The spring boat show season is officially underway and many exciting new models will be making their official U.S. and international debuts. Whether you are looking for a trailerable day cruiser, a mid-size fishing boat or a serious offshore passagemaker, you will have a number of new vessels to explore as you walk the docks this season. Here is a preview of some of the boats to watch for.
1. Sterk 31
German builder Sterk Yachts debuts its flagship model, the Sterk 31, a dayboat with sporty performance. It will make its official U.S. debut at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show. The boat’s LOA is 30 feet, 5 inches overall with a 9-foot, 9-inch beam. Two different versions are available: The 31 RC, or rear cabin, features a sleeping area for two people under the aft sunbed, and the 31 WB, or wet bar, has an aft dinette that converts to a sunpad and a wet bar with refrigerator. Both models have a private head. A T-top and various Bimini configurations are available as options. Power options include a single 425-hp Yamaha V8 XTO outboard, or twin Yamaha 250-hp or 350-hp V6 outboards. With max power, the 31 cruises at 30 knots and can reach a top speed around 60 knots.
2. Aspen L107 CLX
In 2019, Aspen Power Catamarans launched the Aspen L107, a 36-foot, 8-inch open vessel with a 10-foot beam, which company owner Larry Graf famously ran from the Mackenzie River to the Arctic Circle and back to prove its seaworthiness. More recently, Aspen introduced the L107 CLX, which stays true to the original design of the L107 but has many custom features. It can be used as more than just a dayboat, despite its open design. The vessel has a galley module and an enclosed head. The bow seating area converts to a king-sized sleeping space with a canvas cover, making overnight camping a possibility. The L107 CLX also has cruising, watersports and fishing features. It’s built on asymmetrical hulls, with 200- and 70-hp Yamaha outboards providing power. This hull design is intended to provide greater fuel efficiency, stability and seakeeping capabilities. The L107 has an 80-gallon fuel capacity, which provides a range of 240 miles at 20 knots or a trolling range of 1,334 miles using only the 70-hp outboard.
3. MJM 4
The MJM 4 was launched over a year ago as the second model in MJM’s line of outboard-powered, open-bow day yachts distinguished by a Carolina Downeast design. Now, the builder is offering the vessel with a pair of 440-hp Volvo Penta DPI diesel engines that produce a high cruising speed of 33 knots and a top speed of 39 knots. DPI is a fully integrated system that includes a hydraulic clutch with zero clunking and joystick control at the helm. The boat—which has an LOA of 46-feet, 8-inches and a beam of 12 feet—features four social zones. Belowdecks are accommodations for two adults in the forward island berth; there’s room for guests in a second berth located aft. Between the berths is a single head with a shower.
4. Prestige F4
The F4 is the first model in the new generation of the builder’s F-Line of flybridge yachts. The LOA is 49 feet, 10 inches with a 14-foot, 9-inch beam, 3-foot, 10-inch draft, and 33,290-pound displacement. It rides on a V-shaped hull designed by Michael Peters with a round, high bow for added stability and performance. Notable on the new model is the open flybridge with helm station, lounge area and galley. A Bimini or hardtop are optional. Also central on the F4 is the new OceanView galley in the cabin with flush flooring and an unobstructed view of the water through the panoramic glass door. Accommodations include the owner’s suite forward with king-sized berth and head with separate shower; a VIP stateroom with double bed; a guest stateroom with two single berths; and an optional crew cabin. The F4 is powered by two 480-hp Volvo IPS 650 engines, and it can hold 343 gallons of fuel.
5. World Cat 260DC-X
This model replaces the 255 DC, the company’s most popular boat ever. The 260DC-X dual console is designed for both fishing and family cruising, and it serves as the counterpart to the builder’s existing 260CC-X center console. It is 25 feet, 6 inches overall with a 9-foot beam and a 14-foot draft. A cool feature is the swivel cooler seat with cushion that stows in a locked position under the helm seat and swings out to create a second seat. Mounted to the back of the starboard-side helm chair is an entertainment/food prep area. There is a comfortable lounge area in the bow, where the removable table is optional. The 260DC-X is rated for up to 400 horses (twin 200-hp outboards) and has a 180-gallon fuel capacity.
