Table of contents for Boating Buyers Guide 2024 in Boating

RECREATIONAL MUSTANG MIT 100 AUTOMATIC INFLATABLE PFD WHY GET: A minimalist suspender design and lightweight, pliable air bladder combine for one of the most comfortable, unobtrusive PFDs on the market. Adjust the waist buckle to accommodate additional layers (or that beer belly). Verify the CO2 cartridge is armed via a clear inspection window. Automatic inflation upon water immersion guarantees the jacket will activate, even if the wearer is freaked out or unconscious. Buoyancy is 28 pounds. ALL WET: Unlike foamfilled PFDs, the jacket must be rearmed with a fresh CO2 cylinder before the next use once inflated. PRICE: $169.99; mustangsurvival.com PWC/WATERSPORTS MUSTANG LIVERY FOAM VEST WHY GET: With a flexible foam core and durable 300D polyester shell, the Livery provides flotation and impact protection for activities like PWC riding, wakeboarding…

Propeller pitch is one of numerous key physical properties of your boat’s prop. Pitch is probably the characteristic most frequently changed by boaters looking to enhance performance. Propeller pitch is also one of the harder prop characteristics to understand. Because pitch changes along the length of a propeller blade, the stated pitch is an average. Diameter, blade area and other prop traits can be measured readily. While pitch and its effects cannot be described fully in a single-page magazine article, what I hope to provide is a solid foundation of the importance of propeller pitch to your engine’s, and thus your boat’s, performance. —Rick Shackleton SCREW THEORY Pitch can be described by its effect on the prop instead of by directly measuring the prop. The above photo o shows that…

The new 48 LE, the flagship of Tiara’s outboard-powered lineup, lives up to the company’s hard-earned reputation for overbuilding its boats. It will wow you just as much with its seakeeping as it will with its luxurious amenities. Let’s start with the coolest feature, the power-actuated rotating lounge module in the aft cockpit. With the push of a button, you can rotate it a full 180 degrees. But its unique tracking system lets you stop and lock it in place at any angle. Facing forward, it creates a great conversation pit with the aft-facing lounges under the hardtop. Facing aft, it provides a great view off the transom while lounging at anchor. Turned to port, it offers seating to enjoy the foldout terrace, another great feature that provides water access…

Chaparral’s 267 SSX proves the value of big-block sterndrives. At a flick of the smooth electronic shift lever, the power levitates this nearly 5,000-pound rocket onto plane. Once there, a combination of the 22-degree transom deadrise and 380 engine horsepower nested low on the stringers speeds us to nearly 50 mph. The balanced center of gravity of this large bowrider is enhanced by the massive engine block to give us excellent stability through sharp turns. It also cut smoothly through the chop and doubled-up waves we created on our windless test day. Control of the ponies is intuitive thanks to the responsive power steering and silky throttle lever. And the frosting on the cake is the incredibly wide, deep swim platform with an aft-facing bench and what Chaparral calls the…

Zodiac’s Medline 5.8, with its deep-V fiberglass hull and inflatable tube, proves buoyant, quick-planing, stable and knock-around durable. Lightweight, it’s easy to trailer and store, and offers impressive fuel economy and performance from modest power. Look closer at the 5.8’s features and it’s apparent this 19-foot RIB handles many of the tasks at which conventional runabouts excel, from a day on the water with family to towing skis, boards and inflatables. Zodiac’s use of interior space is impressive. The bow features two seating areas, a bench in front of the console, and a V-shaped seat at the bow. A pedestal table makes the area into a small dinette. Drop the table and add a filler cushion, and the setup transforms into a sun bed. Similar versatility can be found aft,…

We’ll cut right to the chase: Sea-Doo’s RXP-X 325 features the most powerful engine ever seen in a production personal watercraft. The 325 hp beast pushes a race-ready hull to 60 mph as quick as 3.4 seconds and, in the right conditions, tops out at speeds as high as 70 mph. Those are the kinds of numbers buyers usually have to turn to the performance aftermarket to find. That this speed comes in a production machine—with a warranty—is sure to be music to the ears of hardcore PWC performance enthusiasts. The engine in question is based on the existing Rotax 1630 ACE but features a multitude of tweaks and improvements. Buzz-worthy standouts include a faster-spinning, more-effcient supercharger that produces higher boost pressure; a less-restrictive air intake system; a beefed-up lower…

When the Beach Boys released their classic “Surfing USA” 60 years ago, the song didn’t quite work unless you lived in one of the coastal states. Now, thanks to the rise in watersports boats, you can surf any time, anywhere you want to, as long as you can find navigable water. Using cutting-edge ballast and wake-shaping features, these boats can produce a wave you can surf all day. And don’t forget about water-skiing or wakeboarding; the modern watersports boat has got you covered in all phases. Check out these 16 watersports boats.…

Centurion’s new Predator Power Tower (PPT), available on all Ri models, is shown here on the Ri265 with the Warrior Edition Package. It is designed and built by Roswell Marine and unlike any tower ever produced. Be sure to see the Ri265 and the PPT. Push a button and the PPT’s smart linear actuator drops the tower while keeping the 9-foot Bimini top perfectly flat. Want more shade on an ultra-sunny day? Caught in a downpour or a low bridge? This tower solves those with ease. The tower can position anywhere between all the way up and down, and it can be used for wakesurfing and wake-boarding as well. The Bimini’s unique, rigid exoskeleton frame means no adjusting when raising or lowering, and no stowing it when trailering. Wakes and…

The 2024 Moomba Makai we tested sported some big news: the optional E/Pex power tower, which lowers all the way to the windshield, keeping the Bimini flat. That gives owners more storage options. For convenience, a battery switch is integrated into the top of the tower. The E/Pex tower can also be outfitted with Roswell Spin speakers, which pivot and swivel to precisely pinpoint the sound. Pivoting board racks and wakesurf board storage integral with the Bimini mean accessible storage for your gear. With 4,000 pounds of ballast, room for 18, and weighing 5,200 pounds, the Makai can displace serious amounts of water. Engage the Flow Surf System and the Moomba SmartPlate, and you get customizable wakes and waves. With the Flow Surf System, pick the side you want to…

Malibu’s 2024 Wakesetter 23 LSV sports a contemporary new look. Like the 26 LSV, it’s graced by new contours, an angular rub rail, and customizable gelcoat and metal-flake options. In the cockpit, pop-up seatbacks add additional rear-facing seating to the wraparound bench. The Max Pivot seat slides forward to offer stadiumlike viewing of wake riders. It also converts to a picnic table or lies flat into a sun bed. Redesigned transom seats are more ready than ever to lounge at the cove with additional recline. Deploying the massive flip-down swim step, now available in a powered version, makes for easy transitions in and out of the water. Or enjoy it as the coolest seat in the house while at the cove or sandbar. The features are all cool, but the…

Malibu’s new 23 MXZ looks great, with a new sheerline accentuating its aggressive pickle-fork bow. Starting in that large bow, flip-down armrests add to the comfort. Opt for the Natalie Seat—a combo seatback and wind dam—and the bow becomes a playpenstyle lounge. The cockpit features wraparound seating. It’s changeable thanks to a sliding rear bench that can face aft, create a table, or convert to a daybed. At the transom, the 23 MXZ boasts two seats for lounging when anchored or rafted up. Soft Grip on the walk-through ensures feet don’t pound the upholstery when accessing the swim platform. The optional powered swim step lowers into the water and makes boarding easier. When it’s time to ride, the MXZ creates fantastic wakes and waves, thanks in large part to Malibu’s…

