1. Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless
The largest model in Boston Whaler’s Dauntless center-console lineup, the 280 blends versatility with refined design for fishing, cruising and watersports. Its spacious open bow accommodates a group, with extra seating ahead of the console and at the stern. Amenities include cup holders, a removable table, cooler storage and an optional swim patio for easier water access. Anglers will appreciate a casting platform, a 19-gallon livewell, pump-out fishbox and ample gear storage. Weather protection options include a full glass windshield and cockpit shade. Owners can choose single- or twin-Mercury outboards, with twin 250- or 300-hp choices and available joystick piloting.
2. Solara S-310 Center Walkaround
The Solara S-310 is the flagship of Fluid Motion’s new line, designed as a true multiuse center walkaround for fishing, overnighting and entertaining. Twin Yamaha F250 outboards power the double-stepped deep-V hull for quick planing and confident handling in chop. The cockpit is set up for anglers with rod holders, rocket launchers, floodlights, EVA traction decking and a livewell, while pop-up cleats, a self-bailing deck and raw-water washdown simplify onboard life. Below, the cabin is air-conditioned and heated, with a head and shower and a V-berth that converts into a lounge for relaxation between outings.
3. Invictus GT320S
New to Invictus’s popular GT series, the GT320S is a 32-foot, outboard-powered model offering a nearly 10-foot beam and a maximum horsepower rating up to 900. Sharing its interior layout with the sterndrive GT320, it features a forward dinette that converts to a berth, an aft double berth and a midship head. By using the outboard configuration, designers reclaimed the sterndrive engine volume to create an expanded living area. A standard Bimini top and optional carbon hardtop are available, and buyers can personalize finishes with 11 exterior color combinations and four upholstery options.
4. Sailfish 312 CC
The Sailfish 312 CC is a mid-sized contender at just over 32 feet, delivering the builder’s signature ride quality, solid construction and fishability. It rides on a sixth-generation Variable Degree Stepped hull with three steps designed to enhance efficiency and stability. Power options include twin Mercury 300 or 350 Verados or twin Yamaha F300s. With a nine-foot, nine-inch beam, the cockpit provides generous room for fighting fish, and standard features include two in-floor fishboxes, two livewells and an electric marine head with six feet of headroom.
5. Jeanneau NC1295 Fly
Built for experienced boating families seeking more livable space, the Jeanneau NC1295 Fly is a 40-foot, flybridge cruiser with expansive outdoor areas that retain generous interior volume. The cockpit features an electrically controlled starboard terrace for easy water access; the bow offers multiple sunpads; and the flybridge includes a sun deck, U-shaped settee, optional galley and helm. Inside, the galley opens to the cockpit and the salon provides panoramic views through large windows. The layout includes three cabins, each with private heads and separate showers. Triple 300-hp Yamaha outboards provide propulsion, with joystick and autopilot systems available as standard features alongside optional generator, air conditioning, Seakeeper and hydraulic gangway upgrades.
6. Axopar 25 CROSS TOP
The Axopar 25 Cross Top is a trailerable pocket cruiser at 25 feet with a 7-foot, 4-inch beam, offering simple Scandinavian design and a proven, safe hull. Certified to Category C inshore standards, it’s capable of handling up to moderate seas when needed. With a 250-hp outboard the 25 Cross Top can reach speeds near 40 knots or run more efficiently at cruising speeds that yield economical fuel consumption. Onboard comfort includes a raised cuddy cabin with a sleeping area and a full-width sundeck atop the cabin roof, making it a versatile choice for day trips and short overnights.
7. Scout 377 LXF
The Scout 377 LXF joins the brand’s luxury center-console range at 37 feet, 7 inches overall with an 11-foot, 5-inch beam. A lithium-ion battery bank with a battery management system reduces or eliminates the need for a generator. The model features a portside swing-in boarding door, a forward sundeck lounge, and a cabin with a double berth and enclosed head with climate control. Built with carbon epoxy construction and a stepped hull, it’s rated for up to 1,350 horsepower and carries 363 gallons of fuel. Fishing amenities include transom rod holders and rocket launchers; options include an outdoor kitchen and Seakeeper 3 stabilization.
