Overview

Highfield’s 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 popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains.

Engine

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-­coated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the 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 featured 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.

Interior and Accessories

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat, wide enough for two or a tight fit for three people. The pivoting seat backrest enables facing forward or aft on this seat. 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 bow peak (useful at rest, not underway). Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat. This is a 14-footer, remember.

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 port 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.

Read Next: Highfield Sport 800

The 90 hp 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; 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 7 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That’s a lot of fun per gallon.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive
• Drive/Prop: Jet drive/144 mm x 15/19″ pitch stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:1 Fuel Load: 6 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Boat, fuel and trailer combined will weigh less than 1,400 pounds—an easy tow for compact vehicles.
• No prop, no trim, and minimal ­maintenance with a jet drive make for easy ownership.
• Beach this boat with no worries thanks to a rugged aluminum hull with keel guard.
• RIB offers excellent stability at rest and absorbs dock bumps.

Low Points

• High-rpm jet drive is very noisy and transmits significant vibration to the cockpit.
• Fuel fill below the bow seat cushion is challenging to reach and offers potential for spills within the boat.
• Minimal stowage space.

Toughest Competition

The 15-foot-9-inch Scarab 165SE (base price $45,460 with trailer) weighs about 1,600 pounds (2,300 pounds on its steel trailer) and is powered by a 170 hp Rotax 1630 ACE jet drive with up to 300 hp as an option. This is a very stylish jet ­runabout with more performance and ­storage space than the Velox.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Measuring 18 feet, 4 ­inches, Viaggio’s Lago V 16U is one tiny ’toon. Why embrace shrinkage when supersizing seems the norm? Smaller boats cost less, and they stow and tow easier.

Though small, the Lago V 16U definitely lives large on the water. Its deck extends the entire length of the pontoons, and it measures 8 feet, 6 inches in width. That means more usable space than many similarly sized models. Viaggio also maximizes the floor plan. Your crew will enjoy seating that wraps nearly the entire perimeter, including a 12-foot-long  portside lounge.  

Interior and Accessories

True to Viaggio’s roots, the Lago V 16U retains a decidedly upscale vibe. The exterior follows the brand’s ­familiar palette of trendy, matte-­metallic finishes and sleek bilevel fence panels. Oversize rails, trim and ­skirting are all anodized in black and seem more like aesthetic ­accents than stodgy structure. Within, a sculpted ­fiberglass helm features a tinted windscreen, a vinyl-wrapped ­eyebrow, chrome-bezel gauges, backlit push-button controls and an illuminated ­Viaggio logo. ­Roto-molded seat ­bases, ­covered in vinyl, ­offer a contrasting color to the ­buttery-­soft pillow-top ­seating above. Standard ­amenities include a Clarion sound system, a 10-foot-long Bimini top with anodized frame, LED ­interior lighting, a polished stainless-­steel boarding ­ladder, and a mooring cover.

Viaggio’s construction details stand out as well. Twin tubes are 25 ­inches in ­diameter. C-channel crossmembers are spaced 16 inches on ­center and topped with ¾-inch marine-­grade plywood and durable, ­woven-vinyl ­flooring. All welds are backed by a ­limited lifetime warranty. The aluminum for the tubes is 0.10-inch thick. I’d contend that the only real trade-off in this pint-size pontoon is the choice of available power. While certainly fuel-efficient and fine for casual cruising, the 60 hp Suzuki outboard, even with the motor’s High Energy Rotation lower unit, had its work cut out for it when it came to performance on our test boat. Top speed failed to surpass 18 mph with our two-passenger load. The overall feeling, however, is of a boat-and-motor combo that definitely punches above its weight class.

Read Next: Viaggio Diamante 26U 

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki DF60AV
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 11 5/8″ x 12″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.42:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Pillow-top furniture swathed in buttery-soft vinyl. 
• Standards include 10-foot Bimini with -anodized frame, mooring cover, woven vinyl flooring.
• Sculpted fiberglass helm.
• Wide beam compared with similar-length pontoon boats.
• Worthwhile options include digital depth finder/transducer, integrated docking lights with flip-up stainless-steel cleats, helm seat slider.
• Standard Clarion sound system

Low Point 

• Stylish and upscale—but many of today’s buyers might find its maximum 60 hp rating underwhelming. 

Toughest Competitors

• SunTracker’s Party Barge 18 DLX ($27,760 with a Mercury 60 FourStroke) is competitively priced but lacks the Viaggio’s upscale feel. 
• Another intriguing option is Sea-Doo’s Switch 19 ($36,199 with a 170 hp jet drive). It features a configurable floor plan and seating for up to 10 people.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Viaggio Lago V 16U appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Jet boats were once mostly hairpin-­happy thrill rides, with  the reflexes of a slot-car. Today, they’ve matured into hot-selling family models, viable alternatives to craft propelled by propellers. Scarab Jet’s 195 ID proves that buyers can have all the benefits of the latter without forgoing the former’s high-octane fun. Sure, it’s got a broad passenger-friendly bow, cushy seating lining in the cockpit, and convertible aft seating that works while underway or at the sandbar. Our tester also featured 300 supercharged horses in the engine compartment. Crank the wheel, and it turns on the requisite dime. Jam the throttle, and it leaps forward to a near 50 mph top speed. It’s a thoroughly modern family bowrider that hasn’t forgotten its roots.

