Hinckley 35
The Hinckley 35 may look like one of the builder’s Picnic Boat models, but it’s not. Running on an infused carbon-epoxy hull designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, the new boat joins two other outboard-powered boats in the Hinckley lineup: the Sport Boat 40C and 40X. With a pair of optional 350-hp Mercury or Yamaha outboards the 35 has a top-end of around 42 knots, according to Hinckley. Standard power is a pair of 300-hp Mercury or Yamaha outboards. The 35 has Hinckley’s curves, tumblehome, bow flare and varnish that turn heads in just about any harbor. Below is a V-berth stateroom, wet head and a petite galley. The rest of the boat is open end-to-end from the helm and companion seating all the way back to the aft cockpit.
Back Cove 372
The Back Cove 37 has been one of the builder’s most popular models, so when the molds for the design were worn and ready for retirement, the company took the opportunity to incorporate suggestions from many years of owner feedback and introduce a new model: the Back Cove 372. Among the changes are an improved, 24-volt DC system, a bigger Cummins or Volvo Penta diesel engine (600-hp single, 29-knot top-end), an expanded helm dash, a new aft-facing cockpit seat, improved bridge deck glass and windshield and a completely reconfigured head with enclosed shower. The rest of the boat retains the two-stateroom layout with the galley situated in the main salon and a roomy aft cockpit with plenty of upholstered lounges and an aft-facing seat.
Nordhavn N41
When it comes to ocean-crossing power cruisers, the name of the game is range. With up to nearly 3,400 nautical miles of range at 6 knots, Nordhavn’s new N41 is ready to cross the planet’s high seas. Powered by a pair of 74-hp Betamarine diesels, the 41-footer maxes out at around 9 knots, but the sweet spot will be around 7 to 8 knots, where range is between 2,000 and 1,500 nautical miles, respectively. The interior layout is either a one- or two-stateroom design with a spacious, open-concept main salon, with the helm station, lots of seating and an L-shaped galley. There is no flybridge but there’s ample space on the cabin top for stowing a substantial tender, which can be hoisted with the aid of a swing-out crane.
Robalo 266 Cayman
The new flagship of Robalo’s five-model Bay Boat line is the 266 Cayman, whose features are intended to let anglers chase fish in and offshore. The 26-foot, 6-inch boat has a 9-foot, 4-inch beam and features that include U-shaped seating in the bow along with a double-wide seat aft. Both of these seating areas convert to casting platforms. Fishing-ready features include a 20-gallon center insulated livewell at the bow, a 45-gallon insulated fish box forward and to starboard, and twin 30-gallon insulated livewell/fish boxes aft. Options include a bow table with a filler cushion, a freshwater shower, Gemlux outriggers, a JL Audio upgrade to the onboard sound system, and a leaning post with rod holders, flip-up bolsters and a cooler. Maximum horsepower rating is 425.
Pursuit S 358 Sport
The Pursuit S 358 is the latest addition to the builder’s six-model Sport line of tough, versatile center consoles that are powered by Yamaha outboards and known for their fishability. At 35 feet, 4 inches LOA with an 11-foot, 4-inch beam, this model ranks third in the Sport line in terms of size. It is designed for owner-operators who want enough space and stowage to bring the whole family aboard without having too much boat to handle from the helm. The S 358 has features that include a 60/40 split mezzanine that folds out of the way to provide access to the grill and prep area; an enclosable head; lounge seats in the bow; side coaming stowage and built-in rod holders for fishing fun.
Viking 64 Convertible
Viking’s 64 Convertible—the second generation of this model, premiering at this fall’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—is a four-stateroom, three-head vessel poised for offshore tournament fishing. The 180-square-foot cockpit provides ample space to battle big fish, with features such as flush rod holders, a transom fish box with a livewell, and side lockers. The 64 Convertible also has an observation mezzanine that can be air conditioned, keeping guests comfortable and clear of the crew in the cockpit. The boat is available with an open or enclosed flybridge, as well as a Seakeeper 26, and Palm Beach Towers will provide custom tower options. Standard power in the 63-foot, 8-inch vessel is twin 1,550-hp MAN V-12s, with a range of other power options available.
Limestone L-200CC
The Limestone L-200CC is the first model to launch since the 35-year-old brand came under new ownership. The 20-footer has an 8-foot beam and stays true to the builder’s heritage of dependable, seaworthy boats, riding on a deep-V hull with forward flare. The design also places a heavier emphasis on versatility for family cruising and fishing. Standard features include gunwale-mounted rod holders, a livewell, and a starboard swim platform with a telescoping swim ladder. There is seating in the bow for guests, and two USB ports for charging devices. A Bimini top is an option for providing guests with shade in sunnier cruising grounds. Standard power comes from a single 200-hp Yamaha or Mercury outboard, with a 250-hp engine available as an option.
