HALLETT

300-T OPEN BOW I TWIN MERCRUISER HP500EFI I BRAVO ONE

beneath you to run fast in

the full-sized sport boat class? Hallett offers their 27- and 40-footer with a ventilated bottom, but their straight-vee, 24- degree 300-T (twin), with its liberal 102- inch beam, makes a potent statement about proven, effective technology: it never goes out of date.

Not only did the combined 940-prop-rated horsepower, built by side-by-side HP500EFI motors, power our 300-T into the 80-mph range, but the 7,500-pound Hallett annihilated everything we tested, of any size, with any power, in this meet’s unofficial acceleration rankings. We went back several years to find anything to challenge the twin-HP 300’s 8.84-second elapsed time from rolling idle to

50 mph. That’s quicker than every boat we tested, on both coasts, at the 2000 Performance Evaluations. Hallett achieved their desired effect when they built this one with tandem HPs: They transformed a time-honored design (released in 1994) into a steady, stable lake monster that will blow the bow railing off of nearly everything that happens to cross its path.

Our HP-powered setup was geared up with optional external IMCO steering and drive showers. Kiekhaefer K-plane tabs with Bluewater mechanical indicators are standard, along with an electric engine hatch lift and tilt wheel.

The bowrider version is highly effective on three fronts. First, the 300’s wide stance, deep cut and formidable freeboard assure the creation of one of the largest, deepest and most comfortable bow seating areas on the water. The 300 is luxuriously comfortable up front. This seating section is no afterthought. It’s an integral part of a limo-like passenger treatment, and blends nicely with the rest of the boat.

Second, Hallett’s vast creative experience guides a center-cabin layout that

pampers its occupants with a surplus of head and leg room, and with conveniences and design detail that left our team swooning. A large and convenient path allows access to the caddy cabin from the cockpit. The standard cabin is outfitted with

four adjustable lights, a countertop with four inlaid drink holders, two ice chests (built into the countertop), a storage cabinet with a secure drawer and large, facing lounge seats. A deck hatch provided ventilation. It’s a refreshing note to find an installation with such a consistent fit, in everything from the plexiglass slider doors (sealing the cabin off at-both ends), to the interior components, to the way the cabinetry fit and the doors closed.

And third, the cockpit area—with its gorgeous Teak and Holly flooring, snap- out Berber carpeting and superior interior execution—is vintage Hallett. Oversized bolsters sported removable inserts (rather than standard drop-through releases) for standing operation, and faced

off with functional, stainless, rectangular support perches. Rear passengers found the same comfort level with deeply set bench seating. If you’re looking for luxurious, high-quality interior workmanship, CONTINUED ON PAGE 111

H allett has an answer for the family that outgrows one of their beloved custom performance boats: they’ll build you a bigger one. Their boat works has established a remarkable open-water presence in recent years, and offers luxury cruisers up to 40 feet in length.