1. Regal LX9
Regal’s newest model in the LX line of outboard-powered bowriders is the LX9. This 28-foot, 11-inch vessel with a 9-foot, 1-inch beam rides on Regal’s FasTrac hull design, which has been updated for outboard power. Propulsion comes from dual Yamahas, and standard tech includes dual 12-inch displays, Yamaha Helm Master EX, digital switching and a bow thruster. A Seakeeper is available as an option. Unique on this model is what the builder calls SlideAway seating in the cockpit. It retracts with the touch of a button. The Power Hardtop is another standout feature; digital switching allows skippers to raise and lower the hardtop from the dash.
2. Aviara AV28
New from Aviara this fall is its smallest offering yet, the AV28. The bowrider is available as a sterndrive, outboard or forward-facing drive model. The AV28 measures 28 feet, 3 inches overall, or 30 feet, 10 inches overall with the outboard configuration. It has an 8-foot, 6-inch beam and 21 degrees of deadrise. Mercury propulsion options, ranging from 350 to 600 hp, are available for all three models. In the bow, wraparound seating converts to a sunpad with a filler cushion. In the cockpit is more lounge seating, and a sunpad aft faces the swim platform. A wet bar is available as an option, as are various hardtop, Bimini top and sunshade configurations. The AV28 also has an enclosed head with a sink.
3. Solara S-310 SC
Washington state’s Solara Boats—the third brand from Fluid Motion, which also builds Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats—is introducing an S-310 SC this fall. The S-310 SC will be model five from Solara, which also makes an S-310 Center Walkaround along with an S-250 that comes in Coupe, Center Walkaround and Dual Console versions. Solara says it plans to display the S-310 SC at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. According to Solara, the S-310 SC is a versatile model with features for entertaining, fishing and overnighting. The boat is packaged with a lot of standard equipment so it’s turnkey for the owner who can start cruising right away. Length is 30 feet, 10 inches, with a draft of 2 feet, 1 inch for getting into skinny water near the beaches. Power will be twin Yamaha F300 outboards.
4. Intrepid 51 Panacea
From the department of bigger is better, Florida-based Intrepid Powerboats is adding a new flagship to its lineup: the 51 Panacea. This 51-footer will have a beam of nearly 15 feet, which is enough space to pack in two rows of helm seating (that’s eight forward-facing seats in total). There’s also a helm seat cabinet with a countertop, sink, refrigerator and slide-out cooler to keep everyone happy with the snacks and drinks. For sun protection, the hardtop has an electric sunshade that covers the cockpit aft. Sun-worshipers can relax forward, where there are loungers along with wraparound bow seating that converts for alfresco dining. Down below, protected from the elements, are a cabin with a V-berth; a head with a shower, vanity and sink; and a galley for cooking up whatever the friends and family happen to catch that day.
5. Azimut Verve 48
New from Azimut this fall is the largest Verve model yet: the 48. This 49-foot, 4-inch, outboard-powered yacht with a 13-foot, 5-inch beam is intended to be a versatile weekender. The split-level bow has a sunpad and an al fresco dining zone with seating for six. In the cockpit are enlarged opening bulwarks, an L-shaped lounge, a retractable dinette and a wet bar. Below are two staterooms, including the master in the bow. In the center of the boat, the high-low table and L-shaped sofa convert to an additional double berth. A galley rounds out the interior space. Power comes from triple 600-hp Mercury Verados, which reportedly propel the 48 to speeds near 50 knots and provide a 37-knot cruise. The boat rides on a Michael Peters-designed, double-stepped, deep-V hull with a central tunnel aft. Construction is carbon fiber.
6. Saxdor 400 GTO
Saxdor Yachts plans to unveil its new flagship, the 400 GTO, this fall. Notable features include fold-down bulwarks that run half the length of the hull, significantly expanding deck space. The 400 GTO also has a glass transom. The full-beam, open wheelhouse provides access to seating in the bow. According to Saxdor, the 400 GTO has one of the largest interior layouts among 40-foot boats. Forward is a double-berth stateroom with a separate head and more than 6 feet of headroom. Owners can opt for a kids’ cabin under the companionway steps, and an amidships double. The 400 GTO has a twin-stepped hull. Power comes from twin 300-hp Mercury V-8 outboards or 400-hp V-10s. Going forward, Saxdor plans to release a 400 GTC with an enclosed wheelhouse.