MJM 3z
The 3z from MJM Yachts is an outboard-powered dual console that rides on the same hull as the builder’s 35z, with design by Doug Zurn. Functionality aboard the 38-foot, 2-inch boat is partly defined by what MJM calls the 3z’s “three zones of fun,” including aft and bow seating areas with integrated stowage, and a helm station with new dashboard layout and 360-degree visibility. Belowdecks is a freshwater head with a shower and a utility room. A side door to starboard should ease boarding for kids, dogs and anyone needing help, and the upholstery is durable Ultraleather. Power comes from twin Mercury 300-hp Verados. Soundings recorded a top speed of 46 knots with an ideal cruise speed around 4500 rpm and just over 35 knots.
Scout 231 XSB
New from Scout Boats is the 231 XSB, the third model in the builder’s Bay Boat lineup, following the 231 XS and 251 XSS. The 23-foot, 1-inch 231 XSB rides on the same hull as the 231 XS, but it has a new deck and Scout’s patent-pending thru-hull bow anchor pole called the Scout Post. Fishing features include rod holders and stowage, with two aft bait wells and three leaning posts available as options. With a maximum rating of 350 hp and a draft of 1 foot, the 231 XSB should allow for fishing nearshore and afar. Removable backrests for the seating forward and aft can keep guests comfortable after the fishing is done, and optional Lumishore underwater lights can brighten up the night.
Bertram 28XC
During the past several years, Bertram Yachts has created a model lineup that includes sportfish-style yachts and center consoles. Now comes the 28XC, a dual console intended for fishing as well as entertaining with family and friends. The 28XC has a forward bow lounge, and the bridge deck has two-person convertible companion seating across from the starboard helm. There’s also a flip-down seat in the transom. The cockpit has room for rods around the rim, along with a livewell and other fishing goodies. An electric grill is abaft the helm for cooking up the day’s catch, and the starboard console houses an enclosed wet head. Twin 250-hp Mercury outboards are standard, but the 28XC can handle up to 900 hp maximum.
Jeanneau Leader 7.5 Series 3
Jeanneau continues to cater to outdoor adventure enthusiasts by improving its Leader Outboard line with not one, but two refreshed boats. The Leader 7.5 Series 3 is a revival of the Leader 7.5 Series 2, but it now rides on a new hull designed by Michael Peters. The 24-foot, 2-inch dayboat has oversized, flush swim platforms, as well as a new optional fiberglass T-top. The model is also available as a center console, in a version called the Leader 7.5 CC Series 3. Power comes from a single Yamaha outboard up to 300 hp, which provides a cruise speed of 26 knots and a top end near 40 knots, according to Jeanneau. As an option, owners can add a new entertainment island that includes a sink, fridge and gas stove or livewell.
Aquila 28 Molokai
Power cat builder Aquila is getting into the center console game with the fall launch of the Aquila 28 Molokai, which rides on hulls with Hawaiian-inspired proa DNA—ready to take on rough offshore waters while still providing a soft, stable ride. The boat has twin 150-hp Mercury outboards and a 9-foot, 8-inch beam with heavily padded gunwales. Aft is a cockpit with flip-down seats, a transom walkthrough, and a bait and tackle station with a sink and freshwater mixer. Underneath the fiberglass hardtop are the console, helm and helm seating, which includes two captain’s chairs. Carrying the boat’s beam all the way forward allowed Aquila to include a lounge with two-person seating forward of the console, and a two-person bench in the bow.
Sirena 68
The Sirena 68 is a flybridge motoryacht with a range of 1,200 nautical miles at 10 knots. Standard power is a pair of 900-hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels; twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels are optional. Top speed with standard power is 26 knots, and cruising speed is 16 knots, according to the builder. Belowdecks, the 68 has a standard three-stateroom layout with an amidships master stateroom, a guest stateroom in the bow, and a portside guest stateroom—all ensuite. A four-stateroom layout is optional. On the main deck is a salon with indoor seating and dining, and with a galley aft that opens onto the cockpit. The helm is to port. The flybridge, with a U-shaped dinette, houses the upper helm to starboard.
Life Proof 41 Full Cabin
New to the Life Proof range of outboard-powered, aluminum-hull boats is the 41 Full Cabin, which, at first glance, resembles a U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat—in all the right ways. From its deep-V hull and wraparound red fendering to the reverse pilothouse and angled, edgy cabin windows, the 41 Full Cabin has a salty, rugged look. Inside, the boat is all about cruising comfort, with a galley across from a dinette. A pair of forward-facing seats are in the cockpit for views underway. Belowdecks are the stateroom and an enclosed head/shower. Powered with triple 425-hp Yamaha XTO outboards, the 41 is capable of speeds in excess of 48 knots and has a 440-gallon fuel capacity, according to the builder.
