes, which wrapped around the optional twin Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8 outboards that powered our test boat. For better grip and comfort, the entire deck surface on our boat was clad in optional GatorStep. Adding an optional ski-tow arch gives those boarding an extra handhold for added safety, and it ups its fun quotient. On many boats of this type, fun-in-the-sun space is limited, but on the S30, those sitting on the quad-wide rear bench seat can enjoy the great outdoors. A generous amount of deck space between the rear bench and the one in front of it is ideal for cocktail party mingling.

Brunswick boats are known for their clever seating arrangements, and this boat is no outlier. The amidships bench can face toward the bow to create a total of eight to 10 forward-facing seats, which is the preferred arrangement for cruising. Both bench seats have tall armrests for comfort and security. But something magical happens when the amidships bench is tumbled aft to face the transom bench and create a social zone. This is enhanced by adding an optional bifold teak table in between. In addition, it reveals an entertainment area complete with a sink, a drink bin and plenty of counter space, along with an electric grill for creating hot appetizers. Below on our test boat was an optional pair of Isotherm drawer-style refrigerators.

At the helm is a pair of captain’s chairs with armrests for comfort. A bit unusual is the placement of the helm on the port side of the boat instead of the more-normal starboard-side helm found on most American boats. Despite being confined under a hardtop, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic thanks to the four smoked acrylic sun panels above. The windshield is sportboat-low, but it offers a surprising amount of coverage because the helm seats are low enough for average-height people to peer through it when sitting. A thoughtful option would be adjustable-height pedestals to accommodate drivers of varying heights. There’s plenty of room to stand and to look above the windshield for an uncluttered view.

Below is a well-appointed cabin with most of the space given over to the berth, which comfortably sleeps two adults. Thanks to the side windows and shaded acrylic hatch, it has plenty of ambient light. The large box on the starboard side contains the 12-volt Mabru climate-control system and makes a handy place to store luggage when weekending. Although there’s not enough room for an enclosed shower, there’s a handheld showerhead for bathing and an electric-flush toilet.

For those looking to work on their tans, there’s a large sun lounge on the foredeck with backrests for added comfort and cup holders for parking beverages. Our test boat had the optional windlass—a no-brainer on a luxurious boat like this.

The S30’s T-Hull is Brunswick’s first-ever with a vented stepped design. This design introduces air underneath the hull to reduce friction for better fuel economy and unreal turning ability. We tested the Navan on the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, not far from the Boston Whaler campus where it was designed. The channel is relatively narrow here, but there was plenty of room to whip it into a G-force-generating 360-degree turn. Its hull features 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a fairly narrow-for-its-length beam of 9 feet, 10 inches to help it slice through the waves. And despite being 33-plus feet long with a weight of more than 4 tons, its performance was impressive. Reaching plane in 4 seconds, it accelerated to 30 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieved a top speed of 57.1 mph.

Our test boat was especially easy to drive thanks to Mercury’s Trim Assist, which automatically keeps the boat at the proper running attitude. It was also equipped with the ZipWake system, which uses blade-like interceptors instead of plate-like tabs. These automatically keep the boat running level. 

Comparison shoppers should trial the Nimbus T-9, starting at $191,496 with a single 250 Mercury V-8 and a bow thruster. Pricing for the Navan S30 with a 400 hp Mercury V-10 Verado starts at $216,496. 

Engines

When owners choose the twin Mercury 300 hp outboard option that we tested, the Navan S30 comes standard with Joystick Piloting for Outboards, which helps ease docking and offers other features such as Skyhook, a virtual anchor. Owners can select a bow thruster for docking assistance if they order the boat with twin Mercury V-6 225 outboards or with a single Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verado outboard. 

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.

High Points

• Visibility at the helm is excellent in all ­directions.
• We found this boat to be efficient, achieving an impressive 1.8 mph at 30 mph when ­running at 3,500 rpm.
• The rocket-launcher rod-holder option is a plus for those who fish.

