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Three high-performance sportboats are evaluated: the Fountain 27 ($69,136), the Baja 27 Shooter ($58,000) and the Formula 271 SR1 ($72,760). The Baja is the fastest and the Formula is the most comfortable.

Four bowrider recreational water skiing boats are evaluated: American Skier Volante LTD Elegance, Correct Craft Sport Nautique, Malibu Echelon LX and MasterCraft ProStar 205. All are excellent boats that perform efficiently.

The Rinker Fiesta Vee 280 ($49,995) is a family cruiser with a mid-cabin layout and solid construction. Optional Twin 235-hp MerCruiser V-8 gasoline stern drives provide a top speed of 46.7 mph.

Three deckboats in the 21-foot range are evaluated: the Godfrey Hurricane FunDeck 206 OB ($14,020-$14,989), the Sunbird Odyssey 21 ($16,995-$18,995) and the VIP Deckliner 204 SRT O/B ($20,892).

The Chaparral 27 ($46,996) is a compact mid-cabin family cruiser that sleeps four and functions well as a dayboat or on trips of several days or longer. An optional 300-hp MerCruiser gasoline engine provides a top speed of 38.8 mph.

The MasterCraft MariStar 225 ($25,613) has the pulling power needed by a skiboat and the amenities of a family runabout. A 285-hp Inmar gasoline inboard engine provides a top speed of 42.8 mph.

The Jefferson 52 Convertible ($471,300) is a well-priced motoryacht with three staterooms and two heads. Twin Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA engines offer good performance and a top speed of 29 mph.

Three aluminum boats with cuddy cabins are evaluated: the Lund 2250 Genmar Sport Cabin ($21,700-$24,625), the Sea Nymph Sportfisher GLS ($20,990-$22,650) and the Starcraft Islander 221V ($17,900-$18,500). The Sea Nymph is rated best in performance.

The Sea Ray 440 Express Bridge ($330,709) has two staterooms for overnight accommodations and a spacious exterior area for entertaining. Optional twin 364-hp 3208TA Caterpillar diesel engines provide a top speed of 33.7 mph.

The Bluewater 623 ($679,400) is a comfortable coastal cruiser with a shallow draft and a single-level interior featuring three staterooms and three heads. Twin 388-hp Cummins diesel inboard engines provide a top speed of 26.2 mph.

The Boston Whaler 23 Walkaround Outboard ($29,500-$53,570) and the Grady-White 246G Explorer ($25,840-$47,305) are evaluated. Both models are solidly constructed offshore trailerable fishing boats.

Four mid-berth cruisers were evaluated on family trips on Lake Powell: the Century 235 Antigua XL ($31,431), Four Winns 265 Vista ($42,395), Rinker Fiesta VEE 260 ($33,995) and Sea Ray 230 Sundancer LTD ($24,795).

The Onset 42 ($319,000) is a sportfisherman with well-fitted fiberglass construction and a roomy interior layout. Twin 382-hp DDC 6V-53TI diesel inboard engines provide a top speed of 29.3 mph.

The Stamas 310 Express ($90,500) has rugged construction and a roomy cockpit that is ideal for fishing and cruising. Twin 250-hp 5.7-liter MerCruiser engines offer a top speed of 34.7 mph.

The Bayliner Ciera 3058 Command Bridge ($66,595-$89,095) is a well-priced cruiser with a classic, livable design. Optional twin 235-hp MerCruiser gasoline V-8 stern drive engines provide a top speed of 41.6 mph.

A Luhrs 290 Open Tournament offshore fishing boat was tested with three different engines: 245-hp Marine Power 350-cid gasoline V-8s, 170-hp Yanmar 4LH-DTE diesels and 225-hp Volvo Penta KAMD 42 diesels.

The Baia Force One 43 ($445,000) is an excellent Mediterranean-style high performance sportcruiser with Kevlar in the bottom and hull sides. Twin 582-hp inline 6-4V-9D Seatek diesel engines provide a top speed of 52.1 mph.

The Regal Ventura 9.8 ($107,991) is a luxury family cruiser with features designed to make boating fun for the novice and the expert. Twin 300-hp Volvo Penta 740 DP engines provide a top speed of 47.9 mph.

Three boats designed for walleye fishing are evaluated: the Alumacraft Trophy 180 ($19,484), the Crestliner V-160 Viking Tournament Edition ($14,875) and the Yar-Craft 1678 Back Troller ($12,600).

The Stingray 698svx ($29,093-$38,541) is a 23-foot sport boat that is well-equipped for weekend camping trips. A 390-hp MerCruiser 502 Magnum engine provides a top speed of 72 mph.

The Avance 33 Cabriolet ($105,600) is a versatile high-end fishing boat that offers both luxury and practicality. Twin 300-hp Johnson V-8 outboard engines provide a top speed of 60.3 mph.

The Cheoy Lee 70 Convertible ($1,399,000) is a motoryacht well-suited for cruising or fishing. Twin 1,040-hp Detroit 12V-92 diesel engines provide a top speed of close to 30 mph.

The Cruisers 2670 Rogue ($50,270) is a well-styled mid-cabin cruiser. An optional 300-hp MerCruiser V-8 gasoline engine provides a top speed of 40.7 mph.

The Boston Whaler 21 Outrage ($19,995) is a center console fishing boat well-suited for family entertainment. A single 175-hp Evinrude outboard engine provides a top speed of 38.2 mph.

The bowrider is a popular, practical boat design, and the 25-foot length offers many advantages over smaller boats. Three bowriders are evaluated: Chaparral 2500 SX ($39,615), Cobalt 252 Condurre ($47,321) and Formula 252 Bowrider ($50,322).

The Intrepid Euro 39 ($344,900) is an exotic high-performance speedboat with a Trimax 2100 drive. Twin 600-hp Seatek diesel inboard engines provide a top speed of 75.6 mph.

The Contender 35 ($72,850) is an offshore fishing boat with a deep-V hull and hydraulic steering. Twin Mercury 275-hp gasoline V-6 outboard engines provide a top speed of 47.9 mph.

The Hatteras 46 Convertible ($672,200) is a well-built sport fishing boat with comfortable cruising accommodations. Twin 735-hp DDC diesel inboard engines provide a top speed of 34 mph.

The Wellcraft 232 Eclipse ($27,495-$30,165) is a bowrider with a unique side-console design and a cabin useful for changing or napping. A 7.4 MerCruiser Bravo One sterndrive engine provides a top speed of 48 mph.

Evaluations are presented of three classic-style boats built using fiberglass construction techniques: Century Coronado Limited ($31,793), Elite Craft Riviera ($37,250) and Packard 2600 ($47,000).

The Sea Ray 250 Express Cruiser ($34,995) is a trailerable boat with standing headroom in the galley area. A single 230-hp MerCruiser V-8 gasoline stern drive engine provides a top speed of 36.3 mph.

The Bayliner Classic 24 Express ($22,695) is a basic cabin cruiser that can be customized to suit the owner's needs. A 5.0-liter 200-hp MerCruiser engine provides a top speed of 37 mph.