best 36 foot motor yacht

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The Focus Power 36 is a stylish, high-performance motor yacht, built to cater for the mixed recreation of the modern powerboater. Designed by acclaimed naval architect, Tony Castro, it features a range of living and entertaining zones for the ultimate combination of feel-good summer sport and practical long-distance cruising.

With its raked hull windows, swept screen and colour-matched hardtop, the FP36 delivers an unforgettable on-water profile. Hand built and highly customisable, its potency of form is mirrored by a reinforced deep-V hull for best-in-class seakeeping and industry-defining 50-knot performance.

The versatile cockpit is keenly optimised for open-air recreation. In addition to a forward sunbed and secure walkaround side decks, it features a port galley, a six-person dining station, a two-metre sun lounger, an aft ‘Beach’ and a large canvas sunroof for socialising under the sun.

The interior layout is ideal for weekends away, extended cruises or even commercial charter. While the private double cabins are split by a spacious central lounge, the use of expansive glazing panels and highly bespoke finishes lends the entire living space a bright ‘waterfront apartment’ feel.

Focus Power 36 GTX

With its jet-black hull and topsides, contrasting with teak decks and custom steelwork, this custom edition of the FP36 is unquestionably a beautiful boat and the fit-out is also first-class. Both the lower deck spaces and the cockpit seating are lined with Italian leather and all the equipment is sourced from the world’s most exclusive brands.

Design your boat, refine your options and perfect your personalised package.

Technical Data

• Overall length: 11,00 m
• Hull length: 10,67 m
• Beam: 3,49 m
• Dry weight: 6,4 t
• Fuel capacity: 550 l
• Fresh water capacity: 140 l
• Passengers: 10
• Cabins: 2 + saloon
• Number of berths: 4 + 2 in cockpit
• Bathroom: 1
• Design: Tony Castro
• Declaration of Conformity: CE
• Design Category: B
• IMCI certification

Engine Options

• 2 X Mercuiser 8.2 HO Magnum MPI 430 HP, Bravo III-XR JPS
• 2 X Yanmar 8LV370Z ZT 370 HP, E-SHIFT
• 2 X Volvo Penta D4 320 HP, DP-I
• 2 X Volvo Penta D4 270 HP, EVC / DP-I
• 2 X Mercury Verado 5.7 V10 400 HP (outboard engines)
• 2 X Mercury Diesel 3.0 270 HP, Bravo III X

“With its variety of living and entertaining zones and its unique combination of power and refinement, the recreational experience on offer from our stylish new FP36 is without equal in the world of mid-sized motor yachts.”

STANDARD FEATURES EXTERIOR

• Hardtop with openable sliding roof
• 700 W electric windlass with windlass handle
• 10 kg Bruce anchor with 30 m/8 mm chain
• 2 bow, 2 spring and 2 stern stainless steel cleats
• Stainless steel pulpit
• 2 stainless steel sun bed handrails
• 1 deck hatche (opening)
• 8 opening portlights
• Stainless steel hardtop handrails
• Windscreen with glass front and sides
• Windshield wiper with spray nozzle
• 2 stainless steel fuel filler caps (port/stbd)
• Water filler cap
• Fuel tank air vents (2) with anti-flame and anti-spray net
• Water tank vent
• Open bow guardrail
• Stainless steel rub rail
• Foldaway swimming ladder
• Shower with mixer tap
• 35 A / 230 V shore power socket with shore power cable
• Self-draining cockpit
• Stainless steel mast
• Navigation lights
• Cockpit galley with sink, mixer tap and Kerrock top surface
• Pilot and co-pilot’s settee
• 3 kg gas bottle in compartment
• Adjustable GRP table
• 6 stainless steel cockpit handrails
• Storage lockers
• Transom entrance door from stern platform
• Fire extinguishers
• Storage compartments beneath seating

Helm Position

• Steering with steering wheel
• Complete engine instrumentation: oil pressure and water, temperature gauges, voltmeters, hour-counter, revs. counter, power-trim control and indicators
• Fuel level gauge
• Horn control
• Navigation and mooring lights control
• Anchor-windlass control
• Screen wiper control
• Engine hatch control
• Navigatorium with plexiglas cover
• Driver’s foldable step

STANDARD FEATURES INTERIOR

Saloon and galley.

• Plexiglas sliding access door to saloon
• Dinette seating with table
• 230 V power sockets
• Main switch panel with water level gauge
• Illumination
• Galley unit with Kerrock top
• Hob with two gas burners
• Stainless steel sink with mixer tap
• 45 l refrigerator, 12 V
• Portlight Venetian blinds
• Cupboards and storage space for tableware

Master Cabin

• Double bed with foam mattress
• Drawers and wardrobe
• Reading lights and LED spotlights
• 230 V power socket
• Storage lockers and wardrobes
• Electric marine WC with outlet safety valves
• Sink with mixer tap / shower
• Kerrock top surface
• Automatic shower water discharge system
• LED spotlights

Electric System

• 12 V electric system
• 2 x 140 Ah service batteries
• 2 x 120 Ah engine start batteries
• Electric panel magneto-thermal protected
• 32 A / 230 V stern socket with cable
• Automatic 30 A battery charger
• Power sockets
• Windlass protection magneto-thermal switch
• Battery switches
• Emergency battery coupling system
• Galvanic isolator
• Preparation for bow thruster

Fuel System & Bilge Pumps

• 2 x 250 l capacity connected fuel tanks
• Fuel filters and water separators
• Bilge drainage by 2 electric 120 l/min bilge pumps
• 1 x manual bilge pump

Water System

• Water tank 140 l capacity non-toxic alimentary polyethylene with water pressure pump
• Hot water electric boiler 20 l / 230 V

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Bestevaer 36 – downsized pilothouse cruiser

• Toby Hodges
• June 2, 2023

The new Bestevaer 36 from renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra is the smallest ever boat in the history if the Besteaver brand

Product Overview

In a world in which yachts are constantly becoming larger, this Dutch brand is bucking the trend, with the smallest-ever model in its 20-year history. It’s intended to offer performance along with shoal draught and the ability to safely dry out on a beach.

