March 16, 2015
Bavaria Cruiser 37
Bavaria Yachts pride themselves in their German traditions of craftsmanship, efficiency, and excellence in quality, engineering and performance. Like many German manufacturers they strive to continuously improve. Efficiency and precision are enhanced at Bavaria through the use robotic automation in the manufacturing process. The company was a pioneer in using assembly line techniques in yacht production. In conjunction with Farr Yacht Design, the Bavaria design team create laminate and reinforcement plans for each design based on individual yacht load profiles. The result is a structural bulkhead which gets fitted into the hull to very precise tolerances. You can see pieces of this structure in storage compartments.
March 6, 2015
Hanse 575
As a semi-recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from New England’s historic waters, I was thrilled to learn that the boating season here in Seattle is much longer than it is back East, provided, of course, that your boat is up to the task. While our summer months here at 48 degrees north are characterized by massive high-pressure systems that park-up over the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island, delivering bluebird days that are void of any real breeze, our fall, winter and spring months offer plenty of pressure, usually combined with some lively seas, especially when the wind angle disagrees with the tide. This combination of distinctive seasonal weather, paired with the Pacific Northwest’s (in)famous rain and grey, rewards cruising boats that offer some on-deck protection from the elements, as well as a comfortable saloon and galley for après sailing, once the sails have been furled and the cabin heater has been switched on.
March 6, 2015
Marlow-Hunter 37
It is early September, a gray day with the impending threat of rain. It’s a great day. The wind is blowing 12 knots offshore with some gusts and shifts. The near shore chop is only a couple of feet. I also have the good fortune to be test sailing a brand new Marlow-Hunter 37. This boat has just been commissioned and put in the water. What a beautiful boat it is. A spacious inviting cockpit with teak seats and sole welcome you on onboard. The 4 foot folding transom / swim platform, and two stern pulpit teak seats enlarge the area even more. The transom up provides helm seating. An integrated telescopic boarding ladder can be deployed with the platform up or down.
March 6, 2015
Back Cove 34
There seems to be more and more talk these days about the “bucket list” and amongst people who are keen on boating, making that cruise to the Caribbean is a big one…
March 6, 2015
Monte Carlo 4
While the name Monte Carlo is a new marque in the Canadian marine industry, this newcomer comes with a rich history. It’s been developed by the Beneteau Group, one of the world’s leading boat builders for the past 130 years. Big fast day boats have been hot news recently, but there is absolutely a market for a flying bridge boat, especially one that offers spacious live aboard accommodations and a rich list of amenities. The Monte Carlo line are high style yachts developed for the luxury market.
March 5, 2015
Cruisers Yachts 328 SS
I have had the pleasure of going through the Cruiser’s Yachts design department in Oconto, Wisconsin on more than one occasion as I travelled there to review newly released designs. They are creative bunch! The company seems to really have its finger on the pulse of the changing boating tastes and yet their 328 SS model really took me by surprise. Cruisers Yachts calls this a Sport Series yacht. You might also call it a day boat with overnight accommodations, but it seems that many buyers are calling it their get away machine. Testimony to the originality of the design, after the debut of the 328 SS at Fort Lauderdale in late 2013, the American boating press gave the 328 Sport Series their coveted Boat of the Year award for 2013. Editors named the 328 SS “Boat of the Year” after reviewing performance data and commentary from the magazine’s Tech Team.
March 5, 2015
Jeanneau 64
The new Jeanneau 64, flagship of the Jeanneau yacht line takes things to yet another level. This is truly a yacht with a size and sail plan that would seem intimidating at first but the design innovation here is the electric furling main with self-tailing jib and an electric winch for the main…
March 5, 2015
Chris-Craft Catalina 34
The latest designs stress versatility and the brand new Chris-Craft Catalina 34 is another example of the evolution of the centre console fishing boat to become an elegant entertaining vehicle. Yes, it’s a capable fish-raiser and with the latest big Yamaha outboards, it’s super fast as well as efficient and quiet. For ease of entry at dockside, the Chris-Craft Catalina 34 has a door built into the side of the hull but it’s more than a way to board…it’s a dive door with a drop down boarding ladder – just one of many features on this new boat.