7. Stingray 253CC
Since 1979, South Carolina’s Stingray has built boats that fishing enthusiasts trust. The newest model is the Stingray 253CC, a center console with a length overall of 25 feet, 3 inches. The list of standard features on the Stingray 253CC includes a Garmin GPSMap 1243 multifunction display, an Airmar B150M transducer with chirp, an insulated fish and storage box aft, a freshwater sink in the head, a pressurized-water shower at the transom, a Garmin Fusion RA670BT marine stereo and Lumitec underwater lights. For power, owners caCn choose 225-hp Mercury engines, Suzuki’s DF150APX or DF200APX, or Yamaha F150XSA2s. The cockpit accessories can include a Gemlux deluxe outrigger package, a raw-water washdown and a pop-up stainless steel ski pole. Other available upgrades with anglers in mind include an Airmar B175M transducer, a Garmin Fantom 18 radar and a trolling motor harness.
8. Prestige M8
The Prestige M8 is the new flagship of the French builder’s M-Line of multihull yachts, with a length overall of 65 feet. Owners can order the Prestige M8 with a layout that includes four or five staterooms, each of them with a private head. In either configuration, the owner’s stateroom spans the boat’s 29-foot beam. There’s also a choice when it comes to the galley layout: either U-shaped to starboard on the main deck, or aft in the starboard hull. Prestige says this boat has a range of 350 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, with a maximum speed of 20 knots. Power is a pair of 600-hp Volvo Penta D8s. An optional Silent Boat Mode allows for zero emissions and no generator noise at anchor, with the use of solar panels and a lithium battery bank to provide power for hotel loads on board.
9. Malibu Wakesetter 23 MXZ
Tennessee-based Malibu Boats will have its new Wakesetter 23 MXZ at the fall boat shows. Yes, the 23 MXZ was first released in 2020, but it has been updated for 2024. The MXZ still stands for maximized, and that’s what the builder continues to do with the design. The pickle-fork bow remains the same—with Wet Sound speakers, phone caddies, grab handles, cup holders and flip-down armrests—but for 2024, owners can upgrade to Malibu’s Natalie Seat, which functions as a wind dam and a seatback. Another upgrade that’s available on board is the MaxPivot Seat, which allows several configurations of the boat’s standard bench. It can become a rear-facing seat, a picnic table seat or a sunbed. The Malibu Soft Grip that covers heavily trafficked areas also now comes in a design pattern that accents the boat’s 2024 look, and is color-customizable.
10. Galeon 450 HTC
Making its U.S. debut this fall is the new flagship of Galeon’s Hardtop Coupe (HTC) line, the 450 HTC. Designed in collaboration with Castro Design Studio, this 45-foot, 8-inch sports yacht prioritizes on-water entertainment. The 450 HTC has a 4-foot, 3-inch draft and a 20-foot, 8-inch beam. Galeon’s Beach Mode feature lets owners lower the bulwarks at anchor to expand the cockpit. Relaxation areas include an L-shaped lounge with a table in the cockpit, lounges in the wheelhouse and a sunpad in the bow. A hydraulic swim platform is optional. The standard layout for the 450 HTC is two staterooms (including a full-beam master) and two heads. A third stateroom is optional. Propulsion comes from twin 480-hp Volvo Penta diesel engines, and the boat has a hydraulic steering system and trim tabs.
11. Princess F50
The Princess F50 measures 51 feet length overall with a 14-foot, 3-inch beam and a 4-foot, 1-inch draft. It bridges the gap between the F45 and F55 models in Princess’ line of F Class yachts. The F50 boasts comfortable accommodations in the indoor and outdoor living spaces. There is a U-shaped sofa and dining table for six guests in the salon, which converts to a double berth. In the foredeck is a sunpad, and the bridge has U-shaped seating aft. A separate seating area forward converts to a sunpad. Belowdecks are three staterooms, two of them en suite. Twin Volvo D8-IPS 800 engines power the F50 to a reported top speed of 34 knots. The boat is equipped with gyrostabilizers and can be helmed from the main deck or the flybridge.
