These New Boats Are Coming Soon

Not every new model will be at the Miami shows, but there are exciting previews to watch for. Here we highlight four new boats ranging from 23 to 66 feet: the Rossiter 23 Classic Day Boat, the Vanquish 26 Dual Console, the Hunt 32cc and the Sabre 66 Dirigo. Two of the models are already in production and expected to reach the water this summer, and several of the boats are scheduled for east-coast boat shows later in the year.

Both Hunt and Sabre plan to show their new models at the Newport International Boat Show (Sept. 17–20) in Rhode Island. Vanquish Boats, based in Newport, hoped to attend Miami but lacked the personnel this year; instead the new Vanquish 26 Dual Console will debut at the New England Boat Show in Boston (Feb. 14–22). The Rossiter 23 Classic Day Boat will also be on display at the New England Boat Show, and is slated to appear at the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota, Florida (April 17–19), with a possible appearance at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 26–29).

Rossiter 23 Classic Day Boat

The Rossiter 23 is the largest model in this Canadian builder’s lineup of traditional open boats. Designed with comfortable seating and a layout that encourages conversation, the 23 Classic Day Boat pairs classic styling with practical modern engineering. It rides on a variable-deadrise, unsinkable hull and is offered as a single-outboard model.

With Yamaha’s 4-cylinder F200 outboard, the Rossiter 23 reaches a top speed of about 43 mph with three adults aboard and a full 70-gallon fuel tank. At an economical 20 mph cruise it returns roughly 5 mpg. The boat’s moderate weight and an 8-foot, 5-1/2-inch beam make it trailerable and easy to handle for coastal and Great Lakes owners who want a stylish, comfortable day boat that holds up if weather turns. Standard equipment includes a freshwater washdown, trim tabs and a swim ladder. Popular options include NuTeak synthetic teak decks, a pop-up ski pole, removable cockpit table, GPS, Fusion stereo and a windlass.

LOA: 22 ft 5 in
Beam: 8 ft 5-1/2 in
Draft: 1 ft 2 in
Fuel: 70 gallons
Deadrise: 22°
Power: Yamaha or Mercury outboard (200–250 hp)
Speed: 43 mph top; 20–25 mph cruise (Yamaha F200)
Price: $88,716 (with F200)
Contact: Rossiter Boats, Markdale, Ontario — (866) 251-3280 — www.rossiterboats.com

Vanquish 26 Dual Console

The Vanquish 26 Dual Console takes the familiar bowrider concept and refines it with traditional, elegant styling. Designed by Doug Zurn—who also designs for MJM—the 26 DC is an outboard-powered dual-console runabout with generous deck space, versatile seating and abundant storage.

Vanquish’s narrow-hull approach contributes to a smooth ride similar to the brand’s other models. Construction includes a carbon-fiber stringer grid and a cored bottom vacuum-bagged with vinylester resin to reduce weight and improve stiffness. With a 250-hp Yamaha the 26 achieves nearly 4 mpg in typical cruising and about 2 mpg wide open at roughly 50 mph.

Standard features include isolated starting and house batteries, an Edson wheel, aluminum fuel tanks and silicone-bronze through-hulls below the waterline (stainless steel above), making the boat well equipped for both comfortable dayboating and more ambitious outings.

LOA: 26 ft 8 in
Beam: 8 ft
Draft: 3 ft (engine down)
Fuel: 89 gallons
Power: Yamaha F200 (225 and 250 optional)
Speed: 51 mph top; 35 mph cruise (F250)
Price: $131,950 (with F250)
Contact: Vanquish Boats, Newport, Rhode Island — (401) 396-5173 — www.vanquishboats.com

Sabre 66 Dirigo

The Sabre 66 Dirigo is the builder’s largest model: a three-stateroom Downeast-style yacht powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS1200 pods. Sabre positions the 66 as a premium cruiser that elevates traditional Downeast qualities with superior luxury, convenience and fit-and-finish.

Hull No. 1, built for a long-time Sabre owner, will include an electric swim platform capable of raising, lowering and holding a tender; electrically operated deckhouse windows; and high-end galley appliances such as Sub-Zero refrigeration. The interior layout features a full-beam master stateroom amidships, a forward VIP stateroom, and a guest stateroom to port with the galley opposite. Each stateroom offers a double berth and a private head with separate shower.

With twin IPS1200s (900-hp, 6-cylinder diesels), the Sabre 66 has an approximate range of 400 nautical miles and cruises efficiently at about 25 knots with a top speed near 30 knots. The model emphasizes long-range comfort and premium systems for owners seeking classic style with modern propulsion and amenities.

LOA: 67 ft
Beam: 18 ft 1 in
Draft: 5 ft
Displacement: 82,500 lb
Fuel: 1,000 gallons
Power: Twin Volvo Penta IPS1200s
Speed: 30 knots top; 25 knots cruise
Price: $3 million
Contact: Sabre Yachts, South Casco, Maine — (207) 655-3831 — www.sabreyachts.com

Hunt 32cc

The Hunt 32cc is the builder’s third center-console model, joining the Surfhunter 25CC and the HBI 30 RIB. The 32cc is designed to maximize time on the water by accommodating a wide range of activities—offshore fishing, cocktail cruising, swimming, day trips and gear transport—while delivering comfort and style.

The substantial console runs to the port side and incorporates an enclosed stand-up head with shower, a compact galleyette with microwave and storage, and a single berth forward. With 6 ft 2 in of headroom and an unusual layout that places the companionway outboard of the helm facing aft, access below is simple and does not require moving cushions or seats. The bow offers J-shaped wraparound seating and an optional table, while the cockpit features a fold-away transom seat and a configurable leaning post for fishing or cruising.

Primary propulsion is twin outboards (250, 300 or 350 hp), though inboard or I/O power is also available. The model balances fishing capability, cruising comfort and flexible deck arrangements for families and anglers alike.

LOA: 32 ft 1 in
Beam: 10 ft 6 in
Draft: 2 ft 1 in
Displacement: 9,000 lb
Fuel: 225 gallons
Power: Twin 250-hp outboards (typical)
Speed: 45 mph top; 32 mph cruise
Price: $269,000 (twin 250s and T-top)
Contact: Hunt Yachts, Portsmouth, Rhode Island — (401) 324-4201 — www.huntyachts.com

These four models represent a mix of traditional styling and modern construction techniques, from trailerable dayboats to luxury Downeast yachts. Watch the show schedules and builder announcements for exact display dates and availability as the season unfolds.

Originally published in the March 2015 issue.