December 15, 2010
Sea Ray 350 Sundancer
It is a brilliant move on Sea Ray's part to make its 350 Sundancer standard with the new Axius 360 Control Propulsion System. It's just what owners want and having Axius really sets this boat apart from earlier models from before the introduction of Axius Joystick manoeuvering.
November 3, 2010
Delphia 33
When The Delphia line first came to North America, it did so with little fanfare. Though it managed to win the Import Boat of the Year at Annapolis in 2008. Having sailed it, it's easy to see why. Terribly affordable at about $170,000 Cdn., this boat has a wonderful feel and look – both above and below decks. It's perfectly finished , equipped and boasts two double cabins below.
November 3, 2010
Restoring Darling
The air in O’Rourke’s Boat Repairs on Penetang Bay is thick with white dust. A grinder churns across the fly bridge, spewing showers of tiny particles in its wake. Raw fingers of fiberglass cloth protrude from the bare hull. The rear deck plates have been removed revealing decades of grime, unfinished surfaces and the skeletal stringers.
November 1, 2010
Hunter 31
If you want a boat with a solid value proposition – that makes boating affordable and easy – then the Hunter 31 is your boat. Replacing the 306 and designed by Glenn Henderson and the Hunter team, Hunter has, yet again, found a way to combine all the important attributes of easy sailing characteristics, solid value and wonderful features above and below decks. By using the latest in technology and smaller and lighter components, the Hunter has created a boat that's forgiving but still offers great performance credentials.
October 28, 2010
Bavaria 43
What a wonderful boat! To see where it came from was one thing; to sail one of the first in North America was another. The latest addition to the Bavaria cruising line is spectacular above and below decks and nowhere does it disappoint. From the large welcoming cockpit, its twin steering wheels and luxurious below deck offerings, it brings a ton of value to the potential buyer. All in, this boat will sell for just under $300,000 Canadian and would rival any cottage investment anywhere. The live aboard attributes are stellar.
July 8, 2010
TES 28 Magnam
Recognizing this growing niche, I have reviewed a few of these trailerable boats. It’s funny how a traditional sailor like me can get seduced by the practicality and simplicity of these boats. This trailerable compact cruising yacht offers a neat option for those who want the flexibility to be able cruise in many places and explore places where traditional boaters may not be able to. While our friends in cottage country might not want to hear this, a TES Magnam 28 opens up this area to more sailing adventure than ever before. My recent trip to New York from Bellville through the Erie (barge) Canal could easily be done in this boat with the simple mast system that drops the spar effortlessly.
June 23, 2010
60′ QuadZeus.com
I don't remember the last time Canadian Yachting reported on a big yacht that was just in the development stages but that's exactly what our QuadZeus.com test boat is – an experiment by the Cummins MerCruiser people to showcase a Quad Zeus installation. It features four Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HP high tech diesel engines with ZF Zeus pod drives that push this big sport fishing yacht.
June 22, 2010
Sailtime – Fractional Use for Sail and Power
Become a member of Canada’s boating lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. Canadian statistics suggest that the average boater goes boating 10-12 times each summer. If your summer is two months long, that’s 6X a month. Although the pride of ownership is half the fun, SailTime offers you and your family and friends another way to experience the joy of boating with all the joy and none of the pain.
June 18, 2010
Grady-White 330 Express
Here is an express cruiser that may stimulate the rethinking of what a cruiser could be here in Canada. Saltwater fishermen in the US are quite prepared to spend big money for sportfishing boats but these rigs are less common in Canada. We've got excellent fishing in the Great Lakes as well as along our coasts, so the Grady-White 330 Express will be attractive to people who are into fishing, but we think the Grady-White 330 Express represents a whole cruising lifestyle alternative.
June 16, 2010
Beneteau First 45
The automotive industry coined the term crossover; I guess that should be the word we now refer to for those boats that have high performance and comfort cruising. In this vein, the Beneteau First 45 is just that boat. At first glance, I could see why Anchor Yacht's affable Colin Andrews was so excited about this boat. The hull shape just breathes 'power to burn'; our test sail proved that point first hand. Its acceleration and tracking are amazing; it's definitely got a home in the performance cruiser market.