Interior and Accessories

Equip it with Scarab’s Wake Edition package, and it even nails the current trifecta, cranking out a nice recreational surf wave. That’s a tall order for any jet, let alone a 19-footer, but the 195 accomplishes it with a familiar mix. Water ballast bags—split between rear storage compartments and the in-floor ski locker, and plumbed to fill and empty at the touch of a button—add the necessary displacement to pump up wake size for both wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Surfers benefit further from a removable wake-enhancement plate. Deployed on a rider’s preferred side, this adds drag while standing the wake up taller and cleaning up its face. The result is a ­non-intimidating wave ideal for beginner to intermediate riders, with plenty of all-important push. Tweak the ballast load to further enhance the wake on a rider’s preferred side, or fine-tune fore and aft to influence shape and length. Dial-in all of the above functions via a 12-inch touchscreen. Ballast, speed, acceleration and more can be easily reproduced for ­individual riders.

Like many Scarab models, the appearance of both exterior and interior is ridiculously customizable. The 195 ID is available in a choice of five standard hull colors, with an additional six options offering the manufacturer’s trademark Impulse graphic. Another variation is available in three-dimensional MarineMat, combining style with scuff protection while docking. The deck is available in a choice of white or black. For the interior, go with neutral white-and-gray or opt for a rich cognac, cool-touch black or the colorful pop of four bold accent colors. As one of ­Scarab’s reps noted, it’s the Burger King approach: Have it your way.

Read Next: Scarab 235 Open ID

High Points

• Drive Control modes include an eco ­setting, cruise control and tamer-­response docking mode.
• Intelligent Debris Free pump system provides push-button reversal of the driveshaft to flush weeds and debris.
• Wake Edition package includes folding watersports tower, board racks, ballast system, removable wake-enhancement plate for surfing, and integrated ­touchscreen controls.

Low Points

• On the whole, jets are less efficient than prop-driven boats. Noisier too.
• Keep in mind the target audience. Advanced surf riders might long for ­bigger, better wakes.
• With threaded attachment points below the waterline, the wake-enhancement plate proves cumbersome to install on the water.

Toughest Competitor

Yamaha’s AR195 (starting at $45,999, with a single 1.8-liter Super Vortex High Output engine) can be outfitted with a wakesurf package. AR195’s interior is not as plush as the Scarab, nor does it offer the Scarab’s array of colors and graphics. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Rotax Marine 300 ACE
• Drive/Impeller: Waterjet/161 mm diameter, 13-21-pitch, stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post Boat Test: 2024 Scarab Jet 195 ID appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Fish ’n’ fun models are great in theory, but all too often, they fail to live up to their promise. The results are often bowriders with token fishing amenities or fish boats with little extra seating. Princecraft’s Sport 175 excels at the fishing part of the deal, but it demonstrates the ­boatbuilder’s renewed focus on nailing the family aspect. The latter is ­obvious the minute you stand in the cockpit. Rather than the minimally padded jump seats that fish-heavy models all too often provide, the Sport 175 offers up an expansive U-shaped lounge in the main cockpit. A removable pedestal-mounted table is ready when the crew breaks out the snacks and drinks. Similar comfort can be found in the bow, redesigned to offer 30 percent more space than on the previous Sport 172. Yes, it’s still somewhat of a casting platform in disguise, but angular seat cushions allow ­passengers to extend their legs, and padded backrests against both consoles provide comfort. Add the optional filler cushion, and the bow cockpit converts into a playpen or sun bed. 

Interior and Accessories

Remove those bow cushions, and the aforementioned casting platform is revealed. Find an ice chest to one side, a 17-gallon aerated livewell opposite, and a floor mount for one of the boat’s two folding fishing seats. The Sport 175 is pre-wired to accommodate either a 12- or 24-volt MinnKota trolling motor; dedicated deep-cycle battery storage is found below the cockpit sole. Aft, flip the hinged center section of that lounge forward into the cockpit to reveal another elevated casting deck with two additional fishing-seat mounts. Option one of the storage compartments with  livewell plumbing. Rod storage is available both under the port gunwale and in the lockable floor compartment. Likewise, a ­tempered-glass ­walk-through windshield offers weather protection. 