March 5, 2015
Boston Whaler Outrage 420
Somewhere beyond the sport utility vessel is the Swiss Army Knife vessel and we think it just might be the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage. ‘Gotta like the lines on this – it’s clearly much more than a fishing boat. The 420 Outrage is designed for onboard entertaining, with an expansive bow area designed with clever backrest configurations that provide 360-degree seating around the large, removable bow table. An available sunshade easily deploys over the area, providing welcome protection from the sun even when anchored far from shore. Another sunshade extends aft beyond the hardtop to shelter passengers in the cockpit. The helm area of the 420 is spectacular in its ability to accommodate up to six passengers while underway, all facing forward, standing or sitting. The quad Mercury Verado outboard engines deliver breath-taking speed as well as quiet trolling…remarkable! An actuated captain’s seat and dual forward-or-backward facing companion seating is accompanied by an entire second row: a conversion bench that flips to face forward, or aft for when the main action is in the rear cockpit. What action? Fishing of course!
March 5, 2015
Lagoon 450
Talking about design changes, we think that the day of the catamaran has really arrived. For its size and cost a catamaran design can provide remarkable accommodations and a stunning example of this is the new Lagoon 450. Lagoon is part of the Beneteau Group, probably the world’s biggest builder of cruising catamarans. Designed by VPLP (Van Petegham Lauriot, Prevost Signature) naval architects. Catamaran designs can offer an expanse of flat decking and living areas both on deck and below, that monohull boats cannot match in the same length.
March 5, 2015
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
Another new design trend is expressed in the Jeanneau Sun fast 3600 designed by Daniel Andrieu. The Sun Fast 3600 benefits from the latest advances in vacuum-bagged resin infusion to ensure exceptional strength and rigidity while drastically reducing weight. The lightweight, powerful hull with its hard chine, twin rudders and lead keel contributes to this new Sun Fast’s speed, balance and stability on all tacks. Perfectly adapted to solo, doublehanded, and crewed regattas, the Sun Fast 3600 is designed to compete in both inshore and offshore races.??Available with twin, composite tillers or wheel steering and choices in mainsheet management, the deck layout ensures easy handling through well thought-out ergonomics and optimized sailing functions.
March 5, 2015
Four Winns Horizon 440
This is the largest bowrider on the market. Period. It’s so new that the Four Winns people didn’t even have running shot photography for this issue of Canadian Yachting but we wanted to share this boat with you right away. All 44 feet are designed for comfortable living and generous entertaining. Among the many amenities is the hydraulic table in the bow area. At the touch of a button, this dining table lowers to convert to a spacious sun tanning area. You can order a Four Winns Horizon 440 with a cabin that looks like this – very elegant and with amenities that can include a large head with enclosed shower. Other features are an available 40” TV, cockpit grill, refrigerator and ice maker and a retractable hardtop for access to the forward bow area.
March 5, 2015
Beneteau Oceanis 35
Another interesting aspect of today’s changing lifestyles is the desire to be able to have what you want, not necessarily what a designer thinks you ought to have. To best tailor their latest design to the individual buyer, Beneteau has just introduced their Oceanis 35 model which is available in three different configurations; Day Sailor, Weekender or Cruiser. Buyers can choose the layout that best suits them. Almost everything is an option and they can modify the number of cabins, their partition or openness, the galley space and even details like the inclusion of a separate shower or helm seat.
March 5, 2015
Chris-Craft Launch 36
Just as the world has turned away from sedans and embraced sport-utility vehicles in the automotive world, changing tastes and lifestyles have driven the design of the new Chris-Craft Launch 36 to deliver far more versatility. The Launch 36 still has considerable cabin space to accommodate cruising, but the emphasis is on above-decks features to support a broad range of family activities. One reflection of this is the galley-up design. The galley unit is positioned behind the helm seats, facing the big cockpit area, ready to serve a hungry and thirsty gang of guests.