Supreme’s S220 produces solid wakesurfing waves while offering small-boat benefits, like easier towing and storage. Just beginning your watersports journey? Start here. Thanks to clean lines and higher freeboard, the S220 looks great and offers the comfort of deeper seating. Enjoy even more comfort thanks to the EZ-V hull with its 30 degrees of deadrise at the stem and 20 degrees at the transom. The deeper V smooths choppier waters and helps the boat displace more water to offer up great wakes and waves. With an available 4,400 pounds of ballast on top of a 5,400-pound dry weight, the S220 serves up sizable waves that plenty of riders can enjoy. To help shape the wakes and waves, Supreme’s Stinger Wake Plate acts as an extension of the hull surface. It…

With a Mercury 500 Racing outboard on the transom and Avalon’s Waveglider pontoon setup belowdecks, the Excalibur LTD powered onto plane in 3 seconds, passed 30 mph in only three more ticks of the stopwatch, and nudged close to 60 mph on the top-end. Whether speeding across the lake or barreling through yet another ridiculously tight turn, the Excalibur was simply a beast, giving a feeling of raw power that was somehow also shockingly smooth. Our test boat sported Avalon’s distinctive Deco 2 smooth, two-tone retro walls. With a total whiteout on all the panels, the result looked futuristic. Molded forward corner panels integrate an aggressive set of docking and navigation lights. Aft, an inset vent panel and Avalon’s new minimalist logo only heighten the perception. Add the blade-style sunglasses…

Viaggio’s Diamante 26U offers quality, appearance and features competitive with the best pontoon offerings. How does it perform? With a powerful Mercury Verado 400, it rips to 30 mph in 7.3 seconds and hits 48 mph at wide-open throttle. Fuel-mileage data shows 3.3 mpg, burning 4.8 gph. Construction-wise, the Diamante is all-business. Triple 25-inch-diameter tubes boast spray rails and lifting strakes. A spray shield keeps the water flowing smoothly underdeck. As a result, the Diamante gives strong performance in chop and crossing wakes, and carves sure-footed turns. Viaggio has upgraded its hulls and below-deck superstructures for 2024. Underdeck wires and connections are concealed, and Deutsch connections are used to keep corrosion out. The aluminum material is slightly thicker in the tubes and splash guards, and heavier full C-channel cross members…

The G5 CLZ DC is a well-equipped, quality boat with style and dock appeal. Equipped with a big-boy Honda 250 for $142,021 as tested with an array of options, it doesn’t break the bank. With the Honda and a 16-pitch propeller, it planed in 3.8 seconds and zipped to 30 mph in just under 8 seconds. Top speed is a hair over 40, while best mileage was achieved at a sedate 16 mph and 3,000 rpm, where the Honda sipped fuel at a 5 gph rate. Sylvan’s SPX third-tube performance package, which adds 25-inch-diameter tubes and extruded lifting strakes, gives sure-footed cornering, good handling and a solid wave-crushing ride. Sylvan introduces new DF-ABS side panels for the G5’s perimeter enclosure, which give a smoother, more seamless appearance that’s lighter and…

Crest’s Caribbean Platinum 250 SLS features a unique exterior, a blend of a traditional aluminum fence structure with a modern twist of fiberglass. The latter comes in the form of a sweeping aesthetic overlay located about halfway down the boat’s length that, in the case of our test boat, picks up the exterior accent color. Along with an additional angled accent forward, it gives the boat a sense of movement, even when sitting still at the dock. It’s not the only example of Crest mixing generations. A new interior features seat bases also molded from fiberglass. These are glittered in a black metallic finish. Forward, those bases stretch a full 7 feet in length to accommodate the sizable lounges above. Occupants can stretch out to the max solo or sit…

The new Nepallo is a first-class pontoon available at Camping World stores. It’s easy to buy because there are only a few options to select: length, power, layout and color. Everything else is standard. Performance highlights include a 40 mph top speed and hitting 30 mph in 9.8 seconds. Nepallo shines at fuel economy, netting 5.2 mpg at 19 mph. This Quad Lounge Sport Toon (QL-ST) offers three 25-inch-diameter pontoons with welded lifting strakes and full-length aluminum underskinning. The superstructure uses aluminum cross members 24 inches on center, with a 3/-inch-thick marine plywood deck. Nepallo offers a lifetime warranty for structural components, and five years for electrical, flooring, canvas, upholstery and furniture. Aboard, the QL layout forms two conversation pits, one each fore and aft, separated by the console amidships.…

Buy Tahoe’s 2585 Cascade at a midrange price and you’ll get features, style and construction like those found in the manufacturer’s flagship models. Examples? The stylish, redesigned Commander III fiberglass helm and port consoles, Medallion Smart 80 touchscreen, and sexy wraparound windshield. Below, the Waveglider performance package offers a trio of 25-inch pontoons with a full complement of lifting fins, an underdeck wave shield, an integrated motor pod, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel ski tow bar. Our test boat had Honda’s new BF350, featuring 302 cubic inches of displacement and the midrange boost of power provided by VTec variable valve timing and lift. BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) advances ignition timing when the throttle is pinned off the bottom, delivering rapid acceleration. During our performance testing, it pushed the…

Princecraft’s Copper Special Edition package really ups the Vectra 23 RL’s game for 2024. It includes bold copper exterior and interior accents, raised black logo decals, and deluxe driver and passenger seats, each clad with stylish hard-shell backing. Also included are LED lighting below the helm and upholstery, and an upgraded steering wheel and docking lights. The end result is a pontoon boat that punches above its weight class while maintaining a surprisingly affordable price tag. The 23 RL’s layout is a versatile mix of traditional passenger seating and laid-back lounge options. Parallel bow lounges feature ample storage in the roto-molded bases below. Those Copper Edition chairs cradle the captain and passenger while underway and when they spin around to join the social opportunities provided by an oversize pedestal dining…

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and fishing. We added the last one to the classic ad jingle because wetting a line is truly an all-American pastime. Whether trolling for tuna in the offshore blue water or flippin’ for bucketmouths in a backwater bayou, Americans’ love of fishing runs deep. With that, the easiest and fastest way to find the fish is by boat, especially one designed for the task at hand, filled with every possible tool and amenity to make the job easier. Here are 23 of the latest and greatest fishing boats available in 2024.…

Grady-White has won every customer satisfaction award in the boating industry, and the new Canyon 386 perfectly demonstrates why. The Canyon 386 slides through seas with ease and keeps the crew comfortable in aggressive turns or blistering speeds on its proven SeaV2 hull. The triple Yamaha 450 XTO engines are controlled from a wide helm. Finished in black, the helm keeps down glare and enhances visibility. Grady’s trademarked AirView2 (AV2) hardtop protects four captain’s chairs, and features an electric sunroof and a vented integrated full-height windshield. The throttle and wheel are centered, with the Yamaha Helm Master Full Maneuverability joystick alongside. The system makes docking easier, and allows the boat to maintain position and heading while bottomfishing. It can also maintain heading while allowing the boat to drift a rip…