These rugged aluminium pilothouse cruisers have always reflected what former professional skipper and renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra wants in a boat of his own: a safe, comfortable, and good-looking yacht for unrestricted, short-handed sailing. It has proved to be the perfect formula for a lifetime of ocean sailing, high latitude work and solo racing.

The Bestevaer 36 follows in a similar spirit, but is also intended as a boat in which Dijkstra can spend extended periods in the shallow waters, lakes and coastlines close to home that he has not previously had time to explore in detail.

“The Bestevaer 36 is a high-performance little yacht. It’s a very easy boat to sail and versatile as well,” he says. “It will easily take you around the world but is also ideal for cruising the local wetlands.”

This vessel therefore needed to be a sufficiently compact yacht to easily fit in small harbours and marinas, with the ability to dry out when sailing in the beautiful Wadden Sea nearby. Yet it still retains all the distinctive features of the brand’s larger yachts including aluminium construction, watertight fore and aft bulkheads, plumb bow, practical pilothouse and deep bulwarks.

Galley is to port, heads and diesel heater to starboard of the companionway. Light comes from overhead hatches and strong hull portlights

The two tonne ballasted centreboard provides a generous 2.4m draught when lowered. This is combined with a big rig to give good sailing performance on all points of sail, including close-hauled and light airs. Yet the board retracts fully into the canoe body, reducing draught to only 0.7m and creating a flat surface on which to dry out safely on the hull’s thick bottom plating.

Like the larger Bestevaers, this boat was conceived at the outset to offer crew plenty of protection. In addition to seats each side of the pilothouse, which has a 360˚ view, the coachroof extends over the cockpit, creating a very sheltered area. All lines are led aft for easy single-handed operation.

Generous beam helps to provide good form stability, as well as increasing accommodation volumes. The interior has a flexible semi-open plan layout, with three different style options.

The first boat, which will be the designer’s own, is currently in build and scheduled for completion this spring. This example is also being used as a case study for a transition towards more sustainable production processes at KM Yachtbuilders. For instance, 70% of the aluminium is recycled, as is the insulation, while environmentally friendly and largely recycled materials are used for the interior. It has a 15kW OceanVolt electric drive with sufficient battery capacity for four hours of autonomy. This is supplemented with regeneration and a large solar panel array on the pilothouse roof.

A couple of interesting options are offered for sail plans, including a 95% jib on a Hoyt boom, which makes for an enticing combination of very easy handling and excellent sail shape on all points of sail.

To help make up for loss of headsail area a square-top mainsail with 14% more area than the standard pinhead version can be specified.

The standard specification has a very high level of equipment, including the solar panels, electric propulsion package, antifouling wrap and a traditional style floor mounted with a Dickinson Alaska diesel heater.

Bestevaer 36 specifications

LOA: 10.95m 35ft 11in Beam: 3.80m 12ft 6in Draught: 0.7m-2.4m 2ft 4in-7ft 11in Displacement: 7,800kg 17,200lb Base price: €546,000 ex VAT Builder: bestevaer.com

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Moody 36 MkII: a centre-cockpit cruiser that’s practical and fun

• Duncan Kent
• June 17, 2021

The build quality, comfort and seaworthiness of the Moody 36 MkII makes her a popular family cruiser, as Duncan Kent discovers

The Moody 36's excellent balance means there is little or no weather helm. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The Bill Dixon-designed Moody 36 combines practicality, comfort, sea kindliness and high-quality build, making her an ideal cruising yacht.

The Moody 36 MkII might be described as a family coastal cruiser, but she has a performance not previously seen in Moody’s centre-cockpit range of yachts and is easily seaworthy enough to cross oceans – as many have.

A development of his earlier 35, the Moody 36 MkII had a slightly slimmer hull and longer waterline, which resulted in a noticeably quicker and better-balanced boat.

Though most owners buy Moodys for the considerable comforts they offer, they were meticulously constructed and have excellent sea-keeping abilities too.

Design and construction of the Moody 36 MkII

The Moody 36’s near-plumb stem, attractive retroussé stern and pleasantly rising sheer line with teak-capped bulwark give her a classy, yet modern look.

She carries maximum beam a long way aft, providing sufficient internal space for her trademark roomy aftercabin and offering way more useful stowage than is available in many of today’s popular cruising yachts.

Built at Marine Projects in Plymouth (now Princess Yachts), a total of 118 Moody 36 MkIIs were constructed to Lloyd’s 100A1 yardstick.

Hulls were laid up by hand, using mat and woven rovings with waterproof isophthalic resins.

Owners of the Moody 36 MkII could choose between a bilge, shoal or deep fin keel. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

They were stiffened with balsa-cored frames and stringers, and finished with bonded floors and bulkheads for additional strength.

The deck is balsa-cored, but with hefty plywood backing plates laminated in under winches and deck gear.

Finally, the hull-deck joint was through-bolted and then bonded over, before being capped with smart teak.

A choice of bilge, shoal (bulbed) or deep-fin keels was offered and her large, semi-balanced rudder is supported by a half-skeg, making her more resistant to steering damage from floating debris and stray lines.

Some sailors like centre cockpits, some don’t.

They tend to be a little small compared to aft cockpit boats but many owners prefer being high above the sea and love the extra-large aft cabin it enables.

Downsides include more movement in rolly seas, a higher boom and centre of effort on the main, and poor visibility ahead to leeward with the genoa unfurled.

The cockpit layout is straightforward, with all sail controls led aft through clutches on the coachroof.

The genoa winches are within reach of the helm, as is the mainsheet behind, making single-handing easy.

The large sprayhood provides good protection and easy access to the winches.

Continues below…

Our verdict on the Moody 36

What’s she like to sail? These solidly built, medium-displacement cruisers are capable of a very reasonable pace in open seas,…

Moody S38: a good all-round family cruising boat

Looking for a good all-round family cruising boat with a good turn of speed, there are plenty of strong contenders,…

A split backstay and wide rail gate give good access to the transom steps, although it lacks a deeper platform for deck showering and unloading the tender.