6. Galeon 435 GTO
Galeon Yachts introduces a new flagship to its GTO line of outboard-powered dayboats. The 435 GTO is 44 feet, 9 inches overall with a 19-foot, 4-inch beam. With ample entertainment space and comfortable accommodations, it’s ideal for a couple or family that enjoys hosting guests and spending the occasional night aboard. The aft cockpit is the main entertainment area, with a bench that can slide forward and face opposite directions. Port and starboard balconies extend the width of the cockpit. The enclosed pilothouse has glass sliding doors; inside is a galley, dinette and seating. There’s another entertainment space in the bow, which features reclined bench seating. Below is a master stateroom with double berth, and a guest cabin that accommodates double and single beds. Different outboard configurations are available on the 435 GTO, from a pair of 600-hp motors to four 500-hp engines. Fuel capacity is 548 gallons.
7. Zodiac Medline 5.8
Zodiac has added a new model to its range of Medline day cruisers. The Medline 5.8 is the smallest boat in the line at 19 feet overall with an 8-foot, 4-inch beam, but the sporty RIB promises to be a fun and functional vessel that families can use to hop around to different sandbars during the day. The Medline 5.8 rides on a fiberglass hull with inflatable tubes. Weighing in at only 1,484 pounds, the lightweight runabout is easy to trailer and store. The model makes efficient use of its economical deck space, featuring a bench seat in front of the console, a V-shaped seat at the bow, an aft bench seat that converts to a sunpad, and a helm seat. The RIB carries up to 11 people. A pedestal table can convert the bow to a dinette. Power on the Medline 5.8 comes from a single outboard up to 130 horsepower. The vessel has a 26-gallon fuel capacity.
8. Scout 357 LXF
Scout Boats has added a new model to its popular LXF line of luxury sportfish boats. The 357 LXF S-Class is the ninth model in this category, and the 35-foot, 3-inch center console with a 10-foot, 9-inch beam will replace the 355 LXF. The 357 rides on an epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull with 22 degrees of deadrise, which provides good stability and reduces the boat’s overall weight. A notable standard feature is the fully walkable swim platform with a starboard-side walk-through. Also standard is a 60-gallon transom fish box, raw/fresh-water washdown, three heated helm chairs, and an aft-facing bench seat that converts to a prep table. A Seakeeper 3 is optional, as are integrated solar panels on the hardtop. Power comes from triple Mercury outboards. The boat is rated for up to 1,200 horsepower and can reach a top speed of nearly 63 knots with triple 400-hp Verado V10 outboards. Fuel capacity is 319 gallons.
9. Pursuit 306 DC
Pursuit has a new dual console model joining its lineup with the DC 306—a 31-foot, 11-inch vessel with a 9-foot, 11-inch beam and 21 degrees of deadrise. The DC 306 is loaded with fishing features and is spacious enough on deck for the whole family. A standout feature is the integrated hardtop with tempered windshield. There are four rocket launchers on the hardtop, as well as four rod holders in the gunwales and four in the transom. Other fishing features include a 26-gallon recirculating insulated live well, port and starboard fish boxes, and tackle storage. Plenty of seating is available on board. In the cockpit, there is a folding transom seat, an aft-facing seat and companion seat to port, as well as a retractable table. Comfortable wraparound seating is available in the bow, where there is another table. Optional power on the 306 DC is a pair of Yamaha Digital F300 Offshore outboards with integrated Digital Electronic Steering and Helm Master EX Digital Electronic Control. Joystick steering is an optional upgrade. The boat has a 224-gallon fuel capacity.
10. Boston Whaler 210 Vantage
The Boston Whaler 210 Vantage is the newest model in the builder’s Vantage series of family adventure and fishing boats. The 210 measures 21-feet, 3-inches LOA with an 8-foot, 6-inch beam. Anglers will appreciate the port and starboard casting platforms, gunwale-mounted rod holders and transom rod holders. An optional fishing package includes an 18-gallon live well, two additional gunwale-mounted rod holders, rod storage in the starboard side console and a raw-water washdown. The 210 Vantage has multiple power options: a single 200-hp Mercury XL V6; 225-hp Mercury XL V6; or 250-hp Mercury XL V8. Fuel capacity is 80 gallons. Cruising range varies depending on the engine configuration.
