Boatbuilders are arriving at the fall and winter boat shows with a strong roster of genuinely new powerboats. After years of incremental updates and model tweaks, manufacturers are now unveiling more completely redesigned boats — many new from the keel up — than we’ve seen since the Great Recession.
Many of the boats in this preview are true clean-sheet designs: new hulls, new layouts and updated systems. During the downturn, builders often repackaged older hulls with refreshed decks or added features and labeled them new. This season’s shows will offer more truly new models, and dealers are preparing larger, more prominent displays to highlight them.
Florida builders like EdgeWater, Contender, Pursuit and Boston Whaler will present new models, and northern yards such as Sabre, Hunt and Hinckley will show fresh designs as well. Expect a diverse range of powerboats from compact dayboats to express cruisers and pilothouse designs — several with advanced propulsion and helm systems on display, including pod drives, waterjets and the latest joystick controls.
Below is a preview of some notable new powerboats you’ll see at the major boat shows this season, along with their key specifications and where they’ll appear.
Rossiter 17
Rossiter has expanded its long-running deep-vee dayboat line with two 17-foot variants: a center console and a closed-deck runabout. Both share the same hull, designed for a confident ride in open water. Customers can choose either a 90- or 115-hp Yamaha; with the F115 both models reach about 50 mph and cruise between 22 and 30 mph. The F90 delivers excellent economy — around 7.4 mpg at 25 mph (3.4 gph).
These boats emphasize a seaworthy hull form with pronounced flare, strong chines, full-length lifting strakes and an aft lifting pad. Designed for inshore cruising, beach runs, towing water-sports and light fishing, Rossiter plans to show the new models at the New England Boat Show and either the Miami or Palm Beach show.
LOA: 17 ft 4 in BEAM: 7 ft DRAFT: 2 ft 5 in (engine down) DISPLACEMENT: 2,340 lb SPEED: 50 mph top, 22–30 mph cruise FUEL: 27 gal POWER: Yamaha F115 PRICE: $37,000 (with power) CONTACT: Rossiter Boats, Markdale, Ontario, (866) 251-2380. www.rossiterboats.com
Boston Whaler 210 Montauk
The 210 Montauk continues the Montauk tradition: a versatile, open 21-foot boat optimized for fishing and dayboating. It features the brand’s safety-focused design, including tall gunwales, robust rails and a reversible helm backrest. A portable head is fitted in the console, and the angled swim ladder is positioned to keep swimmers clear of the propeller.
With a Mercury 150 FourStroke the Montauk cruises at about 26 mph achieving roughly 4.5 mpg and tops out near 43 mph. Boston Whaler’s Montauk line also includes 150, 170 and 190 models for varying size and capability.
LOA: 21 ft 4 in BEAM: 8 ft 6 in DRAFT: 1 ft DISPLACEMENT: 2,500 lb (dry, no engine) SPEED: 43 mph top, 26 mph cruise FUEL: 66.5 gal POWER: Mercury 150 FourStroke PRICE: $46,790 with power and galvanized trailer CONTACT: Boston Whaler, Edgewater, Fla., (877) 294-5645. www.whaler.com
Sea Ray 230 SLX
The Sea Ray 230 SLX bowrider is tailored for dayboating and watersports and is the first model available with Sea Ray’s Active Trim Control. This system automatically adjusts trim tabs to optimize running attitude and handling and can shape the wake for better waterskiing or wakeboarding.
The 230 SLX has a clean windshield design that enhances visibility, abundant seating and storage, and an integral swim platform with an under-mounted stainless three-step ladder. Power options include 260–300 hp MerCruiser sterndrives, and Sea Ray intends to show the 230 SLX at major boat shows.
LOA: 23 ft BEAM: 8 ft 6 in DRAFT: 3 ft 2 in (drive down) DISPLACEMENT: 4,100 lb FUEL: 50 gal SPEED: 47 mph top, 31 mph cruise POWER: 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI ECT Bravo III sterndrive PRICE: $58,230 with power, Active Trim Control and trailer CONTACT: Sea Ray, Knoxville, Tenn., (865) 525-5977. www.searay.com
EdgeWater 280CX
The EdgeWater 280CX is a full-sized crossover dual-console designed to be a versatile dayboat that also supports overnighting and fishing. Its deep-vee hull (21° deadrise at the transom) delivers offshore capability while offering generous seating: wraparound bow seating, aft lounges and yacht-style helm chairs for four. The hull also provides enough freeboard for a cabin with galley and head.
EdgeWater promotes the 280CX as the largest dual-console in its lineup, aimed at buyers who want a roomy, all-purpose boat. The company expects strong show presences across the season.
