August 29, 2012
Grady White 285 Freedom
Introduced at the New York Boat Show in January 2012, the new Freedom 285 from Grady-White is a brawney big bow rider that features a surprisingly spacious enclosed head under the starboard side console, has 65 square feet (6.04m2) of wide-open cockpit space, an optional electric grill and plenty more features to delight the whole family. Grady’ prefers to call the design a dual console and Grady-White customers are showing great enthusiasm for dual console boats, in large part because this style is so well suited to families who participate in a variety of water sports and leisure activities.
May 22, 2012
Contest 45CS
I always have takeaways when I do a review, a word picture if you like that can, in my mind, summarize a boat and a builder; in this case, it would be rugged, strong and light. Multipurpose might also be a word as the 45CS we sailed on that windy and cold day performed so well that one could easily imagine this boat racing or cruising. Contest sought out Georg Nissen, the experienced German yacht designer, to design the 45CS. Together they have created a wonderful boat – huge down below and performance on the water. The hull shape is true to its designer’s concept; it is easy to steer and easy to manoeuvre.
May 9, 2012
Bavaria 34
Right from the dock, bucking the current, I felt at home in this boat. Great visibility and solid, wonderfully light steering beat the expectations I had. Setting sail with the 135 overlapping genoa, the boats solid upwind tracking (it was easy to find the grove) was evidenced by speeds approaching 7 knots on relative flat sea conditions. In the puffs, the boat was stiff and responded well to the odd sail tweak ajustment. The Elvstrom sails that come standard on this boat are perfect; they fit the spar well and are some of the best sails I have seen in production boats anywhere.
May 9, 2012
Cruisers Yachts 330 Express
For comfortable accommodations, high-flying performance and a dash of flair, the latest express cruisers in the mid-thirty foot range are a sweet-spot in the marketplace. The Cruisers Yachts 330 Express is a great example. Brand new, heavily optioned and 35 feet 6 inches on a beam of 11 feet 8 inches, this boat is still well under $300,000. You can get that down to less than $200,000 if you hold back on the wild stuff. So, what wild stuff is that? How about twin Volvo 8.1 Gi Duoprop stern drive engines with a 50 mph top speed and Joystick control for docking! Our test boat also had underwater lighting, a generator, extra TVs and several other expensive options.
April 23, 2012
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379
I had a feeling that the Marc Lombard-designed Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 would be fun to sail even before I took one out in 20-25 knots of breeze. That’s because I’d sailed the first of the similarly re-designed Sun Odysseys—the 409—last year, and it wasn’t hard to imagine the folks at Jeannueau serving up all the performance and comfort of the 409 in a slightly smaller, 37-foot package. But nothing I’d experienced on the 409 could have prepared me for the sheer joy of sailing the 379 in a stiff wind. And my positive sailing experience was even more remarkable because the model we tested was equipped with the shoal draft wing keel that only draws 4' 11".
April 20, 2012
Zodiac Bayrunner 500
Yacht-Finished Tender or Versatile Cottage Boat. Perhaps the best-known name in inflatable boats is Zodiac. The company has been a pioneer in developing these super-safe little boats for pleasure uses, commercial applications and for the demanding needs of search and rescue (SAR). Hopefully you will never have an “extreme” need for yours, but the virtues and capabilities still pay dividends in everyday use.
April 13, 2012
Hanse 495
Hanse Yachts sure have come a long way since they first appeared in North America in the late '90s. Back then, I thought the boats were small and unremarkable except for the fact that they were built in the former East Germany. But I soon learned that Hanse’s founder and chief visionary Michael Schmidt had big plans. Since then, Hanse Yachts has indeed evolved into one of the highest volume builders in the world. And as I found out during a test sail of the Judel/Vrolijk-designed Hanse 495 on a spectacular late fall day in New England, there are plenty of reasons why Hanse Yachts continue to propagate.
April 3, 2012
Hanse 445
Hanse's move to the main dock in Annapolis really demonstrated its scope of product. It's funny but boats show better when you see their full length and profile. Hanse continues to impress and the 445 is a boat I like a lot. The You expect the twin wheels from a Hanse design, but the self-tacker and huge folding platform deliver extra value. The fact one can has interior options just make this boat a perfect choice for a solid performance cruising boat.
April 2, 2012
Boston Whaler 285 Conquest
We were keen to profile the new Boston Whaler 285 Conquest because it is such an amazingly versatile machine. With twin 225 HP Mercury Verado four-stroke outboard engines, it is very fast, smooth and quiet, and impressively economical too. That turn of speed can get you from a marina to the fishing grounds, or from a downtown marina to the islands in record time. The cockpit is designed for serious fishing, but port and starboard foldout seats in the cockpit sides, plus another across the transom give you plenty of seating for social times too.