Low Points

• Even with the bow pulpit, the straight bow means you need to be careful when raising or lowering the anchor. Consider adding a scuff plate. 
• There’s no hardtop-rack option for securing items such as paddleboards and kayaks.    
• There’s no grab rail along the hardtop to help ease walking to and from the bow.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Navan S30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Multipurpose crossover boats are enjoying their time in the sun, mixing sporty performance with the ability to do everything from fishing, diving, and towing watersports to cruising, entertaining, and even comfortably overnighting. Some boats drop a ball in this juggling act, but Solara’s 310 Sport Coupe pulls it off with aplomb. Credit in part goes to one of the longest lists of high-value standards that we’ve seen in this size range, but also to the fact that Solara designers and engineers appear to be true boating enthusiasts themselves. They’re designing a boat for how they, and their buyers, use one. That the builder does all of the above while keeping the price as low as it is might come with a few trade-offs here and there, but the result is simple: good ­old-fashioned bang for the buck.

Interior and Accessories

Examples abound on the 310. Step aboard via the Clear Path ­EVA-covered swim platform, and you’ll instantly note that it’s completely free of obstructions, the result of Solara working with engine partner Yamaha to place all that toe-catching, space-clogging rigging underneath the deck. Step inside the cockpit, and a plethora of comfortably padded benches are ready for however you’ve planned your day. Grab some cold ones from the fridge and socialize while your meal is prepped on the nearby electric grill. Or if you prefer to catch your meal first, fold seats into the wall and clear the decks for fishing. Multiple rod holders line the gunwales, and a livewell awaits to starboard. Extra kudos are reserved for the split-personality aft bench. It morphs from a fishing-friendly ­fiberglass transom wall into a cove-friendly, aft-facing perch open to the swim platform or forward-facing bench that extends over that same ­platform so as to steal nary an inch of cockpit space. 

Below the hardtop, a large portside lounge borders the aft cockpit and features a flip-flop backrest to join either social scene. Forward, the swiveling companion seat likewise does double-duty depending on the occupant’s ­focus. A ­pedestal table allows all of the above’s occupants to gather round. Opposite, a starboard galley awaits, with an electric refrigerator/freezer, a stainless-steel sink, much-appreciated prep space, and five storage drawers. The latter are more practical to access and organize compared with the jumble often created by wide-open hatch-accessed storage. There’s even dedicated space for wine bottles and glasses. 

Forward of the galley, the impressively ­appointed helm completes the covered space. Featuring eye-catching red carbon-fiber ­accent panels, its true highlight is an array of four touchscreens, including a pair of Garmin ­GPSMap 8612 multifunction displays that ­practically surround the driver with visual information. Cool tweak? The entire ­assembly angles up or down at the touch of a button, ­repositioning displays to compensate for driver height, standing or seated position at the helm, and to reduce glare. 

Equal thought has been put into the forward cabin. Taller occupants will instantly appreciate the 6-foot-4-inch headroom in both cabin and head compartment. The latter includes a pump-out marine toilet, hot-water shower, and upscale glass sink bowl. Rather than a storage compartment masquerading as a V-berth, the former proved both spacious enough (and mattress comfortable enough) to actually spend that aforementioned overnight. Natural light is funneled in via an overhead skylight and a clear acrylic hatch. The hatch also opens for natural ventilation.

Back topside, a deep and comfy bow cockpit completes the tour. In order to maximize protected space under the hardtop, it’s accessed via an internal, weather-protected walk-through to port. Step out and find a double-wide couch facing forward and twin lounges to port and starboard, all generously padded and with stainless-steel grab handles within reach. Add a pedestal table or toss in the filler cushions to make one large sun bed. Cup holders, Fusion stereo head unit, speakers, and USB charging ports are likewise close at hand. 

Engines

Features and value aside, it’s the ride that can ultimately make or break a boat’s success. The 310 runs on a double-stepped hull with a progressive variable deadrise that competently handled our test day’s rough conditions. Laminar flow interrupters—golf-ball-like dimples positioned near the bow—aim to improve cornering ability by breaking up surface tension. Auto-leveling trim tabs and a Lewmar bow thruster enhance high- and low-speed handling, respectively, and were greatly appreciated on our blustery test day. The 310’s pair of Yamaha 300s also proved their worth in the challenging conditions, pushing the 310 onto plane in 5.6 seconds, passing 30 mph in 7.4, and topping out at 52.8 mph.

Read Next: Solara S-250 DC

Comparison shopping? Regal’s 33 SAV (starting at $545,730 well-equipped, with Yamaha 300s) is likely closest in concept but is several feet longer, allowing Regal to add a midcabin berth. The price reflects this difference, however, and options hike it up further. Pursuit’s DC 306 ($418,156, with twin Yamaha 300s) starts closer in price and targets a similar audience, but its dual-console design makes it more of a pure dayboat. And again, options increase the bottom line. Both models are also more upscale than the Solara and feature superior fit-and-finish. Solara definitely runs up the score, ­however, on standard features. Proof? Every feature mentioned in this review is ­standard. Bang on, ­Solara.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ¼” x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 340 lb.