June 15, 2010
Hanse 430
What we like about Hanse is – first, performance – and second, price. The Hanse 430, like its siblings, tends to have a large sail area to weight ratio and a sense of simplicity few have been able to even consider. But I sense that it's the performance moniker that drives the Hanse team every day. Sailing a Hanse is a treat in both light to medium and heavy air. The design team has been able to balance such a wonderful hull – known for its volume and size – with stability. Every time I step onto one of these boats, I sense performance and speed.
June 14, 2010
Chaparral Signature 350 EC
The jet black hull sides of our Chaparral test boat were impressively free from ripples or imperfections which is a hallmark of a well-built fiberglass boat; the black color minimizes the height while the white decking which sweeps up from the swim platform and arches towards the bow gives the boat a racy appearance.
May 27, 2010
Island Packet SP Cruiser
Island Packet set the benchmark for cruising yachts design almost from the get go. Their formula was to match the aspects of speed and comfort with performance, 'sailibility' and safety. Their new motorsailer extends this beyond their sail experience; they have another winner for sure.
May 26, 2010
Rinker 330 EC
Rinker Boats are part of the Nautic Global Group of boat companies and Rinker has a history that dates back to 1945. Their latest line of express cruisers is right up to date and our Rinker 330 EC test boat offers a compelling value proposition. The 330 EC is, in fact, 35'8" long on an 11'4" beam. The deep vee hull has 18 degrees of deadrise for a soft ride. It is a conventional mid-cabin express cruiser but Rinker has added some appealing new features to boost your enjoyment onboard.
May 25, 2010
Beneteau First 10R
I first saw a 10R in Annapolis and then again in Toronto at the recent ABYC one design regatta. It’s a boat that catches the eye, especially with the likes of Jamie Kidd at the helm. Kidd has won more world championships than most and is probably one of the top talented sailors that never made our Olympic team. He is knowledgeable and competitive. Top sailors in Canada and around the world are flocking to this boat because it does not compromise in performance, look or style. The local Toronto results are a Canadian testament to the solid racing characteristics of this boat.
May 21, 2010
Marquis 40SC
You can tell what time of day it is perfectly well with a Timex. So why do so many people wish that they owned a Rolex? It's the same kind of comparison you might make between the Marquis 40SC and any other 40-footer that's on the market today. Italy's Nuvolari Leonard designed the Marquis 40SC and it combines genuine, cutting edge European flair with American-style muscle to produce a boat that is breathtaking both visually and in terms of its performance.
May 19, 2010
Sea Sonic 270 Centaur
Power and elegance has always been a winning combination when it comes to building a boat that people will walk down the dock to take a second look at. This is exactly what British Columbian craftsman, Chris Casparis, has achieved with the 28-foot, Sea Sonic Centaur – a boat that people actually do walk down the dock to see and take pictures of at boat shows and launch ramps around Okanagan Lake.
May 18, 2010
Hunter 45DS
Hunter turns 35 years old this year. It’s amazing just how far they’ve come and what an integral role they have played helping sell the sport and lifestyle. How? Hunter has worked hard to build affordable, quality boats that were easy to own and, more importantly, easy to sail. This review on the Hunter 45 DS reflects a lot of what Hunter has learned over its 35 years in business. Co-founder, Warren Luhrs – a knowledgeable sailor – helped the company grow to a global brand with over 80 models launched from its design boards.
May 14, 2010
Catalina 375
Gerry Douglas, the chief designer for Catalina, has hit a home run with the new Catalina 375. It is a fact: they have regrouped and rethought out the concept of a solid family cruising yacht that provides great features, value and performance. Filling the niche previously held by the Catalina 36, this new boat is a product of obvious experience and input from owners and the Catalina design team.
