It’s fall boat-show season, but this year looks and feels very different. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many events—several major shows were canceled as we went to press—and even where virtual or limited in-person shows proceed, many boaters prefer to stay close to home. To meet that demand, boatbuilders, dealers and Soundings have introduced virtual boat shows, letting buyers tour new models safely from their own docks and devices. Fortunately, there’s plenty to see. Below are 24 notable new models expected to launch within the next six months, with highlights of their design, performance and onboard features.
1. GRAND BANKS 54
The Grand Banks 54 shares its warped semi-displacement hull and wave-slicing forefoot with its larger sisters, the 60 and 60 Skylounge. That hull form delivers safe, comfortable motion in varied sea states without sacrificing performance. Twin 725-hp Volvo Penta D11 diesels give a cruise speed near 25 knots at 57 gph; throttled back to 10 knots, the range extends to about 1,200 nautical miles. The first hull launched this summer with a galley-down, two-stateroom layout; a three-stateroom version with galley up is also available. Interior styling blends classic warmth with contemporary touches, featuring the builder’s signature teak joinery and soft fabric palettes.
2. BACK COVE 39O
Following the successful 34O, Back Cove’s new outboard 39O is built in Rockland, Maine, using resin infusion and modern composites. The modified-V hull includes Back Cove’s Trailing Edge Lifting Surface for refined handling. Standard power is three Suzuki DF350A outboards, yielding top speeds around 37 knots; optional 400-hp Mercury Verado engines lift top speed to just over 40 knots on the first hulls. The deck offers a U-shaped cockpit lounge, teak table and generous storage. Inside, the salon features a full starboard galley, U-shaped dinette and a helm with companion seating. Belowdecks, a two-stateroom layout includes an owner’s bow cabin, guest cabin with twin berths, an enclosed-shower head and a lower lounge.
3. NORTH PACIFIC 49 EURO PILOTHOUSE
Built on the same hull as North Pacific’s popular 49 trawler and powered by a single 355-hp Cummins, the 49 Euro Pilothouse updates the exterior with softer lines and refreshes the interior with a modern finish using oak, walnut and other hardwoods. Deck amenities include a roomy cockpit with four exterior entry points, a transom lounge and a flybridge dinghy deck. The interior features an oversized salon, two queen-size island-berth cabins and two heads with enclosed showers. The galley-up arrangement aft keeps the salon and cockpit easily connected, and multiple lounging areas and an entertainment center make the interior inviting for cruising and entertaining.
4. AQUILA 54
Arriving in the U.S. this fall, the Aquila 54 occupies the upper end of the builder’s range below the Aquila 70. Built by Sino Eagle Yachts in Hangzhou, the 54 emphasizes practical working decks, ample storage and flexible interior plans. Buyers can choose three-, four- or five-stateroom layouts and galley-up or galley-down arrangements; the galley-down option trades a fifth cabin for a larger kitchen and a formal salon dining area. Outdoor living includes a large foredeck with sunpads, an enclosed flybridge and a cockpit with transom lounge, breakfast bar and swim platform access. Renderings show a contemporary, spacious main salon and a full-beam master suite.
5. MJM 3z
Launched in July, MJM’s 3z is the builder’s first entry into the dayboat market. This 38-foot, 2-inch outboard model features a dual-console layout from naval architect Doug Zurn and uses MJM’s lightweight, rugged construction standards. Twin 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards yield an estimated top speed near 43 knots. The deck is focused and functional, with an L-shaped lounge that converts to a sunpad, an electric grill and refrigeration, plus MJM’s hullside boarding door. The helm sits beneath a hardtop with large tempered-glass side panels; forward, a center walkway leads to a nearly wraparound bow lounge. Twin consoles house an enclosed head and stowage areas.
6. SEA VEE 450Z
Arriving in October, the Sea Vee 450Z is the Miami builder’s flagship center console, combining luxury and serious fishability in a 45-foot platform. The twin-stepped, vacuum-infused hull with composite coring produces a lightweight, durable structure; dry weight is approximately 16,000 pounds. Standard propulsion is a quad rack of 400-hp Mercury Verado outboards. The deck layout includes a large aft cockpit, generous chaise lounge in the bow and two rows of seating behind the helm. Inside the climate-controlled console are galley features and a head with shower, and the boat comes rigged with insulated fish boxes and ample rod and tackle storage.
7. INTREPID 409 VALOR
One of two new Intrepid models this fall, the 409 Valor is a triple-outboard walkaround that blends fishing capability with weekend-cruising comfort. The open deck includes a lounging area ahead of the helm and a spacious cockpit aft for fishing or working baits. Features include transom live wells, a diver door, rod storage and ample stowage. The cuddy cabin offers a head with enclosed shower, a master cabin with queen berth, a convertible dinette and a small galley—making the Valor a practical weekender. Buyers can choose twin, triple or quad outboards from Yamaha, Mercury or Suzuki.