High Points

• Hardtop-mounted cameras forward and aft prove helpful in tight docking situations or when picking up skiers or riders.
• When anchored out, efficient air conditioning and reverse-cycle heat can run on lithium house batteries, recharged quickly via the Yamaha outboards’ 70-amp alternators.
• Additional high-value standards include anchor windlass, bow thruster, Fusion stereo with subwoofer, flat-screen TV, and autopilot.

Low Points

• At planing speeds, we recorded higher noise levels than aboard similar boats.
• We noted excess caulking and gaps between several adjoining panels.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Solara S-310 SC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Boating with small children can be a fraught experience. I have a pair of toddler grandchildren, and they sure move fast. There’s a low-level hum of anxiety when they are aboard, even though they are buttoned up in their life jackets. For family boating, security is paramount, which is why we think this new Hurricane SunDeck 3200 OB deserves consideration if some of your crew are about knee-high. Which is not to imply that swingin’ singles or empty nesters won’t also enjoy the SunDeck 3200. It’s packed with a lot of great design features.

Engines

Hurricane takes a step away from its 50-year-old deck-boat roots with the launch of this wide-beam 32-foot model envisioned as the ultimate dayboat. Squeezing every ­desirable ­feature into any boat will always require some give-and-take, but ­Hurricane has found ways to give us exceptional room for entertaining, lounging, and casual overnighting with minimal compromise. Hurricane also offers good value in this segment. Consider its go-to competitor, a 34-foot-9-inch Sea Ray Sundancer 320 OB—a slightly longer wide-beam, cabin- and hardtop-equipped dayboat with bow seating and outboard power. Base price with twin Mercury Verado 400 outboards is about $507,000. That price includes joystick control—a $25,000 option from Hurricane—but it does not include features such as premium audio, an aft-facing seat at the transom, a windlass, a cabin television and a twin 12-inch MFD, all of which are standard equipment on the SunDeck 3200.

A key design element of the SunDeck 3200 is its high freeboard, ­measuring about 5 feet, 6 inches from gunwale to waterline. This enables both a very deep bow cockpit and a cabin with 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom. The disadvantage could be added windage and an elevated center of gravity, both of which could make the boat tender and prone to ­heeling in a crosswind. To mitigate this, Hurricane commissioned a hardtop and supports formed of carbon-fiber composite that it claims weighs only 270 pounds.

Interior and Accessories

The thought of kids on a boat came to mind when we walked forward on a passway to port, with 35 inches of depth that is maintained throughout the bow cockpit. Here, there’s a three-wide seat that also wraps to starboard around a table, which can be lowered and covered with a matching pad to ­create an expansive lounge. The very broad bow is squared off and covered with soft MarineMat, with two steps to port for easy egress if ­boarding at the bow from a dock. Compartments in the bow deck can hold 12-inch fenders, and in the center is a hatch over the ­standard Lewmar windlass.

If you’d prefer to lounge at the stern, there is a cove-ready swing-back seat at the transom, so you can choose to face the water or join seating in the cockpit that wraps around a table. The table lowers and can be covered to create an aft sun lounge. A galley console to starboard incorporates a wide countertop with a sink and space for an optional grill ($1,244) topping a slide-out 4.5-cubic-foot ­refrigerator/freezer and a drawer designed to hold a 30-quart cooler.

In place of a midcabin, Hurricane chose to create massive stowage below the cockpit sole accessed through a 30-by-30-inch hatch. Close to 4 feet deep, it has space for an optional Seakeeper 2 gyrostabilizer ($41,660), with plenty of room left for all your stuff. There’s also ­excellent access here to well-organized connections for audio components and the ­C-Zone digital switching network. Batteries and space for an optional 7.5 kW genset are ­below the aft seat base.

Through a sliding hatch and down three steps to the cabin, you’ll find a space with all that headroom and plenty of ambient light. Forward is a settee with a small table that converts to a V-berth that’s a good size for those little boaters come nap time. The breaker panel, a small microwave and a 20-liter fridge are at the base of the steps, with an enclosed head across the way.