LOA: 28 ft BEAM: 9 ft 6 in DRAFT: 1 ft 9 in DISPLACEMENT: 9,400 lb SPEED: 53 mph top, 35–40 mph cruise FUEL: 200 gal POWER: twin Yamaha F250s PRICE: $205,294 (with power) CONTACT: EdgeWater Powerboats, EdgeWater, Fla., (386) 426-5457. www.ewboats.com
Beneteau Barracuda 9
Beneteau’s Barracuda 9 is a 29-foot outboard-driven crossover designed for fishing and comfortable cruising. Offered with twin outboards up to 225 hp each or a single outboard up to 350 hp, the Barracuda 9 can be specified with or without a flybridge. Beneteau’s Air Step hull is used to improve acceleration, efficiency and maneuverability.
The enclosed wheelhouse features side doors and a wide dinette, plus a forward V-berth and a separate head. The flybridge is compact with side-by-side seating. Beneteau plans to show the Barracuda 9 at several East Coast and Canadian boat shows this season.
LOA: 29 ft 3 in BEAM: 9 ft 7 in DRAFT: 1 ft 10 in DISPLACEMENT: 6,279 lb (without engines) SPEED: 42.5 mph top, 23.6 mph cruise FUEL: 106 gal POWER: twin Yamaha F225s PRICE: $90,000 (HT version without power), $95,500 (Fly version without power) CONTACT: Beneteau Powerboats, Annapolis, Md., (410) 990-0270. www.barracuda9.com
Contender 30ST
The Contender 30ST center console targets efficiency-minded offshore anglers. Its twin-step vee hull improves ride and fuel economy: Contender reports roughly an 18% fuel-efficiency gain and a 10% performance increase compared with a conventional hull. Power choices include twin Yamaha F250s or F300s.
With twin F300s the 30ST delivers 1.8–2.1 mpg between 28 and 46 mph; top speed can reach about 68 mph (at significantly higher fuel burn). At an efficient cruise (about 38 mph) the 30ST can cover roughly 500 miles using most of its 265-gallon fuel capacity. Standard fishing features include hydraulic steering, recessed trim tabs, lockable rod storage, insulated fishboxes and large live wells.
LOA: 29 ft 8 in BEAM: 9 ft 6 in DRAFT: 1 ft 11 in DISPLACEMENT: 5,450 lb; 9,250 lb full load FUEL: 265 gal POWER: twin Yamaha F250s PRICE: $162,331 (with power) CONTACT: Contender Boats, Homestead, Fla., (305) 230-1600. www.contenderoffshore.com
Carver 34 Fly
The Carver 34 Fly is the first in a new series of flybridge cruisers. Intended for families or couples, the layout includes a master and guest stateroom, a head with separate shower, a galley and a saloon suitable for extended weekend cruising.
The upper deck houses the helm and an L-shaped lounge, while the cockpit features wraparound seating and full-swing glass doors into the saloon. Carver plans to follow the 34 with larger 39- and 45-foot models in the series.
LOA: 35 ft 6 in BEAM: 13 ft DRAFT: 3 ft 6 in DISPLACEMENT: 16,500 lb FUEL: 250 gal PRICE: available from builder CONTACT: Carver Yachts, Pulaski, Wis., (920) 822-3214. www.carveryachts.com
Hinckley T34
The Hinckley Talaria 34 is a fast, uncomplicated dayboat designed for both family fun and refined cruising. With twin 260-hp diesels driving waterjets, the T34 will cruise near 29 knots and top out around 32 knots. The hull carries deadrise well aft for predictable, precise handling.
The T34 draws only 22 inches with jet drives and features Hinckley’s JetStick helm as well as an optional handheld wireless joystick called the PalmStick for close-quarters maneuvering. The layout includes a forward V-berth stateroom, an enclosed head with separate shower and an open cockpit with large settees under a hardtop.