11. Chaparral 267 SSX
The 267 SSX has been redesigned for 2024 to deliver enhanced technology and comfort. This family-friendly bowrider has an LOA of 26 feet, 5 inches overall with an 8-foot, 6-inch beam, and the new upgrades should make day cruising even more comfortable. Now standard is a 12-inch Simrad display at the helm. The model is also available with an optional Connectivity Package, which includes a rearview camera on the swim platform and five wireless phone chargers. In the cockpit is a folding sunlounge and access to the standard Infinity Power Step swim platform, which provides easy access to the water and stadium seating while anchored. In the port console is an enclosed head, and in the bow is more seating with a fold-down table. Power options range from 300- to 380-hp engines from Mercury and Volvo Penta.
12. Riviera 58 SMY
Six years ago, Riviera introduced its first Sports Motor Yacht model with the 68 SMY. Now, the builder is adding its sixth model to the range with the new 58, which fits in the middle of a lineup that includes the 46, 50, 64 and 72. The 58 SMY is 64 feet, 8 inches overall with an 18-foot, 7-inch beam and 5-foot, 7-inch draft. A standout feature on this model is the ample entertainment space on board, including the big cockpit with port and starboard transom doors; the alfresco deck with a dining area; and the bow with lounge seating for up to eight people. Inside the salon is a galley, portside door and staircase leading to the enclosed flybridge. The flybridge is well-appointed with a lounge and slide-out double bed to provide more accommodations. Below is a full-beam master suite amidships, a VIP stateroom forward, and a second guest stateroom to port. Power comes from twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s. The yacht has a 1,189-gallon fuel capacity.
13. Stingray 23 OSX
This is the builder’s newest outboard-powered sportboat, a compact, sporty and performance-oriented vessel designed to provide a fun day of cruising. The 23 OSX has a 23-foot, 5-inch LOA and an 8-foot, 4-inch beam. It features dual bucket seats, a 25-quart removable cooler, and a seating area in the bow that converts to a sunpad with a filler cushion. There’s additional seating in the cockpit, creating enough space on board for up to 10 people. A cockpit and bow Sunbrella cover keeps passengers shaded on sunny days. A Bimini top is optional. Another optional upgrade is a pop-up stainless steel ski pole for boaters who enjoy watersports. Power options include a 250-, 300- or 350-hp Suzuki outboard or a 250- or 300-hp Yamaha outboard.
14. Tiara EX 54
In 2023, Tiara Yachts introduced its new flagship EX 60, an inboard IPS-powered vessel that couples luxury accommodations with high performance. This year, Tiara is adding a second inboard-powered vessel to its fleet with the EX 54, which is 54 feet, 3 inches length overall with a 15-foot, 11-inch beam and a 3-foot, 8-inch draft. The aft cockpit features twin terraces and a swim platform with integrated steps. Three different cockpit modules (lounge, adventure and glass patio) allow for customization. The bow has an additional exterior seating zone. There is a spacious galley in the pilothouse. Below are three staterooms and two heads. Power on the EX 54 comes from twin Volvo Penta IPS 950s paired with Glass Cockpit and Joystick Plus Control. The vessel has a 650-gallon fuel capacity. It is slated to make its official debut at the Miami International Boat Show.
15. Valhalla V-28 and V-29
Valhalla Boatworks is adding two new models to its range of high-performance center consoles. The V-28 and V-29 are the smallest offerings in the builder’s lineup, with the V-28 representing the builder’s first bayboat design. The boats offer increased versatility to owners of larger Viking or Valhalla models that want to fish in shallower water or simply cruise to the sandbar. The V-29 Hybrid (shown at right) measures 29 feet, 6 inches overall with a 9-foot, 8-inch beam and boasts an impressive 180-gallon fuel capacity. An electric head is standard. Owners can add an optional Seakeeper without losing the head or storage space. The boat rides on a stepped-V hull with ventilated tunnel running surface from Michael Peters Yacht Design. It should achieve a top speed of 56 knots with twin Mercury V8 300-hp Verados or 50 knots with twin V6 225-hp four strokes. Notable on the V-28 is the acrylic helm dash with recessed electronics. A head is optional, as is a factory-installed trolling motor with dedicated location for a 36-volt battery and battery charger. Fuel capacity is 130 gallons, and projected top-end speed is 57 knots with twin 300-hp four-strokes.