8. SOUTHPORT 27 FE
The Southport 27 FE (Family Edition) updates a popular center-console design with a more flexible deck plan for both family outings and offshore fishing. The bow seating converts to forward-facing seats with removable backrests and a bench ahead of the console; a drop-in table creates an entertaining space. The aft cockpit gains an optional diver door, a drop-down transom seat and a swim-platform-access cutout. Under-console storage is improved, and fishing features include a leaning post with tackle stowage, a 25-gallon transom livewell, outriggers and rod storage. Power options include twin Yamaha F200s or Suzuki DF200s, with top speeds near 48 knots when equipped with F250s.
9. REGAL 36
Regal’s 36 Grand Coupe and 36 XO expand the builder’s Yacht lineup. The Grand Coupe uses inboard power—standard twin 350-hp Volvo V8s with joystick control—while the XO is outboard-powered, standard with twin 350-hp Yamahas. With standard power, the Grand Coupe reaches about 40 knots and the XO nearly 42 knots. Interiors differ: the Grand Coupe offers two private staterooms including an amidships master, while the XO favors an open-plan layout with a forward master and an aft space that converts between stateroom and lounge. Both arrange galleys up in the salon and provide comfortable lounging and helm positions to starboard.
10. BENETEAU FLYER 9
Beneteau’s Flyer 9 series, popular in Europe, arrives in the U.S. in two 27-foot variants: an open walkaround and a center-console model. The walkaround Flyer 9 Sundeck is ideal for dayboaters and weekenders, with a fold-out gunwale panel on the port side that creates a teak “beach.” The cockpit includes an L-shaped lounge and table, plus easy swim-platform access. The helm seats two, and a sliding door to the console cabin reveals a surprisingly roomy interior with amidships double berth, forward U-shaped lounge that converts to a V-berth, optional mini-galley and an enclosed head. Twin 250-hp Mercury Verado outboards provide propulsion.
11. VICEM 50 CLASSIC
The Vicem 50 Classic is a stretched version of the Turkish builder’s popular 46, but unlike many Vicem hulls it uses composite construction rather than cold-molding and follows a Downeast-style aesthetic. Standard propulsion is a pair of Volvo Penta D6 engines with IPS600 pod drives, producing a top speed around 28 knots and a cruising speed near 24 knots. Multiple interior layouts are offered—one-, two- or three-stateroom configurations—making the 50 adaptable to owner preferences. The open cockpit and teak swim platform provide easy access to sidedecks and the water.
12. BERTRAM 39 CC
Bertram expands into the center-console market with the 39 CC and a later 28 CC. The 39 CC, arriving first, will offer triple 300-hp Mercury Verados on a deep-V hull with 22 degrees of transom deadrise—targeting offshore anglers. The deck balances fishing functionality with family cruising and entertaining: a bow chaise, forward U-shaped seating, mezzanine-style cockpit seating, a diver door and an air-conditioned cabin under the console with a two-person berth, refrigerator, microwave and enclosed head. Fishing provisions include live wells, in-deck fish boxes, tackle storage and plentiful rod holders.
13. TIARA SPORT43 LE
Tiara’s Sport 43 LE (Luxury Express) is an outboard-powered cruiser with a flexible deck plan built around a “transom-less” cockpit. A multi-position seating unit swivels to face aft or forward, the port gunwale folds down to expand the cockpit, and a starboard diver door enhances water access. Under the hardtop, helm and companion seats swivel toward a mid-cockpit galley stocked with solid-surface counters, twin slide-out refrigerators and pantry space. Belowdecks, a two-stateroom interior features an amidships cabin and a forward master with a queen island berth. Triple outboard packages are available up to 1,350 hp.
14. REGULATOR 31
With an optional pair of 425-hp Yamaha XTO outboards, the repowered Regulator 31 becomes the fastest ever from the builder, topping out near 56 knots. Twin 300-hp Yamahas are standard, and Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick is available. The 31 focuses on fishing with a starboard diver door, transom fishbox and livewell, rod holders and a folding transom seat. The bow provides comfortable U-shaped seating and a two-person bench, while the helm area includes integrated captain’s chairs and a tackle/stowage station. A cabin under the console contains an electric head.
15. CHRIS-CRAFT CALYPSO 35
The Calypso 35 is Chris-Craft’s largest dual-console dayboat in the Calypso range, combining handcrafted finishes—diamond-stitched upholstery, tropical hardwoods and hand-applied paint—with performance from triple outboards producing 900–1,275 hp depending on selection. Joystick controls are available from Mercury or Yamaha to ease maneuvering. The cockpit is highly adaptable: flip-out transom and corner seating convert to a dining area or fold away for fishing. A mini galley and diver door sit to starboard; under the optional hardtop are two bench seats behind twin consoles that house a cabin berth and an enclosed head. A centerline walkway leads to a protected bow lounge with perimeter cushioning.
16. EVERGLADES 235CC
The refreshed Everglades 235cc is the smallest model in Everglades’ broad center-console range. Retaining the proven hull, it features a redesigned deck, console and hardtop and is powered by a single 300-hp Yamaha F300. Seating includes forward-facing bow lounges with stowable backs, a two-person bench ahead of the console, a flip-down transom seat and bolstered helm chairs. Fishing-focused features include a rigging station with tackle stowage, a 17-gallon livewell, a macerated fish box and abundant rod storage options.