The hull is fabricated from corrosion-resistant, 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloy. Double-plating from the bow to amidships and along the chines adds further durability. In the cockpit, the pressure-treated ­marine ply floor, as well as all flat surfaces, are covered with anti-­skid marine-grade vinyl. As to the ride, our test boat’s Mercury 115 Pro XS powered the hull almost instantly onto plane, past 30 mph in 6.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 42 mph. Underway, the boat’s solid construction contributed to a ride that was both solid and ­quiet. 

Read Next: Princecraft Sport 172 Max

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 115 Pro XS
• Drive/Prop: Mercury Spitfire X7 13.5″ x 15″
• Gear Ratio: 2.07:1 Fuel Load: 23 gal.

High Points

• Squaring off the bow delivers the ­running surface of an 18-foot boat in a more compact 17-foot footprint.
• Thoughtful touches include toe kicks, as well as factory-installed snaps for later addition of mooring/camper canvas.
• Optional Techno package includes 160-watt Jensen audio system, LED interior and docking lights, and battery switch.

Low Points

• Full access to port and starboard ­seat-base storage aft requires opening the hinged seatback above.
• This family-friendly model is not as ­fishable as some other boats.

Toughest Competitor

G3’s Angler V178F ($38,395 with Yamaha F115) offers plenty of fishing features but opts for a more traditional, optional jump-seat layout aft. Alumacraft’s Trophy 175 ($44,145 with Mercury 115 PRO-XS) offers a similar layout and features, but it provides for up to two additional fishing seats. Both are fishing boats ready for family duty, but Princecraft’s aft lounge gives it an edge when it comes to comfort.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Princecraft Sport 175 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Veer’s V13 represents a category of boat, and a cadre of boat buyers, neglected by the major boat building entities. Sure, Jon Boats and small skiffs prove as common as gulls and sunsets around the waterfront. But, none of these combine the array of features we discovered when testing the V13. It’s an attractively-styled boat, which may make it more attractive to new and younger boaters and anglers. It offers built-in seating, storage and other features which many other small boats lack. It’s self-bailing—water drains out by gravity, no need for a pump—for safety and convenience.

Finally, the Veer V13 is affordable. That’s a term often fraught with drama if published in connection with recreational boating. But, look at the facts. This boat enables two adults to get out on the water in a boat that allows standing up to cast—or to photograph some amazing views. It fits in the back of a pickup truck for transport (a trailer costs $1,350). It does all this starting at less than $12,000 with a 9.9-hp Mercury outboard. The price places it on par with some high-end fishing kayaks while delivering, yet, as stated it can take two people.

Interior and Accessories

Marine mat EVA foam flooring is standard on the seats, gunnels and cockpit sole. A portable navigation light that breaks down and stows easily so it won’t interfere with casting also comes standard. Storage is built into the cockpit sole, and I discovered cup holders and tool/pliers holders formed into the aft deck. And, a Mercury 9.9-hp gas outboard comes standard. Electric Avatar outboards cost more, for example the Avatar 750-watt Avatar 7.5e costs $2,156. There is a kayak-style bungee cord hold-down on the foredeck and a cushioned seat aft that will sit two abreast.

A shallow water anchor ($105) is optional—basically a pole you can jam into the bay or lake bottom via a hole molded into the Veer V13’s hull. A standing bar ($400) is also available, which allows you to stand while running the boat, yet breaks down when you want the space to fish unencumbered. A variety of Sporttrack accessories are also available. These mount on a rugged track inside the boat. They include cupholders, fender hanger, tool holder, mounting plate and more.

I tested the Veer V13 in what might seem like an unlikely venue: the French Riviera. In actuality the low impact that a small boat powered by an electric outboard creates makes the crystalline waters surrounding Cannes a fitting place to test the V13. It also provided an opportunity to experience the way the boat handles waters roiled by boat traffic.

With two 200-pound plus boat testers aboard (max capacity is 550-pounds), and powered by a Mercury Avator 20E electric outboard, the Veer V13 delivered 12 mph at wide open. The built-in software on the engine’s display indicated we could run for 1.5 hours at that speed, using the standard 48-volt, 3,081 watt battery. Dropping down to 7 knots, increased range exponentially, with the motor’s screen reporting 5 hours of run time. Slowed to 5 knots the boat/motor package delivers 17 hours of running. Bear in mind that this is a small, portable boat, that one can, presumably, launch relatively close to the destination or fishing ground.

On size, with two large adults aboard, plus camera equipment and safety gear, the Veer V13 accelerated briskly. It was able to push upwind without any hesitation. I will say that with my 230 pounds in the bow, even with a 200-pound co-pilot back at the helm, the bow would not rise and ride was wet. My moving to the center of the boat while motoring improved ride and handling considerably. Stability to stand and cast proved fine on flat water. In boat wakes, the boat rode confidently. So long as we pointed the bow into the larger waves. The Veer V13 is self-bailing and we purposefully filled its cockpit to test that feature: the water drained quickly away.