Invincible’s 33 Catamaran has proven to be a hit. It’s not at all surprising considering its smooth, responsive handling. A hybrid semi-asymmetrical hull designed by Morrelli and Melvin applies the best characteristics of an asymmetrical catamaran with softriding symmetrical cat sponsons. The boat makes sharp turns without awkward outboard heeling. Even in quartering seas, the sponsons stand firm in the slop; in fact, the nastier the weather, the better the double-step hull works. The helm station offers seating with a centered wheel. The leaning-post seat is comfortable for sitting or leaning. A step below the helm adds comfort while standing or seated. The station itself offers massive room for dual 20-inch (or larger) screens and, in our case, a 9-inch VesselView display, an Icom VHF radio and a Fusion stereo…

Grady-White has built its reputation on the superb-handling SeaV2 hull, unsinkable foam-filled construction, and consistent attention to style so luxurious and unique, it can be identified without a nameplate. That’s all baked in, with fishing features foremost, and seasoned with outstanding creature comforts so the boat serves up hardcore fishing and switches to comfortable family fun in a heartbeat. This Grady’s helm accommodates two 16-inch or larger chart plotters. Comfortable placement of the Yamaha electronic throttle and shift, trim-tab switches and indicators, and flushmounted switches makes the boat easy to operate from a seated or standing position. Add the optional Yamaha Helm Master controls with Full Maneuverability, and you get joystick steering and an autopilot. Even more maneuverability can be yours by ordering the optional bow thruster. Add both to…

Stingray is known for bringing reliable, durable, great-performing and easy-to-operate runabouts to boaters at an economical price. The 253 CC is the brand’s third entry into the center-console arena, not counting fishy deck boats. The 253 CC fishes hard, with four shotgun rod holders, three more in each gunwale, and six rocket launchers in the hardtop to keep trolling gear in action. The leaning-post rigging station has rod holders doubling as cup holders. Kingfish rod holders widen the spread if you don’t opt for outriggers. A three-tray tackle box also stows lures and tackle for easy access. A 20-gallon livewell on the transom has an acrylic lid, and a powerful pump keeps it filled to the top and aerated. Forward seating includes two forwardfacing lounges with stowaway cushions and seatbacks,…

Walkaround boats are like compact sport-fishers with a sleeping berth, head and abbreviated galley. Put another way, they’re like a tricked-out camper van compared to a 40-foot Winnebago. You’ll save fuel and storage space, and get easier handling and more versatility from this boat with its cozy cabin belowdecks and expansive cockpit topside. Right away, we looked at the protected cabin and secure cockpit as ideal for the Great Lakes or the big coastal bays of the North and East. Its trailerable 8-foot-6-inch beam means you can jump easily from Lake Ontario to the Chesa-peake Bay or Cape Fear anytime you want. And like a Winnebago, you’ll take your weekend accommodations with you. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, with a wide entryway and more than 6 feet of headroom. A…

Yar-Craft holds the reputation for the toughest professional walleye boat on the water. The new 210 TFX not only brings everything a competitive angler needs, but also embellishes it with family-friendly features to make it a fun machine for active families. The TFX accelerates like a rocket ship, with a 4.3-second hole shot and just 5.3 seconds to 30 mph. In good hands, top speed can hit 60 mph. For the serious upcountry angler, there’s a nifty trollingmotor panel that features a quick disconnect for the troller power wires, as well as a digital voltmeter to see available battery power at a glance. A bow panel can house an optional flush-mounted 12-inch graph, or you can opt for one flush-and one bracket-mounted—a new necessity with the popularity of livescan sonar.…

The new Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175 Sport is a versatile fishing machine, delivering a trailerable boat that you can use to fish for different species in different kinds of weather and still have a great experience. It’s the epitome of what a fish and sport boat should be. The Alumacraft’s 2XB hull is a riveted, two-plated hull that reduces sound and vibration on the water from bow to stern. It also has a sharper bow entry to help it knife through pesky lake and river chop. Add in the fully enclosed, tall walk-through windshield that keeps your crew protected from wind and spray, and you’ve got a freshwater fishing platform for all seasons. Alumacraft offers outboard power ranging from 90 to 150 hp from all the major engine manufacturers: Mercury,…

So, you’re going to do it: Take the plunge and buy the new boat of your dreams. You’ve cruised boat shows, visited dealerships, and scoured the internet to find the perfect rig for your lifestyle and budget. After having countless conversations, scanning boat tests and brochures to compare specifications, and poking around in lockers and peeking into cabins, you’ve found “it”—the best boat for you and your family. Now you need to answer a question that is equally important, particularly in these challenging economic conditions: What is the best way to pay for it? Finding the right answer to this question could be even more challenging in today’s environment of rising inflation and interest rates, not to mention the added wrinkle that many eager wannabe boaters are sitting on lengthy…

The Sea Tow Foundation, which offers loaner life jackets at 1,300 places in all 50 states, recently got a lot more to offer thanks to Newell Brands, which donated 10,000 of its Stearns and Coleman life jackets and floating cushions to the organization. The Sea Tow Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes boating safety founded by the membership towing service Sea Tow. Along with programs such as Sober Skipper and Flare Education, the foundation seeks to make it easier for boaters to practice safety on the water. The Life Jacket Loaner program provides adult and youth life jackets that are free to borrow for a day on the water. So far, it has provided over 100,000 life jackets to participating businesses and organizations around the country. But this past…

Advice about how to back up a trailer is right there with “docking advice” and “how much power do I need” as the most common reader questions of all time. —Kevin Falvey Boating’s experts agree that practice is the biggest key. Find an empty parking lot or visit a launch ramp on a chilly, midweek day. Then back up to “targets,” such as cones, sawhorses, beach chairs, cardboard boxes, or whatever you’ve got that you won’t mind hitting. Naturally, we want to give you more than just general advice, even if it is very good. So, I asked our most experienced trailer boaters—Randy Vance, John Tiger and Jim Hendricks—to each offer their top tip for backing a trailer. Their approaches are similar. But because the sciences of logic and linguistics…

SOLSTICE PUP PLANKS $179 to $239; solsticewatersports.com This semi-rigid inflatable dog-boarding platform has mesh steps that sink into the water, giving your dog an easy leg up to the boarding platform. The dog can sit there to drip off and dry. A duck dog might just hang there for the hunt. D-rings and a pair of 8-foot-long ropes included secure the platform to a boat, dock or poolside. It’s available in three styles. A mini size ($179) is designed for smaller dogs to 30 pounds. An XL will handle dogs to 200 pounds, as will the XL Sport in camo designed for waterfowling (both are $239). The manufacturer says the platforms are tougher than toenails, and considering its success in paddleboards, we wouldn’t argue a bit. We like this device…

Formula’s 290 Bowrider is a bay cruiser, lake toy, party boat, and waterfront restaurant eye-catcher. The twin Ilmor 5.3L engine and dual-prop drive package is the icing on this scrumptious Formula cake. At a high of 5,300 rpm, we clocked 55.5 mph. Best economy came at 34 mph and 1.8 mpg. Formula’s deep-V hull planes in 5.9 seconds and hit 30 mph in 7.7. It turns sure-footed and deeply banked at any speed. With robust construction, painted hull stripes and fastidious rigging, the 290 Bowrider is built for the long haul. Inside, the bow features a hidden anchor windlass and locker, and a deep firm-but-comfy bowrider lounger replete with USB ports and cup holders for all. Removable cushions transform it into a sunbathing suite. The cockpit features a nicely designed…