March 29, 2012
Dufour 445
With a solid tradition combined with a new outlook, this builder is producing some wonderful new hulls and product. Careful attention to detail below decks with storage options that will surprise man, this boat won my vote quickly. There is no question that this performance cruiser has a renewed commitment to the Canadian market. I am quite sure it will find its way to many marinas and yacht clubs next year. Its workmanship and solid pedigree will ensure it's a contender in the 44' cruising yacht niche.
March 28, 2012
Sea Ray 410
There’s a lot of boat action in the 40-foot class in today’s new boat market and the all new for 2012 Sea Ray 410 Sundancer was designed to be a market leader. We chose the 410 Sundancer partly because it was a brand new model from the industry’s largest builder but also because this has the unique feature of allowing owners to choose from three different exterior designs: a standard sport spoiler model with canvas; optional open hardtop; or, an optional enclosed hardtop with electric front vents and available sunroof. While many new boats feature a fully enclosed hardtop with a sunroof, not everybody wants this. Sea Ray has made sure you can have it your way by offering these three variations.
March 23, 2012
Jeanneau 439
The market niche Philippe Briand wanted to reach with this performance yacht will be excited. This boat allows for lots of customization with its rig and keel options. The wonderful lines and deck plan turned my head. I loved the self-tacking jib and the option for a 140% performance genoa. The interior, surprisingly spacious, is bright and wonderfully comfortable.
March 21, 2012
Jeanneau NC11
Distinctive Styling – Sparkling Performance. First impressions are important – and at first glance the new Jeanneau NC 11 cruiser is impressive and distinctive. Its styling, including a raked railing and house and an attractive two-tone taupe-and-white hull, says “European” and “performance,” maybe even “serious,” as in “This is a serious boat.” “NC” means New Concept and it’s completely appropriate. Properly called a sedan, the NC 11 is closer to a performance sports sedan. It was judged European Powerboat of the Year in 2011.
March 15, 2012
Beneteau Sense 43
The sense line from Beneteau quickly became a benchmark for the industry, so it wasn't a surprise when we saw the 43 for the first time. Capitalizing on the successful 50, the wonderful style and sense (pardon the pun), its wide beam at 14 feet that's carried all the way aft is complemented well with the hard chine concept. We loved the interaction with the cockpit and salon; the cockpit size and scope is amazing.
March 13, 2012
Chaparral 420 Premiere
With a centreline length of 42 feet, Volvo Penta IPS drives as the standard power and joystick docking, Chaparral’s 420 Premier model is both its flagship and a great example of some fresh thinking. For example, taking a page from recent wake sport boat design ideas, Chaparral has given the 420 a bit of “pickle fork” styling to the bow. It’s subtle, but what it does is increase the beam in the forward master stateroom quite significantly. In combination with an innovative queen-sized island berth that electrically folds partly out of the way during the day, this is a surprisingly spacious master stateroom.
March 7, 2012
Tartan 4400
Tartan's robust designs and wonderful attention to detail make their traditional yachts a 'must see' option in our minds. One thing Tartan has always done is to ensure their boats can perform and perform well. Below decks, the ambiance and style is only outdone by the practical convenience and wonderful balance of satin- varnished cherry joiner work.
March 5, 2012
Beneteau Swift 52
Your Personal Ship. The Beneteau Swift 52 feels more like your own personal ship than a boat. It’s very high, wide and looks solid from every angle. Approaching from the stern, you step onto a big swim platform, through a real transom door designed to hold out the sea; you walk over real teak trim everywhere. The aft deck is protected by the bridge overhang with a nice port side seat. A glass cabin bulkhead gives a view astern.
February 24, 2012
Cruisers Yachts 41 Cantius
The introduction of a new yacht is always a time for excitement, but this one was particularly special for me. I had seen the original engineering mock-up of the 41 in the development stages when I visited KCS International Incorporated over a year ago. They are, of course, the manufacturers of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts located in Oconto, Wisconsin. I had gone there to test the 48 Cantius – a breakthrough new design and a yacht that has already had impressive sales success.
February 17, 2012
J70
I loved this boat from the first take – a breath of fresh air from J Boats. It's trailerable, easily sailed and its large cockpit, small sail inventory and sailing just for sailing's sake. From trailer to water in 30 minutes, this boat was made to fill a niche long forgotten. It has a vertically lifting bulb keel and carbon fiber single spreader rig. Perfectly sailed by 3-4 and it's got that great J Boat moniker too!
