February 29, 2016
Bayliner 2650 Explorer
The eight-foot beam and deep sheer give this boat the look of some of the classic offshore power yachts. In fact, it’s a…
February 26, 2016
Bayliner 3870
At 38 feet, two inches, the Bayliner 3870 boasts two private staterooms, two heads (one with a bathtub!), a walk in engine room and other features normally found…
February 24, 2016
Back Cove 29
Don’t let the traditional lines fool you into thinking that the Back Cove 29 is a lobster boat. It may have some of the styling cues…
February 19, 2016
Altima 60 Pilothouse
My first view of the Altima 60 Pilothouse was in Fort Lauderdale, at New River Marina. Backed in with her stern against the pilings, the Altima looked like many…
February 18, 2016
The Purpose-Built Albin 31 Tournament Express
“I like a purpose-built boat,” says Charlie Tatham, the owner of this month’s test boat, an Albin 31′ Tournament Express. We couldn’t have put it any better ourselves.
February 17, 2016
Pacemaker 34
After spending a great deal of time in the bilge with a bright light and an ice pick, I found the Pacemaker to be sound. It needed some hard work, tender care and tasteful decoration
February 12, 2016
Atlantis 55
The Italian yacht builders Azimut and Bennetti are a very large organization, well known for their Italian styling and modern designs. The Atlantis line is a “brand belonging to the Azimut and Benetti” organization…
February 11, 2016
Mainship 34 Trawler
The term “fast trawler” might at first seem to come from the same family is the term “jumbo shrimp” but there really is a good reason for a fast trawler. Recently, there has been a groundswell of interest in trawler boats because they deliver a unique combination of seaworthiness, comfort and space in a fuel-efficient package. They also suit the demographics of the North American population with an increasing number of people reaching retirement at earlier ages. Trawlers are often referred to as blue water cruising boats because they’re well-suited to handling rough water and offshore conditions. Taking a Mainship 34 Trawler down the Intercoastal Waterway to the Carolinas, Florida or even out to the Caribbean is a very realistic goal, even for those new to cruising. Fast trawlers are designed with more support in the aft hull sections and given sufficient power, can move from displacement speeds of 8 or 10 mph to full planing at over 20 mph.
February 10, 2016
Century Cortez 270
Sleek and fast, this family cruiser has roots in narrow V hulls of ocean racers, but it handles better. Cliff Cruickshank has been boating out of Dawson’s Marina in Keswick, Ontario, for most of his life. In ranging from a Greavette dispro (disappearing propeller) to a 36 foot Pacemaker. Now he owns a 27 foot Century Cortez and he’s delighted. Over the years boating has changed for the Cruickshank family, as it has for many others. Children grow up and begin lives of their own. No matter how much they like boating, they often prefer time on their own in the city to spending a weekend under the watchful eyes of parents at a marina. When Cliff found himself in that position, he decided to try life without a boat. That was the winter of 1979. But one night, as the snow fell and his thoughts turned to the warmth of summer, boating withdrawal symptoms hit. Not surprisingly, Doug Dawson was able to alleviate the problem with a call to Bruce Brown of BMB Distributors, the Century distributor. Brown was able to promise a new Cortez 270 for Cruickshank to launch when the ice went out that spring.
February 10, 2016
Greavette Montique
Craftsmanship and luxury are hiding out in Muskoka. It’s a fibreglass I/O but it smells like varnish. I have often wondered if boats used to be somehow more friendly or more fun, or had more character. I won’t say they were better, but after driving the Greavette Montique, I’m tempted to say they were. It all started in Gravenhurst, where in the 1920’s, the Ditchburn boatworks and later the Minett works were situated. The lakes were small with no really large open areas, but with over 1,500 miles of shoreline, there was a lot of ground to cover in getting from place to place. The roads were bad or worse and extensive travel by boat was clearly the best way to go.