Her decks are wide and clear thanks to inboard chain plates and coachroof-mounted genoa tracks.

The foredeck is clutter-free and includes a deep chain locker with a windlass plinth.

Six large mooring cleats are mounted on the bulwarks, making them dead easy to access when coming alongside.

The decks continue all the way aft, where two deep lazarette lockers house most of the loose deck gear.

Below decks on the Moody 36 MkII

Because of the centre cockpit, the companionway ladder is necessarily tall and steep.

The saloon is spacious, warm and cosy with plenty of nicely finished solid wood trims.

Headroom is just over 1.83m/6ft, but watch your head going aft through the corridor.

Set well forward, the saloon is slightly narrower than many, but well compensated for by placing the settees well outboard and making the overhead lockers fairly shallow.

The convertible, U-shaped port settee offers seating for six around the table while thick settee cushions and abundant teak joinery provide a luxurious ambience.

The saloon is cosy and six can eat around the table. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

The dropleaf table doesn’t have a fiddled centre, which is irritating, but does have excellent bottle and glass drawers.

A small step down improves headroom in the forecabin, which contains a decent vee berth with reasonable floor space.

There is ample stowage under the berth, as well as two hanging lockers with shelves, plus a further six lockers above the berth and a large forehatch.

Moving aft, the L-shaped galley is well-equipped, but arranged a little awkwardly.

The worktop area is generous, especially with cooker and sink covers in place, but having the cooker under the cockpit sole limits both light and ventilation.

Both the cooker and fridge are large and there’s storage galore for food, crockery and pans.

The nav station has a forward facing chart table. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

Behind the companionway steps is a central ‘pod’ that provides extra worktop and stowage, as well as housing the fuel tank, battery switches and washboards.

Opposite is a well-appointed nav station with large, forward-facing chart table, its own seat, a comprehensive electrical panel, and plenty of room for nav instruments.

Two corridors lead aft. The starboard one contains a single bunk; the port corridor houses the head, also accessible from the aft cabin.

There’s plenty of elbow room and a separate shower but headroom in the heads is only 5ft 10in.

It’s well organised with good stowage, a large hatch, and a deep sink.

The L-shaped galley has plenty of workspace. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

The spacious master suite aft has always been a popular feature with any centre-cockpit Moody.

Although only 1.83m/6ft long, the Moody 36’s centrally-mounted berth is a luxurious 1.40m/5ft 4in wide.

Headroom is limited to 1.75m/5ft 9in, but the cabin boasts a wealth of stowage plus a dressing table.

Natural light is surprisingly good, with a large overhead hatch, opening side ports and a portlight above the bed head.

Access to the 40hp Volvo diesel engine beneath the cockpit is particularly good, thanks to all-round removable panels, and the steering gear is easily reached under the aft bunk.

Both water and fuel tanks are a good size for cruising too.

Rig and sailplan

The Moody 36 MkII is masthead-rigged with a thick-sectioned, well-supported twin-spreader Seldén mast, boom and gas-sprung kicker.

A triple-reefed, semi-battened mainsail was standard, with luff and leach reefing lines for the first two leading into the cockpit.

The standard headsail was a 125% furling genoa with coachroof-mounted tracks, giving a tight sheeting angle for increased pointing ability.

With the exception, maybe, of the ‘S’ models (31S & 38S), which are reasonably swift, Dixon’s CC Moodys are steady cruisers with conservative sail plans.

All are capable of a respectable pace in open seas, however, where they offer a particularly sea-kindly motion.

Thanks to the inboard genoa tracks they are also pretty close-winded, but they will lose speed rapidly if pinched too tight.

Her fastest point of sail is 50° off the apparent wind, when she surges forward relentlessly, almost oblivious of the sea state.

Control lines on the Moody 36 MkII lead to the cockpit making sailing solo easy. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

The Moody 36 MkII is simple to sail single-handedly, with all the sail controls within easy reach of the wheel, and her excellent balance results in little or no weather helm.

She also boasts a healthy 35% ballast ratio and even with the shoal draft keel she is reassuringly stiff thanks to her weighty ballast bulb.

On a reach with a fair breeze she will easily average between 6.5-7.5 knots in all but the choppiest conditions.

Downwind, she requires a good size spinnaker or chute to keep her flying.

Moody Owners Association ( www.moodyowners.org )

The Moody Owners Association (MOA) aims to serve as custodian of technical information; provide a forum for owners’ experiences; promote social and sailing opportunities and provide a point of contact for prospective owners.

Owners experiences of the Moody 36 MkII

S/y cantata (2000).

Cantata is well equipped including new sails. Credit: Dick Holness

Dick and Angela Holness bought bilge-keeled Cantata in 2015 to replace their Moody S31, primarily for the extra accommodation.

She came pretty standard but since buying her they have carried out myriad upgrades, including new instruments, AIS, MFD, Navtex and VHF extension, now all networked via NMEA2000.

They have also added new batteries with a monitor, gas alarm, sound system, electric windlass, kicker strut, Autoprop, solar panels, electric toilet and new sails, which must make her one of the best-equipped Moody 36s around!

Asked if they’d had any problems, Dick says: ‘One fault at purchase was a leaking rudder stock housing, apparently a common problem on these boats and something I found I could largely fix myself. Also, some 36s, including mine, had a particular type of stanchion fixing through the toe rail that made them prone to leaks.’

Dick, who is co-author of the East Coast Pilot , started sailing dinghies at the age of 12 and continued to race them for nearly 50 years.

He started cruising around 25 years ago and has owned a Hunter Horizon 26, Sadler 29 and the Moody S31.

Based on the River Swale in Kent, Dick and Angela sail predominantly up the East Coast, with occasional trips across the Channel.

‘Under sail, Cantata is quite docile really and probably under-canvassed,’ says Dick.

