The Scorpion-bit Vortex showed off more the same sweet, sophisticated drivability that has become an annual exhibition with each Essex test appearance. We love fuel injection: This one started easily every time, shifted smoothly, idled cleanly, tracked responsively and otherwise behaved with the same controlled obedience you'll find in a tournament ski boat. Maybe the lighter transom had something to do with the Essex's superior low-speed feel (It set up perfectly for wakeboarding), and the Vortex also reacted crisply of the line. It planed quickly and accelerated nice and hard once over the top. Bowrise was minimal, and the hull was gratifyingly responsive to trim.

Performance in the midrange was strong and consistent, and the Essex invited aggressive, fun driving. It cut hard in both directions and retained its dry, flat stance even while carving hard at speed. This is a very dry, stable, free-riding boat, and performance in the cruise range was pleasure. We couldn't find any hint of porpoise or rock.

Get the drive out of the water, press on some revs, and the ride airs out dramatically. And yet, the boat never loses the pure, controlled drivability. We ran a steady and accessible 68 miles per hour, carrying 3,350 pounds plus two passengers and fuel, without sacrificing a bit of stability or predictability. When the water really thickened, we tucked the bow down just a bit and still ran a comfortable 60-plus across some very hard, nasty chop. Our test team noted the Essex's utter lack of rattles or extraneous noise under these conditions and attribute it to the hull's sound, solid workmanship.