December 21, 2015
Azimut 55 S Express
The Azimut 55 S offers the discriminating buyer a unique combination of Italian style and design innovation. The express cruiser style in this boat is refined in a number of interesting and unique ways…
December 21, 2015
Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius
We had the pleasure of traveling to Wisconsin to attend the Cruisers Yachts dealer meeting this past summer where the company launched their new flagship, the Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius. The dealer reaction was overwhelmingly positive to this new addition to the Cantius line that Cruisers Yachts began several years ago. There are now 41, 45, 48 and 60 foot models in this elite line which is named after K.C. Stock’s father, Cantius. This brings up two important points; the design philosophy of the Cantius line is to redefine the express cruiser style to deliver gracious living on one level, improving the social aspects of the boat and making it feel more spacious. Mission accomplished there. The other thing is that this company is owned by K.C. Stock who, with his were on hand to personally work with their dealers at the meeting.
November 25, 2015
Westcoast 46
When in Rome – do as the Romans do, so when in BC we did as many lucky Western Canadians have done, and got aboard a Westcoast 46. It was worth the trip. The Westcoast 46 is built by Westcoast Custom Yachts Limited which is headed up by the now legendary Forbes Cooper. The 46 is based on an impressively seaworthy and efficient hull design by Ed Monk Jr. The original hull design was actually marketed as the 43 foot Tolleycraft but has now been significantly modified and in fact, one of the most interesting aspects of these boats is that they really are built on a custom basis, one at a time to the owner’s own specifications. The first choice you need to make is whether to order the 46-foot Express, 46 Sedan or the 46 Cockpit Motoryacht, which was the model we tested. Your next choice is to decide between single or twin-engine installation. The test boat was equipped with twin Cummins 270 diesels.
November 25, 2015
Wilker 20
Fast, dry cuddy cabin. High freeboard, easy planning and lots of power keep the Canadian built Wilker up front in Lake Ontario charter fleet. Low price makes it an easy choice. If Wilker Boats rings a bell you’ve probably been around powerboats for a few years. The 28-footers that Floyd Wilker used to build in his shop in London, Ontario were highly regarded but not very numerous. After 23 years Floyd retired and Tom Crowford took over with, if possible, even greater enthusiasm. Tom still gets inquiries about wooden cabin cruisers, but these days all Wilker boats are fibreglass. Unlike many of his competitors, however, Tom builds only hand laid moldings with mat and roving – no chopper guns. It costs more but the boats are generally better for the extra time and energy.
November 19, 2015
Neptunus 625 MotorYacht
I am actually laughing at myself as I sit down to write this review of the Neptunus 625 MotorYacht because what I want to tell you first, is how much I like this boat! Are you surprised? You are allowed to laugh at me. For the “as tested” price of approximately US$2.6 million, you get a handsome three stateroom MotorYacht with separate crew quarters, comfortable cockpit, sliding glass doors into a main saloon that includes home size seating, a dining area that seats six and a galley that deserves to be called a kitchen. And, let’s not forget the flying bridge! Of course I like this boat! But there is something more. It’s a feeling I got when I was onboard. Yes, it’s a magnificent big boat with every imaginable feature and yet it seems warmly welcoming, even friendly.
August 31, 2015
Props to Power Catamarans
Canadian Yachting magazine has always taken the lead in promoting the charter experience, exploring the Caribbean as well as more distant world destinations. Many of us across Canada start getting ‘twitchy’ in late August thinking about shrink-wrapping our boats and the long stretch of winter that lies ahead…
May 15, 2015
Azimut Magellano 43
Italy’s Azimut Yachts was founded in 1969 but the company’s line of vessels is something of a novelty to Canadian boaters, with only two authorized dealers here and a handful of boats on the water so far. The introduction of the Magellano 43, however, may see that change. The 43 is the smallest of the Magellano line — the Magellano 76 and 50 were introduced a few years ago, and the 66 is launching this year. The 43 hits a sweet spot in the marketplace, being large enough to offer plenty of room on board for entertaining and family cruising, yet small enough to allow easy handling by a couple.
April 21, 2015
Beneteau Gran Turismo 35
For the Canadian Yachting readers who are not yet familiar with Beneteau’s broad range of power boat models, the Gran Turismo 35 may come as a bit of a surprise. Our test boat is a head-on competitor to the North American built express cruisers and the latest day boats that are coming on the market.
March 16, 2015
Neptunus 63 – A Sneak Peak
These pictures are a sneak preview of the new Neptunus 63, which will launch in September and be highlighted in Canadian Yachting’s January/February 2016 Boat Show Issue.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.