Threatened with walking the plank and forced to choose some of the best boats on the market right now, I’d say the trend is in family fun, entertaining and eco-boating.
Builders are breaking the rules with flexible seating that turns into dinettes, sun lounges and nests for parents to watch the kiddies in the water. Stir in fold-down side “beaches” and you suddenly have boats with far more cockpit space than their length would suggest.
The Beneteau emphasizes ecology not just with sail power (perfect for Tampa Bay), but also with an electric engine! The Cruisers, with outboards, barely sip fuel and the Pursuit is just begging to go fishing.
Go forth and boat!
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
Cruisers 38 GLS
The Cruisers 38 GLS redefines the open-concept day boat with a flexible design that fairly shouts “family fun”. The seating options are endless, with a comfy wrap-around bow lounge with removable table, two cockpit settees and an outdoor galley with sink, fridge and BBQ grill.
An exciting feature is the fold-down beach door with easy access for water play, and the bar stools swivel to watch the action. Power comes from triple Merc 300hp outboards to pull all manner of water toys and still reach 50+mph.
A day boat needs “family amenities”, and a step into the air-conditioned cabin reveals an aft stateroom with double bed, a U-shaped dinette that converts into another berth (kids naps?), and a private head compartment with full headroom, electric toilet and a shower for rinsing off the salt.
It’s clear that GLS means “Grand Luxury Sport”. Check it out!
WHO’S BUYING:
Families that want the perfect day boat and looking to expand into overnight extended trips/weekend getaways.
AMENITIES:
Flexible seating, fold-down swim platform, large cabin with over 6ft head room, enclosed head with shower, triple outboards.
Galati Yacht Sales |(727) 334-0151
Beneteau Oceanis 37.1
Marking the seventh generation of this French-built series, the Oceanis 37.1 from Beneteau is a delightful multi-use yacht for everyone from family cruisers to serious racers. On deck, twin wheels and a self-tacking jib make for easy single-handing, and all halyards and sheets lead to winches on the cabin. The spacious nine-foot cockpit is also perfect for lazy entertaining.
Below, three versions include a king-sized berth in the owner’s cabin, a chef’s galley and a head with a stall shower. Eco-sensitive, the teak deck has been replaced by sustainable iroko wood and an electric engine is available for silent, carbon-free use. A spirited and easy sailing yacht that checks all the boxes.
WHO’S BUYING:
Families who want sailing simplicity and entertaining amenities.
Intrepid 51 Panacea
The new Intrepid 51 Panacea from this Largo builder is everything you desire in a go-fast fun boat and more! Long, lean and powered by quad (four) Mercury V-12 Verado 600hp outboards, the Panacea hits an easy 65 miles per hour even in lumpy Tampa Bay conditions.
Two rows of seating for eight people, plus settees fore and aft, encourage fun for everyone, and the hull door allows divers and swimmers easy access. Add a Kohler generator and Seakeeper gyro stabilizer for comfort. Enjoy six-foot-seven-inch headroom and air conditioning, a vee-berth/dinette, head and stall shower. Finished with yacht quality, this is head-turning fun.
WHO’S BUYING:
Anyone who wants fast and furious on the water, with head-turning good looks and overnighting comforts.
Cobia 265 CC Open
With 60 years of building legendary fishing boats, the Cobia 265 CC Open is an angler-pleasing 26-foot-five-inch center console with walk-around space and thoughtful touches. The deep-vee hull smooths every sea condition, and with twin 200hp Yamaha outboards, it hits 50 miles per hour.
The hardtop provides shade as well as multiple rod holders, and fishermen appreciate the fish boxes under the cockpit, the 30-gallon live bait well and storage drawers for tackle. The side door is perfect for landing that big one or for easy diver access. Families will appreciate the private electric toilet inside the center console.
WHO’S BUYING:
Serious offshore anglers and those who need to blend fishing needs with family outings.
Pursuit OS 325
The newest from this Florida boatbuilder in their Offshore series is the OS 325, a 34-foot-six-inch twin outboard sport boat that blends family fun with overnight comfort. The spacious cockpit has wrap-around seating under a fiberglass hardtop for sun protection, an outdoor galley with a grill and fridge, and ample walk-around space for anglers.
Down below (with six-foot-two-inch headroom), the OS 325 surprises with a private sleeping area aft, a convertible V-berth/dinette, and an enclosed head with an electric toilet and shower. The standard Panda generator powers air conditioning to cool the cabin, keeps the blender going, and provides cooling outlets for the skipper and guests under the hardtop.
Power comes from a pair of twin Yamaha F300 outboards, which push this Pursuit over 50 miles per hour. Even more surprising, at about 45 miles per hour, it is just sipping fuel at one mile per gallon. Solidly built using infused resins for strength and blister resistance, the OS 325 is built for onboard entertaining and weekend getaways.
WHO’S BUYING:
Families seeking an all-purpose boat that is both fast and fun.
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