Read Next: Eight Great Boats Under $30,000

Engine

Notably, you can select either a gas or electric outboard to power the Veer V13. The boat provided to us for testing featured an Avator 20E electric outboard (other choices include Mercury gas outboards to 9.9 hp). The 48-volt 20E claims an output rating of 2,200 watts, which converts to 3 hp on paper. On the water, due to the characteristic of an electric motor that allows it to deliver maximum torque at all RPM, electric outboards perform at greater output than the simple math would imply. I would place the Avator 20E’s performance as equivalent to that of a 5-hp gas outboard. I say this as a lifelong user of portable outboards, and the current owner of a couple of small boats powered by portable outboards.

Sold and serviced via Lund Dealers, a Veer boat can be purchased online, similar to the way many people order outdoor equipment.

Veer’s V13 offers a new kind of boat to—perhaps—a new kind of boater. If you seek a portable boat that can take two people out for some fishing in style and with a fair measure of convenience, give the Veer V13 consideration.

How We Tested

• Test Engine: Mercury Avator 20e
• Test Drive/Prop: Outboard, 12.7x 7” three blade composite
• Gear Ratio: N/A Battery Capacity: 48-volt 3,081 watt Passenger Weight: 450 pounds

High Points

• Portable, low-priced, attractive and feature-filled.
• Storage and seating well executed.
• Choice of electric or gasoline outboard power

Low Points

• Two large (over 200-lbs each) adults maxed out its carrying capacity with little left for a cooler of ice and a tackle box or two.

Toughest Competitor

Shoppers can take a look at a range of boats, I suppose. A center console, such as Key West’s 1720, while rated for five people, is ostensibly a two person fishing boat and retails for about $30,000.

More similar is the Gheenoe Lo Tide 10, a 15 footer, rated for three persons, that costs $2,610 as a wide-open boat with no power. Add options that are standard on the Veer V13, such as casting decks, storage boxes, rod holders and then add a 9.9-hp Tohatsu outboard, the price might be about $8,300. The Gheenoe Lo Tide 10 does not self-bail.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Veer V13 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

We recommend Sea-Doo’s 2024 Spark Trixx. Yes, it offers minuscule storage capacity and barely hits 50 mph. But it’s so much freakin’ fun. With it, you can perform old-school spinouts and power slides with ease. The 90 hp engine paired with lightweight construction delivers surprising ­acceleration. Besides, who cares about storage when their boat can do something that no other sit-down watercraft can—wheelies. Yes, the Trixx hits bull’s-eyes when it comes to fun factors. 

Accessories

Sea-Doo’s long-running trio of Trixx add-ons truly awaken its freestyle potential. Extended range on the electric variable trim is the star of the show, providing an additional 10 degrees of upward nozzle movement to elevate the bow. Tap the button, and it instantly enhances the Spark’s already loose handling, allowing you to point the bow skyward by shifting your weight aft. An adjustable handlebar riser extends the height of the handlebars several inches to increase leverage. It allows even lighter riders to pull the craft into the wheelie position. Once bow-high, angled blocks molded into the tail end of the footwells provide a horizontal surface to stand on.

Changes for 2024 include the switch to a single passenger freestyle seat. It adds a welcome touch of comfort. More importantly, it shortens the length of the saddle to allow a rider to move aft or shift weight placement more easily. A removable passenger seat is now an available option and is easy to install for those times a rider wants to share the fun. Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR) system, already great for low-speed maneuvering around tight areas and rapidly slowing the craft at high speeds, has also been tweaked to provide ­improved maneuverability at slow speeds. Riders can also take advantage of a new Trixx mode that drops the reverse bucket lower in the water to make possible a new generation of tricks, like nosedives and dizzying ­reverse doughnuts. 

Finally, consider the Spark’s new sleek aesthetics. While similar to the original model at first glance, closer inspection reveals that almost all of the craft’s previous hard edges and angles have been softened. It gives the craft a new, modern appearance, and pays practical dividends because the deck is now a little more forgiving during falls and the subsequent reboarding from deep water. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax Marine 900 ACE
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/140 mm high-pressure pump with stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 5 gal.

High Points

• Larger 4 1/2-inch digital display is easier to see. The upsize glove box includes waterproof phone storage.
• LinQ accessory mounts on the aft platform secure optional storage, gas or cooler accessories. LinQ Lite mounts hold action cams in up to five locations.
• Optional Bluetooth audio system directs sound at the driver and becomes a portable system when at the beach.

Low Points

• Falls happen. Reboarding is still awkward, despite new molded-in handholds on the aft platform.
• Exoskeleton design eliminates bow storage. An optional add-on compartment detracts from the cool aesthetics.
• The Trixx plays best in smaller, calmer bodies of water.