Yamaha’s 252SD sports classic bowrider appeal, an abundance of features and clever innovation, but the 2024 headlines are topped by the introduction of a new engine duo. Yamaha’s naturally aspirated 1.9-liter High Output powerplant offers the largest displacement yet seen in the jet-drive market. Combined, the pair produces 400 hp, pushes the 252SD to 30 mph in 7 seconds, and tops out near 48 mph. That the engines provide this power without the use of superchargers is notable, which will pay off on the showroom floor and at the gas pump. And the low-speed handling might steal the show. Yamaha’s Drive system adds paddlestyle shifters on each side of the steering wheel to offer an alternative for shifting in and out of forward, neutral and reverse. It’s great in tight…

Throughout its storied history, the Scarab Jet 195 ID has been defined by its ability to combine an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride with a plush, comfortable, passenger-friendly interior. That one-two punch returns for 2024, but with a little added dose of panache. Our test boat boasted the brute force of a Rotax 300 ACE engine. It leaped out of the hole with a jet’s trademark acceleration and peaked just a few ticks shy of 50 mph. Add the Wake Edition package and discover this 19-foot jet can also kick out a surprisingly good surf wake, with decent size and plenty of all-important push to keep riders in the pocket. A trio of wakeen-hancing ballast bags, split between rear storage compartments and the in-floor ski locker, boost that wake’s volume. Finetune the…

Taiga Motors’ Orca, the first mass-produced electric-powered personal watercraft, delivers on a triple-pronged promise of zero emissions, zero noise and zero smell. Thankfully, as our testing by multiple editors showed, it’s the polar opposite of zero fun. Climb aboard the 9-foot-6-inch Orca and hit the start button. The 7-inch dash display coming to life may be the only indication the 120 kW motor (equivalent to about 160 hp) is powered up. But be ready when you squeeze the trigger throttle. The Taiga Orca accelerates with almost zero hesitation, showcasing impressive torque. That torque is displayed throughout the powerband en route to the top speed we recorded of 62 mph. At every step of the way, the only noticeable sound was a whirring driveline. While the first Orca models were made…

Aviara’s latest series of boats deliver 28 feet of luxury dayboating. Perhaps most interesting of the trio (there are outboard and conventional sterndrive variants), the AV28S model adds wakesurfing to a list of attributes that includes exciting speed, sports-car style and entertaining opulence. We put an experienced wake athlete behind the boat. He was impressed. We weren’t surprised. The AV28S is powered by Mercury’s Bravo Four S drive. Equipped with MasterCraft’s SurfStar user interface, tabs for ballast, and the inherent displacement of a deep V, it makes waves suited for everyone, from experienced to beginning riders. Further, the standard powered hardtop serves as a tow tower, complete with board storage. There is seating for 15 aboard, and the AV28S is Yacht Certified. Seating is covered in CoolFeel vinyl that doesn’t…

Sitting between the entry-level NXT line and the upper-end X line, you can trick out the XT25 with bells and whistles, or buy it trimmed down. At 25 feet with 3,200 pounds of ballast and room for 18 on board, the XT25 is ready for loads of fun in comfort and style for your whole crew. MasterCraft’s SurfStar system with its factory presets will see you up and riding in no time. Built-in Rapid Surf software allows for quick, intuitive adjustments to the wakesurf waves, where riders can choose from seven different settings between mellow and steep. It’s easy to transition from a brand-new rider to a pro with a couple of taps on the touchscreen. With the XT25’s size and some friends on board, the wakesurf wave is large,…

At 24 feet, 2 inches and 7,500 pounds, Malibu’s flagship M242 combines with 4,719 pounds of equivalent ballast (with the Power Wedge III deployed) to quickly and easily kick up professional-level wakesurfing waves and wakeboarding wakes. The Power Wedge III is a transom-mounted foil that drags the stern deeper, creating large, rideable surfaces. It also adjusts the shape and size of wakes and waves, from beginner to pro. Surf Gate features integrated plates on each side of the transom that allow seamless transfers from one side to the other. Onscreen diagrams make the Power Wedge III and Surf Gate easy to use. Comfort abounds aboard the M242 thanks to deep seating and supple upholstery. High freeboard offers support and keeps out spray, even in the bow, where a unique removable…

Anthem’s Kalon 23 rates as the most unique boat I’ve tested. It looks like a tank and is built like one too. Beaching? No problem. The keel is 1 inch thick. Plus, there is a bow door. Dubbed the Sport Ramp, this patented powered door lowers at a button push, reinventing access from the water, beach, dock and trailer. The Sport Ramp also grants the Kalon 23 accessibility for a wheelchair. The Kalon 23’s layout resembles that of a pontoon boat. The bow features long lounge chairs port and starboard that convert into a wraparound playpen. A table sets up for snacks or stows away for space. A huge locker stores multiple wakesurf boards, water skis and more. Boarding doors are on each side near the Kalon’s tower base. At…

Featuring a unique hybrid bow design and MasterCraft’s signature sheerline, the new NXT23 screams style. Our test model sported the optional NXT Icon Package, with its all-black badging, SeaDek flooring and tower accents, plus RGB ring and underwater lighting. Thanks to MasterCraft’s Surf-Star system and 3,130 pounds of ballast, the NXT23 puts out high-performance wakes and waves that can adjust quickly to suit beginner and advanced riders. Aiding security and easing ownership, the NXT23 comes with telematics capabilities, allowing owners to remotely check the boat’s systems and even turn off the battery from anywhere via the MasterCraft Connect app. Adjust the SurfStar settings via the standard 7-inch touchscreen. The Rapid Surf page allows choosing a profile for wakeboarding, wakesurfing and now wake foiling. Choose from three factory presets, or use…

Starcraft may call the MVX 230 Surf a deck boat, but it’s got the unmistakable look and feel of today’s hottest wake-sports models. A trendy gray and black hull, with choice of a red, blue or tan accent, is bolder and darker than the typical Starcraft offering, with colors carrying seamlessly into the interior. A powered overhead tow-sports tower includes board racks and speakers. The Taylor Made tempered-glass windshield sports a sculpted black frame. Add a flipover backrest ready for a portside spotter to turn and watch the action in the boat’s wake, MarineMat flooring ready to comfort bare feet, and backrests that ratchet upward from the sun pad, and you’re ready for everything, from a surfin’ safari to chilling out at Ski Beach. While the MVX will prove equally…

The styling, colors and appearance of Tahoe’s 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW command attention. Plus, Tahoe loads it with the biggest Suzuki you can buy, the dual-prop 350 APL, topping out at 50 mph while going from zero to 30 mph in 7 seconds flat. The 2785 Grand Tahoe QLW we tested sported the Waveglider performance-package option, adding triple 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes for better handling and quicker acceleration. The Tahoe employs power SeaStar hydraulic steering, and response is excellent, from hard-over turns at full speed to spanning lake chop and wakes. Stepping aboard at the bow, the carbon-fiber wraparound is set back a foot from the forward deck edge, giving room to aid in docking or to cast a line. The custom touches abound, from the pop-up cleats to…

