| Redline Custom Boats R/T-29 | | Print | |
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On Point The first twin-engine R/T-29 from Redline Custom Boats offers a lot for the money. For Redline Custom Boats owner Ted Olsen, delivering his debut twin-engine catamaran to Parker, Ariz., for a first look by Powerboat’s Test Team was a bit of a homecoming. Olsen grew up in the Colorado River town, graduated from Parker High School and spent much of his life on the water. Now a resident of Las Vegas, Olsen is still passionate about boating, hence why he started Redline Custom Boats, or RCB, in 2007. Powered by two 425-horsepower MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engines, the R/T-29 topped out at 102.5 mph, the fastest boat in this roundup. It also was the second-most-expensive model at $196,500. Only Sunsation’s twin-engine entry, the 32 XRT V-bottom, exceeded it. With a raised center pod and four-step sponsons, the 29-footer was fun to drive, especially at the top-end. Test driver John Tomlinson said the boat handled turns at full speed with ease and tracked flawlessly while blasting along on the river. Tomlinson’s only gripe was with the placement of the Dana Marine controls—he said moving the throttles and shifters forward would help with the “crowded” feel. Olsen plans to modify that along with a few other things he noticed after the build process. Our workmanship inspector called the flush-mounted acrylic windscreens in the deck ahead of the driver and co-pilot “ingenius.” The screens that raised on electric screw jacks weren’t the only things that caught the Test Team’s attention. With a rectangular berth and carpeted seats on each side, the boat actually had a usable cabin. To keep that area ventilated, air scoops that resembled the front of a 1950s-style Ford Thunderbird were installed on the deck. And to help float the 6,200-pound boat and provide assistance getting in and out of the water, the builder extended the center pod out from under the transom extension that covered the drives. There also were glove-box-style lockers on the transom, a place where some boaters might appreciate the extra stowage. The optional five-seat “poker-run interior” cockpit setup had a cool look. It did add $6,250 to the $173,000 base price, but for the comfort and style the seats provided, it was worth it. Done by In Stitches of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., the orange and gray upholstery was flawless. At nearly $200,000, the R/T-29 from Redline Custom Boats is not cheap, but factor in its 102-mph top speed, unique features and stylish appearance, and the 29-footer is worth every penny.—Jason Johnson
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