‘She’s not good in light airs, being quite heavy, but her sea-going qualities are impressive if we get caught out in worse conditions than expected. With 15-20 knots on the beam, though, she gallops along with a smooth, easy motion.

‘Although I occasionally single-hand, Angela and I usually sail together, which is reasonably easy, although as we get creakier, I confess to doing rather more “genoa only” sailing than we used to. However, the change to a fully battened main has made life a fair bit easier. I would guess that the majority of 36s have in-mast furling and, bearing in mind our age, perhaps it might have been wiser to have found one with it. Cantata is very seaworthy and hasn’t really got any vices, although her high freeboard can catch the wind when manoeuvring in marinas.

‘She is very comfortable for long periods on board as there’s bags of space. But if we were off long term, I would probably upgrade and better insulate the fridge, plus install dinghy davits. I haven’t fitted heating yet as it’s so difficult to retrofit hot air ducting.

‘We did a long cruise down the French Channel coast a few years ago. Both crossings of the Dover Strait were wilder than expected but the boat just coped with it all. And with only 1.2m draught she’s a very capable ditch-crawler.’

S/Y Ellen Marvel (1998, HN 61)

John and Lesley Oldham regularly cruise the West Country and France. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

John and Lesley Oldham, 73, have owned the shoal-keeled Ellen Marvel for 19 years.

‘Being the show boat at Ijmuiden, she already had a high specification, including leather upholstery and extra opening portlights, but the first owner also had heating and a bow thruster installed.

‘Our first successful improvement was to remake the aft cabin berth with a deeper mattress and underlaying slats. Venturing outside to secure the gas also became tedious, so we fitted an electric valve/sensor. I also replaced the fridge with a modern 12V model and installed a holding tank. Finally, we increased the battery capacity and included a larger shore power charger, smart alternator regulator and a galvanic isolator.

‘We fitted a Bruntons Autoprop early on, which increased our sailing speed by between 0.5 to 1.0 knot. Later we added a rod kicker with the control line led aft. We also replaced the manual windlass with an electric one and moved it forward to help prevent the chain bunching up. Our most recent upgrade has been to fit dinghy davits.

‘The instrumentation has been upgraded with a Raymarine chart plotter in the cockpit, Quantum radar, AIS700, an Icom DSC VHF and an ICS Nav6plus Navtex and instrument repeater. Plus, we now have an internal Wi-Fi network with router for marina Wi-Fi.

‘We’ve had a few faults, but not many. The pressure relief valve on the hot water tank often discharged into the bilge, which we corrected by fitting an expansion tank, and a persistent leak into the forepeak underfloor was eventually diagnosed as anchor locker drain failure.

‘The original genoa was poorly cut and the positioning of the shrouds and track prevented her from being sailed close-hauled. The original sailmakers had compensated with a belly in the foot but our new sail corrected much of this with a higher-cut clew.’

John and Lesley began sailing by taking flotilla holidays in their early 40s and soon decided to get their own boat.

They bought a new Moody S31 but soon found it too small for their needs as impending retirement, with the option of longer cruises, loomed.

‘We sail regularly as a couple, though often we sail in company with friends in their own boats. We are mainly day sailors with a penchant for overnighting in marinas. With days to spare and a fair forecast, we cruise the south-west coast from our base in Plymouth. For our main holiday we prefer the Channel Islands, Western Normandy and North or South Brittany.

‘Under sail she is not the most close-winded but on a fetch or beam reach she is delightful. On a very broad reach the genoa becomes blanketed by the main so we switch to a poled-out cruising chute. Our new mainsail is fully battened, loose footed and has a decent roach, which makes it much more powerful than the original and consequently requires reefing earlier. The two of us handle her easily as the mainsheet is within reach of the helm and all lines are led back. The stack pack also helps, as does the autopilot.’

What the experts say about the Moody 36 MkII

Nick Vass B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS, Marine Surveyor www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

The later Moody 36, built by Marine Projects in Plymouth, is a contemporary-looking yacht that has stood the test of time.

During surveys I have found fairly large blisters on the topsides on several boats, mainly around the portside anchor locker drain but these are from delamination rather than osmosis.

I have concluded that water has entered through the drain hole and saturated the plywood stiffeners that protect the hull from the anchor chain.

The area then stays wet and might delaminate.

My advice has been to keep the anchor locker drain holes free of debris, only have chain in the locker and no other clutter, and paint the area around the drain hole with epoxy to prevent water ingress.

Keel bolts are also a concern on the Moody 36.

Moody used high-tensile steel studs, nuts and backing plates rather than stainless steel.

Although high-tensile steel is stronger than stainless, it rusts, so it’s a good idea to keep the bilge dry and paint the exposed parts of the studs, nuts and backing plates to keep them rust-free.

Rather than using real teak slats, Moody used teak veneer on plywood for deck and cockpit seat coverings, which quickly delaminated.

Fortunately, most did not have it on the decks.

Most Moody 36s I have surveyed have had Volvo Penta MD2040B engines, which are more robust than their D1-40 successor.

However, they do suffer from limescale build-up in the coolant system and their iron castings can become porous.

Check the engine for signs of overheating and get an engineer to take the cover off the heat exchanger.

The exhaust elbow will need to be replaced every 10 years or so, too, as they clog up.

The saildrive diaphragm seal will likely have been replaced several times by now, even on a late example.

Check the service history to make sure that the seal has been replaced, as it can be costly.

There should be a date stamp on the seal but it’s sometimes hard to see.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA) www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

I’ve surveyed many Moodys over the years and they do sell quickly on the second-hand market, but it is essential to look carefully at them before purchase.

Check the ply-faced teak in the cockpit.

This material was popular with many boat builders during the 1990s and 2000s.

On most of the boats I’ve surveyed over the last eight years, the ply-faced teak has needed replacing.

Nick mentions the keel bolts being high- tensile; I, in many ways, prefer the reliability over stainless but it is essential to keep an eye on the fastenings.

This can be difficult on the bilge-keel version due to the water tanks under the side berths!