February 26, 2015
Delphia 31
After a week of overcast skies and no wind, I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to see the clouds lift, the sun come out, and the breeze come up for a beautiful sail off the shores of northern Lake Ontario on the functional, solid, and very reliable Delphia 31, showcased at North Lakes Yachting, Inc. in Mississauga, Ontario. Owner and president, Slavek Kroliklewicz joined me, along with photographer, Penny McLaren for stunning sail in lovely 8-10 knot breeze. Slavek is passionate about these boats because of their exquisite workmanship and attention to every detail, down to the stainless steel rather than plastic holding tanks, and use of finished marine plywood in their craftsmanship. Two brothers, Piotr and Wojciech Kot launched their idea of building a boat in their garage.
February 26, 2015
Neptunus 55 Express
It was a particular pleasure to visit the home of Neptunus Yachts in St. Catherines, Ontario to review their new Neptunus 55 Express because for many years, this builder served a high-end clientele who generally kept their yachts down south. Seeing a Canadian-built Neptunus in Canada was at least a bit uncommon. Also, their yachts have been mainly in the larger sizes – up to 80 feet and there have been limited facilities in the Great Lakes for such a big private vessel. Today, the Great Lakes Canadian market for larger boats is strong and the facilities are being built for the growing number of owners with yachts over 50 feet. Addressing this market, Neptunus introduced their 55 Express in the summer of 2014.
February 18, 2015
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
I felt like I’d gone back in time to the War of 1812 when I arrived in the lovely village of Sacket’s Harbor, NY to review the new Jeanneau 349 with Navy Point Yacht Sales President, Steve McPherson. Unlike that fateful time when the British “sneak attack” on the Americans was bamboozled by the lack of wind, we had a beautiful sunny day with a nice southwest breeze. Winning the 2014 Customer Choice award for the Best Monohull over 30’ at the Miami Boat Show (determined by the attendees) has certainly helped to set the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 up for success! With over 70 boats already sold and two in production every day, Jeanneau certainly thinks so too. This modern, high performance hull with its large, light interior, easy handling, and attractive price makes it a winner in my books too for this entry-level family cruiser.
February 18, 2015
Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe
We had the pleasure of being invited to the Cruisers Yachts Dealer meeting in Sturgeon Bay last July where we were introduced to their new 390 Express Coupe. We were privy to the specs on the boat prior to the meeting, but on seeing this boat in the water in real time, I was awestruck. We are excited to be among the very first to bring you news about Cruisers Yachts’ new 390 Express Coupe, a boat that exudes innovation, style, comfort, and – as I discovered – delivers outstanding performance as well. Having been around boats all my life, I tried to compare their new 390 to any similar model from a competitor, but none came to mind. The Cruisers design team has hit another home run. When you board, you will be amazed at the room and ease of maneuvering – from the swim platform until you are standing on the forepeak.
July 11, 2014
CATALINA C275 SPORT
Bernie Luttmer of Swan’s Yacht Sales, has finally had his brainchild come to life, and he tells me that he was just about ready to retire when the boat of his dreams came into production – the Catalina C275 Sport designed by Gerry Douglas! He wanted to promote a family friendly, affordable boat that was simple and easy for two people or a family to sail, race, or cruise for the weekend. With an 8’5” beam and displacement of 5,000 pounds, this fractional rig boat is fully trailerable and easy to store.
June 12, 2014
Coastal Craft 65 Concord
The BC builder takes a big step forward with its largest yacht to date: stylish, fast and super-smart. BC’s Coastal Craft has established a solid reputation for pushing the envelope in aluminum yacht construction and utilizing new technologies to make its boats “smarter” and more livable. But the new 65 Concord represents a significant step up and out even for this innovative builder.