Toughest Competitor

Yamaha’s JetBlaster ($10,899) combines an advantageous power-to-weight ratio with extras, including extended-range electric trim, leverage-enhancing handlebars and angled footwell chocks. Playful enough to spin, the Yamaha focuses more on power and uses its extended trim to leap out of the water or off wakes rather than do wheelies and tailspins. The three-passenger JetBlaster offers more fuel capacity and storage.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Sea-Doo Spark Trixx appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The new Sea-Doo GTR-X model is a performance watercraft for the pragmatist. While not the most powerful, best-handling or most advanced model in the Sea-Doo lineup, the ­GTR-X pairs strong performance with high-level features for a ride that will never leave most owners aching for more.

The GTR-X model is the first Sea-Doo to combine the 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine with the Sea-Doo GTI hull in a craft intended to offer outstanding bang for the buck, with a base price of $16,999. The performance attitude is enhanced with a low racing-style handlebar and a racing seat with a deep rear bolster, and the GTR-X comes equipped with the same 7.6-inch display screen featured on the premium Sea-Doo GTX touring models.

The Sea-Doo GTI hull is formed with Polytec II, a BRP exclusive formula of polypropylene mixed with long-strand fiberglass. Polytec debuted a decade ago on the compact Spark models, and Polytec II is a stronger version suitable for larger models. Polytec II is easier and presumably less expensive to manufacture than a hull formed in the close-mold fiberglass-polyurethane CM-Tec process used for some other Sea-Doo models. It is smooth but does not have a glossy finish like fiberglass, and is very strong and scratch-resistant. Beaching and minor dock rubbing will not mar this surface. Stringers, motor mounts and other internal features are molded as part of the hull, creating a solid structure. The deck is formed with CM-Tec, which has a glossy surface.

This 10-foot-11-inch hull has a moderate V-bottom and wide chines that offer great stability at rest and in rough water with up to three adult passengers on board. It’s not as aggressive in turns as the race-inspired TR-3 hull under the RXP-X, and perhaps not as adept in offshore conditions as the ST-3 hull under GTX models, but it does deliver predictable handling and a comfortable, dry ride perfect for everyday, all-day fun.

Engine

Make that fast fun, if you so desire, thanks to the 300 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine. Performance is enhanced by a supercharger producing a 12.8 psi boost through an intercooler. The engine features closed cooling, which keeps salt water out of the block and maintains a steady engine temperature regardless of the lake water temperature. Heat exchangers are incorporated within the aluminum ride plate attached to the hull bottom. The engine requires 91-octane fuel for full performance. A drive-by-wire throttle enables speed-control features, including Slow mode for long no-wake zones. There are three selectable power modes: Base, max-performance Sport, and fuel-sipping Eco.

A lever on the left-hand grip controls the Sea-Doo iBR reverse and braking system. Pull in the lever at low speed and reverse automatically engages. Release the lever for neutral thrust, and apply throttle for forward thrust. Pull in the iBR lever while underway and the reverse bucket partially lowers to scrub off speed while maintaining steering control. The iBR system is immediately intuitive and makes it easy to control the GTR-X around the dock.

Engage Sport mode and the Launch Control auto-trim function, and the GTR-X will blast off instantly and reach 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. We saw a best top speed of 66 mph with a full tank of fuel and a single rider on board. The Ergo-lock seat system holds the rider in place with a high rear bolster, and padded pockets in the cowl allow for a secure knee grip in aggressive riding.

Extras and Accessories

The 7.6-inch-wide display is bright and easy to read. Functions are controlled on the right handlebar module. This system does not incorporate navigation. Upgrade to the factory-installed Tech Package ($1,200) to add a 100-watt Bluetooth ­audio system with two speakers and a slightly larger display that pairs with the BRP Go! app on your device, which incorporates navigation, ride tracking, and the ability to find other Go! users on the water. The audio system is also offered as a stand-alone dealer-installed accessory ($1,230).

Storage spaces include a 40-gallon bow compartment that’s easy to reach from the seat, and a deep glove box in the cowl with a watertight box for a phone and a charging port. The boarding platform is equipped with LinQ attachment system mounting points that can secure a range of LinQ accessories, including a 4-gallon fuel caddy, a 4.2-gallon cooler and a gear caddy. After removing the seat, there’s good access to engine service points and the battery.

Leading competitors to the GTR-X include the 11-foot-9-inch Yamaha FX SVHO ($19,299) with its 270 hp 1.8-liter supercharged engine, 44.5 gallons of stowage, and 7-inch Connext color touchscreen display with mobile device connectivity, GPS navigation and geofencing capability. An optional two-speaker Bluetooth audio system ($449) has 50 watts of power. Kawasaki offers the 11-foot-3-inch Jet Ski Ultra 310X ($18,299) with a 310 hp 1.5-liter supercharged engine, 44.5 gallons of stowage, a generous 21.1-gallon fuel capacity, and a 7-inch TFT color display with smartphone connectivity enabling call and message notifications. The optional Jetsounds 4S audio system ($1,287) has four speakers and 200 watts of power.