The main cap chain plate anchorage within the saloon is impossible to inspect with the fitted internal joinery.

This is a concern especially if high moisture is identified on the side decks in that area and the covers are wet internally.

Many owners have cut small inspection hatches in the sides of the covers.

I am aware of at least two failures of the chain plates after the fastenings behind these panels failed.

The rudder is supported by a substantial skeg and I have had several experiences of very high moisture in both the blade and the skeg around the support shoe where fastenings have loosened over time.

Alternatives to the Moody 36 MkII to consider

Island packet 370.

A Yamnar 4JH3BE 56hp engine came as standard. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Florida-built Island Packets were constructed to a high specification and supplied with a substantial inventory.

Although the 370 has high topsides and a tall coachroof, her pleasant sheer line lends her a well-balanced look.

Construction was meticulous, using vinylester resin infusion, tri-axial weave glass and PolyClad2 foam, finished with an ultra-high gloss Durashield gelcoat.

The hull/deck join is through-bolted and bonded and she has a full-length shallow keel with encapsulated lead ballast and a deep rudder, connected to the keel at the foot.

A deep companionway descends into a cosy, bright saloon.

The table folds away against the main bulkhead, hiding a comprehensive drinks cabinet, and all cabinetry work is top quality.

The settees make good berths, the port side converting to a double by sliding out an extension board.

Stowage is plentiful as the 600-litre freshwater tank sits beneath the saloon sole and ventilation is ample through the 11 opening portlights.

Her superb galley houses a huge fridge, full-size cooker, microwave, water filter, twin sinks and copious stowage.

The aft quarters contain an offset double berth and a nav station/chart table, with a removable bulkhead panel dividing it from the saloon.

Side decks are well protected by the high coachroof. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

The forecabin features a roomy island berth and en suite heads with shower stall.

The cockpit is well organised with wide coamings incorporating rope lockers.

The steering pedestal supports a table and a stout grab bar, and a high bridge deck and two 50mm/2in drains prevent water collecting.

Under the aft seats are deep stowage lockers.

Her decks are snag-free with shrouds and tracks terminating on the teak-capped bulwarks.

On the foredeck are twin rollers and chain lockers.

Her masthead rig is keel-stepped with single, straight spreaders and forward/aft lowers, with single chain plates.

The cutter-rig model has a self-tacking staysail with boom and a 110% high-cut genoa/yankee.

Although the headsail winches are near the helm, the mainsheet and all other sail controls are on the coachroof.

Under power she has plenty of grunt but like all long-keelers takes her time making directional alterations so a bow thruster is worth having.

The Maxi 1100 has a spacious and deep aft cockpit. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]

The Maxi 1100 superseded the 1050, giving improved sailing performance and accommodation.

Designed by ex-Olympic racing helmsman, Pelle Petterson, she has a fine entry, near-plumb stem, shallow bilge and a retroussé transom.

In addition to being quite quick, Maxis were extremely well built.

The 1100 has a carbon-reinforced floor grid that dissipates the rig and keel loads.

Above the waterline, hull and deck are a Divinycell foam sandwich, encapsulated in a vinylester resin-infused, multi-weave skin.

A deep fin keel with a 2.4-tonne lead ballast bulb or an extended shoal fin were offered, both with a deep spade rudder.

She has a tall, keel-stepped mast with twin, swept spreaders.

Shrouds lead to a single inboard chainplate each side, connected to the hull frame.

A gas-sprung kicker and powerful backstay tensioner control the main, which is slab-reefed with lazy jacks.

A deep cockpit sports a big wheel, but the helm area is spacious, with foot supports and flat coaming seats.

Sail controls are led aft.

Coachroof-mounted jib tracks keep the sidedecks clear but the handrails are too short.

Her foredeck sports a short bow-plank and a deep anchor locker with windlass.

The long, straight saloon settees provide room for six to dine comfortably around the sturdy, well-fiddled table.

Her large aft cabin has a roomy double berth, beneath which are the water tank and batteries.

The forecabin is quite spacious too.

Under sail she’s fast, stiff and easy to handle, with a light, positive helm. She tacks rapidly and effortlessly, and her large wheel enables the helm to sit out with the mainsheet to hand and a clear view forward.

The Sunbeam 37 holds it price due to its high build quality. Credit: Sunbeam Yachts

Built in Austria by Schochl Yachtbau and designed by J&J to withstand the rigours of the North and Baltic Seas, the centre cockpit Sunbeam 37 was solidly constructed to a high standard, using top- quality materials and components.

They also featured a comprehensive standard inventory, which included a 55hp Yanmar 4JH3E marine diesel engine and encapsulated lead ballast.

She has timeless looks with a positive sheer and streamline superstructure.

All had teak-capped toe rails and many also had full teak decks.

Below, the beautifully crafted, dark mahogany interior gives her a warm atmosphere without being too gloomy.

The layout is similar to the Moody 36 MkII and the proportions are equally generous, especially in the aft owner’s cabin where her huge island double berth dominates and the en suite heads are a real boon.

Duncan Kent is a technical writer for marine publications and websites

The forecabin is equally plush with plenty of stowage but has no en suite.

The later 37.1 model had an en suite head to port, in place of one of the tall hanging lockers.

She has a longitudinal galley, running aft along the corridor, that is well-equipped with bags of easily accessible stowage although, like the Moody, the far end is a little dark.

The forward-facing nav station has plenty of chart and instrument stowage.

Under sail, she is a powerful performer thanks to her generous sail plan.

With her deep, lead-ballasted fin keel and large, semi-balanced rudder she is stiff, quick and easy to manoeuvre, well-balanced and light on the helm.

The Sunbeam 37 tends to hold her price on the used boat market, easily as well as the most popular Swedish-built yachts.

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Our FJORD yacht offers luxury, performance, and avant-garde design. The enlarged T-top provides full cockpit shade, while the helm features modern equipment including a wireless entertainment system. The windscreen adds a spectacular touch, resembling designer eyewear. Inside, refined materials and expert craftsmanship create a luxurious and exclusive atmosphere. Inside, premium materials and superior craftsmanship create a special, exclusive ambiance. First-class woods, luxury fabrics, and textured wall coverings adorn the interior with elegance.