The Bennington 27Q Fastback is one head-turning pontoon. With twin Merc 300s, a big, beautiful arch, and a styled sweptback perimeter with dual consoles, the 27Q looks more like a fiberglass runabout than a pontoon. It has the zoom to back up the attitude; the twin Verados propelled us to a tick shy of 60 mph. Low-end acceleration is a rush, and 30 mph comes up in just 4.5 seconds. The 27Q’s most economical cruising speed of 2.3 mpg (that’s almost 9 gph) is 20.4 mph. The 27Q features Bennington’s performance package, including huge 32-inch-diameter pontoons with lifting strakes on all three logs, extruded splash guards and an underdeck wave shield. The aluminum is 0.125 inch thick. The decking is through-bolted with fanged (toothed) elevator bolts with locking nuts. The…

Vanderbilt brings a refreshing, straightforward approach to pontoon boats with just two models (single and twin engine). Everything is standard but color and outboard choices. Powered by Suzuki’s DF300, the 500S went from zero to 30 mph in 6.6 seconds. Top speed was 46 mph. Our best fuel economy of 3.1 mpg came at 18 mph and 3,000 rpm, burning 5.9 gph. Vanderbilt pontoons feature a standard Big Water package with triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with lifting strakes, reinforced nose cones, a heavy-duty transom and engine pod, and a performance-shielding under-deck. Assisted hydraulic steering makes steering easy. The 500S features stylish perimeter fencing with raised LED docking lights and built-in storage for dock lines, the anchor and fenders. Backlit mesh lights the sides, a cool touch. Twin facing lounges grace the…

G3’s SunCatcher Elite 326 SE is luxurious and well-equipped. It boasts enough muscle to power a family with friends aboard for water sports or a day of cruising. With its Yamaha F300 outboard, the Elite 326 SE hustles to 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds and storms to a 46 mph top speed. It reaches its most economical speed at a stately 16 mph at 2,500 rpm, squeezing out 3.5 mpg. If you want to shave some money off the price, a 200 hp motor would still make around 35 to 40 mph, but why mess with the excitement factor? The Elite 326 SE is as comfortable as it is sporty. At the bow, extra-long twin loungers create the forward conversation pit, generously seating six. The captain’s console is elevated…

Starcraft’s RX 23 is part of its new flagship pontoon series, pampering family buyers with plush furniture and performance. Rather than traditional aluminum panels or molded fiberglass, Starcraft debuts industry-first acrylic-capped ABS plastic panels over an aluminum framework that are durable, being UV-and impact-resistant. The system also features a high-gloss, mirrorlike finish. Another advantage? ABS is lighter than fiberglass, adding to the RX’s overall performance and fuel effciency. As promised, the interior indeed pairs plush seating and an equally eyecatching style. Plump couches line the port and starboard sides of the boat from bow to stern, with pillow-top uppers and generous thigh bolsters to cradle and secure passengers. Lumbar regions feature attractive diamond-pattern stitching, and each individual couch offers a recessed nook containing a pair of cup holders, and USB…

The 23 RX Sport Swingback blends classic pontoon construction materials with a modern twist. The classic comes from aluminum, naturally; the twist comes in its placement. Rather than traditional railings and panels, sleek outside cladding produces a nearseamless exterior as it wraps the boat’s lower half before giving way to an offset, interior-clad swoop of a bold accent color arching across the tapered bow and down the port and starboard sides. Overhead, a sleek sport arch mimics the flowing, uninterrupted lines below. Add a tinted windscreen at the helm, integrated docking lights at the bow, stainless-steel accents aft and Bennington’s logo on the bow gate to get one mean machine. The black Phantom Package interior on our test boat really popped, and cooltouch pillow-top furniture with stitched diamond-pattern accents hinted…

Bennington’s fishing-friendly 20 SF-SPS might come from the brand’s most affordable series, but we were impressed by its features and construction. Exterior fencing eschewed boring rectangular patterns with a bold swoop backed in a contrasting color and texture. Two-color asymmetrical patterns with Serene Soft Touch vinyl and a Simtex accent add an upscale feel to the interior seating. The roto-molded helm was impressively contoured and capped with an acrylic top and glare-reducing brow. Vinyl weave flooring came standard. Designed as a fishing-focused entry in the Bennington lineup, the SF features a pair of fishing seats forward, upgraded on our test boat to high-back captain-style recliners. Sorry, you can’t lie about the size of your catch; roto-molded corner units feature lids with rulers. One serves as a livewell, the other for…

Is the Intrepid 51 Panacea a high-performance go-fast boat, a hardcore fishing boat or a sporty pleasure yacht? Yes to all three. No wonder it bears the name Panacea. Belowdecks, the 51 Panacea boasts a double berth, a spacious salon with a galley, and a large head, shower and sink. Ready for an overnighter? This boat is. Topside, the bridge is four-bucket-seats-wide and two rows deep, with glass-cockpit instrumentation and three flush-mounted touchscreen displays. Every important system in the boat actuates through those touchscreens. Added to that control is an array of tactile switches nested in the dash brow, a space usually reserved just for looks—but not here. The effect leaves room for the convenient location of an added engine display, an audio controller, inductive phone-charger holders and more. Ergonomically,…

Scout’s new 357 LXF S-Class maximizes performance, luxury, styling and fishability. It offers outstanding effciency thanks to its epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull construction that minimizes weight while maintaining high strength and a flawless finish. The 357 LXF falls within Scout’s S-Class category reserved for luxury models 33 feet and up in length. The designation signifies the upper echelon of the Scout lineup, with luxury akin to high-end automobiles. Standard features aboard the Scout 357 LXF include a fully walkable swim platform with a starboard-side transom door and Esthec decking, an Armstrong swim-platform ladder, a 47-gallon transom livewell, a 60-gallon transom fish box, a cockpit portside door, and rawand freshwater washdown systems. The 357 LXF offers abundant standard equipment and conveniences, such as a 50-amp onboard battery charger, remote-controlled lighting with a…

NauticStar water-tests every boat that leaves its factory, a step many boatbuilders fail to take. The result is the proof of the design and construction, and assurance of quality for the boat buyer. It’sNof an attitude to deliver value, a thing NauticStar built its reputation upon. The 274 Bay boasts wood-free construction. Its internal structure will not rot. Hand-laid fiberglass ensures each layer is bubble-free and properly saturated with resin. NauticStar bonds the hull and deck using adhesive sealant and a stainless-steel fastener every 3 inches, resulting in a superstrong bond that doesn’t leak—or groan and creak. A vinylester barrier coat makes for durable hulls that resist cracking and osmotic blistering, promoting longer hull life. Gelcoat is precision-sprayed—not too thin and not too thick—resulting in a deep, long-lasting shine. Waterproof…

Blackwood’s 290 Open is a sporty, stylish, well-built center-console ready for fishing and family duty. But let’s first consider how much fun it is to run. A 24-degree deadrise and a sharp entry cut cleanly through chop and waves, delivering a soft, confident ride. That’s a must for family time. But jam the throttles forward and pile on the trim, and the twin-step hull comes alive, accelerating up to 58.5 mph with twin Yamaha 300s on the stern. Drop that trim and crank the knob on the stainless-steel steering wheel, and the boat does likewise, diving into a turn and holding with tenacity, no matter how hard it’s pushed. OK, now let’s talk fish. Blackwood maintains a wide passageway around the console, allowing anglers to freely move about the boat.…