16. Paradigm Damascus 296 Surf
Paradigm Boats and Volvo Penta recently partnered to develop the Damascus 296 Surf, a wake-surf deck boat that combines Paradigm’s fiberglass hull with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and 430-hp V8 engine. The boat is 26 feet, 6 inches overall with an 8-foot, 6-inch beam. Watersports enthusiasts will appreciate the Forward Drive system, which relocates the sterndrive’s props to the front of the drive rather than the rear, solving the issue of propeller exposure. The system’s Duoprop design features two forward-facing, counter-rotating props that pull rather than push the boat through the water, which reportedly allows for enhanced control while driving. The Damascus 296 also features Volvo Penta’s Watersports Control system that allows boaters to personalize speed and trim and create individual profiles for up to 21 riders
17. Nordhavn N51
The Nordhavn 51 was inspired by the success of its smaller sistership, the N41, and this new model will imitate the same production-like structure, which emphasizes streamlined build orders over customization. The N51 is a two-stateroom, two-head passagemaker that is 50 feet, 9 inches overall with a 15-foot, 8-inch beam, 4-foot, 9-inch draft and 71,575-pound displacement. The model features a flybridge and pilothouse. The interior finishes mirror those on the N41. The N51 will be produced as a complete boat that includes a bowthruster, davit and stabilizers as standard. Power comes from twin John Deere 160-hp engines, and fuel capacity is 1,450 gallons. The yacht will be CE Certified Category A and suitable for serious offshore cruising. The N51 will be built at Nordhavn’s partner factory in Turkey, which also builds the N41. Hull number one has already been sold and should be delivered in early spring to a couple who plans to spend five years cruising from Turkey back home to New Zealand.
18. Axopar 29
In 2014, the builder released its first model, the Axopar 28, which launched the company as a frontrunner in the adventure boating space. Now a decade old, Axopar launches its 29 range to build upon the success of the 28, which has been delivered to more than 2,700 boaters to date. The Axopar 29 range has three models: Cross Cabin (pictured at top right), Sun Top and Spyder. The boats are 29 feet overall with a 9-foot, 8-inch beam and 2-foot, 8-inch draft. Power comes from a single 300- to 450-hp Mercury Verado outboard. Despite the larger size, the 29 is close in weight to the 28 due to a new hull design. Therefore, it can run with the same power at the same speeds, but with an increased onboard fuel capacity of 105 gallons. The Axopar 29 range features a sharper industrial design and an updated layout with an emphasis on entertainment space. There is sleeping space on board for up to four people.
19. Rand Boats Roamer 29
Danish builder Rand Boats unveiled a new open design at the 2024 Düsseldorf International Boat Show. The Roamer 29 is described as an adventure cruiser with rugged construction. The 28-foot, 11-inch vessel with an 8-foot, 11-inch beam rides on an offshore hull with an ultra-sharp bow intended to provide enhanced efficiency, maneuverability and comfort. The Roamer 29 is modular and customizable. Customers can opt for the camping setup with a kitchen or choose a dedicated scuba dive station. Owners can also integrate additional modules whenever they want. The vessel is equipped with a steel, glass and carbon hardtop with a tent function, which allows you to drop down the sides and close off the boat for the night. Numerous propulsion options are available. Electric options include a 170- or 265-kW E-Drive inboard for a range of 40 or 60 miles and a top speed of 30 or 40 knots respectively. Various Mercury inboard and outboard configurations are also available, including a single 300- or 400-hp outboard, twin 200- or 250-hp outboards, or a 270- or 350-hp inboard.
20. Solace 37CS
New to Solace Boats is the 37CS, a 37-foot, 8-inch vessel with an 11-foot beam that sits in the middle of the builder’s expanding model range, providing a new size option between the 32CS and the 41CS. The 37CS is built to fish. The boat runs on a twin-stepped hull with chine rails for enhanced aeration, allowing anglers to get to the fishing grounds more quickly and efficiently. The boat has 44 degrees of deadrise at the bow and 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom. Power will come from triple outboards, and the boat has a 512-gallon fuel capacity. The cabin has an impressive 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom, as well as standard air conditioning and a fully enclosed head and shower. Beneath the queen-sized berth is storage for 14 rods. Other fishing features include two 40-gallon pressurized live wells and a total of 157 gallons of insulated fish box storage. Four tuna tubes with variable speed pumps are available as an option.