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Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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25 Sailboats Under 40′

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: March 25, 2014

Catalina 275 Sport

“This is a complete package; it’s a good sailing boat and well-thought-out. It’s definitely ready for prime time,” says Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman. Click here to read why the Catalina 275 Sport won Best Pocket Cruiser in 2014.

Beneteau First 30

As they approached the First 30 to conduct their dockside evaluation during the boat show, the BOTY judges may have been just a little skeptical of this performance-oriented 30-footer’s cruisability. But that skepticism turned into appreciation as soon as they stepped below, and they were downright enamored with how the boat sailed. Click here to read why the Beneteau First 30 won Best Small Cruiser, 20 feet and Under in 2011.

The Presto 30 is an innovative, well-built, good looking cruising boat that satisfied its stated design brief as well as any other boat the judges looked at, though it’s not what you might expect from an average cruising boat. Cruising World judges also noted that this easy-to-handle boat may attract new sailors to the sport so they can learn the ropes and then trade up to another model, an approach that’s important to the health of the entire industry. Click here to read how the Presto 30 won the Cruising Spirit Award in 2011.

Catalina 309

“I think that for the purpose it was put on the water, to be able to walk down, jump aboard, and simply go enjoy it on a weekend, the boat not only hit the price in terms of value but also hit the mark in terms of use,” remarked judge Alvah Simon, a world voyager. Click to read why the Catalina 309 won Domestic Boat of the Year for 2007 .

The J/95’s retractable centerboard and dual rudders make it possible to sail in just 3 feet of water. During our dockside visit, designer Rod Johnstone told us that he wanted to build a comfortable coastal cruiser that could keep people sailing by providing “high performance in shallow water,” and the J/95 did exactly what Rod said it would. Click here to read how it won Best Weekender and Domestic Boat of the Year for 2010.

Catalina 315

This nifty pocket cruiser raises the Catalina quality bar with more comfort and better performance. It’s the little things that make this boat special, including the tall rig, the wide cockpit, the large anchor locker, the sprit for the asymmetric kite, and the clever use of space below. Click here to read how the Catalina 315 won Best Inshore Cruiser for 2013.

The Delphia 33 is a boat that’s maximized every inch of available space, and the overall fit and finish, from the joiner work to the systems installation to the structural integrity of the boat, is well done. Click here to read why the Delphia 33 won Import Boat of the Year in 2008.

“With this introductory cruiser, Hunter is trying to bring people up through its ranks and into cruising from trailer-sailers and smaller boats,” said Alvah Simon. “And the company has done that with a 33-footer that has quality and affordability but is still manageable and unintimidating.” Click here to read why the Hunter e33 won Best Compact Cruiser for 2012.

C&C 101

The 33-foot C&C 101 boasts thoroughly modern lines and a nice turn of speed but also features a fine layout belowdecks, with cherry furniture and a teak cabin sole. Click here to read why the C&C 101 won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Performance Cruiser in 2013.

This dual-purpose cruiser is both easy to handle and zippy on the racecourse. Click here to read why the X-34 won Best Racer-Cruiser for 2009.

Beneteau 34

This affordable performance cruiser is a blast to sail, with details often lacking on more expensive boats. Click here to read a boat review of the Beneteau 34. Click here to read why the Beneteau 34 won the award for Best Value in 2009.

Tartan 3400

The Tartan 3400, with double cabins fore and aft, was still sufficiently nimble and distinctive to cop the 2006 Boat of the Year award for Best Production Cruiser from 31 to 36 Feet. Click here to read more.

The BOTY judges found lots on which to agree as they proclaimed the Najad 355 to be the Best Small Cruiser of 2008: great sails, solid motion through the water, practical interior, well-laid-out deck. Click here to read more.

Catalina 355

Two themes—consideration and principles—epitomize the Catalina 355. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year in 2011.

Sabre Spirit

Andrew Burton found the 36-foot Sabre Spirit boat not only easily handled and fast but also a sheer delight to sail; no wonder it won the Judges’ Choice Award in Cruising World’s 2008 Boat of the Year contest. Click here to read more .

Island Packet Estero

Comfortable surroundings are easily driven by a fully self-tending and roller-furling rig on the 36-foot Island Packet Estero. Click here to read why it won Best Midsize Cruiser Under 40 feet in 2010.

Hallberg-Rassy 37

Like the Swedes who manufacture it, the Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a hardy sailer. The boat’s seakindly performance gives the assurance that it can take you anywhere, and once you get aboard, that’s exactly where you’ll want to go. Click here to read why it won Import Boat of the Year in 2006.

Malö 37 Classic

This purpose-built craft is a dream to steer and a delight to the eyes. Click here to read how it won Import Boat of the Year for 2009. Click here to read a full boat review.

Catalina 375

Solid construction and thoughtful amenities make life onboard this boat more comfortable. Click here to read why the Catalina 375 won Best All-Purpose Cruiser, 30 to 40 Feet in 2009.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379

This midsize offering from Jeanneau has a modern look and is ready for sea. Click here to read why it won Domestic Boat of the Year and Best Midsize Cruiser for 2012.

“This very responsive sailboat scoots along quite nicely, I think as well as anything we sailed in this fleet,” says Boat of the Year judge Mark Schrader. Click here to read why the Dehler 38 won Best Cruising Sailboat Under 38 Feet in 2014.

Better-than-expected performance, good design ideas, and follow-through in their execution led to the Hunter 38 winning Best Production Cruiser Under 40 feet for 2005. Click here to read more.

Who says a cruising cat under 40 feet isn’t big enough for comfortable accommodations? The 38’s hulls are narrow where they meet the water for performance purposes but flare out to create ample interior space. Click here to read why the Leopard 38 won Import Boat of the Year in 2010.