You could spend more money and buy more extreme performance, but we think the GTR-X hits a real sweet spot with a perfect combination of power, handling and technology that makes it a more versatile choice for all-around use than a hyper-performance craft, from cruising to towing to, yes, going really fast.

Read Next: Boat Test: 2023 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170

How We Tested

• Engine: 1,630 cc Rotax inline, three-cylinder supercharged SOHC four-stroke
• Pump/Impeller: 161 mm axial-flow single-stage jet pump/3-blade, polished
  stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Potent performance from a proven, reliable powertrain.
• Seat, handlebar and footwells are designed to lock an aggressive rider into a position of control.
• Light-gray liner makes it easy to see your stuff in the bow stowage bin.
• No competitor offers more performance and tech bang for the buck.

Low Points

• A reboarding step, which should be a basic standard feature, is a $245 option.
• High-performance engine requires premium fuel.
• Racy handlebar is not height-adjustable and will be a reach for some riders who want to stand.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Sea-Doo GTR-X appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Kawasaki may have been slow to embrace modern trends like electronic reverse and deceleration ­systems, or even significantly update its Jet Ski lineup over the last decade, but change is in the wind. First came the midrange STX 160. The following year, a significantly upgraded Ultra 310LX flagship was introduced. For 2023, the company borrows a little of both craft to create the Ultra 160LX, which boasts virtually all the cool style and tech introduced on the 310LX last year, but with the STX’s tamer, supercharger-less engine below the saddle. The result is a premium-level machine that comes in at a far more affordable price while offering greatly increased range. 

Both the 310LX and 160LX are based on Kawasaki’s Ultra hull platform, a deep-V design with 22.5 ­degrees of deadrise that excels in rough conditions, making it a favorite for big-water enthusiasts and offshore racers alike. Over the course of Kawasaki’s nearly 120-mile press ride on the Sacramento River, I noted the craft boasts that same confidence in the confused, washing-machine chop that often plagues group rides. With the throttle pinned, I felt confident charging across mixing wakes, the Ultra staying planted to the water without getting caught up in wakes or wandering. It strutted in glassier conditions, carving turns with razorlike precision with nary a skip or slide. 

Engine

While riders familiar with the hull would expect that flagship ride, they might not expect great performance. This non-supercharged version of Kawasaki’s 1,498 cc inline, dual overhead-cam four-­cylinder offers nearly half the horsepower of its flagship brethren. Still, I found its power delivery impressive for the category. The craft accelerated strong enough out of the hole to please aggressive riders or tow water toys with ease, and it delivered a welcome midrange punch. That overall performance and snappy feel make it somewhat of a surprise when you see the speedometer topping out around the 52 mph mark. Competitive craft typically run 57 to 63 mph. 

Extras and Accessories

The 160LX is almost indistinguishable from the 310. It shares the same broad bow, sculpted lines, and ebony and metallic-gold paint job. The 160 also shares the 310’s unique LED accent lights. They’re for style points, not nighttime operation, but they do slightly enhance daytime visibility. Take a seat atop the tiered saddle and two different pairs of speakers catch the eye and the ear. Kawasaki’s 200-watt Jetsound 4S audio system takes PWC sound systems to the next level with 35-watt speakers mounted to each side of the display and 60-watt speakers placed at the front of the footwells. Linked via Bluetooth to a rider’s smartphone, the system produces exceptional sound. A volume dial is to the left of the 7-inch color TFT information display. A phone or other audio source can be placed in a waterproof housing inside the 160’s twin gull-wing storage compartments. The outward-opening doors to port and starboard of the console replace a conventional glove box and are ideal for smaller items riders want to keep within reach, like sunscreen or a water bottle.

As to additional technology, the most practical addition is Kawasaki Smart ­Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD), the company’s long-awaited answer to competitive solutions like Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & ­Reverse and Yamaha’s RiDE system. Though the basic operation is similar to competitors—a curved bucket redirects the flow of water exiting the jet pump to mimic the feeling of forward, neutral and reverse while providing rapid deceleration at speed—Kawasaki eschews a reverse/deceleration lever on the left side of the handlebars in favor of a small thumb lever below the right handgrip. Use the conventional throttle to go forward, then tap the KSRD lever to put the craft into neutral. Apply continual pressure on the thumb lever and you get increasing throttle in reverse. Yes, it’s different than competitive solutions. Out of habit, I reached for a phantom neutral/reverse lever on the left side of the handlebars. But once you get used to the placement, it’s intuitive to use, simple to reach, and keeps eyes on the water, all ideal when backing out of a launch area or maneuvering in a marina’s tight confines.

Those latter scenarios also benefit from a first on a personal watercraft: a rearview camera monitored on the dash display. What I first dismissed as almost a gimmick was quickly appreciated while backing up in tight quarters during gas and lunch stops. Surprisingly, I also found having it active while running forward was a good way to check traffic following closely behind before making a turn during our crowded press run. Just keep in mind that the view diminishes as speed increases due to increased water spray coming off the hull. Other tech of note includes an auto trim control, cruise and no-wake modes, and a trio of power-delivery options.

