Boats Not to Miss

BOATS NOT TO MISS BOATS NOT TO MISS

By Jeff Holland

As the boating scene is reinvigorated up and down the Bay, you might be thinking it’s time to do some boat shopping of your own, or upgrade to something newer and nicer. There are exciting prospects on the market, with features like a high-power electric motor, or a yacht tender, or triple V12 outboards. Boat manufacturer demand remains high, so now’s the time to plan ahead for the next couple of boating seasons. Some of these will be at the Annapolis Boat Shows to see in person. We’d gladly step aboard any of them.

Excess 11 Catamaran

At 37 feet long, the Excess 11 from France is one of the smallest cruising catamarans capable of long passages. Dual steering stations are set way aft on either side for optimal visibility. All the sheets and halyards for the 592-square-foot square-top main and the 237--square-foot self-tending jib are led aft within easy reach of the steering stations. The mast has been set farther aft, providing enhanced stability and more open net space on the bow. Two 29-hp inboard engines provide auxiliary power. The cockpit features a dining area with an aft bench. The helm seats ip up to provide access to the swim platforms. The main saloon features an L-shaped settee and dinette, a chart table, and a fully equipped galley including two sinks, fridge, stove, and oven. The 21-foot beam allows room for a king-sized berth in the owners’ stateroom as well as a vanity/desk and a head with separate shower. Two guest cabins share another head with separate shower. Available from Crusader Yacht Sales, crusaderyachts.com.

Join the Chesapeake Yacht Club

and enjoy the pristine waters and diversity of wildlife on the West River. • Slips for up to 70-foot yachts, including catamarans • 30 minutes from the Beltway • Centrally located on the Bay • River view swimming pool plus casual & ne dining • Boating & non-boating memberships available but going fast • Call 410-867-1500 or email membership@chesapeakeyachtclub.org for more information

www.chesapeakeyachtclub.org

Tiara 38 LS

Tiara has captured the spirit of luxury sport yachting in this 38-foot cruiser, with its U-shaped lounge in the stern that rotates to face fore or aft, an island-style outdoor galley in the cockpit, wrap-around seating in the bow that converts to a sun pad, a broad swim platform with teak decking, and an elegant cabin featuring a queen-sized berth and a full-sized head with a separate shower. The cockpit can be protected by an optional retractable sunshade.

That’s just a sample of the luxury part of the “LS” designation. The “S” stands for “sport,” and that concept comes from the triple Mercury 300XL Verado V8 outboards that can propel the Tiara 38 LS at a top speed of 55 mph. Yamaha power packages are also available. The helm station, protected by a solid, one-piece acrylic windshield and a hard top, features port and starboard companion seats with ip-up bolsters and the latest Garmin navigation package. Available from North Point Yacht Sales, northpointyachtsales.com.

Amenities:

89 & 93 OCTANE FUEL • PUMPOUT SERVICE • BOAT RAMP • ICE • SUPPLIES SHIP STORE • FULL-SERVICE REPAIR SHOP • BATHHOUSE • FIRE PIT

270 wet slips 300 high & dry racks on-site Short cruise to the Chesapeake Bay Ideal waters for crabbing, fishing, and water sports!

667-309-9336 510 Riviera Drive Joppatowne, MD 21085 gunpowdercove@oasismarinas.com 39° 24' 27.864'' N / 76° 21' 0.216'' W

Sea Pro DLX 320 Deep-V Center-Console

Sea Pro has poured all its Carolina boatbuilding heritage into this elegant 32-foot centerconsole, the largest of its eet, with a ared bow, deep-V hull, and brawny 10' 4" beam. Powered by twin Suzuki 350-hp 4-stroke V6 outboards, this boat goes from 0 to 25 mph in an impressive 6.93 seconds and clocked a max speed of 56.6 mph. Yamaha power packages are also available.

The serious o shore sport shing attributes include a berglass hard top with a wraparound windshield, electronically adjustable captain and co-pilot chairs, Optimus EPS steering with a tiltable DLX wheel, and a generous-sized helm dash with plenty of room for Simrad nav screens. The leaning post features loads of tackle storage, a freshwater sink, and a tournament bait prep station. The large, open cockpit boast a port entry door and a GG Schmitt rear bench seat that folds away to clear the deck for action. Under the center console is a stand-up head with a porcelain toilet. Available from Tristate Marine, tristatemarine.com.

Boston Whaler Outrage 420 Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the launch of the Outrage series of o shore sport shermen, which debuted 50 years ago, Boston Whaler is touring the new 420 Anniversary Edition, featuring the world’s rst V12 outboards. These triple 600-hp Mercury Verados deliver revolutionary propulsion with e ortless joystick handling and enhanced fuel e ciency—and they’re color-coordinated with the boat’s hull side paint scheme. The black hardtop frame package lends the boat a sleeker pro le. The Frostbox refrigeration system keeps catches fresh or beverages cool in the hottest weather. The expansive bow provides lounge seating for six people. The 420’s upholstery has been updated with a more modern, sculptural style that includes textured ridges and stitching. Teak accents enhance the well-designed convertible helm and cockpit areas. The upholstered transom bench tucks away to expand the cockpit for more sh- ghting room. The spacious cabin with V-berth o ers 7 feet of headroom and a separate head with an electric VacuFlush toilet and an enclosed shower. The Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System reduces boat roll underway. Available from Chesapeake Whalertowne, whalertowne.com; and Chesapeake Boat Basin, chesapeakeboatbasin.com.