Seawind 1160

This 38-foot cat will appeal to cruisers who want a well-built boat that can sail away in a hurry. Click here to read why the Seawind 1160 won Best Multihull Cruiser and Most Innovative Boat for 2007.

“The company is mixing traditional aesthetics with modern gear–from the carbon rudder to tweakers on the jib tracks, and it works really well,” said Boat of the Year judge Steve Callahan of the Sabre 386. Click here to read why it was named Domestic Boat of the Year for 2005.

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The Power Catamaran Compilation

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 21, 2018

Power Catamarans have been growing leaps and bounds in popularity, and, in lengths and widths. And for good reason. These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons.

Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more friends. And there are myriad power options: outboards, diesel inboards, hybrid or even all-solar power.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY44

Silent-Yachts 55

The ideas about which solar panels, electric motors, inverters and the like to use — and more importantly, Michael Köhler says, how to configure them — became the basis for the brand Silent-Yachts. The company offers 55-, 64- and 79-foot catamarans that run on solar-electric propulsion. The Silent 55 premiered this fall, and the 64 is sold out for the next two years, Köhler says.

Read more: Silent 55

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the Horizon PC74 is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

Read more: Horizon PC74

The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Read more: Aquila 36

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Read more: Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Horizon PC60

To understand the Horizon PC60 power catamaran , you need to put aside preconceived notions about midsize yacht amenities. For example, main-deck master suites are the province of yachts over 100 feet length overall. Incorrect. This 60-footer has an elegant and spacious owner’s stateroom on the same level as the salon. If you want a 14-foot center console tender on a 60-foot yacht, you have to tow it. Wrong again. On the PC60, you hoist it onto the upper deck, no problem.

Read more: Horizon PC60

40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef is known for pushing the boundaries of catamaran design, incorporating four adjustable hydrofoils into a twin-hulled speedboat.

The Polish builder is one of several European builders (including Evo, Fjord, Wider and Wally) transforming the open ­day-boat category with creative designs. ­Beyond its hydrofoils, the 40 Open Sunreef Power ‘s cockpit has side “wings” along the aft gunwales that fold out at anchor, widening the beam from 17 feet to 22 feet 9 inches.

Read more: 40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Sunreef Yachts introduced its 50 Amber Limited Edition , with plans to launch just 10 hulls of the exclusive design.

The Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition will have a carbon fiber mast and boom, four layout options and numerous amber-colored elements, including the hull.

Read more: Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the Lagoon 630 MY burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Read more: Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fountaine Pajot MY 37

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 easily accommodates the seafaring family with three- and four-stateroom options. In the three-cabin version, called ­Maestro, you’ll find an owner’s suite in the portside hull with a queen-size berth and en suite head. Two double-berth cabins and one more head are available for the kids. If your brood is bigger, the Quator setup features four double cabins with two heads.

The 37 is a traveler and can be powered with twin 150 hp or 220 hp Volvo Penta diesels. Top speed with the smaller engines is 17 knots, while it’s 20 knots with the bigger power plants. Interestingly, at 7 knots, the fuel consumption is the same, with either set of motors offering voyagers a 1 ,000-nm range.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY 37

Solarwave 64

Many yachts boast eco chops because they have a handful of solar panels that power the microwave or navigation lights. The Solarwave 64 , launched last summer, has the potential to run on sunshine alone. The vessel’s 42 solar panels generate 15 kW that are stored in batteries weighing about 1,300 pounds. They connect to electric motors.

Read more: Solarwave 64

Glider SS18

This British builder says it strives for design innovation and the Glider SS18 displays that DNA, the result of 8 years of research and development. She has a head-turning, catamaran hull form constructed from aluminum and composite materials. She is 60 feet LOA with a 17-foot beam, and has a relatively shallow 1-foot draft. Powered by quad Yamaha 300 hp outboards, she can reportedly reach 50 knots, and with her Stability Control System (SCS), should give a smooth ride while doing it.

Read more: Glider SS18

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Great Expectations: Six Great Loop Boats

The new Swift Trawler 30 was designed with an open and practical exterior: The starboard side deck is wide and protected by a high rail. The view from the pilothouse helm is panoramic. The flybridge offers a lounging area with removable table. The transom hinges opens to extend the cockpit space to the swim platform, creating a “terrace over the sea.”

Inside, the boat comes in two layouts: a one-cabin version with a separate head and shower, and a two-cabin version with a forward master and over-under bunks to port. Should more friends want to join the journey, the salon sofa folds out to a double berth. The galley includes a two-burner cooktop and oven, refrigerator, twin sinks and storage.

With a fuel capacity of 190 gallons, the Swift Trawler 30 reports a cruising range of about 200 miles, so be mindful on long stretches with limited services. An air draft of 16 feet, 11 inches and a water draft of 3 feet, 5 inches are acceptable. Volvo Penta’s six-cylinder D6‑370 diesel inboard promises dependable performance and low emissions.

Length Overall: 32’9” Beam: 11’7” Draft: 3’5” Displacement: 13,224 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 190 gals. Water Capacity: 80 gals. Base Price: $277,800 beneteau.com

The all-new Cutwater C-24 is the smallest of the line, and will present some challenges when it comes to fueling on longer legs, but it’s also trailerable to allow for overland routing if necessary. The versatile model offers a number of power choices to suit the preferences of its owner: 240-horsepower Volvo gasoline sterndrive, 300-horsepower Yamaha outboard or 220-horsepower Volvo diesel sterndrive.

A deep cockpit aft, high rails forward and an enclosed pilothouse promote safe cruising and shelter from the elements. The bonded windshield and sliding windows maximize visibility — even astern via the glass bulkhead aft. This bulkhead opens to invite the outside in, and the salon dinette seat reverses to face aft. (The dinette also converts to a bed for overnight guests.) On sterndrive models, the transom bench similarly reverses to create a perch at the swim platform.

The interior of the C-24 features wood cabinetry and shelving in the galley (cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, two sinks) as well as in the private forward stateroom. There’s a combined head/shower compartment and a long list of standard conveniences — from a hardtop sports rack, to windshield wipers, to a Garmin navigation suite — that make this boat truly cruise-worthy.