12. SeaVee 420z
SeaVee’s “z” line of center consoles is designed to be fast, light and fuel-efficient, with twin-stepped, cored hulls that attempt to eliminate bow rise at low speeds and during acceleration. The 420z is one of the larger models in the lineup, falling between the 390z and 450z. The 420z is 42 feet, 6 inches long with an 11-foot, 9-inch beam, 31-foot draft and 22 degrees of deadrise. The vessel can accommodate up to 1,800 hp via triple or quad Mercury outboard configurations. The quad Mercury V-10 400 setup reportedly produces a fast cruise speed of 52 knots and a top speed near 60 knots. Standard features on the 420z include two 40-gallon baitwells, two 132-gallon fishboxes and a 161-gallon forward fishbox. A dedicated compartment can accommodate a Seakeeper 5 for added stability offshore. The enclosed console has a full-size head and freshwater sink.
13. Beneteau Antares 12
Beneteau’s Antares 12—the new flagship in the Antares line—is expected to make its U.S. debut at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October. With a length overall of 42 feet, 7 inches, the Antares has a layout that includes ensuite owner’s and VIP staterooms. The third stateroom can be outfitted with a single or double berth, and the wheelhouse has a convertible salon. Overall, as many as eight people can spend the night on board. Out on deck, there are three lounge areas: aft in the cockpit (protected by the hardtop above), forward on the sun pad and up top on the flybridge. Power is triple Mercury 300 hp Verados with an integrated joystick for easier maneuvering from the helm. For boaters who regularly contend with bridges, the air draft on this boat is 16 feet, 1 inch.
14. Jeanneau DB/37 OB
French builder Jeanneau has added the DB/37 OB to its lineup of powerboats for day cruising. It’s an outboard-powered version of the inboard-powered model that Soundings covered last year. The hull on the DB/37 OB is by Michael Peters Yacht Design and is powered by twin 450-hp Yamaha outboards. The boat keeps the inboard version’s foldout hull sides that expand relaxation space at anchor. It also has a separate, adjacent platform that wraps around the outboards for access to them—out of the way of all the watersports fun. Guests in the aft seating and dining space can enjoy the sun on days that aren’t too hot, or they can deploy the sunshade for protection overhead. There’s also room for sunbathing up at the bow, which is accessed via walkaround side decks. Belowdecks are two staterooms for overnights in a favorite harbor.
15. Pursuit OS 45
Pursuit Boats in Fort Pierce, Florida, builds three lines of boats: Sport Center Console, Dual Console and Offshore Boats. The Pursuit OS 45 is the newest and second-biggest model in the Offshore line, with a length overall of 43 feet. Features at the helm include a single-piece windshield that gives the captain good views of the seas ahead, Stidd seating for both the captain and mate, twin 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays, and joystick controls for the triple Yamaha 450 XTO engines. In the cockpit, anglers and swimmers alike can use the hullside door while the standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer prevents the boat from rolling. When it’s time to relax, there’s a sunshade and seating on the foredeck. The cabin below houses a forward, island-style berth for grabbing a nap or staying on the hook overnight.
16. MJM 42
The MJM 42 is a Carolina Downeast cruising design that emphasizes liveaboard accommodations. The 46-foot, 8-inch boat has a 12-foot beam and a post-cured, epoxy-infused hull designed to be light and strong. Outboard and inboard power options include twin Mercury 600 outboards, twin Volvo 400s with DPI drives or twin Volvo 440s with DPI drives. The 42 can reportedly reach a top speed near 48 knots. It is meant to plane at 12 to 22 knots. The climate-controlled indoor-outdoor pilothouse, galley-up design and wraparound seating in the cockpit make the 42 a solid choice for entertaining. Large hull windows invite natural light into the open-concept space belowdecks. The master stateroom forward has a hideaway door and en suite head.
