Boat test for the 2008 Outer Reef 63 with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, engine test reviews and rating for the 2008 Outer Reef 63.

Because bow rise is minimal, sightlines from both the lower and the flying-bridge helms remain good during planing. During docking, the lower helm provides a view back through the galley over your right shoulder to the upper cockpit. However, you're still unable to see the four rod holder-equipped lower cockpit from here.

The flying-bridge helm also has a restricted view aft due to the large cockpit overhang, which is home to the optional Nouvarania tender ($26,645) and 1,000-pound davit. But there is a plug-in here (plus on the foredeck and cockpit) for the also-optional ($6,020) Glendinning cable remote that operates both the engines and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. I got to see the gadget in action as Capt. McCuistom displayed a surgeon's touch while dealing with wicked wind and current during a side-to move. The remote provides the best ability to see all angles during docking situations, and therefore I'd say it's a must-have.

Wherever you choose to dock for a night, weekend, or longer, you can rest assured that Outer Reef put plenty of thought into the 63's interior spaces. The centerpiece is the full-beam master with king-size berth. On our boat this area felt even bigger than it was thanks to soft light diffused by optional shoji screens above the headboard. A two-foot-wide entryway makes for easy room access, while pocket doors to the en suite head preserve precious square footage. A true walk-in closet ensures long-range travelers will have plenty of places to hang their blazers and dresses.

Although I'd determined that the helm area was quiet, I wasn't sure this would be the case in the master as it's just forward of the engine room and its standard 503-mhp Caterpillar Acert diesels. But even at midrange and top-end rpm, I barely noticed a rumble here. The quiet is partly the result of two heavily insulated, solidly locking doors leading from the ER to the master, which have a couple of feet of space between them. Guests in the bunks room forward to port and in the forepeak VIP should enjoy an even quieter rest, unless they're watching a late-night movie on the optional 15-inch Sharp LCD TVs.

One negative I noticed about the below-decks area is that you have to negotiate a five-inch lip to access the day head from the companionway. You'll also need to watch your step making your way to the flying bridge from the cockpit: The ladder is straight up and down. Boaters whose knees aren't what they used to be will find it easier to access the inside stairway near the lower helm, which offers a gradual incline. To reach it, you'll pass through a traditional-looking teak-drenched saloon where two brown leather chairs across from a port-side settee offer a great place to sit back and read a book when you're on the hook or, if the game's on, watch the optional 37-inch Sharp Aquos TV. If I were going to watch anything on that TV, it would probably be my video footage of the last trip I took onboard the 63. After all, once you've had a chance to chase some horizons, the next best thing is reliving the memory…until next time.

For more information on Outer Reef, including contact information,click here.

NOTEWORTHY: What a Wheel

The lower-helm wheel immediately caught my eye: curved-spoke with a teak-and-holly inlay. It felt stout, more so than a wooden wheel. I wondered, how was this piece of art created? Turns out the builder starts by fabricating a stainless steel wheel, and then affixing curved pieces to the structure to provide the look you see here. Once the shape is complete, the teak covering and holly inlay are wrapped over the wheel to give it a warm touch and artisanal appeal. It also compliments the teak-and-holly sole. What you can't see here is that the inlay is on the forward section of the wheel, too. Now that's attention to detail. —P.S.

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