17. TIDEWATER 256CC
Tidewater’s 256CC, launching this fall, accommodates twin engines up to 400 hp though standard power is twin 150-hp outboards. The builder cites a top speed near 43 knots with standard engines. The 256CC emphasizes fishing readiness with twin 40-gallon in-deck fish boxes, a 30-gallon livewell, a starboard dive door, a hardtop rocket launcher and flush-mounted rod holders. Seating includes a bench ahead of the console, bow lounge seating and twin helm seats with flip-up bolsters plus a stowaway transom seat for versatile family use.
18. AXOPAR 22 SPYDER
Axopar introduces its smallest model, the 22 Spyder, a trailerable center-console with sharp styling and sporty performance. The 22 weighs approximately 2,645 pounds and is commonly specified with a 115-hp Mercury outboard capable of 40-plus knots. Axopar’s three-part split-mold hull allowed a wide beam for stability while retaining the brand’s distinctive appearance. The open deck includes a bow bench, twin captain’s chairs and a transom bench; options add a U-shaped cockpit lounge and an enclosed head within the console.
19. PURSUIT S 428 SPORT
Pursuit’s new flagship center console, the S 428 Sport, measures 43 feet, 9 inches and aims to carry four 425-hp Yamahas on a lightweight, composite-built hull. A sharp entry and 22-degree transom deadrise make it suitable for offshore work. The deck supports fishing and family cruising with bow and cockpit social zones, live wells, under-gunnel rod storage, dual diver doors and a bait-prep area with freezers. Beneath the console is a cabin with a convertible berth, head with shower, mini galley and ample storage—making it a capable platform for extended trips.
20. NORTH COAST 315 CABIN
The North Coast 315 Cabin is the largest boat in the Rhode Island builder’s fleet, offering a protected cabin with belowdecks sleeping accommodations and a roomy, fish-focused cockpit. Built with composite construction and a foam-filled integral grid, the hull features 23 degrees of deadrise and a sharp entry for good seaworthiness. Power options include twin Yamaha F250s or F300s, with top speeds over 43 knots. The cockpit includes a port-side diver door, twin transom live wells, fish boxes and generous rod stowage. Inside, the helm is protected and belowdecks a teak-trimmed convertible V-berth and enclosed head provide comfortable overnight accommodations.
21. VALHALLA V-46
Valhalla Boatworks, a Viking Yacht subsidiary, expands its center-console range with the V-46 flagship. Built on a resin-infused, deep-V, twin-stepped hull by Michael Peters Yacht Design, the V-46 accommodates up to 1,800 hp with quad Mercury Racing 450R or quad Yamaha XTO 425s. The stepped hull includes a ventilated tunnel that improves handling at speed, and the stringer system is prepped for a Seakeeper 6. Cockpit features include mezzanine seating, two 50-gallon transom live wells and in-deck fish boxes; the bow provides chaise and lounge seating. The cabin under the console is air-conditioned and includes a dinette that converts to a queen berth, a galley and an enclosed head/shower.
22. SUMMIT 54
Summit Motoryachts’ first model, the 54, is a semi-displacement design by Michael Peters Yacht Design that contrasts with Kadey-Krogen’s long-range full-displacement tradition. Twin Cummins QSB6.7 engines (542 hp each) with ZF gears provide cruise speeds in the mid-to-high teens and top end in the mid-20s; Zipwake Dynamic Trim controls enhance stability and economy. The cockpit flows into a salon with a lower helm, U-shaped lounge and aft galley counter with bar stools. The flybridge offers entertaining space and dinghy stowage. Belowdecks, three cabins include an amidships master with en suite head and a forward guest suite with queen island berth.
23. JEANNEAU LEADER 12.5
The Jeanneau Leader 12.5 is a 40-foot walkaround cruiser that expands the French builder’s outboard range. Designed with Sarrazin Design, Michael Peters and Jeanneau’s in-house team, it is powered by triple Yamaha F300 outboards, delivering cruising speeds from about 26–30 knots and a top end near 43 knots. The hull is a modified deep-V with a 21-degree transom deadrise. Deck social zones include a bow chaise, L-shaped cockpit lounge and a flip-out gunwale panel to enlarge the space. The “Entertainment Island” houses an electric grill, sinks and a refrigerator, with a flatscreen TV stowed in the hardtop. Below, the salon converts to a full galley and U-shaped lounge; amidships is a full-beam master with a king-size berth.
24. ASPEN C108
Aspen Power Catamarans adds the 35-foot C108 to its outboard-powered lineup. The C108 uses a proa-style fiberglass hull with one full-size hull and one narrower hull, delivering notable efficiency and seakeeping. Standard propulsion pairs a 200-hp Yamaha on the starboard hull with a 70-hp Yamaha on the port hull. The roomy 10-foot, 8-inch beam creates generous sidedecks, a large aft cockpit with ample storage and an airy salon with multiple opening hatches and abundant glass. The galley sits in the port aft quarter opposite a U-shaped dinette; belowdecks offer a nearly full-beam master berth and a head.
This article was originally published in the October 2020 issue.