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Jeanneau Leader 30
It manages to pack a lot of recreational usability into its open deck, without critically compromising the performance. It handles well, and although its top speed is modest, the manner in which it gets there is commendable. For a fully Read More...
Four Winns HD 240
The HD 240 is a broadly talented boat that does not fit in the mould of the average bowrider. It has been carefully thought out with no space being wasted. In keeping with its function, it has the ability to Read More...
Bayliner Ciera 8
Bayliner Ciera 8 Alex Smith tests the first of a new line in compact sports cruisers from the pioneer of affordable powerboats. Click the viewer above to read.
Quicksilver Activ 755 Open
The space, convertibility, family-friendly layout and level of performance are of a standard that will appeal to many middle-of-the-road boating families. It looks good, goes well and can accommodate six without overcrowding. I didn’t find any failings in the handling Read More...
Chaparral H2O
The Chaparral H2O is great fun to drive, quick off the mark, forgiving if you overcook it and reassuringly well made. Given what the alternatives are in its 30k price region, this boat is not a hard choice to make. Read More...
AMT 190 BR
The 190 BR is a spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly bowrider with some pleasantly distinctive detailing. It’s good to look at, easy to own, impressively affordable and far more versatile than most American-style bowriders. This is a resoundingly easy boat to Read More...
Cobra Shoot-Out
This is Cobra’s most popular RIB and with good reason. It is easy to tow and launch and yet is big enough to rough it offshore. It is a high-quality British-built boat that has been meticulously designed as a fast Read More...
Bayliner Twin Test – CC5 CC6
Both the CC5 and the CC6 are boats I can recommend without qualification. I’ve seen them perform admirably in some big, nasty seas that would see the skippers of most 30-footers running for cover. They are genuinely impressive (and remarkably Read More...
Biski
Another outstanding beacon of hope, technical excellence and … real-world relevance from the excellent Gibbs yard An amphibious bike from Gibbs is much more than just an indulgent curio Weird but Wonderful: Gibbs Biski Alex Smith explores the latest amphibian Read More...
Husky R8s 36
This is a very exciting and yet easy boat to drive. It combines all the luxuries and practicalities of a family boat with blinding performance, good handling and quick steering. It is exceedingly tough externally, which is matched by the Read More...
Sessa Islamorada 23
Sessas are well built and not known for structural problems A full mechanical survey is a must in any boat, but with an older petrol boat, ascertaining exactly how it performs during a pre-purchase sea trial is equally important Sessa Read More...
Chris-Craft Calypso 30
The boat’s standard specification is impressive and includes goodies that might not appear at all on more modestly priced boats The Calypso 30 is a boat with few faults and an awful lot to offer Customisation looms large with the Read More...
Avon 340 Seasport Deluxe
A great tender from a returning brand. The hull on the Avon is pretty impressive; even an inexperienced driver is safe, which is important if you’ll be letting your children loose at the helm. The Avon Seasport is the type Read More...
Chris Craft 22
As a comfortable family craft that can stretch its legs when needed, this boat is pretty unique in this country. The standard of finish to the gelcoat is outstanding, and when you lift the engine hatch you find that this Read More...
Boston Whaler 270
You expect a Boston Whaler to work well, feel robust and drive obediently – and the new 270 Dauntless does exactly that. For those who favour substance over bravado, this is an indisputably capable, versatile and reliable family companion. When Read More...
Beneteau Flyer 7.7 SPACEDeck
The Beneteau Flyer 7.7 SPACEDeck is a high-quality, multipurpose sports boat – impressive both in terms of construction and in its ability to perform. Bates Wharf have a winner here – a great boat that’s hard to find fault with. Read More...
Sealegs Interceptor 9000
The extra-wide 3m beam enables the provision of huge deck space and creates a very stable yet versatile work platform. Targeted at both commercial and military applications, the Interceptor 9000 is … capable of an impressive 44 knots at a Read More...
Seadoo Spark
The stability of the Spark makes it virtually impossible to turn over. The whole ethos behind the Spark is to get people on the water at an affordable level. Reigniting the Spark Since its launch last year, the Seadoo Spark Read More...
Greenline 36
The Greenline 36 does not try to be all things to all men. It is a long-legged cruiser that aims to provide frugal family cruising. First impressions count with the Hybrid 36. Greenline 36 Innovation seems to be the keyword Read More...
Sargo 36 Fly
The Sargo 36 is a truly exciting boat to drive with its razor-sharp handling. Though capable at all speeds, you will find yourself driving faster than you intend as a result of its smooth ride and relatively low sound Read More...
Galia 750HT
At wide-open throttle, pushing past the 30-knot barrier, the Galia proved to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing … This boat benefits from not trying to be all things to all men. The standard of build in the Galia 750 Read More...
Finnmaster Pilot 7 Weekend
She might not have been designed as a sports boat, but somebody thought about this craft’s alter ego when designing the helm layout. As the day got rougher it was apparent that the Pilot 7 was built to take a Read More...
Voyage to the End of the World
The team worked together superbly and held their nerve as gradually, with each pounding, stomach-lurching wave, we fulfilled our dream and rounded the Horn. Our brave RIBs took a battering as the towering waves swallowed us up and spat us Read More...
Shearwater 890S
The Shearwater 890S is a great rival to the mainstream brands of big sports RIBs/superyacht tenders available in this country. It has much going for it, not least price and build quality. Cutting around the photo boat, the 890S proved Read More...
Ocqueteau Timonier 615
Out in the cockpit, which is completely self-draining, there is more space than many similar boats from other makes. At just over 6m the 615 has a useful balance between the accommodation and open cockpit. The spacious wheelhouse gives rise Read More...