World Cat 400CC-X
This 39-foot, 8-inch center console catamaran with a 12-foot, 8-inch beam is the sister flagship to the builder’s 400DC-X dual console model. The 400CC-X is designed for quad outboard power, with a maximum horsepower rating of 1,200. The builder’s VectorFlo tunnel between the boat’s hulls eliminates the “sneeze” that sometimes occurs when the tunnel on traditional catamarans blows incoming water back out and up. Fishing features include rod holders and stowage, insulated in-deck fish boxes, a forward casting deck and a fish-fighting area at the bow. Fuel capacity is 604 gallons. Options include a Seakeeper for extra stabilization (the Seakeeper unit replaces in-deck insulated fish boxes aft) and range-extending 54-gallon fuel tanks that bring the boat’s total fuel capacity to 712 gallons for long hauls.
Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover
Formula’s Super Sport Crossover line is built not just to provide screaming performance, but also to be a platform for water sports, diving, fishing and family cruising. The line includes the 380 SSC, which recently received a hefty horsepower upgrade. The 380 SSC is now available with a pair of Mercury Marine’s groundbreaking 600-hp Verado 12-cylinder outboards, in addition to triple-outboard configurations ranging from 1,050 to 1,350 hp, and two sterndrive options. Top speed with the 600-hp Verados is 54 knots with a light load of fuel. The whole package rides on a double-stepped hull with a 21-degree transom deadrise. The interior and deck plan are designed for relaxing and entertaining with cushy seating, an outdoor grill and sleeping space for four people below.
Highfield 360GT Console
The 360GT Console, built around a deep-V, all-aluminum hull, is the newest member of the Highfield Boats lineup. The boat is 11 feet, 10 inches length overall with an 8-foot, 9-inch beam. The interior is laid out around a console with engine controls, the steering wheel, the instrument panel and a side seat with stowage beneath it. Abaft this console is a two-person bench seat, and underfoot is foam faux-teak decking. Power is provided by a 30-hp Yamaha outboard fed by a 6-gallon portable fuel tank. There’s additional seating in the bow, abaft the anchor platform. The hull is made from high-tensile-chromated and powder-coated aluminum, and is available with ORCA Hypalon or Valmex PVC tubes that can be ordered in black, white, light gray or gray.
Cape Horn 34XS
The Cape Horn 34XS fills a gap in the builder’s lineup between the 32XS and 36XS flagship. The boat’s features focus first on fishing, while also providing seating and amenities for comfortable fun with family and friends closer to shore. This twin-engine design can handle a maximum of 900 hp. With a pair of 425-hp Yamaha XTO outboards, the boat reportedly has a 57-knot top-end speed and a fuel-efficient cruise speed of 30 knots. Range at cruise speed with the standard 275-gallon fuel capacity is reportedly 400 miles. Angler-oriented features include 60- and 50-gallon livewells, rod stowage and holders, and a 700-quart insulated fish box with macerated discharge. Options include a Vacuflush head with a holding tank, a hardtop crow’s nest, a windlass and underwater lights.
Cutwater C-288 Coupe
New to Cutwater’s range of outboard cruising boats is the C-288 Coupe. It rides on a 10-foot-wide, double-stepped hull with laminar flow interrupters that enhance performance, efficiency and comfort. A pair of 250-hp Yamaha outboards make the whole package go. The interior has a stateroom forward with seating around a table that drops down to convert the space into a berth. An additional berth is beneath the salon dinette to port, across from the helm and galley. The cockpit has clever seating components such as a transom bench that can pivot to face forward or aft, and a pair of under-gunwale, swing-out benches. A swim platform surrounds the outboards and has stainless-steel handholds with a flip-down swim ladder for access to the water.
Stingray 273 CC
Stingray’s new flagship is the 273CC, which joins the builder’s existing 206CC, 216CC and 236CC center-console models. With clean and aggressive styling atop a deep-V hull, and with up to 500 hp and 180 gallons of fuel on board, the 273CC is for serious anglers. The 8-foot, 6-inch beam and 27-foot, 11-inch length overall make trailering the 273CC an option. The rugged, lightweight hull is built using resin infusion and high-density Coosa board in the transom and stringers, while the deck is strategically reinforced with carbon fiber. Inside the gunwales, upholstered seating provides relaxation space for family and friends on sundowner cruises, afternoons on the sandbar or exploration adventures to new cruising grounds. A fiberglass hardtop is standard equipment. Also watch for an all-new 173CC center console from Stingray soon.
This article was originally published in the October 2021 issue.
