Two of the selling points of the Bravo Three upgrade are its ability to quell prop slippage and its maneuverability in tight quarters. While we don't solely credit the counterrotating drive for the enhanced feel of the Essex, we do not discount its role entirely. Its handling moved one of our veteran trial-team drivers to call it "a sports car--probably the best-turning boat we had at the test. Nice, sharp and consistent cornering ability at all speeds. Easy to drive."

The Three drive backed smoothly, turned crisply and sent clear signals through the grips of the Dino wheel. Only minor corrections were necessary during extended low-rpm idle. Off the line, it found an immediate set with no loss of the horizon, and the Merc props found an immediate bite.

Again, the numbers bear out the exhilarating seat-of-the-pants feel as the hull surges and finds an immediate set; we hit 40 miles an hour in 7.86 seconds. However, the small block begins to run out of inches around the 50-mph range, where its hard pull begins to flatten out. Along the way, it is truly impressive in the midrange, where the Essex serves up an exhilarating ride.

The Essex is sensitive to trim, but doesn't require much to find its sweet spot. That zone is easily found, and the hull finds excellent lift and keeps its cargo secure and dry. In the cruise mode and above, the Sterling finds perfect lift and responds instantly to even the slightest nuance of command for throttle or trim. It reacts instantly to wheel play, with no hint of porpoise throughout its power range. The Sterling showed off its solid, rattle-free construction during even our most aggressive driving exercises.

The Sterling is as easy to drive and control at 60-plus as it is at ski speeds. "A kid could run it up to 63.5," wrote one of our test drivers.

Once directed, the hull is a bulldog on water, refusing any influence from all manner of cross-chop or varying water and wind patterns. With a bit of judicious wheel work, this boat is capable of tucking in and cutting right through windblown caps at 50-plus miles an hour, without rocking the insides of those aboard. The Sterling is an uncommonly qualified rough water 21.

Pile the Essex through the cone course, and you'll reveal yet another highlight of this versatile boat's performance pedigree. It drew consistent rave reviews from our driving team, who all marveled at the Essex's sharp handling edge, regardless of speed.