May 13, 2010
Hanse 400
When Tom Penton wanted to move up, he consulted with his trusted yacht broker, Pat Sturgeon (now along with Hans Fogh) who represents Hanse Yachts. They worked together to ‘spec’ out Tom’s new Hanse 400. Having the luxury of living on Georgian Bay where Tom and his wife moor the boat, I have watched it round the point several miles off my house and knew right away who it was. The distinctive look and presence of this boat makes it stand out from the crowd. The sleek Judel/Volijk design is strikingly modern; the dark blue hull complements the low profile cabin top and reverse sheer line work perfectly. The distinctive fractional 9/10 rig with double spreader mast and sail plan was a telling sign of the arrival of the distinctive Hanse to Georgian Bay.
May 12, 2010
Larson 370 Day Cruiser
As soon as we stepped into the cabin of the Larson 370 Day Cruiser, we knew we had found something special. There are quite a few express cruisers out there, especially in the 30-40 foot range. Frankly, the competition is fierce so it's refreshing – even surprising – to see somebody take an all whole new approach to cruising boats, but Larson has done that with this boat.
May 6, 2010
Delphia 37
Just when you did not expect it, a surprise comes along that reminds you that underlying yacht design and building, there is a constant evolution. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived to sail test the Delphia 37; a new brand and a new builder enter the Canadian market. Now Polish craftsmanship is evident in many boats we see now; the Delphia is a great example of the complete package.
May 5, 2010
Lagoon 380
A surprise to many people is that the Lagoon brand is part of the Beneteau Group, a respected leader in the pleasure boat industry with renowned brands such as Jeanneau, Wauquiez, and CNB. This affiliation alone ensures a long-standing commitment to advanced moulding technology and manufacturing practices. Based in southern France. the company’s roots go back to building racing boats, and this passion for competition and high-tech construction boasts over fifty high-tech competition prototypes including formula 40, maxi-multihulls, 60’ trimarans, One Tonners, F1 monohulls, America’s Cup Boats, Globe Challenge etc. The focus today is on leveraging this pedigree into building boats that pay attention to the details, have an edge in design and still perform on the water.
May 4, 2010
Tartan 4300
There is something about a Tartan that stops you in your tracks – that makes you look again. It's a beautiful boat that meets the demands perfectly of anyone who wants a comfortable and somewhat elegant option for their offshore adventures. The classic long waterline look is becoming unique in its own right. The evolution and ever increasing presence of the tear drop windows, sloping decks and more truly represent the – if you will – avante garde designs we are seeing in more and more boats.
May 3, 2010
Jeanneau 45DS
Canadian Yachting was at Annapolis this year and walking down the main dock we were stopped in our tracks by several boats, not by their size or position but their look and feel. The Jeanneau 45DS is a great advertisement for the modern sailing lifestyle and it's no wonder as the show opened it was a popular stop on the dock.
April 30, 2010
Campion Explorer 822
I confess that I rarely go out fishing. It's not my thing. So, you may be surprised that I am so pumped about what is basically a fishing boat. What excites me about the Campion Explorer 822 is that it is so much more than just a fishing boat that it literally changes my reality on cruising. Honestly, this boat could make me fall in love with fishing!
April 27, 2010
Beneteau First 50
The Beneteau First 50 also stopped us in our tracks last fall in Annapolis and it apparently got the vote of confidence from a fellow Canadian who purchased it the very first day. And when you had the chance we did to pour all over the boat how can you blame him. This boat looks beautiful at the dock with her long waterline and narrow entry and low clean look but one can easily see her bashing anything the sea can through at her. The 72 foot mast looks awesome from the dock and one can only imagine this boat as happy on the race course as it would be cruising. Philippe Briand has done a masterful job with this yacht. Its modern look is one that challenges and makes a statement in any harbor.