LOA: 34 ft 3 in BEAM: 11 ft DRAFT: 1 ft 10 in DISPLACEMENT: 14,000 lb FUEL: 160 gal SPEED: 32 knots top, 29 knots cruise POWER: twin Yanmar 6BY2 260-hp diesels with Hamilton 242 jetdrives PRICE: $535,000 (base, with power) CONTACT: The Hinckley Company, Southwest Harbor, Maine, (207) 244-5531. www.hinckleyyachts.com
Pursuit 36 Sport Yacht
Pursuit’s new 36 Sport Yacht is the first in a planned family of outboard-powered cruising boats. Positioned in the mid-30-foot range, this model will be offered with modern helmside technologies as they become available, including Yamaha’s upcoming joystick steering systems. Pursuit will display the 36 at Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
LOA: 41 ft 2 in BEAM: 12 ft 6 in DISPLACEMENT: 17,000 lb POWER: twin Yamaha F350s TRANSOM DEADRISE: 20° FUEL: 275 gal CONTACT: Pursuit Boats, Fort Pierce, Fla., (772) 465-6006. www.pursuitboats.com
Sabre 38 Salon Express
Sabre’s 38 Salon Express combines the open-air experience of a cockpit with a fully enclosed, climate-controlled pilothouse that delivers excellent visibility. Elevated seating lines the pilothouse windows so occupants look out through the center of the panoramic glass. Volvo Penta IPS propulsion makes the boat notably quiet at the helm and provides efficient cruising performance.
The interior includes a full forward stateroom with a queen berth and en-suite head, plus a lower double berth under the bridge deck. Sabre plans to show the 38 at major East Coast boat shows.
LOA: 38 ft BEAM: 13 ft 4 in DRAFT: 3 ft 4 in DISPLACEMENT: 21,500 lb SPEED: 31 knots top, 25 knots cruise FUEL: 300 gal POWER: Volvo Penta IPS400s (D4 300-hp diesels) PRICE: $525,000 (base, with power) CONTACT: Sabre Yachts, South Casco, Maine, (207) 655-2396. www.sabreyachts.com
Cruisers 41 Cantius
The 41 Cantius Sports Coupe packs large-boat amenities into a 40-foot hull, with an open, climate-controlled main deck designed for family cruising and socializing. The layout provides two staterooms, two heads and a well-equipped galley, plus a swim-platform bar area for entertaining.
Standard features include a genset, a high-access engine room and Volvo Penta IPS joystick control. Test results show strong performance with IPS packages, and Cruisers will also unveil a 45 Cantius at Fort Lauderdale.
LOA: 42 ft 8 in BEAM: 13 ft DRAFT: 3 ft 9 in (with IPS) DISPLACEMENT: 25,000 lb SPEED: 41 mph top, 30 mph cruise FUEL: 300 gal POWER: Volvo Penta IPS500s (D6 370-hp diesels) PRICE: $725,000 (with power) CONTACT: Cruisers Yachts, Oconto, Wis., (920) 834-2211. www.cruisersyachts.com
Hunt 44 Express Cruiser
The Hunt 44 brings the builder’s signature motoryacht-style flush deck to a smaller express cruiser. The design links aft seating and forward saloon areas visually and functionally, creating a single entertaining space from stern to helm. The interior offers two staterooms, two heads and a galley, with a saloon layout geared for socializing.
The 44 can be specified with conventional diesels or pod-drive systems with joystick control. With IPS600 or similar pod packages the model achieves efficient, high-speed cruise performance while offering modern handling aids for docking and close-quarters maneuvering.
LOA: 45 ft 10 in BEAM: 14 ft 6 in DRAFT: 4 ft DISPLACEMENT: 35,000 lb SPEED: 29 knots top, 25 knots cruise FUEL: 450 gal POWER: Cummins 600-hp diesels with Mercury Zeus pods PRICE: $1.35 million (base) CONTACT: Hunt Yachts, Portsmouth, R.I., (401) 324-4201. www.huntyachts.com
What’s on deck — selected boat shows and dates
• Sept. 13–16: Newport International Boat Show, Newport, R.I.
• Sept. 20–23: Norwalk Boat Show, Norwalk, Conn.
• Sept. 28–30: Tampa Boat Show, Tampa, Fla.
• Oct. 4–8: U.S. Sailboat Show, Annapolis, Md.
• Oct. 11–14: U.S. Powerboat Show, Annapolis, Md.
• Oct. 25–29: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Nov. 29–Dec. 2: St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Jan. 3–6: New York National Boat Show, New York City.
• Jan. 10–13: Atlanta Boat Show, Atlanta.
• Jan. 24–27: Strictly Sail Chicago, Chicago.
• Feb. 6–10: Atlantic City Boat Show, Atlantic City, N.J.
• Feb. 14–18: Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, Miami.
• Feb. 14–18: Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach.
• Feb. 16–24: New England Boat Show, Boston.
• Feb. 28–March 3: Baltimore Boat Show, Baltimore.
• March 21–24: Palm Beach International Boat Show, Palm Beach, Fla.
• April 19–21: Suncoast Boat Show, Sarasota, Fla.
These shows will spotlight new hull designs, propulsion choices and helm-control advances — from waterjets and pod drives to wireless joystick remotes — giving buyers a close-up look at where powerboat design and technology are headed.
October 2012 issue