21. Wellcraft 263
New from Wellcraft are three new Fisherman models: the 223, 243 and 263, which the company is calling the 3-Series. All three models in the range feature a redesigned fiberglass T-top with a fully bonded glass windshield and integrated accessories box, as well as a redesigned helm station with additional screen space. The largest model in the new Fisherman line, the 263 (shown at bottom right), has a 26-foot, 4-inch LOA, a 9-foot beam and 21 degrees of deadrise. Standard features abound, including insulated 17-gallon and 23-gallon baitwells, tackle storage, coolers, gunwale rod holders and a transom door for easy access. Inside the console is a changing room and porta potty with additional rod storage. Standard power on the 263 comes from twin Yamaha F200 XCA outboards, and the boat holds 158 gallons of fuel. Power options differ on the other two models. On the 223, standard power is a single Yamaha F200 XCA, and on the 243, standard power is a single Mercury 250 XXL Verado outboard.
22. Outer Reef Azure 670 Sport Yacht
The largest of six models in the builder’s S Class line, this long-range cruiser is designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces for enhanced comfort on board. The new model measures 67 feet, 6 inches overall with a 17-foot, 2-inch beam and a 99,000-pound displacement. A focal point of the new build is the drop-down window that connects the salon to the aft deck, creating an indoor/outdoor galley. The galley itself is reportedly one of the largest in its class, making this boat ideal for a cruising couple that enjoys entertaining. Accommodations include a full-beam midship master suite with king berth and ensuite head, a forward VIP stateroom, a port guest stateroom and a guest head with shower. The Azure 670 is powered by twin 500-hp John Deere 6090 diesel engines and has a 1,000-gallon fuel capacity.
23. North Pacific 590 Pilothouse
New in the North Pacific Yachts fleet is the 590 Pilothouse, a 61-foot, 6-inch vessel with an 18-foot, 4-inch beam and 110,000-pound displacement that is meant to be both spacious and manageable for a cruising couple. North Pacific Yachts designed the 590 with interior space in mind. According to the company, the vessel offers more living space than other boats in its size range and is more comparable to many 70-foot boats, with the benefit of less LOA when finding slips and in handling. The boat has three staterooms and three heads, plus crew quarters. Hull number one was built with an optional wide-body salon and skylounge. The interior design blends traditional styling with modern features. The 590 should appeal to a serious cruising couple who plans to spend extended time on board. The vessel meets CE-A stability standards and has a 2,000-gallon fuel capacity and 400-gallon water capacity, making long-range cruising a possibility. Power on the vessel comes from twin 405 Cummins QSL engines, which reportedly provide a top speed of 12 knots with a 10-knot cruise speed.
24. Formula 457
Indiana-based builder Formula Boats is expanding its line of center console day boats with the Formula 457. The model is available as a sport or fish model. With an LOA of 45 feet, 7 inches and a 13-foot, 9-inch beam, the 457 is a spacious, multifunction day boat. The CCS sport model (shown above) has a lounge in the cockpit and optional galley. The CCF offers a setup designed for anglers, with a bait station/wetbar in place of the cockpit galley. For extra space while fishing, the CCF’s cockpit seats can be folded up and away. Other fishing features include a 100-gallon live well and fish box with a 280-gallon capacity. Both models feature loungers and wraparound seating at the bow. And both models are outfitted with hardtops; the version on the CCF includes outriggers. Below, there’s over 6 feet of headroom, a galley, convertible dinette and a head. Power is a trio of Mercury 600-hp Verado outboards.
25. Sea Ray SDX 270
Sea Ray is debuting two new models in 2024: the SDX 270 (shown below) and SDX 270 Surf. The new models are designed for entertaining and watersports. Both models feature a spacious bow area with wrap-around seating. There is also ample seating in the cockpit, including an L-shaped lounge to port and a single seat to starboard. The sunpad at the transom converts to an extended lounge. The swim platform offers easy access to the water and a manual submersible step is optional. The Surf model features a watersports tower and a large storage compartment with a head option. The SDX 270 is powered by a 300-hp Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L engine. The Surf model is equipped with an intuitive surf system with a 350-hp MerCruiser 6.2L engine and a forward-facing Bravo Four S drive that helps throw rideable wakes.
This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue.