Length Overall: 23’7” Beam: 8’6” Draft (sterndrive): 1’9” Dry Weight: 5,300 lbs. Fuel Capacity (gasoline): 116 gals. Water Capacity: 30 gals. Base Price: $99,937 cutwaterboats.com

That enviable fuel economy is achieved through the use of composite coring, advanced aramid fabrics and other weight-saving technologies, in addition to a hull sporting a fine forward entry and broad lifting surfaces amidships and aft. This results in a wave-piercing profile that is efficient, stable and easily driven.

Living spaces include a private forward stateroom with an island queen berth, a head with separate shower, and a full galley with household-style appliances. In the salon, a convertible dinette or L-shaped settee provides additional guest accommodations. The cockpit features a full-length roof that can be fitted with screening or a weather enclosure, as well as fold-down berths to make a third stateroom. The elongated roof also creates a large overhead area for dingy storage or a solar panel array.

Length Overall: 35’8” Beam: 10’4” Draft: 1’4” Displacement: 6,500 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 200 gals. Water Capacity: TBD Base Price: $239,000 mirage-mfg.com

What it also has is a pedigree built on comfortable and efficient cruising, thanks to decades of fashioning long-distance trawlers. The 44 Eastbay SX is more muscular, of course, equipped with twin Volvo Penta diesel power plants to take you farther faster, on a sturdy hull with upswept bow that can manage the rough stuff you might encounter in big-water portions of the Loop. Fuel is an impressive 488 gallons, fresh water 194 gallons — and the draft a relatively shallow 3 feet, 2 inches.

The 44 Eastbay SX is available in three staterooms (a master forward and two guest cabins) or two staterooms (a master forward and one guest cabin). In either case, the master comes with access to a private head. A second head for guests can be equipped with shower, plus a washer/dryer, which is a handy item to have while cruising. Other amenities include a flip-up flatscreen TV and home theater, microwave, dishwasher, fridge and freezers.

Length Overall: 46’10” Beam: 14’7” Draft: 3’2” Displacement: 39,600 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 488 gals. Water Capacity: 194 gals. Base Price: TBD grandbanks.com

Widened side decks with drains, curbs and rails lead to the extended bow, which has a larger sundeck and a redesigned anchor system. The latter now has split anchor and storage lockers, with drain bosses to direct mud, sand and water overboard. Under the surface, softened chines reduce wave slap while anchored or moored.

Inside the beamy salon and galley, a new layout maximizes space, with a pilothouse a few steps up. The master stateroom is forward, now with more headroom thanks to the retooled deck. A guest cabin with bunks sleeps two more.

With a 320-gallon fuel capacity and Volvo D6‑370 diesel inboard, the NT40 has a reported range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles at 8 knots. The standard model specifies a large aft overhang that can be used for dinghy storage, or an optional flybridge with L-seating and a table is available. (Neither model will present bridge clearance issues on the Loop.) A draft of 4 feet, 4 inches is less than ideal but not prohibitive.

Length Overall: 41’11” Beam: 12’11” Draft: 4’4” Displacement: 22,800 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 320 gals. Water Capacity: 144 gals. Base Price: $629,450 nordictugs.com

Forward is a dinette and table that convert to separate bunks or sleeping for two with a filler cushion. A mid-berth is great for kids or storage. Both are served by a head with shower; a sink and vanity are opposite. In the salon, a second dinette converts to a sleeper for more guests. The compact galley includes a cooktop, microwave and refrigerator/freezer.

Incorporating the amenities of a larger vessel, the R-23 comes with a VHF radio, illuminated compass, Garmin 7610 GPS with depth sounder and fish finder, and is available with optional HDX radar. Like to fish? The cockpit has standard rod holders, a folding double seat, and optional downrigger pads and outlets.

The R-23 is powered by a standard 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard or optional 170-horepower Volvo diesel sterndrive. As with the Cutwater C-24, range will be a consideration on The Great Loop, but when the journey is the destination, the Ranger Tugs R-23 presents a truly unique cruising opportunity.

Length Overall: 27’8” Beam: 8’6” Draft: 1’7” Dry Weight: 5,000 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 80 gals. Water Capacity: 22 gals. Base Price: $99,370 rangertugs.com

Author: Doug Simmons is a regular contributor to HeartLand Boating magazine

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• Meet Spear, an Epic 460-Foot Trimaran Concept That Looks Like It’s From the Year 3000

The sleek behemoth could soar to an impressive top speed of 21 knots.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

Rossinavi just launched a custom, full-aluminum 164-foot superyacht, this new 131-foot aluminum catamaran concept can take on a transoceanic expedition.

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Believe it or not, one of man’s oldest weapons has inspired a futuristic new trimaran concept.

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Speaking of power, Spear’s propulsion system is built around a medium-speed engine often found in large commercial vessels that reportedly provides a further 15 percent fuel saving per kW compared to a typical high-speed engine. The sponsons will be able to store plenty of fuel, too, with tanks designed to hold the renewable biofuel of the future.

As for performance, Spear can reach a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. With reduced fuel demands, the go-anywhere cruiser has an impressive estimated range of more than 7,500 nautical miles.

Seafarers will be able to explore the globe in comfort, too. With a giant beam of 75 feet and a generous interior volume of 4,650 GT, Spear offers abundant living space onboard.

The main deck is centered around a large lounge and dining area, with two generous guest staterooms positioned amidships. Upstairs, the owner’s deck features a full-beam forward-facing stateroom with a private lounge, a luxe en suite, and a private deck with views of the helipad. The owner’s deck also has an additional guest stateroom and another lounge and dining area. Crew cabins can be found on the lower deck, while the captain’s cabin sits on the bridge deck.

“With its striking streamline design, Spear combines efficiency, comfort, and expansive open spaces to create an unparallel cruising experience,” Lateral said in a statement.

Fingers crossed we see Spear hit the seas.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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