February 23, 2010
The Whaly – Functional, Practical and Affordable
Long time family friend Tom Wharton and his Partner the well respected yachtsman Heider Funck recently invited me to join them and TSCC's director of sailing Brian McLennan to test their new boat being imported into Canada. On an overcast rainy day they introduced me to the Whaly and despite its different utilitarian look it's a winner for anyone running a sailing program or requiring a functional rugged boat. I think their goal was to get this old racing sailor hooked on their new boat and to that end they have a new disciple. I wish I had one of these when I was instructing rather than the old heavy boats we had back then that tended to be more a liability than a tool…
November 14, 2009
Sabre 38 Hardtop Express
One glance tells you this is a traditional looking, down-east yacht; the kind you see around Cape Cod or Annapolis. The bow cuts gracefully through the water and it looks smooth and comfortable…but probably not fast. Wrong. We maxed out at 38 mph which is really cooking along for a 38-footer.
November 14, 2009
Regal Window Express 3360
I was looking forward to my test day with the Regal Window Express 3360 after seeing the photos. Finally, somebody has added some cabin windows to an express cruiser! Express cruisers are popular because they are good-looking, cost-effective and provide a lot of accommodation, but I'm a traditional guy and I like to see some windows in the cabin. It's summer and I'm out on the boat for heaven's sake! I want sunlight. Styling is always subjective but for my taste, Regal has done a brilliant job of making this boat both handsome and distinctive.
November 14, 2009
Luhrs’ Ovation 52
Any new 52-foot boat would be special but the introduction of a new brand is even more so. In early November, following the public launch at the Fort Lauderdale show, Canadian Yachting traveled to Miami to run hull number one of the brand new 52 Ovation. And yes, it is special.
November 14, 2009
Monterey 340 Sport Yacht
The brass at Monterey Boats in Williston Florida were no doubt bursting their buttons when they learned that they had just been awarded their 4th CSI award in as many years. Such recognition in the Sterndrive and Express Boat category speaks volumes about Monterey’s attention to quality and customer satisfaction.
November 14, 2009
Monaro 255
Monaro Marine will soon become a household name east of the Rockies now they have appointed Pat Sturgeon Yachts as their Ontario-based dealer. Monaro’s high quality, semi- production build philosophy has stood the test of time for this Richmond, BC builder of wonderful cruising boats that are built to take rough seas and heavy water.
November 14, 2009
Marquis 50LS
From the very first glimpse, the styling of the Marquis 50LS will draw the eye and stand out from the other yachts in the basin. The test boat had a metallic Brandywine paintjob that was stunning. Stepping onboard from the pier is best at the sides and onto the wide side decking. From a floating dock, step onto the swim platform. Either way, the expanse of real teak decking makes quite an impression.
November 14, 2009
Jeanneau Prestige 50S
The name Jeanneau might seem new to our powerboat readers but it's very familiar to the sailors in the group. Henri Jeanneau, who was fascinated by all things mechanical, including airplanes, automobiles and boats, founded Jeanneau in France in 1957. He built his first fibreglass powerboat in 1961 and launched his line of sailboats in 1964.
November 14, 2009
Formula 31 PC
Express cruisers have certainly been the dominant design on the Canadian power cruising scene for a long time now. From the smallest sizes at about 26 feet up to 60 feet or more, the express cruiser layout continues to attract buyers.
November 14, 2009
Cruisers 520 Sports Coupe
Showing considerable European styling inspiration, Cruisers Yachts has been one of the pioneers in evolving the express cruiser style into a closed roof, almost like a sedan. The 520 Sports Coupe is a new model for 2008 and we think they've hit the “sweet spot” for the high-end power yacht market.
November 14, 2009
Cruisers Yachts 420 Coupe
One of Cruisers Yachts newest designs, the 420 Coupe is a major step forward in this size range. Actually, it’s a step up too. First the obvious: this yacht features a hardtop that is enclosed on three sides by massive glass areas. Cruisers Yachts calls this its Coupe design. We have spent time aboard other Cruisers Coupe models and found them really comfortable.
November 14, 2009
Sea Ray 270 Sundancer
Sundancer is the model name given to express cruiser models made by Sea Ray and you might be surprised to learn that for 2008 there are 15 Sundancer models ranging from the 240 up to the flagship 60. In virtually any size and price range, Sea Ray has a boat for you but in 2008; however, there was no 270 Sundancer.