8. Cutwater 248 Coupe
The Cutwater 248 Coupe delivers surprising living space and amenities in a trailerable 30-foot, 10-inch platform that’s 8 feet, 6 inches wide for road transport. Designed for adventurous owners who want comfortable cruising range, it includes a private forward stateroom, a salon with a dinette that converts to a double berth, and an amidships berth. A compact galley sits aft of the helm, and the cockpit is equipped for fishing with a built-in fish box and sink, while livewell and raw-water washdown are optional. The 248 rides on a double-stepped hull and is powered by a single 250-hp Yamaha outboard with a 116-gallon fuel capacity.
9. Beneteau Antares 8 Fishing
The Beneteau Antares 8 Fishing is purpose-built for anglers in a compact 27-foot package, replacing the aft bench of the cruising model with a bait station and rod storage. The cockpit includes a livewell and three under-deck storage compartments, one sized for a fish box, and a side access gate for easier boarding and hauling. Accommodation features include two double berths—one in the cabin and one in the wheelhouse—with space for a third berth below the salon and a small kitchenette. The Antares 8 Fishing is rated for up to 250 hp and carries 90 gallons of fuel.
10. Galeon 375 GTO
Designed by Tony Castro, the Galeon 375 GTO is a modern dayboat with distinctive features like a two-part glass sunroof over the helm that retracts to open the main deck to sunlight and sea air. The bow hosts U-shaped seating for up to six guests, while the cockpit includes foldout platforms to port and starboard to expand leisure and swim space. The helm area offers ventilation via opening side windows and a steering console that can accommodate triple displays for navigation and fishfinding, catering to skippers focused on comfort and functionality.
11. Cobalt R33 Outboard
Cobalt’s new R33 Outboard is the flagship of its outboard family at 33 feet, 4 inches with a 10-foot, 6-inch beam and performance-oriented design. It is the brand’s first model that can be specified with triple 300-hp outboards, with twin 300, 400 and 450 options also available. A reinforced starboard side-entry door simplifies boarding. Luxury and tech features include an optional Seakeeper, a Harman Kardon marine audio system matched to the interior gelcoat, ample wraparound seating in bow and cockpit, and dual consoles that house a head in one side and a cabin berth in the other for extended days on the water.
12. Regal 38 Fly
The Regal 38 Fly is positioned as a luxury performance flybridge yacht for entertaining and weekend cruising. The open flybridge includes an outdoor refreshment center for easy meal prep, while the cockpit and salon can be joined to create an indoor-outdoor living experience. Below, the owner’s stateroom includes a convertible king-size berth, and the head and separate shower make mornings easier. Propulsion options span twin Volvo Penta diesels in multiple power ratings, and extras such as a bowthruster and Seakeeper 3 stabilizer are available.
13. Blackfin Boats 232DC
Blackfin’s 232DC is the newest dual-console offering from a brand known for sturdy fishing boats since 1973. At 24 feet, 6 inches overall, this crossover design balances family-friendly seating—including U-shaped bow seating, a transom bench and a 45-quart Yeti cooler—with fishing-ready features like an 18-gallon insulated baitwell and gunwale and transom rod holders. Optional upgrades include a casting platform and a Garmin GPS/chartplotter, while lighted weatherproof switches help ensure safe returns in any conditions.
14. Everglades 285cc
The Everglades 285cc demonstrated impressive offshore capability during a builder rendezvous when it crossed the Gulf Stream, reflecting the brand’s reputation for rugged, reliable offshore fishing boats. The 28-foot, 4-inch model was thoroughly reviewed in development and rides on an unsinkable variable deadrise deep-V hull with high-density, closed-cell structural foam flotation. Standard twin 300-hp Yamahas provide propulsion. Angler-friendly features include a single-level cockpit sole, a 25-gallon livewell, a 60-gallon in-deck fish box, a 35-gallon transom fish box, 21 rod holders and rod storage racks.
15. Formula 387 Center Console Fish
Formula introduces its first center consoles with the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS), both 38 feet, 7 inches long with a 12-foot beam and multiple Mercury powertrain options including triple and twin Verado setups. Built on FasTech hulls with 23 degrees of deadrise, the CCF focuses on serious fishing with dual 40-gallon pressurized livewells, port and starboard fish boxes and Gemlux outriggers. A sliding mezzanine seat reveals a bait-rigging station aft of the helm, while the cabin offers a U-shaped lounge that converts to a berth, a galley and a private head with 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom.