A double-wide helm seat fronts a dash with a pair of 12-inch Simrad NSX displays. Other helm features include a wireless device charger, a Mercury VesselView screen, a pair of heated/chilled drink holders and an audio remote.

We took the SunDeck 3200 for a spin on Lake Wawasee in Indiana and immediately noted the excellent visibility from the helm because the main support for the hardtop is well behind the captain’s line of sight. The V-10 Mercury outboards are designed for thrust, and they did not disappoint, hoisting us on plane in about 7 seconds and charging to 30 mph in 12.2 seconds, with a full load of fuel and five people aboard. The boat handles well but is a little tender in a crosswind and leans into the slightest motion of the wheel. We think that Lenco Pro Control auto tabs ($2,535) to stabilize both pitch and roll would be an ideal option to check on the order form. So, take your kids boating! Just keep their sticky fingers off the Simrad screens.

Read Next: Hurricane SunDeck 2600 OB

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury V-10 Verado 400 outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/18″ x 21″ Mercury Revolution X 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 248 gal. Water on Board: NA Crew Weight: 1,000 lb.

High Points

• Designed from the inside out, with cabin headroom as the first priority. The requisite freeboard results in a deep, comfortable bow cockpit, an elevated helm, and cavernous stowage below the sole.
• Smart to skip a midberth and devote that space to stowage and a Seakeeper.
• Nice standard features include the hardtop, premium audio, and a pair of 12-inch MFDs.

Low Points

• No gate between the cockpit and the transom platform.
• No audio remote at the transom or bow seating areas.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Hurricane SunDeck 3200 OB appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Full disclosure: Boats and adult beverages are two of my favorite things, and I’ve realized that there are many similarities (besides being addictive). Some boats are beer (a good one like Heineken or Corona), while others are more like a fine Burgundy (a nice Montrachet will do).  

But some, like the new Pursuit OS 325, are unquestionably Champagne: bubbly, light, and full of smiles (my first choice would be Dom Perignon, thank you). 

This is a boat that checks all the boxes for an all-purpose fun boat as much a battlewagon with a bunch of anglers aboard as it is an afternoon cruiser with family and friends. It’s the ­newest in Pursuit’s Offshore series (hence the OS). And offshore it is, with a 20-degree deadrise hull, ­full-length strakes, and wide chine flats. The deadrise slices solid Gulf Stream swells, the strakes throw the spray far aside, and the chines make it stable at trolling speeds. With twin Yamaha 350s on our test boat, we topped out at 52-plus mph with full tanks and a bunch of folks aboard.

Interior and Accessories

At a glance, you’ll see the multiple gunwale rod holders and rocket launchers on the fiberglass hardtop. There’s a 32-gallon transom livewell, and its class-leading storage includes the bait center with tackle trays, and lure tubes and drawers (in the cockpit console under the Kenyon grill and sink), and fish boxes in the floor—24- and 27-gallon—each with independent diaphragm pumps. You’d peg this as a fish boat. You’d be wrong.

Families are going to delight in the wraparound seating with table ­opposite the helm, and a pair of folding settees for Aunt Edna are in the cockpit with another removable table. The 12-inch side decks leading forward are surrounded by 24-inch welded stainless-steel rails from bow to cockpit, so the 325 is kid-safe too.  

Step through the sliding door next to the helm into the cabin and—oh my!—you weren’t expecting 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom (that deadrise really helps here). Forward is a dinette with a high/low table that converts into a full V-berth. Peek aft, and you’ll find a 6-foot-2-inch wide berth tucked under the cockpit, which is very comfy (yes, I stretched out) and perfect for a long weekend aboard.  

Adding family amenity, the fully ­enclosed head offers plenty of headroom, plus a sink and shower. Opposite is a mini galley with a ­microwave and a drawer-style fridge.  

Whether you’re fishing or relaxing with family, the helm is the heart of the OS 325, and a right fine one it is. First, the skipper gets a folding bolster helm seat with infinite adjustments, and it swivels to face the dining table opposite. Like the other upholstery aboard, the Dri-Fast foam with mesh backing means (pardon me) no wet butts. The dash is user-friendly, and our test boat featured two 16-inch ­GPSMap 8616 multifunction displays, the ­Yamaha engine interface, and Siren Marine systems monitoring.