Center-consoles prove favorites of fishing enthusiasts in part because they offer easy access to nearly all of a boat’s perimeter. Of course, the transoms of these boats are typically interrupted by outboard motors. Yamaha’s 255 FSH Sport H, part of a seven-boat-deep center-console lineup from Yamaha, proves that jet-drive power is not only a viable alternative, but also an attractive one. The low profile of both the engine and driveline, as well as the lack of an exposed prop or drive, leaves the transom wide-open and accessible, a benefit when fishing and for family time when coving or on the hook. The lack of a prop and a jet’s shallow draft also promise access to skinny waters while reducing the crew’s safety concerns. Fishing and fun are themes spread throughout…

The SVX series deck boat has proven one of Starcraft’s most versatile platforms. It combines a stable reversechine hull that excels in a variety of water conditions with a rectangular profile topside, which maintains beam width nearly all the way forward to maximize interior space. Within, a deeper-than-average cockpit provides a secure feel for passengers and the confidence to venture into larger waters. If those features sound like they’d make the SVX 231 OB a great center-console fishboat or coastal explorer, we agree. Our test boat even looked the part, decked out with the pastel hull colors now popular in the offshore fishing segment. Center-consoles work well for tasks such as fishing because they offer uninterrupted access to nearly all of a boat’s perimeter, but family boats aren’t battlewagons. The…

Bass Cat always makes boats to get you there first, fastest and with the best tools to catch fish. Our top speed was nearly 75 mph at 6,100 rpm. However, we believe top speed will tap 80 with better conditions. At 31 mph and 3,500 rpm, the boat’s most effcient speed, it delivered 4.4 mpg. The Caracal’s nimble hull kept us comfortable in rough chop—an extreme test for any bass boat. The all-new deck on this proven hull is loaded. The large bow panel permits flush-mounting two stacked graphs; three can be mounted with additional brackets. A foredeck dash panel holds a main power switch and digital voltmeter. There’s a landing net scabbard and measuring board built into the deck, easy to access and quick to deploy so you can…

The Angler series is designed to fish, cruise and play. An available tow pylon means watersports can be a sideline to fishing. Its deep-V design is ideal for big waters and deep rivers. Yamaha’s peppy 115 VMax SHO outboard gave it a sassy hole shot—7.8 seconds to 30 mph. And it maxed out at nearly 47 mph. Fuel economy is a strong suit; the SHO squeezed 6 mpg at 24.5 mph. Even at full bore, we recorded nearly 4 mpg, so let those ponies have their reins when conditions allow. A 19-gallon tank gives the Angler V178 F a 100-mile range while leaving 10 percent in the tank in reserve. The Angler handles tough conditions too. G3 calls the hull GX2; it has riveted 0.080-gauge aluminum reinforced with double plating…

Though not diffcult to master, the traditional wakesurf start can be awkward. Surfers float in a reclined position before propping their heels atop the board in front. Once the boat accelerates, a slight push on the heels is all that’s required for the board to slap flat against the feet. But stay in this position too long and the board begins to plow, putting tremendous strain on the rider’s arms and shoulders. Eliminate this frustrating portion of the starting process by doing it like the pros and sink that board below the surface. —Jeff Hemmel SINK OR SWIM While it may seem counterintuitive, starting by standing atop a submerged board takes much of the strain out of the starting process. Rather than plow, the board mimics an airplane wing. As…

Everyone who has ever boated knows the runabout is a staple of boating culture. It’s the quintessential style of boat for a well-spent day on the water. It’s often the first type of boat someone buys, providing the gateway to family fun and the desire to move onward and upward in the boating community. Whether you’re looking for your first boat, your last boat, or the next in a long line of crowd-pleasers, take a look at one of our 12 runabout reviews. One of them is sure to catch your eye.…

Crownline is a premium runabout brand, and its models are built tough to take the knocks that big inland waters dish out, such as the Lake of the Ozarks. We ran the 280 CRX on the Caloosahatchee River near Cape Coral, Florida, and the solid hull easily mastered the tightly spaced chop. Its saltwater-friendly dual-outboard configuration accelerated nicely, ran swiftly and cornered well, all thanks to a high-performance hull with a 19-degree deadrise. Ours was equipped with joystick steering and a bow thruster, options that both take the sweaty-palm factor out of docking this large pocket cruiser. Its helm seat is doublewide and ready for a skipper and a companion. The wheel is comfortably reachable from a sitting or standing position, and the bolster flips up to accommodate the latter.…

With powerful, responsive and highly maneuverable water-jet power, the new 22-foot-6-inch Scarab Jet 235 Open ID enhances the versatile center-console concept. The low-profile Rotax engines enable a fold-down transom “tailgate” that offers unmatched access to the water. The tailgate pivots up and down manually; when lowered, it creates a 3-foot-4-inch-deep platform that’s great for swimming, gearing up to dive, board sports, or lounging on aftfacing seats, and makes for easy boarding from the dock. The boat can be operated at speed with the gate down if no rear-seat passengers are facing aft. With the gate raised, the boarding platform is 12 inches deep. Seatbacks on the motor box can be folded flat or angled to face forward or aft. This aft deck area and the forward casting deck are covered…

Yamaha’s VX Cruiser HO has long provided an impressive list of features at a value-oriented price point. However, for 2024, the buzz centers on the craft’s all-new engine. Yamaha’s naturally aspirated 1.9-liter High Output boasts the largest displacement currently found in the personal watercraft market, along with a midrange-class-leading 200 hp. Along with a new overlapping impeller design and a redesigned top-loader intake grate, it provided impressive acceleration and top speeds up to 64 mph—not far off the benchmark for many flagship models. Without those flagships’ superchargers, however, the 1.9-liter-equipped VX Cruiser won’t share their thirst for fuel; in turn, it provides greater range for long-distance touring. As the model name suggests, cruising types will appreciate an abundance of amenities. A 4.3-inch Connext color display with touchpad control allows the…

Sea-Doo’s Spark revolutionized the personal watercraft industry in numerous ways, not the least of which included dramatically lowering the cost to buy a PWC. Designers accomplished that feat by pairing a small but effcient 90 hp Rotax engine with a hull made from a new lightweight composite. In the process, they also brought back a loose, playful personality missing too often in today’s more precise, more powerful machines. The Spark Trixx exploits that personality to the max, allowing the craft to do moves like power slides and spins with ease, leap off waves, and even perform showy stunts previously limited to stand-up models, including wheelies and tailspins. A core trio of features are responsible for the craft’s increased trickery. The biggest bang for the buck comes from the extended range…

Montara’s Surf Boss 2.0 blows the old saying about every boat being a compromise right out of the water. It delivers first-class wakes and waves for surfing and wakeboarding. And it delivers the space, seating and mega-sociability provided by a pontoon boat. Pro riders have lauded its capabilities. Plus, you can see for yourself in the companion video we produced. Its aluminum hull is refined by craftspeople with decades of experience building watersports boats. Topside, we noted a 12-inch touchscreen providing control of the 4,200 pounds of ballast, rider profiles and more. The Polk Audio head unit is also located here, with its four-zone control. The helm is raised, aiding visibility. In all, this helm will prove familiar to wake captains. Grip the side-mount Livorsi throttle and take control of…