February 14, 2012
Regal 35 Sport Coupe
Regal's new 35 Sport Coupe represents a real step forward in mid-size cruiser design. Express cruisers have long been the most popular design but, increasingly, people want the all-weather convenience of a glassed-in salon. However, on the other hand, they also want the enjoyment of open air boating. So what is the solution? Regal gave the 35 Sport Coupe a roof that retracts its full width, drawing back about two feet and opening up the sky overhead.
February 9, 2012
Moorings Power Cat 393 PC
I swear, we have never faked it…until now. When you read one of our Canadian Yachting Powerboat Reviews, we have actually travelled to the boat along with our test equipment, our camera and whatever other paraphernalia we need on board to drive the boat under real-world circumstances. But, not this time. We wish we could though!
October 18, 2011
Gemini 105 MC
A Rugged Performance Catamaran, Just Launched in Canada I am slowly becoming a fan of Catamarans. Now, having sailed and reviewed more and more of these boats I am starting to get it. Excellent space below, and a stable, shallow draft allows for effortless cruising and wonderful speeds underway – all wonderful attributes that the market is rewarding more often these days. What’s also new for Gemini is the recent deal struck with Hunter to build these boats.
October 18, 2011
Chris Craft Corsair 28
Classic Elegance, Contemporary Performance There are few boats to compare with the Corsair 28 by Chris-Craft, even just in terms of size and amenities, but especially in the area of style. This is a boat that was very carefully designed to be a unique blend of classic elegance with the versatility of modern performance. We had the pleasure of interviewing Stephen Heese, the president of Chris-Craft and he was well aware of the Chris-Craft heritage and determined to preserve and build on it.
October 18, 2011
Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht
There are very few Hatteras 60 Motor Yachts and, so far, this is the only one in Canada. Kevin Marinelli at Skyline Marina knew I was keen to write this yacht up for our Canadian Yachting readers. He saw a window of opportunity when the owner – who had recently taken delivery in Cape Hatteras and driven the yacht north to the Greater Toronto area – was onboard with the senior delivery crew from Hatteras.
October 14, 2011
Four Winns H310
More of What You Really Want Could the Four Winns H310 be the boat that gives you more of what you really want? When we think of a power boat that's over 31 feet long with a 9' 8" beam, we would assume that it would be an express cruiser, but the Four Winns H310 is actually one of the biggest bowriders on the market.
September 7, 2011
Mercury Marine Diesel Electric Hybrid Concept Vessel
I Have Seen The Future! Dressed in eyecatching graphics, Mercury’s Hybrid Concept Vessel was a Miami International Boat Show highlight last February – but a quiet one. Equipped with both Cummins QSC 550, 550-hp diesel engines and Zeus pod drives plus high-efficiency electric engines, solar panels, full SmartCraft controls including joystick docking, the Mercury’s Hybrid Concept Vessel glided out of its slip like it was drifting in the wind, making virtually no sound, no smoke and no smell.
August 23, 2011
Regal 52 Sport Coupe
As the flagship of Regal Boats lineup, the 52 Sport Coupe was designed to embody both the design philosophies and the quality values that the Kuck family strives for in their boats. Regal is a family business (in spite of its size) and brothers Duane and Tim Kuck and their families are behind every boat. When you own the business, you can have it your way. Now it seems that Regal's goal is to serve up their boats so that you can have it your way too. If you are lucky enough to choose the Regal 52 Sport Coupe as your new boat, you can choose from five hull colours accented by one of five different bootstripe colours.
August 23, 2011
She Rises from the Ashes
Just as the mythical “Phoenix” rose from the ashes, reborn to live again, so too was a beautiful yacht launched in September to replace another destroyed by fire. In 2005, Covey Island Boatyard built a beautiful sixty-three foot classic schooner, “Maggie B” for Chicago venture capitalist Frank Blair. This boat cruised extensively, including a circumnavigation, and was ultimately returned to the boatyard for a refit. On August 12, 2008, disaster struck; a horrendous overnight fire completely destroyed the yard along with the “Maggie B”.
August 23, 2011
Ranger Tug R-29
We call them “pleasurecraft” because they're a pleasure to own and to cruise; they are not commercial vessels or work boats. But “pleasure” means different things to different people. This is not a one-size-fits-all world. For some people, it would be a pleasure to own a boat with a salty traditional look and a carbon footprint that respects nature. A Ranger Tug might just be the perfect expression of that pleasure. We went on board our first Ranger Tugs, an R-29, at the Miami International Boat Show.