The hardtop features molded locations for the radar (mounted on powder-coated supports), ­riggers, and a spotlight or a FLIR camera. The optically clear one-piece windshield is impressive, in part because you can wear polarized ­sunglasses without getting “hotspots.” With the side windows extending well aft (augmented with standard side curtains to stretch the enclosure), this is a ­pilothouse that protects from sun, rain and wind. Need air? Open the electric windshield vent for hot-day cooling. Or, opt for cockpit air conditioning.

Engines

Our pair of Yamaha F350 V-6 outboards (300 hp are standard) gave us integrated digital electronic controls and steering, with optional joystick. The dash also sported a joystick for the standard 3 hp Lewmar bow thruster.  

As indicated earlier, we topped out at just shy of 53 mph. At 36.4 mph, the OS 325 sipped fuel (26 gph). With the 300-gallon tank, that provided a range beyond 370 miles.  

Pursuit is renowned for tough boats with class-leading stowage. The 325 is no exception. It’s hand-laminated with blister-thwarting ­vinylester resins, with a rot-proof foam-filled structural grid of infused glass that adds rigidity. With the hammer down and running in chop, there wasn’t a squeak or groan. To carry 700 hp, the transom uses the patented Pursuit Transom Reinforcement Grid. In addition, the hull-to-deck joint is mechanically fastened and through-bolted at all cleats, and the through-hull fittings are bronze. All this is garnished with a five-year hull/deck warranty.   

Our test boat had the Fischer Panda 5 kW generator for air conditioning to cool the cabin when away from shore power and, as a bonus, it provides reverse (hot or cold) air conditioning for the skipper and guests in the cockpit. 

Underway, a spin of the Brody knob on the stainless-steel wheel provided a banked turn that wouldn’t alarm Aunt Edna, even flat out.

Shopping around? Take a look at the Boston Whaler 325 Conquest (32 feet, 3 inches; Merc 300 hp Verados; $515,742).

Thinking back on my day on the OS 325 and reviewing the pictures, I realize that I was wrong. This Pursuit is truly a fine bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne. There’s just nothing we could complain about.

Read Next: Pursuit OS 405

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin Yamaha F350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II HP, 15 ¼” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 250 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.

High Points

• Cockpit side door for big fish or bigger divers.
• Standard 3 hp Lewmar bow thruster.
• Drawer fridges in cabin and in the cockpit. 
• Great access to electrical, plumbing and battery systems.

Low Point

• Aboard our prototype test boat, metal cup holders in the companion lounge bit our spine, but Pursuit has since fixed this.  

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Pursuit OS 325 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The big-dual-console category is hotly contested. We’re talking about 30-something-size DCs with twin- and even triple-outboard power, boats developed for the mission of taking out a group of family and/or friends, with hulls that can safely challenge big water. 

Yet, versatility is the secret sauce behind the popularity of DC models, and big dual-consoles such as the new 330 Vantage from Boston Whaler offer versatility in spades. This is a boat from which you can stage a gathering, enjoy watersports, swim and snorkel, fish offshore, cruise long ­distances, and even spend the night in a pinch. 

Then, of course, there is Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull construction to help ensure the safety of everyone on board. On top of all this, the 330 offers superb ­performance, with a top speed exceeding 57 mph in our test with twin Mercury 400 hp Verado V-10 outboards. 

Successor to the Boston Whaler 320 Vantage, the 330 offers the ­availability of a windshield that extends to the hardtop, as well as a standard half-windshield version. We recommend the full-height windshield option ($8,154), and here’s why: We stayed out too long on test day and were caught in an afternoon deluge. We closed the middle portion of the ­windshield, a task made easy by a new hinge system that renders the ­expansive section of tempered glass as light as a feather, then secured the walk-through door. The result was a dry and comfy passage, with the ­dual-wiper system maintaining good visibility. If you want just a bit of fresh air after it stops raining, open the motorized vent atop the full windshield.

Interior and Accessories

The port console is larger than the starboard side, creating a more ­expansive step-down head compartment than you might otherwise imagine. Accessible via a large door opposite the double-wide ­port-console ­seating, it includes a wet shower, VacuFlush toilet, and vanity with a countertop sink and a wood-grain cabinet below, LED lighting, and a tinted fixed skylight. Vents usher in fresh air, with an optional air-conditioning system ($13,467) for both interiors, as well as the helm.