Long considered a “sleeper” of high-performance, the new Axis A245 delivers world-class wakes and waves while providing 18 on board with comfort and entertainment. The A245 maintains the Axis visual identity, but with an updated sheerline, and hullsides that allow more buyer customization. Higher gunwales make the A245 even more comfortable and secure. Customizable seating includes the sliding rear bench, plus the optional pop-up backrests on the wraparound lounge. The AW20 tower accentuates the looks and adds function. Multiple board racks mount to each side, and board storage is built into the Bimini. Gas shocks enable one person to lower the AW20. If you opt for all four Wet Sounds Rev10 tower speakers, you won’t bump your head because there is ample clearance. Responsible for shaping the wakes and waves…

Supreme’s S240 satisfies most watersports boat buyer’s needs at a price notably lower than similar-size offerings. Supreme’s signature EZ-V hull, QuickSurf system, and 4,800 pounds of onboard ballast allow the S240 to deliver wakesurfing waves that people at every skill level can ride and enjoy. With a capacity of 16 people and storage to match, the S240 proves roomy enough for you to host a crowd of friends and family. For the captain, a bolstered, swiveling seat makes for carefree days of pulling, made simpler with Supreme’s well-executed and easy-to-use systems. A 7-inch highly visible touchscreen allows for quick access to the ballast, trim tabs, speed-control settings and other onboard systems. New conveniences for 2024 include a wireless phone charger and a small audio control located near the throttle. I…

Over the years, Centurion’s Ri230 has pulled numerous world championships, creating a platform like no other for the wakesurf industry. For 2024, the Ri230 offers new features that continue to enhance this boat’s legacy. The looks of the Ri230 are as clean as ever, but can get as bold as the buyer desires. Our test boat featured Centurion’s special Salute 2 Service options, which include custom graphics, GatorStep flooring patterns and more. Parts of the proceeds from S2S-equipped Centurion boats go to charities to support wounded veterans. Kudos! Pro-level wakes and waves come courtesy of Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull design, which incorporates 20 degrees of transom deadrise. The deeper V allows the stern to sit deeper in the water in order to displace and shape the symmetrical wakes and waves.…

Capable of taking on 3,500 pounds of subfloor ballast, then shaping the wakes and waves with the integrated Swell Surf System and Supra SmartPlate, the Supra SA creates pro-level riding surfaces that you can customize to accommodate beginner riders as well. Supra’s proprietary AutoWake technology automatically adjusts the ballast based on how the boat is riding. This makes for clean, consistent wakes and waves. The SA’s systems are controlled via two large MFD touchscreens. Optional steering-wheel controls add convenience, allowing adjustment of settings without looking at the screen. New for 2024, the powered captain’s chair can be equipped with a heater and two memory settings to save preferred positions. The new windshield looks great, mirroring the lines of the SA and the new Supra Tower. Order the stern-thruster option, controlled…

Are you looking to take a lot of people out for a great day on the water? Maybe to go for a cruise along the lakeshore? What about going for a grin-inducing speed run, taking the kids out for a tubing session, or even going fishing? For all of these questions, the modern pontoon boat provides an emphatic answer. Pontoon boats are better-built and more versatile than ever before, capable of handling big crowds on board and big horsepower on the transom. Take a look at our reviews of the 21 newest pontoon models for 2024. You’ll be impressed.…

The Manitou Explore’s trademark MAX Deck returns for 2024—with 2 feet more. The Explore MAX features a wide-open aft deck, ideal for watersports compared to typical pontoons. Additionally, BRP LinQ mounts make it easy to install accessories, like a cooler or a gear box. The hidden, low-profile Rotax S150 outboard that makes the MAX design possible also gets a companion, creating a 300 hp duo that adds nearly 15 mph to top-end performance. Twin engines and digital power steering also make joystick piloting possible, taking the stress out of close-quarters maneuvering. While the deck-outboard combo aft is a game-changer, it’s the Explore’s sleek perimeter design that first draws the eye. Formed from a near-seamless collection of formed aluminum panels, it’s automotive-inspired and thoroughly modern. Individual panels are removable in the…

You will be hard-pressed to find a better-built pontoon than the Montara Naxos, or one that mixes function so well with luxury. You’ll also need to ride it yourself to experience how truly good it runs The Naxos’ construction exceeds many other pontoons. The full-length keel that helps it deliver an awesome ride also provides great strength. Side panels are rugged 0.100 gauge, rather than the more common 0.60 gauge. Its 26-inch-diameter tubes feature four air chambers and are fitted with nose cones. Quarter-inch M brackets run full length. Cross members are installed every 16 inches. Montara builds the Naxos’ interior functionally and luxuriously. For instance, seat bases are roto-molded, so they won’t rot and get soft. Plus, the storage compartments are fitted with drains, so gear that gets…

Harris’ Cruiser 250 hit zero to 30 mph in a rocketlike 5.4 seconds with a Mercury Verado 250. And it posted a 45 mph top speed. Its most economical cruising speed occurs at 3,000 rpm and just under 18 mph, where this new ’toon burned only 4.7 gph, which is almost 4 mpg—very frugal for a 27-footer with 250 horses. Build quality? Harris has always built a solid boat, and the Cruiser 250 is no exception. We heard zero rattling and felt no flexing as we cranked the Harris through hard-over turns and big boat wakes. The 327 Performance Package gave back great acceleration and turning capability thanks to big 27-inch-diameter tubes with lifting strakes. Underdeck construction of aluminum extruded cross members is covered by the under-deck protection shield. Aboard,…

Viaggio’s Lago series offers high quality at a competitive price. Take the Lago Z 24S, a solid performer with a Suzuki 300 for power. It hit a brisk 44.2 mph and zoomed from zero to 30 mph in 8.9 seconds. Its most economical cruising speed was 14.2 mph, where we recorded 3.6 mpg. It’s also notably quiet; our decibel meter read 77 dB(A) at cruise speeds. Viaggio builds boats to last. All underdeck wires and connections are concealed and use highend Deutsch connections to thwart corrosion. Thicker aluminum is employed for tubes and splash guards. Heavier full Cchannel cross members connect the tubes to the deck frame. Deckcorner caps have navigation and docking lights built in for a clean look. The tripletube package features 25inch tubes (27 inches is optional…

New for 2024, the premium-positioned SunChaser Calais is a well-engineered and family-friendly pontoon. With a Yamaha F300, it cranked off a 45.2 mph top speed, planing in 3.6 seconds and reaching 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That’s super quick. At a bestcruise speed of 19.6 mph and 3,000 rpm, we recorded just 5.8 gph, calculating to 3.4 mpg. The Calais features SunChaser’s X-Treme PR25 performance package, which includes 25-inch-diameter triple ’toons with a 60-gallon tank in the center tube, extruded lifting strakes on all three tubes, a Performance Shield underskin to help smooth water and wind flow under the deck, a deck-mounted ski tow, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and Heavy Hat construction. This all helps to keep the Calais rigid, minimizing flex and vibration in rough water while enhancing acceleration…