August 23, 2011
Dufour 40E Performance Cruiser
My European sailing editor colleagues are all a buzz about this boat. I was taken aback by a comment that referred to the 40E as sensitive and that term really hit the mark. Sensitive to the market needs, sensitive to the owner’s wants, and sensitive as it appeals to the racing performance of the boat. When Dufour set the challenge to dazzle the market by building a product to reenter the North American scene, it had to come out with a boat that was better than the Dufour 40. Tough call, but the team at the Dufour Design group and Umberto Felci did not disappoint.
May 9, 2011
Sabre 40 Sedan
We caught up with the Sabre 40Sedan during the 70th Annual Miami International Boat Show. Even among the line up of new yachts at the show, the Sabre display immediately caught our eye. There is a powerful family resemblance from one Sabre model to another and the ‘look’ seems most obvious when expressed in the handsome dark coloured hull sides and accents; Sabre offers their boats in white as well as six optional colours. The lines and proportions are strongly similar, all the way from their 34 Express to the 52 Salon Express and all offer special details like varnished teak toe rails, gold cove accents, raked transoms, big cabin windows and cabin roof overhangs.
February 3, 2011
Sea Ray Introduces New 450 Sedan Bridge
Sea Ray will hold the public unveiling of their new Sea Ray 450 Sedan Bridge yacht during the 2011 Miami International Boat Show. The new 450 Sedan Bridge offers panoramic seascapes and wide-open spaces that are sure to inspire thoughts of comfortable cruising and luxury living. The beautiful views start on the bridge, which, along with 360 degrees of visibility, features a U-shaped dinette to stern that is served by a table that converts to a sun pad, plus a refrigerator and an optional 22" LCD TV.
February 2, 2011
Doral International
Erwin Zecha, owner of Canada’s Doral International, plainly recognizes the importance of design and style, so he has both Christophe Lavigne and Luc St-Onge as his in-house design team at the original Doral facility in Grand Mère, Quebec. As a builder of higher-end fiberglass express cruisers, Doral is almost alone in the domestic Canadian market. For a volume builder, the Canadian market is not enough to ensure business success.
January 13, 2011
Jeanneau 53
Sailing the first Jeanneau 53 to land in North America was a treat to say the least; to share the day with my colleague David McPhail from Boatcan made for a wonderful time. Invited by Paul Fenn (also on board) and the Jeanneau team, we were treated to perfect test sail conditions on Lake St. Clair, close enough to the Canadian border to guarantee Canadian content. Our test conditions were perfect: slight chop, moderate building and waning breezes nearing 6 knots true that drove the 46-foot waterline through the water at an impressive 5.4 knots. Steering the boat was a joy with the twin steering set up, finger-tip control and light responsive helm.
January 12, 2011
Monterey 400 SY
While many of our readers may know Monterey Boats for their cottage size and trailerable models, the company also builds a line of cruisers and sport yachts ranging up from 40 feet in length. Monterey may also be a larger company than some of our readers realize with 171 dealers worldwide. Monterey is a family owned business that even through the US marine industry downturn last year continues to offer high quality in both styling and construction.
January 12, 2011
Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
What a perfect time to be sitting down to write up a thoroughbred sport fishing boat like the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage. I just returned from a bill fish tournament in the Bahamas where a fleet of traditional "convertible" yachts like Hatteras', Bertrams and even a brand new 70' Rybovitch were competing against boats like this Boston Whaler 280 Outrage.
January 12, 2011
Beneteau Sense 50
For all that the marine industry has gone through, the next few years are going to be ones of innovation and new designs. If rumours in the field are true, upwards of 20+ new sailboats will hit the docks this fall in Newport and Annapolis. New technologies, lighter materials and easier boat handling will no doubt be the drivers.
January 12, 2011
Archambault 31
What a treat to have the owner of the new Archambault 31, Ann Acland, on board with us when we took Anticipation out for a sail in Mahone Bay the day before Chester Race Week started. We were also joined by the North American representative for Archambault and Aigle, Philippe Paturel, and Canadian sailor, Jeff Brock. The boat scooted along in the light breeze without effort and the tiller, mounted with a handle extension, was very responsive to the wind because of the 6'3" spade rudder. The UK sails made out of the San Francisco loft were made of carbon fibre, done with a new heat-sealed process without using glue.
January 12, 2011
Mainship 35 Trawler
Let me first admit that I am always attracted by a traditionally styled boat. In the early days of powerboats, form needed to follow function and those traditional designs had an honesty and sense of purpose that I still really like. The brand new Mainship 35 Trawler looks like a traditional trawler and features many traditional virtues, yet it also delivers key features that today's buyers are looking for: a spacious and well-equipped galley, an ocean-going "family room" on the bridge and the convenience of joystick docking.