As to how the Ultra 160LX compares to the competition, the toughest bang-for-the-buck competitor would likely be Sea-Doo’s GTX 170. Offering about 5 mph more in top speed, unique cargo storage, and a comfy touring saddle, buyers can option it to include a 100-watt sound system for $15,229. Yamaha’s FX Cruiser HO ($16,699) features an additional jump in performance, a two-speaker Bluetooth sound system, a 5-inch color touchscreen display with GPS mapping and smartphone connectivity, and a glove box with USB and 12-volt charging outlets. Kawasaki, however, has leveled the PWC playing field. The tech zero is now the tech hero.

How We Tested

• Engine: 1,498 cc Kawasaki inline DOHC four-stroke
• Pump/Impeller: 155 mm axial flow single-stage jet pump/3-blade, stainless-steel 8-18-pitch oval edge impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:00:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

High Points

• Launch Control mode matches the trim angle to speed for the best acceleration and overall performance.
• Phone compartment in the starboard gull-wing storage complements a USB outlet to keep electronics charged.
• Track system on the aft platform allows for mounting various accessories, including a cooler and fuel caddies.

Low Points

• KSRD slightly lags, particularly when transitioning from reverse to forward.
• Console storage access is awkward, and some stowed items can slide out of reach.
• Cooler or storage options for the aft platform are welcome, but adding them can block the rearview camera lens.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The Element M19’s ride is stable, its handling and layout are passenger-friendly, the boat is easy to tow and stow, and it proves inexpensive to purchase and is miserly on fuel. This new flagship of the Element series doesn’t deviate significantly from the path of encouraging new boaters. It does expand the M line, replacing the long-running E18 while introducing updated looks and seating.

The M hull pairs the benefits of a center V with twin sponsons port and starboard. The result is minimal bow rise and a relatively flat cornering style that won’t unnerve newcomers. A minimal 1-foot-5-inch draft also proves practical and easy. 

Interior and Accessories

Carrying its beam well forward, the topside amenities include a spacious bow cockpit, allowing two to stretch out or a crew of five to gather around an optional table. A center bow cushion and backrest can also create a rear-facing seat. Rather than the Element’s trademark bench to accommodate the captain and crew at the helm, the M19 debuts a helm seat with a flip-up bolster. Opposite, a companion seat molds into the deck and features a removable backrest. Drop the filler cushion in the footwell between the seat and console to create additional bench seating. Likewise, insert a filler aft and link the seat to the rear lounge.

The M19 also introduces a convertible aft lounge. Slide the movable backrests of the port and starboard sun pads fore or aft to change the focus from seating split 50-50 between the cockpit and swim platform to forward- or aft-facing lounges. Still in prototype at the time of our test, the backrest features a topside handle that allows seatbacks to reposition into any of four mounting slots. Add a central filler to the walkway and fashion a wide sun pad or recliner.

Engine

Our test boat featured only a 115 hp Mercury outboard but still topped out near 40 mph. The hull jumped onto plane in 3.6 seconds, and passed the 30 mph mark in 7.1 seconds. Equally important to the target ownership will be fuel efficiency. We found the cruising sweet spot at 3,500 rpm, where the Element ran comfortably atop the water at 21.5 mph while burning a minimal 3 gph.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 115
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury 14.29″ x 23″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.07:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 340 lb.

High Points

• Standard folding tongue trailer, ski pylon and stainless-steel boarding ladder.
• Available fishing package comes with a livewell and bow trolling motor.
• A 6-foot-long ski locker with a big hatch swallows boards and bulky gear.
• Choose a wraparound windshield with a walk-through, and helm-only or helm and port console windscreens.

Low Points

• Steering wheel is plastic but feels solid.
• Handle with care; exposed fastener hardware protrudes below hatch lids.
• Seat padding is comfortable but minimal in thickness.

Toughest Competitor

Starcraft’s 191 OB ($42,943 with a Mercury 115 ELPT) gains bow space from a squared-off design that retains a generous bow platform. Opposite the helm, a small galley incorporates a forward-facing backrest for bow seating and an aft-facing backrest for the cockpit. A bench spans the transom width, broken up by a starboard walk-through. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Bayliner – Knoxville, Tennessee; 865-582-2200; bayliner.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Bayliner M19 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Sea-Doo is no stranger to recognizing a popular trend, not just in the personal watercraft category, but also in the boating market as a whole. The Wake series has long catered to the watersports enthusiast at a fraction of the price of a dedicated tow-sports boat. More recently, a trio of Fish Pro models did likewise, targeting the recreational fish crowd and offering amenities that could even satisfy some hardcore anglers. What’s next? Citing the increased popularity of camping and “adventure-based” activities, along with the fact that consumers rank the ability to explore and access new areas as one of the main reasons they buy a PWC, the company debuted an Adventure category for 2023. Its current lone occupant is the Explorer Pro 170, a craft that can go farther, haul more gear, and push typical riding conditions—and riding seasons—farther than ever before.