16. Intrepid 41 Valor
The Intrepid 41 Valor is the largest model in the builder’s luxury performance cruiser line and reflects direct customer feedback on power and layout preferences. Measuring 41 feet, 8.5 inches overall with an 11-foot, 9-inch beam, the Valor accommodates either Mercury 600s or Yamaha 425s and includes a redesigned console for larger electronics, a pass-through transom walkway and increased fuel capacity to 468 gallons. The wider beam translates to more cockpit space compared with the previous 409 model, enhancing both liveability and fishing capability.
17. Valhalla 55
Valhalla Boatworks expands its V Series with the V-55, a large center console that brings more cockpit area, seating and interior accommodations to the brand’s lineup. At 55 feet, 7 inches overall with a 15-foot, 6-inch beam, the V-55 will be powered by four or five Mercury 7.6-liter V12 600-hp Verado outboards and will carry substantial fuel capacity—around 1,200 gallons—while riding on the patented Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel hull developed by Michael Peters Yacht Design. It stands among the largest resin-infused center consoles available today.
18. Grady-White Adventure 218
Rooted in Grady-White’s walkaround heritage dating back to 1974, the Adventure 218 is a 21-foot walkaround cabin boat updated with modern comforts. It offers cushioned helm and companion seating, cushioned cockpit fish boxes and dual integrated swim platforms aft for fishing, boarding and watersports. A retractable ski pylon is available as an option, expanding towing capability for wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing with the family.
19. Tiara EX 60
Tiara Yachts expands its inboard portfolio with the EX 60, the builder’s largest inboard model to date at 60 feet, 3 inches overall and a 16-foot, 11-inch beam. Offered in four configurations, the EX 60 creates a seamless flow between salon, galley and cockpit to maximize entertaining space, with folding bulwarks to expand the cockpit even further. Below, three cabins and two heads accommodate six adults comfortably. Standard propulsion is twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350s, with Volvo electronics and active-ride control technology integrated into the platform.
20. Cruisers 50 GLS
The Cruisers 50 GLS is the flagship of the GLS line and debuted with a focus on high performance and entertaining amenities, powered by triple 600-hp Mercury Verados and a projected top end above 50 knots. Interior accommodations include a queen master stateroom and an aft guest cabin with a queen berth. On deck, bow seating with a convertible platform and a cockpit lounge with pop-up TV, fridge, cooktop and wet bar create a social atmosphere. Beach doors fold down to extend cockpit space, and a JL Audio system provides zoned sound throughout the boat.
21. MJM Yachts 4
The MJM Yachts 4 is a 46-foot, 8-inch day yacht with weekender amenities and four social zones that suit all-weather cruising. Its galley-up, flush-deck layout connects entertaining spaces, while belowdecks accommodations include a convertible lounge, V-berth and amidships berth plus a large head with a glass-enclosed shower—unusual for open-bow yachts. Power choices include triple or twin outboard configurations or twin sterndrives, and initial builder performance figures show strong speeds and efficient cruising with higher-power setups.
22. Eastbay 60
Grand Banks expands its Eastbay lineage with the Eastbay EB60, stretching the classic Downeast concept into a larger semi-displacement model. At 68 feet, 1 inch overall and 60 feet, 10 inches on deck with a 19-foot beam, the EB60 uses a warped semi-displacement hull designed to reduce drag while increasing lift, stability and efficiency. Powered by Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 inboards, the yacht offers substantial fuel and water capacities for extended cruising, and it continues the Grand Banks tradition of refined Downeast styling and seakeeping.
23. Hurricane SunDeck 2600
The Hurricane SunDeck 2600 is the largest outboard deck boat in Hurricane’s line at 26 feet, 5 inches with an 8-foot, 6-inch beam, designed for stability, quick on-plane performance and versatile use. It offers comfortable lounge seating, bow and stern boarding ladders and an enclosed head with sink. Optional upgrades include power-assisted steering and an integrated anchor davit, while a large hull trunk stores gear or an inflatable tow tube. With a maximum rating of 400 hp, the 2600 makes a capable platform for fishing, watersports or relaxed inshore cruising.
This article was originally published in the October 2022 issue.