SPECS: LOA: 25'4" BEAM: 8'6" DRAFT: NA DRY WEIGHT: 3,988 lb. SEAT/WEIGHT CAPACITY: 13/1,833 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 43 gal. HOW WE TESTED: ENGINE: Mercury Verado FourStroke 250 hp DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.5" x 17" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.85:1 FUEL LOAD: 32 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 260 lb. Manitou’s Explore 24 represents a cool advancement in design, construction and appearance. Futuristic perimeter fencing gives a clean, automotive look. Integrated LED docking and navigation lights blend into the curved bow walls. Made from individual panels that are removable and replaceable, all the wiring and plumbing for the boat is hidden inside the exterior walls. The top rail features exclusive BRP LinQ attachment points to install accessories, such as fender clips, cup holders and wineglass holders. With Mercury’s Verado 250, we hit 47…

Delivering a stellar combination of performance and value, Bennington proves it can compete at any level with the SVSB-SPS. Rigged with Yamaha’s VMax SHO 200, we planed in just 3.3 seconds, reaching 30 mph in a cat-quick 6.1 seconds. Top speed was a healthy 45 mph at 5,900 rpm. In the midrange, this Bennington-Yamaha package was quiet as well as thrifty; our decibel meter recorded just 69 dB(A) while sipping fuel at 3.6 gph (that’s 4 mpg) at a best-cruise speed of 14 mph and 2,500 rpm. Handling was sure-footed and predictable at all speeds; we carved turns with little heel-over leaning, and skipped over boat wakes and wind chop without drama. Aboard, the SVSB-SPS is new and redesigned from the deck up for 2024. New for 2024 is the…

The new OS 405 Offshore replaces Pursuit’s popular, long-standing model, the OS 385 Offshore. The freshly minted OS 405 boasts triple Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore outboards that propel this luxury express sport-fisher to top speeds in the mid-50 mph range. The deep-V hull slices smoothly through choppy seas, and advanced control systems result in fun and easy handling. The Yamaha Helm Master EX system with a joystick control and a Lewmar bow thruster makes docking a cinch. Built for serious fishing as well as entertaining, the OS 405 cockpit includes two mezzanine seats, a 50-gallon transom livewell, a freshwater sink, a 75-gallon fish box with a chiller, an electric grill, 89 total gallons of insulated insole fish-box capacity, a flip-up transom bench seat, and access to the Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer…

The flagship of Cobia’s center-console lineup, the 350 CC can be easily labeled a mean fishing machine, yet it has plenty of creature comforts to please the nonanglers in the family looking to enjoy a day on the water. It’s a “best of both worlds” situation. For power, the 350 CC can be rigged with twin Yamaha 450s or triple Yamaha 300s. Both power options will help this boat perform on those long runs to the blue water, as will its solid construction thanks to the VARIS resin-infused molding process that ensures quality. The double-stepped design helps the hull keep a level attitude. It also improves effciency underway while the deep-V hull, which tapers to 21.6 degrees of deadrise at the transom, slices through waves and chop. The run outside…

Pursuit’s new DC 306 represents the latest addition to the boatbuilder’s versatile outboard-powered dual-console boats. It incorporates a hardtop with a tempered-glass windshield and a walk-through door for protection from the elements. A horizontal anchor windlass eases anchor deployment and retrieval—bring on those secluded coves. Comfy bow seating includes fold-down armrests, handrails, and coaming trays with cup holders and charging stations. An optional table lets you enjoy meals. Options such as a filler cushion and a sunshade expand entertainment possibilities. A door in the starboard console opens inboard over the main walkway at the same time a sliding panel recesses into the forward dash for access to the sink, vanity and head. A door on the port console reveals a massive storage area. The companion seat offers foldable armrests, a…

One of the most popular models in the Regulator Marine XO series, the 26XO ranks as one of the most versatile of all fishing boats. The smooth-and dry-riding hull of this center-console crossover gives anglers easy access to lakes, bays, coastal rivers and shallow waters, while also providing the capability to head out to fish the blue water when the time is right. A new optional Half Tower with a second station for the 26XO gives anglers more navigational and fish-finding capabilities, with a height advantage when looking for fish, weed lines and flocks of birds, or steering around dangerous shoals and submerged objects. With more than 122 square feet of deck space, seating that’s comfy and abundant, and generous storage, the 26XO excels in providing not only topnotch fishing…

Finseeker’s dual console offers the right combination of comfort, fishability and sport-utility versatility. It’s like a bowrider meets express cruiser, with an open bow filled with comfortable seating, and a cockpit that blends cruising comfort with fish-fighting capabilities. The 240 DC sports a sleek profile yet maintains a high bow and deep freeboard for seakeeping capabilities, bringing a cockpit depth that reassures parents of boisterous children. There are grab rails all around the deep seating at the bow, and coaming bolsters to pad the sides for comfort. A windlass on our test vessel makes anchoring a breeze for bottomfishing, and the 26-gallon transom baitwell keeps plenty of bait on hand. Frozen cut bait can be stowed in the insulated compartments under the cockpit seating. A Mercury 300 powered our test…

Powered by Mercury Racing’s new 500R outboard, the Bass Cat Jaguar STS is a true 100 mph boat in the right hands on the right day. On a blustery 40-degree morning with 2-foot chop, the Jaguar STS took us to 98.5 mph with two aboard and 35 gallons of fuel. GPS telltales showed us the boat hit 103 mph on several occasions in better conditions. No matter, this Jaguar STS and Mercury Racing 500R package offers all the performance you’re likely seeking. The Jaguar STS’s entirely new console features a flush-mounted 12-inch graph that incorporates engine data as well as GPS and maps. Tilt hydraulic steering with an optional Bob’s Machine Shop hydraulic setback jack plate keeps the Mercury 500R in line. A console between the seats houses a glove…

One of the best features of a sleek aluminum bass boat such as G3’s Sportsman 1710 PFX is it is easy to trailer with most midsize family SUVs. It runs swiftly on lower horsepower too. Both features save cash while delivering a ton of fun. The 1710 PFX fishes like an 18-footer, and G3 promotes it as a multi-species rig. We think it would make a great buddy tournament competitor too, whether you chase crappie, bass, walleye, pike or muskie. Its sleek lines and shallow draft make it ideal for treacherous rivers. In calmer weather, we’d chase walleye and pike on big waters. The 1710 PFX is spirited, planing in 3.9 seconds and reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. With a top speed of just over 40 mph, it’s plenty…

Princecraft’s Sport 175 delivers a fishing-focused aluminum runabout that reflects the manufacturer’s renewed focus on family. Examples of the latter are immediately evident in the bow. Newly redesigned, it offers 30 percent more space than the outgoing Sport 172. Angular seat cushions and padded backrests against the twin consoles invite passengers to stretch out. Add the filler cushion to fashion a large sun bed. Aft, the family focus intensifies. Rather than a trio of transom seats, the 175 debuts a full U-shaped lounge surrounding a removable pedestal table. It offers room for several more passengers and, more importantly, trades barebones jump seats for true relaxation-ready comfort. Ready to fish? Strip out those bow cushions to expose a large elevated casting deck, with an ice chest to one side, a 17-gallon…