The starboard console interior features a ­settee that converts into a cozy berth, wood-grain cabinets, fresh-air vents, and a tinted fixed skylight, as well as LED lights, for illumination. Both console interiors sport wood flooring. 

On the previous version of this boat, a prep center occupied the starboard area abaft the captain’s chair. However, a settee resides in this space aboard the 330 Vantage. 

There is an option for a transom prep center ($4,664) that includes a solid-surface top, sink, faucet, and a drawer-style fridge. You can add a 120-volt grill for $3,527. Without the prep center, a foldout transom bench expands the ­seating possibilities. 

A 27-gallon livewell in the starboard quarter, along with up to 14 rod holders and three big insulated in-sole fish lockers, enhance the 330’s angling capabilities.

The portside seating consists of two facing seats with a compact flip-up table with an option for a full-size pedestal table ($2,025). But with the tables stowed, you can convert this area to an aft- or forward-facing lounger.

An expansive hardtop protects the mid-cockpit. A pair of optional hatches ($3,227) will usher in fresh air. An optional motorized ­SureShade ($13,812) telescopes from the ­hardtop over the aft cockpit.

The dash boasts a pair of Simrad 12-inch multifunction displays for navigating, finding fish, monitoring engine parameters, and ­controlling onboard systems such as the optional Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer ($77,303). There’s also a single Simrad 16-inch display, if you prefer. The swiveling captain’s chair is height adjustable and has armrests and a flip-up bolster. The throttle controls and joystick lay within a natural reach, which makes handling easy.  

The 330 bow seating includes a pair of ­inviting forward-facing loungers. Add the filler cushion to create an expansive sun pad. ­Replace the filler cushion with the optional bow table ($2,951) to enjoy a picnic at the sandbar. Or use the optional bow ladder ($875) hidden next to the windlass in the anchor locker to take a dip, and when you climb back aboard, wash the sand away from your feet with the handy pullout shower. With the optional water heater ($1,346), you can take a warm shower.

Read Next: Boston Whaler 210 Vantage

The starboard-side door in the cockpit ­features a detachable boarding ladder to go snorkeling or take a dip. A foldout handle gives you a nice grip when climbing back aboard. The door also makes short work of hauling in a big fish and eases boarding from a floating dock.

A number of other models compete with Whaler in the 33ish-foot DC category, so you might want to shop around. One of the other leaders is the Pursuit DC 326 dual-console ($458,480 base model). It’s a foot shorter but a half-foot wider in the beam. It’s available with a full windshield and an integrated hardtop, well-appointed console interiors, a starboard-side boarding door, and a summer galley abaft the helm seat. Twin Yamaha F300 outboards pushed the Pursuit DC 326 to a top speed of 48.5 mph in our test.

If you are shopping around among the many big dual-consoles on the market today, you ­really can’t afford to overlook the new Boston Whaler 330 Vantage.

High Points

• Your choice of half- or full-height windshield. 
• Asymmetrical interior allows for a roomy head compartment in the port console.
• Moderate-deep-V-hull design offers a smooth ride and great stability at rest. 

Low Points

• The mechanism for the detachable boarding ladder for the side door is a toe-stubber. 
• Opening the hatches in the hardtop is a bit of a stretch, even for a 6-foot-tall crewmember.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verado outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Rev X 16.5″ x 22″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 180 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 330 Vantage appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Sōlace Boats are the brainchild of Stephen Dougherty, an engineer and boat designer of exceptional pedigree. His late father, Bob Dougherty, put Boston Whaler on the tip of ­every boater’s tongue. Then he did the same with EdgeWater and Everglades. For the past few years, Stephen has carried on the tradition with Sōlace. These boats are ingenious thanks to Dougherty’s experienced look at all the activities that happen in boats, especially with the new Sōlace 37CS. He has eliminated many annoying details found in competitive boats, then replaced them with conveniences that turn nuisance into pleasure, complete with world-class fishing amenities that pamper not only anglers, but the most demanding pleasure-boat owners as well.

Magnetic attachments for removable deck lounge cushions replace fragile finger-spraining snaps; automatic actuators raise the windshield; nearly hidden magnetic cup holders secure drinks to gunwales and tabletops. Even a bait board is attached magnetically to the transom and is so secure, we could practically toss it from the port station to the starboard station or a center station and stick the landing. The double jump seat also magnetically fastens to the transom and boasts a footrest beneath. These are dramatic and innovative details that add “wow” to match the performance of the 37CS.