17. Wellcraft 435
The Wellcraft 435 is the builder’s largest Performance Cruiser yet. Designed by the Garroni Studio in Italy and naval architect Michael Peters, this 44-footer includes a full-beam (9-foot, 10-inch) pilot station, a high freeboard and a starboard-side door. Aft are two folding side terraces next to an L-shaped lounge with a dinette. Forward is a triple sunpad. Inside the wheelhouse are a galley and another lounge with a dinette. Belowdecks are two staterooms with private heads and separate showers. Power comes from triple outboards totaling more than 1,000 hp. The boat is expected to make its U.S. debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this fall.
18. Everglades 315cc
Everglades’ line of center consoles, which ranges from 23 to 45 feet, is built for offshore fishing. New to this lineup is the 315cc, which the builder says promises the performance and handling necessary to put anglers on fish, wherever they may be. The 31-foot, 6-inch vessel has a 10-foot, 4-inch beam. Dual 400-hp Mercury V10 outboards provide a reported cruise speed of 38 knots. If the fish are biting and you are racing out, the 315cc can achieve a wide-open throttle speed of nearly 49 knots, according to Everglades. By blending speed, stability and plenty of fishing features, the 315cc is a good choice for anglers who want an open boat in the midsized range.
19. Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran
Aquila is debuting a larger version of its 28 Molokai offshore fishing catamaran this fall. The 47 Molokai blends fishing features with entertainment space and overnight accommodations for the family. The new cat will ride on a 45-foot, 8-inch, double-stepped hull with a 14-foot, 7-inch beam. (Waterline length is 39 feet, 2 inches.) Aquila says this hull design improves handling and stability while reducing drag, including offshore. Carbon-fiber bulkheads add strength. Standard propulsion is twin 600-hp Mercury V-12 engines. The 47 Molokai’s fishing features include two 42.5-gallon livewells, two 90-gallon fishboxes, two 74-gallon forward-deck coffin boxes, and more than 40 rod holders. For overnights after a big day of fishing, there’s a cabin with a queen-size berth, and a head with a shower. There’s also exterior seating for winding down.
20. Silent Speed 28
Silent-Yachts has long been known for its eco-friendly, solar-powered catamarans that pretty much allow for an unlimited cruising range. Now comes the Silent Speed 28, a speedboat that promises a 30-knot cruising speed and a 60-knot or better top hop.
Power for the Silent Speed 28 comes from an eD-TEC drivetrain, with foil assistance and embedded solar cells on the boat’s hardtop. The builder says it designed the boat to be used as a superyacht tender or as a standalone family boat that can be trailered. Specifications for the Silent Speed 28 also include 150-kW fast charging of the 99 kWh lithium battery; a range of more than 70 nautical miles; and enough seating to hold 10 people. All of the boat’s components are linked to an artificial-intelligence box that optimizes performance and range while reducing roll and pitch underway.
21. Swan Overshadow
Finnish-builder Nautor Swan, known for sailing yachts, released its first motoryacht in 2021. Its latest motoryacht is the Swan Overshadow, which is scheduled to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. This 43-foot vessel was originally imagined as a superyacht tender, but was ultimately designed as a weekender or dayboat. On deck, a wet bar, sunpad and dining area under the hardtop provide entertainment space. The stern platform has three positions: central for driving, upper for serving, and below-water for swimming. Two interior layout options are available: double- or twin-berth configuration.
The Overshadow rides on the same hull as the Swan Shadow. Standard power comes from twin 400-hp Volvo D6 inboards, which reportedly push the vessel to a top speed near 41 knots.
22. Four Winns TH36
Michigan-based Four Winns has been producing pleasure craft for nearly 50 years. Its first outboard-powered catamaran is the TH36. Designed by the
Italian Garroni Design studio, this 38-foot, 5-inch craft with a 14-foot, 7-inch beam is meant to be cruised on oceans or lakes. The TH36 has ample outdoor living areas for 15 people. The bow has seating for six, and the open-air wheelhouse has seating and cooking space. In the cockpit, the seating and tables are on sliders, allowing for three layouts. Belowdecks are two staterooms with queen berths, private heads and separate showers. Power on the TH36 comes from twin 300-hp or 350-hp Mercury engines, or two 300-hp Yamahas. Joystick piloting is standard, and many features are customizable.
This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue.