May 22, 2014
Dufour Grand’Large 410
Modern graceful elegance is what Dufour’s Umberto Felci was trying to achieve when he designed the Grand’Large 410. The boat was a new design in 2012, and has been nominated for European Cruising Boat of the Year for 2013. The hull has a plumb bow, a broad beam and a hard chine which carries from the beam to the broad transom. The transom is lowered on a pulley to form an open transom for easy access to the dock or as a platform with a
April 30, 2014
Sabre Yachts 3000th Hull, A Sabre 48 Salon Express, Ships From The Boat Builders Raymond Yard
The very first Sabre yacht, was a Sabre 28 sailboat appropriately named Patience. Sabre repurchased her from her original owners ten years ago. She is still in perfect condition but like any 40 year old boat she did need some attention to get her back to her Bristol condition. She had been sold in 1971 to our local dealership Handy Boat and her retail price with options was $14,335.00.
March 26, 2014
Marlow-Mainship 32
When the time finally comes to do the dream destination cruising you’ve always talked about, you need a boat that has both long distance comfort and economy too.Big enough to offer comfort both in terms of onboard accommodations and also in sea-keeping qualities, the new Marlow-Mainship 32 seems to us to be just the right size for great adventures. A yacht this size is going to fit the available slips at most marinas and yacht clubs throughout North America and the Caribbean, and if you just can’t get in where you’re cruising, it’s big enough to ride it out overnight in an anchorage.
February 25, 2014
KingFisher 2825 Weekender
The Offshore series from Canada’s largest aluminum pleasure boat builder offers practicality, range and ease of maintenance for dedicated fishermen and casual cruisers.Ease of maintenance has become a guiding principle in the pleasure boat business as the industry responds to customer expectations of “wash and wear” boats. So it’s no surprise that aluminum craft represent one of the bright spots in today’s recreational boating market.
February 25, 2014
Bavaria Vision 42
Embodying the Cruising Sailor’s Wish List.The Bavaria Vision 42 is the product of collaboration between Farr Yacht Design USA as the naval architect, and Design Unlimited responsible for design and layout. Bavaria wanted a yacht for the owner / cruiser. The 42 Vision incorporates elegance, technology and attention to detail in its design. Comfortable cruising is the objective of this boat.
January 3, 2014
Beneteau Oceanis 38
The Beneteau Oceanis 38 claims more flexibility than seen before on this size of boat and a new way of looking at below decks, giving the boat an airy loft than a traditional cabin arrangement.
January 3, 2014
Marlow Hunter 37
From the first glance the wide open decks large cockpit and overall look and feel of this boat are pleasing. It’s well laid out and from the helm its great visibility and ease of moving forward on deck are well done.
January 3, 2014
Cruisers Yachts 328 Bow Rider
The brand new Cruisers Yachts 328 Bow Rider is one of a new breed of boats that is redefining our expectations. The emphasis is on living space, entertaining friends and family on board and on going places for the day. With twin Volvo Penta V8-380 horsepower new generation V-8 engines that include features like multipoint fuel injection and variable valve timing, this boat is powerful, fast and economical.
January 3, 2014
Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 IPS
I had the pleasure of running and reviewing the Swift 50 when I was in Annapolis last October; the boat was supplied by Beneteau America and was moored at Annapolis Yacht Sales.The French-built Swift 50 encompasses a traditional trawler look but with her twin 435 hp Volvo Penta IPS 600’s performs like a sedan bridge or a sport cruiser, topping out at 24.8 knots in calm seas.
December 20, 2013
KingFisher Accord 1925
The Canadian designed and built KingFisher Accord 1925 with the new Yamaha F200, 200 hp four-stroke outboard is bound to be a fisherman’s dream rig. This is what they call a multi-species boat because it has a wide range of fishing features suitable for inland bass and pickerel fishing or even going for salmon in bluewater. It is a solid and comfortable boat that runs like a rocket with the Yamaha 200.