Engines

At 16,000 pounds, it’s svelte with an 11-foot beam. Three of Yamaha’s new V-6 4.3-liter 350 hp outboards ran the 37CS up to 60 mph. Hole shot was crisp and the bow stayed low, inclining only 3 degrees before settling into a smooth gait at 35.5 mph running 4,000 rpm, and providing an optimal cruise range of 423 miles. You also can order it with triple Mercury 400s and net similar economy.

The bottom features a double-stepped design, and is engineered to preserve forward visibility out of the hole. This boat also held its ground in high-speed turns. The ride is plenty smooth, but for the less adventurous, the optional Quick X10 MC DC gyrostabilizer on our tester steadied the boat for even greater comfort. 

Interior and Accessories

Controlling the Solace 37CS proved a pleasure thanks to the row of triple bucket seats with adjustable armrests, and easy-to-adjust legroom. A footrest below the wheel is comfy. The Garmin displays spread before us carried digital switching, gyro and media ­controls, with a rocking Fusion audio system so ­well-appointed that nobody could sit more than 3 feet from a coaxial woofer and tweeter.

The hardtop offers beefy construction. The supporting stanchions are laddered braces for easy access to the top. The ­windshield is glass, and a pair of grab rails on the hardtop “ceiling” add passenger stability and confidence in rough water. Two side glass windshield panels are bonded to the curved aluminum pillars; the center one raises on rams. And Sōlace added grab rails to either side of the console, in reach of crewmembers standing beside the helm area.

Crew comfort in the boat comes from well-designed seating and high-quality components. Mezzanine seating is designed for two, and the seat bottom lifts up to reveal an ice chest beneath. You can rummage around in it with both hands because the lid hinges to a vertical position and stays there until you close it. The mezzanine seatback folds down to form a rigging table complete with a tackle-box cabinet behind it. At first, we thought the arrangement eliminated the grill that is often found in the rigging station. Instead, we found a gas grill stored in a drawer under the seat. This grill mounts in a rod holder when in use. 

The bow has two lounge seats open at the center at the anchor locker to allow easy ­access to the ground tackle. The interior freeboard’s height was ideal for manning the ­electric windlass. Even better, Sōlace replaced vinyl upholstery with silicone “fabric”: a tough, UV-resistant, stain-blocking material that maintains factory freshness for years. 

Below deck, rod holders for all the sticks you can carry are concealed in a hidden compartment beneath the double berth. Instead of rod/cup combo holders on the gunwales, the 37CS has premium polished rod holders, and next to each one is a polished cup ­holder—that’s in addition to the magnetic pucks hidden in the nonskid diamond plate to hold your magnetized cups.

Read Next: Solace 32 CS

If you are shopping around and want to compare other boats to the Sōlace 37CS, the Scout 377 LXF ($894,398 base) would be a good model to check out. It is imminently fishable and comparably luxurious. 

The 37CS’s aft cockpit is equally well-planned. A portside boarding door supplants the transom door, with a pair of 40-gallon pressurized livewells and a ­refrigerated fish box spread out over the ­transom instead. A unique electric chill tub can be removed. Optional tuna tubes can be placed near the livewells.

The little things add up on the Sōlace 37CS, which is sure to draw a chorus of “Wow, that’s cool” from experienced boaters. I am one of them.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha 350s
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Rev 4 14 ⁵/₈” x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.79:1 Fuel Load: 500 gal. Water on Board: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.

High Points

• The windshield is supported on struts strong enough to allow operation while it is open. 
• Silicone upholstery is easy to clean (ink wipes right off), UV resistant, and longer lasting than vinyl.
• Sōlace planned for a future upper station by building a ladder into the supports of the hardtop. 

Low Point

• We missed the transom door and that easy access to the platform and ladder.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Sōlace 37CS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Nothing calls for change like an election year, and at this writing, Monterey is offering a bold new candidate for performance- and luxury-minded boating enthusiasts. We don’t use the word “unique” casually in referring to this sleek boat with sports-car flavors and cutting-edge ­European style—there’s nothing like it on the water.

The Elite 30’s appeal for votes begins with its square stem and sleek, tucked-to-the-stem, custom, polished stainless-steel anchor, a fresh look at a center helm, and a broad hardtop that straddles the cockpit port to starboard.