Extras and Accessories

Sea-Doo bases the Explorer Pro off of the GTX 170, adding an adventure-worthy list of extras. The most obvious sits right in front of your face. The Explorer Pro is the first production PWC in the market’s 56-year history to feature a windshield. The design funnels airflow up and over the rider to reduce fatigue caused by prolonged wind pressure and noise while offering shelter from the elements. Over the course of a two-day touring ride, I indeed noted a quieter, drier ride and appreciated the ability to tuck behind the windshield to avoid spray and rain. A windshield will arguably be a game-changer for riders who extend their riding season into cooler months or prefer not to run to shore when rain moves in. Still, I wasn’t completely sold. The top of the windshield’s black-trimmed frame fell directly into this average-height guy’s line of vision, forcing me to either sit extra tall in the saddle to see over the top or slump to see below. An alternate set (or two) of mounting holes would tailor the windshield’s position to a wider variety of riders. There’s also a slight distortion to the polycarbonate that can make it harder to read oncoming water. However, put me in a colder climate or driving rain and I’d take its protection all day long.

Storage potential may be the Explorer’s greatest strength. A new 1-foot-8-inch-deep Multi-Cargo Rack tops much of the existing aft platform, adding three sets of Sea-Doo’s LinQ attachment points to easily secure accessories, from coolers to storage options. The addition of a 1-foot-3-inch rear deck extension adds an additional 11.5 inches beyond the standard GTX platform along with three more sets of LinQ mounts. The sizable platform makes it realistic to haul an abundance of gear. On our run down the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, we stashed gear bags in the spacious front storage, stored items like food, a tent and a cooking stove on platform-mounted caddies, and even had room for extra fuel. Fill the platform with five fuel caddies and you double the craft’s range. Be aware, however, that fully loading the aft platform can affect handling, an issue that intensifies as the bow lightens with fuel consumption. It wasn’t much of an issue in open water, but the bow repeatedly wandered in a group setting in narrow confines as it got caught up in the wakes of riders ahead. A set of fixed tabs would elongate the running surface and possibly help. Perhaps the aftermarket will respond.

Additional features complement the Explorer’s adventure and touring focus. Riders who like to occasionally stand, especially in rougher waters, will appreciate an adjustable handlebar riser that can add up to 3 inches to the handlebar’s height and allow for a more comfortable, upright posture. A 7-inch Garmin touchscreen GPS proves valuable, whether exploring a completely new area or just looking for the next channel marker in open waterways. Gunwale footrests provide added comfort when sitting sideways on the saddle or stepping aboard. A neon-yellow bumper, in actuality more of an extra-sturdy bow rail, makes it easier to pull the craft onto shore when beaching. Sea-Doo’s popular Bluetooth audio system is also included on the Explorer Pro, as is the Intelligent Debris Free pump system that offers push-button flushing of the jet pump, ideal when exploring waters that may not always be free of debris.

Engine

As to the hull-and-engine combo below the Adventure-category trappings, it serves the purpose well. The GTX is Sea-Doo’s flagship three-passenger platform, with a deep 23-degree deadrise hull that can tame rougher waters while still offering a comfortable ride and exceptional overall stability underway and at rest. With a 170 hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine and freed from its excess gear, it can accelerate strongly out of the hole and carve an aggressive turn with flair. As you might expect with the added platform and weight, top speed suffers slightly (expect about 52 mph). But that shouldn’t be much of a concern to a target audience that prioritizes how far it can go over how fast it can get there. 

Though no competitor offers a craft this focused, Yamaha’s FX HO can be outfitted with a 6-inch Garmin GPS package and the RecDeck, a 6-foot-square accessory platform with mounts to accommodate accessories like coolers and storage caddies, for $17,868. However, for the true adventure and touring rider, the Explorer Pro simply offers more overall for less. And it throws in a windshield to boot.

How We Tested

• Engine: 170 hp Rotax 1630
• ACE Pump/Impeller: 155 mm high-pressure pump with stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

High Points 

• Windshield removes easily with hand tools for those times—like a Florida summer—when you welcome the breeze and spray.
• Count the 26.4-gallon LinQ Explorer Dry Bag as your first platform accessory. It’s standard and can be carried on and off the craft like a backpack.
• Windshield slides 2 inches forward with minimal pressure, breaks free, and hinges totally forward with impact to prevent injury.

Low Points

• Exceptionally dark color scheme has only the briefest neon accents, making for a craft that is not highly visible out on the water. 
• Vent system at the base of the windshield could be larger. On a hot summer day, more fresh air would be welcome. 
• LinQ accessories truly complete the boat but significantly add to the overall price.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 appeared first on Boating Mag.