November 8, 2013
Lagoon 39
It is no wonder that almost all the charter companies have a fleet of multi hulls. For the length of this boat, and considering the price, the Lagoon 39’s catamaran design delivers remarkable space.More than that, much of the space is nicely divided into two sections, one in the starboard hull, the other in the port hull so two couples can enjoy real privacy of a sort that even much larger mono hull boats have trouble delivering.
November 8, 2013
Prestige 550 Flybridge
Jeanneau produces many distinct lines of both sailing vessels and power boats; Prestige is one of these pedigrees.The Prestige 550 Flybridge is a luxury high performance flybridge motor yacht with a magnificent French design and decor and thanks to the buying power of the parent company, Prestige represents great value for your dollar.
October 10, 2013
Sabre 38 Salon Express/Volvo IPS 400
We were really looking forward to visiting True North Yachts for the opportunity of driving the all new 2013 Sabre Yachts 38 Salon Express because it is equipped with Volvo Penta IPS 400 pod drives. You may recall that we reviewed the 38 Sabre Hardtop Express back in 2009 and from a distance you would have trouble determining which is the newer model.
October 10, 2013
Blue Jacket 40
Canadian Yachting Magazine was invited to be one of the first publications to test sail the Blue Jacket 40, the first in a new series of performance cruising sailboats designed by Tim Jackett in collaboration with Bob Johnson, CEO and Chief Designer at Island Packet Yachts. On a stunning April afternoon, we sailed down the Manatee River out into Tampa Bay in a 12-14 knot breeze with a full main and a Quantum “screacher” maintaining 6.5 to 7 knots in what might be called a fairly close tack.
August 20, 2013
Catalina 385
Catalina’s Gerry Douglas has spent a considerable time listening and bucking many trends. His boats have stood the test of time and his brand following is the envy of many builders globally. His latest boat, the Catalina 385 takes off from his 445 launched in 2009, and the 355 introduced last year which both enjoy a nice balance of classic looks with a sense of being functional and innovative; that makes the Catalina brand so solid. Clearly the increasing demand Catalina anticipates will be in the mid-size cruiser market (under 40 feet) and we sense they are right.
August 20, 2013
Hunter 33
If the continued growth of sailing as a pastime depends on user-friendly boats and shallower learning curves, then an entry-level cruiser like Hunter’s newest 33 is well positioned to meet the requirements of those new to the sport. This writer belonged to one of the last generations of sailors who followed the long, steady course from childhood prams through racing dinghies to various cruising keelboats, honing skills and learning to short-hand boats that were really designed to be sailed by larger crews.
August 19, 2013
Boston Whaler 285 Conquest Pilothouse
A fully-enclosed wheelhouse is a smart addition to this new 28’ Whaler, giving it all-weather capability as a sport fisher, commuter or pocket cruiser. The new Boston Whaler 285 Conquest was officially launched at the 2012 Seattle and Vancouver International Boat Shows and drew huge crowds. Officially a part of the Conquest model line, it is described as a pilothouse design, thanks to its permanently enclosed wheelhouse.
August 19, 2013
Beneteau Swift Trawler 52
The first example of Beneteau’s Swift Trawler 52 on North America’s west coast is berthed just off the seafront walkway in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. Her shippy good looks – a clean, contemporary take on traditional passagemaker lines – invite passers-by to dream of smooth passages and far-off destinations. But her pride of place is also just about the tightest spot in the marina, and extracting her for a test ride is complicated by the pair of brand-new Oceanis sailboats tight against her starboard hip, her smaller sister, the ST 34, moored off her starboard bow, and a float with a sharp corner to port.
August 2, 2013
Hunter 50CC
Sell the cottage, heck, sell the house because you could easily live in this boat…it is a blue water cruising beauty! With current memories of spending a full week with five of my dearest friends on an older Westerly 45 cruising the western islands of Scotland, I was introduced to the newest Hunter, a 50’ center console. Talk about a time warp. First impressions were somewhat exaggerated but this boat has so much to give. I was immediately impressed by how the modern technologies – we use and rely on today to make boating enjoyable and fun – have been accelerating exponentially of late.