Engines

We’ve seen square-stem boats in the US before, and they can have an alarming gift for stabbing into the next wave, spraying water all over the cockpit. In hard turns, doubling back over rolling wakes, we saw none of that bad behavior. Though the stem brings up the foreword freeboard in a near-vertical angle to the water, that freeboard doesn’t begin until the hull beneath it flares out broadly to keep the stem comfortably above the seas. The 21-degree hull deadrise at the transom cleaves chop for a comfortable ride without allowing it to roll excessively with shifting crewmembers, broad seas or crisp turns. The power of dual Mercury 250 hp V-8 outboards offers exciting acceleration—3.2 seconds to plane and 5.6 seconds to 30 mph. Our top speed was over 53 mph, and the joy of having all this in your throttle hand comes not just from the raw power, but also the unique centered helm that you’ll need to see to believe.

Interior and Accessories

Helm styling is straight out of a performance sports car, with a pair of bucket seats separated by a center console that positions the throttle levers as comfortably as an eight-speed racing shifter and makes the joystick equally reachable. In top-level race boats, the throttle is so ­arranged as one-half the skippering crew manages the wheel while the throttle man reacts to the seas by varying rpm and 150 mph speeds. You could employ a throttle man in this vessel just for fun if you wish, but even at its maximum throttle speed, it handles like a charm, thrilling crewmembers while protecting them from unexpected changes to direction and acceleration.

The next remarkable plank to this compelling candidate’s platform is the design of the hardtop and windshield. Mention center console and hardtop, and you’ll picture enormous stanchions springing from the console fore and aft of the helm, blocking sight lines. The top may extend only halfway to the gunwales from the helm ­perimeter, leaving much unprotected from the sun. Not here. The hardtop rests on highly styled and brilliantly sturdy supports affixed to the gunwales, and it extends well forward of the racily raked windshield and aft over the lounge and bar back-to-back with the helm bucket seats. The safety-glass windshield is full width of the helm and bucket seats, but the windshield stops at the helm sides, allowing fresh air (and passengers) to pass through the cockpit on port or starboard passageways, refreshing us on our test day’s 95-degree, 95-percent-humidity summer swelter. The arrangement is a moderate blend of the extremes of a dual-console windshield and a typical fishing center console. Nothing better than a well-balanced candidate!

We scoured the marketplace for a similar deck and helm plan to no avail, but the Four Winns H9 at a length overall of 29 feet, 11 inches brings a challenger with that vertical-stem style and with a comfortable standard bowrider setup ($343,025 base price with test power and hardtop). It too boasts a glass cockpit, and the hardtop lowers and raises on concealed ram screws to shrink storage height and can even be dropped down for more rain protection while running from a storm. Four Winns’ new designs from across the pond are the result of the company’s purchase by Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest boat manufacturer.

Forward of the Monterey Elite’s windshield is another lounge that swings on hinges to reveal a comfortable changing room with a head and freshwater outlet that competes well with the Four Winns H9. There’s a ton of storage in drawers and cabinets on the Elite. While neither offers stand-up headroom, it’s deep enough aboard the Elite for comfortable movement. Door closed, the Elite’s forward lounge completes a triangular seating area with bow seats and padded
coamings to allow crew to relax and chat.

Read Next: Monterey 255 SS OB

Aft of the helm is the back-to-back lounge that I mentioned earlier. Nestled up to it is a refreshment bar with sink and fresh water. There are large coolers beneath the lounge. This faces a large lounge astern, giving up to six people face-to-face conversation in comfortable seating. A transom door leads to a spacious swim platform. The seatbacks rock forward, allowing boaters to face the water over the transom, or lay the ­seatbacks down for a comfortable sun lounge.

In a market filled with big, strong ­dayboat candidates, the Elite 30 stands out on the ­campaign trail. It may well emerge as the new sheriff in town.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 250 DTX
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Rev 4 14.6″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 430 lb.

High Points

• Glass-cockpit design displays all switching, engine functions, temp, oil pressure, speed and more via the flush-mounted MFD.
• Foredeck and cockpit can be quickly shaded with carbon-fiber poles and canvas ­covering, installable in two minutes or less.
• USB and USBC charge points throughout. The skipper gets an inductive charger.

Low Point

• Natural light and/or ventilation in the form of a window or port would be welcome inside the console head compartment. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Monterey Elite 30 appeared first on Boating Mag.