The small boat fleet

By Esther Pope

Seaway 24 Coastal Hardtop

The 24 Coastal Hardtop remains the most popular model in the New Hampshire builder’s 11-boat fleet, which starts at 18 feet.

The boat features aft deck seating for three and a transom door, and the recommended horsepower is 150, although the boat will run efficiently with 115 hp, according to the company. The Down East hull flattens aft for a smooth ride and fuel efficiency with midrange horsepower. Draft is just 14 inches. Basic price: $89,900. Eastern says it will launch a 27-foot Seafarer model this fall. www.seawayboats.com

Retro 25 Pilothouse

The Nova Scotia-built Retro 25 has a commercial heritage, but is finished as a low-maintenance pleasure boat with a hand-laid fiberglass hull and a molded solid glass stringer system. “We’ve taken a workboat and civilized it,” says Mitch Sorbero, owner of Retro Marine, the Massachusetts company that offers this and other boats from 18 to 25 feet. “This is a 25-foot boat with stand-up headroom, even in the V-berth [6 feet].” The 25 is available in Pilothouse or Trawler designs, with a 115-hp outboard for the Pilothouse version and 150-hp for the Trawler. Base price: $99,999 (Pilothouse) and $149,990 (Trawler). www.retromarine.com

Eastern 27 Islander

The 27 Islander is Eastern’s latest trailerable boat. The New Hampshire builder designed the Islander for single or twin outboards, and 150-hp Yamaha 4-strokes are standard. Eastern builds 10 models from 18 to 35 feet. “It was the missing link in the line,” sales manager Bruce Perkins says. “The cockpit has all the features made popular in our 248 Islander, and the 10-foot beam opens up the living space.” Features include a flat-screen TV, Arrigoni helm seats and Ultraleather upholstery. An under-deck berth is a good overnighter spot for kids. Base price: $159,995. www.easternboats.com

Minor Offshore 28

Inspired by Nordic patrol boats, Minor Offshore boats are designed to be tough (steel-reinforced keel) seaworthy boats that are economical to operate and maintain. The 28 has berths for four people but can accommodate six, according to the company. Two sliding pilothouse side doors give access to the single-level walkaround deck. Standard equipment includes a bow thruster, a Raymarine e125 multifunction display and a 260-hp Volvo Penta D4 (25-knot cruising speed). Connecticut dealers Skarne Marine and Wilde Yacht Sales offer Minor Offshore boats. Base price: $183,916. www.minoroffshore.fi, www.skarnemarine.com, www.wildeyachts.com

North Pacific 28 Pilothouse

This trailerable 28-foot pocket trawler features a teak interior, 6-foot, 5-inch headroom and large windows all around for a bright, open feel. “Because the 28 is a true trawler, it appeals to former sailors looking to get into power,” co-founder Trevor Brice says. “It’s quiet, fuel-efficient, tracks well and is spacious, compared to a sailboat of a similar size.” Standard equipment includes a bow thruster, an inverter, A/C, heat, a propane cooktop, a windlass and an aft deck Bimini cover. The standard Cummins QSD150 diesel delivers a top speed of 13 knots. Base price: $199,000. www.northpacificyachts.com

Ranger Tugs R-29

The R-29 is a comfortable cruising boat with an efficient 15-knot cruising speed, thanks to its 260-hp Volvo D4 diesel. The boat comes with a complete navigation package and bow and stern thrusters. Inside are two private double staterooms with a convertible banquette that converts to a berth. Five opening skylight hatches make for a well-lit and well-ventilated interior. The R-29 has a cabin-top rack for kayaks and other water toys, and the mast is hinged for trailering and access beneath low bridges. Base price: $229,937. www.rangertugs.com

Duffy 29H

The Atlantic Boat Co., of Brooklin, Maine, was founded in 1995 by the merger of Duffy & Duffy and Flye Point Marine. Atlantic’s latest traditional Down East lobster boat is the Duffy 29H, a lengthened version of the Duffy 26. A 200-hp Yamaha outboard (with an option for twin outboards) replaces the 26’s inboard, eliminating the engine box and opening up the cockpit. The boat has a deep forefoot for a soft entry, a modified keel and lifting rails. Cruising speed is 18 to 26 knots. A fully enclosed cabin with a V-berth is below, with an optional head compartment. Base price: $169,000. www.atlanticboat.com

Cutwater 30

Powered by a 260-hp Volvo D4 diesel, the Cutwater 30 is the new flagship for the Pacific Northwest builder, following 26- and 28-footers. Innovative features include port and starboard two-person cockpit settees with backrests that fold outboard to preserve deck space and a double seat built into the transom that can be adjusted to face forward or aft. A panel in the aft bulkhead swings up to allow the aft dinette seat to serve as another cockpit seat. The dinette also converts to a double berth. The boat has an island master berth and an enclosed shower stall. Standard equipment includes bow and stern thrusters, a windlass and an inverter/battery charger. Base price: $279,937. www.cutwaterboats.com