True North 34 OE

Traditional Downeast styling, excellent performance, and Catalina value make the True North 34 Outboard Express the perfect t for anyone looking for a versatile cruiser to use on the Bay. Built on a hull designed to withstand the roughest conditions, this boat combines a sturdy exterior with a spacious cockpit and elegant accommodations. The twin 300-hp outboard design gives the cruiser shallow water capability, speed, and e ciency while allowing for year-round enjoyment.

The interior features an open-concept design which promotes great socializing, with the galley up in the pilothouse. A sliding roof top and opening cockpit windows keep the air fresh while protecting you from the elements when conditions are not so favorable. The modern helm has everything you need to navigate the open Bay or negotiate a tight marina with 360-degree visibility. Down below, you will enjoy comfortable rest in the island V-berth, and the enclosed head provides privacy suitable for long-distance cruising. Available from Chesapeake Yacht Sales, dycboat.com; and Sail Annapolis, sailannapolis.com.

Nimbus 405 Coupe

Powered by optional twin Volvo Penta 740-hp inboards, this Swedish-built express cruiser can reach a top speed of about 20 mph. Innovative design features include a salon that’s o set from the centerline to provide a wide walkway along the starboard side, allowing easy access to the foredeck. A sliding glass door allows entry into the saloon, where there’s a U-shaped settee to port and a fully equipped galley station to starboard. The ceiling in the saloon has a large electric sliding glass window—essentially a big sunroof with integrated sun blinds, providing light and air on a sunny day.

Below, there are three double-berth cabins. The forward master cabin, illuminated by its own skylight, has an ensuite bathroom. The other two cabins share a shower and head. The boat has a generously sized and comfortable aft deck with an extra-large, L-shaped sofa. The electric-powered folding table converts into a sunbed. The after deck shares the same level as the broad swim platform and saloon. Available from Seattle Yachts, seattleyachts.com.

Hacker-Craft 27

In the 1930s, Hacker Boats, built in upstate New York, were dubbed “The Steinway of Runabouts,” and the legacy of preeminent naval architect John L. Hacker (1877–1961) lives on in the classic mahogany HackerCraft 27 runabout. The bright- nished V-bottom hull with its sleek 7-foot beam can reach a top speed of 48 mph, propelled by a 430-hp Ilmor MV8 Ocean Performance Series 6.2L engine.

The helm features traditional chrome-rimmed analog gauges on the dash behind the classy chrome and mahogany wheel. It’s protected by a low-pro le chrome-framed windshield with an opening center pane. The middle seatback folds down to allow access through the bright- nished bulkhead to the aft cockpit, where there’s wrap-around seating and a removable teak picnic table, hidden speakers for the premium stereo system, and drop-down cupholders. The sole is all teak in both areas. Even the engine compartment is bright nished, and of course, the trumpet airhorns come standard. Available from Tome’s Landing, tomeslandingmarina.com.

Part family bow rider, part serious sport sher, the new Freedom 235 provides both options with a soft, dry ride from Grady-White’s awardwinning SeaV2 deep-V hull design. Powered by a single Yamaha 300-hp four-stroke outboard, the boat can cruise at 27.9 mph at 3,200 rpm for a burn rate of 9.5 gph. The bow features wrap-around seating with an insert to make it into one large sun pad. Protected by a beam-to-beam hard top, the helm console has a dash large enough for the latest navigation screens and the port console hides an oversized head compartment. The transom bench in the spacious cockpit folds down to provide even more room on deck. A sturdy transom door provides access to the boarding platforms that wrap around the outboard. A tow pylon pops up for towing wakeboards and in atable toys, then stows away to clear the transom for shing. Available from Tri-State Marine, tristatemarine.com.

Grady-White Freedom 235 Dual Console

Sportsman Open 302 Center-Console

Sportsman’s all- berglass construction features a fullgrid stringer system to create an o shore hull designed for a safe, dry, and comfortable ride. Twin Yamaha 300hp V6 outboards can get the hull up on plane in just 5.5 seconds. The oversized hard-top protects the helm station with its adjustable ip-up captain’s chairs. The battery storage compartment is set inside the leaning post on the center line for even weight distribution. Inside the console, there’s a standard freshwater electric porcelain toilet and a pull-out shower/sink combo.

The self-bailing cockpit features a side entry door on both sides. Deep twin aquarium 30-gallon, insulated, pressurized livewells double as coolers for drinks and food. When it’s time to sh, the rear bench conveniently stows away to open up cockpit space. A large hatch o ers free access to pumps, components, and seacocks. Under the deck, there’s space speci cally designed to allow the installation of an optional Seakeeper stabilizer to eliminate up to 95 percent of all boat roll. The bow features wrap-around seating with oversized bow backrests and two large insulated sh boxes. Available from Oyster Cove Boatworks, oystercoveboatworks.com; and Riverside Marine, riversideboats.com.

From the spacious sun pad and lounge in the bow to the hydraulic swim platform with the yacht tender in its own garage, this British-built yacht pushes all the buttons on the luxury cruising checklist. The master stateroom sits aft and occupies the entire 17-foot beam, as does the spacious en suite bathroom. The term “head” simply does not apply here. VIP guests stay in the cabin in the bow, with its own bath. There are two more guest cabins as well, one with bunk beds and the other with twin beds, and there is also a third bathroom. The aft cockpit is arranged for elegant entertaining, with U-shaped seating and a retractable sunshade. In the saloon, there’s a large, well-appointed galley and a dinette, plus a lounge area with a lounge and wet bar. Windows all around and a broad retractable sunroof provide plenty of light and air. Powered by twin MAN V12 1400-hp diesels, the V65 runs smoothly at a top speed of 36 knots. Available from Bluewater Yacht Sales, bluewateryachtsales.com.

Princess V65