Aqua Patio: This brand has two new models for 2013, both of them a far cry from the first all-aluminum pontoon boat its parent company launched at the 1958 World’s Fair. The Aqua Patio 250 Express gets style points for its shapely figure, silvery forward and rear fenders, blue LED lights, pearlescent upholstery and bright-dipped aluminum wakeboard tower. Just shy of 27 feet long, it can seat 16 people and promises a stable yet sporty ride with triple tubes. Upscale options let you really amp up the cosmetic and entertainment features.
The 240 OB Elite is a little more conservative when it comes to appearances, but is no less exceptional. Stretching almost 26 feet and seating 14, this model has a rear cockpit bench that transforms into a big sun pad at the push of a button. And that’s not all: By propping up the cushions, the area converts to a rear-facing sun lounge. Back in its standard position, the cockpit bench rests back-to-back with a rumble seat that’s perfect for donning water-sports gear or watching the kids splash around behind the boat. www.aquapatioboats.com.
Baja: Its customers want bigger boats with an aggressive edge, says Baja CEO Johnny Walker. Well, that’s just what they’re getting with the 30 Outlaw GT. This is the first GT Series model to hit the water, and it features eye-catching custom graphics (designed in-house), a long list of amenities and twin MerCrusier sterndrive engines up to 1,130 horsepower total. An unapologetic “driver’s boat,” the 30 Outlaw GT boasts a wave-slicing, 24-degree True-V hull, as well as electric seat cushions for the captain and co-pilot, a leather/carbon tilt steering wheel and color-matched gauges. At socializing speeds, the hot rod utilizes a booming stereo system, inviting transom sun pad, and cabin with enclosed head and sleeping accommodations for three.
Baja also plans to introduce completely updated and re-styled versions of its popular 278 Performance and 35 Outlaw for the 2013 model year. www.bajamarine.com.
Bayliner: Second in popularity only to its 175 Bowrider, Bayliner’s 185 Bowrider has been given a from-the-keel-up redesign for 2013. The boat is now available in a standard seating plan that includes a molded motorbox with integrated table and back-to-back port seat that converts to a sun lounge, or optional Sport Seating with a full-width transom sun pad and twin bucket seats. It also supports wakeboarding and fishing with two options packages: The Flight Series Package adds special hull graphics, a swim platform extension and stainless-steel tower with integrated bimini top. The Fish Package includes a 24-volt trolling motor, fore and aft casting platforms and seats, a livewell, fishfinder, dedicated rod storage and a tackle bag.
Bayliner has also announced a revamped Deck Boat line for this year, including new 190, 210 and 215 models. www.bayliner.com.
Beneteau: One of the world’s leading sailboat builders, Beneteau has made a push in the powerboat market over the past several years. To wit: The Barracuda 9 is a 29-foot fishing/cruising crossover propelled by single or twin outboards (up to 450 horsepower total). Available with or without a flybridge, this can-do vessel boasts the brand’s Air Step hull, said to reduce fuel consumption, provide quicker acceleration and enhance maneuverability. High side rails should enhance onboard safety, while the enclosed wheelhouse offers an extra level of comfort during inclement weather. The cabin has an enclosed head and double berth, and the boat’s modular design allows a high level of customization to suit the needs of its owners.
Beneteau also premiered its Swift Trawler 50 at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October and is preparing to introduce the Barracuda 7 in Europe with plans to quickly bring it to the US. www.beneteauusa.com.
Boston Whaler: New, activity-friendly dual consoles are gaining traction, and this legendary builder is at the forefront with its Vantage line. The 230 and 270 were made to combine performance, comfort and function, opening up a whole new view on the possible. (Vantage, get it?) One standout feature is the portside lounge, which folds into a variety of positions so passengers can ride facing fore and aft, partially or fully reclined — or even use it as a leaning post for fishing. There’s also a head compartment, which is a nice convenience. Anglers will like the livewell, rod holders and raw-water washdown, while wakeboarders will appreciate the sports tower and tow arch options. Upgrades include premium audio and a summer kitchen with refrigerator and grill (the latter only on the 270). Propulsion comes courtesy of Mercury Verado four-stroke outboards (single on the 230; dual on the 270). www.bostonwhaler.com.
Carver: The C34 is the first in a new series of yachts from this longtime, Wisconsin-based builder. “We’re very excited with this venture and see this new product line being exactly what the market is now demanding,” said Carver Yachts President Robert VanGrunsven. So, what is it that people want right now? “Great design, comfort and space, and most importantly tremendous value,” explained VanGrunsven. Though details were scarce at press time, we know the C34 to be a 36-foot cruiser with a low profile bridge and sleek lines. Inside, there’s a full galley, sleeping for six and ample entertainment areas. Power is provided by twin inboard engines, gas or diesel, coupled to V-drives. A lower helm makes an attractive option for long-rangers. www.carveryachts.com.
Note: You can see images of all the boats in this article by visiting: http://www.heartlandboating.com/Photo-Galleries/index.php/gallery/783/.
Cobalt: The new Cobalt 336 is by definition a bowrider, but how many of these “day boats” do you know with a mid-cabin and sofa that converts to a double berth, plus available air-conditioning/heat and a 27-inch LCD HD TV with Blu-Ray player? Probably not too many. Opposite the cabin is a head compartment with sink and pullout shower sprayer. The cockpit can even be equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Throughout the 336 are all the appointments that define a Cobalt: double-stitched upholstery details, stainless-steel accents, handsome come-hither helm. The 33-footer takes a selection of twin sterndrive engine packages up to 860 horsepower total, and offers optional joystick control for fingertip maneuvering at slow speeds.
Cobalt also has the 24 SD Sport Deck and the R5, a mid-sized runabout with an assertive yet refined style. www.cobaltboats.com.
Crownline: The new 255 SS is another big bowrider (nearly 26 feet) that takes advantage of its size to accommodate a crowd of thrill-seekers. There are tri-color, wraparound benches in the bow and the cockpit, behind twin bucket seats, and two rear-facing rumble seats for relaxing at the water’s edge. A pump-out head in the port console means less stops on shore; a carry-on cooler offers refreshments all around. The 255 SS was clearly created with water sports in mind, with soft-touch matting on the swim platform, a pop-up ski pylon and athletic options including Perfect Pass speed control, a black aluminum tower and pivoting wakeboard racks.
Crownline has a second new boat for 2013, the 264 CR, a 26-foot cuddy cabin model with hardwood floors in the cabin and an enclosed head compartment with shower. www.crownline.com.
Cruisers: Capitalizing on the success of its 41 and 48 Cantius models, Cruisers has introduced the new 45 Cantius for 2013. Like its sister ships, this luxury cruiser is exceptionally open and inviting. The enclosed upper deck, which houses the helm, galley and salon, is surrounded by windows and has a retractable sunroof to really let the outside in. The yacht also offers boaters the ability to relax in an aft cockpit with extendable sunshade, or below deck in a multi-purpose cinema entertaining area. The 45 Cantius can sleep up to three couples in a master stateroom and convertible second and third staterooms. A true highlight is the helm station, part sports car and part private jet, which allows easy monitoring and control of the Volvo Penta diesels with joystick-controlled IPS drives. www.cruisersyachts.com.
Eco-Trawler: It’s a big leap from boat broker to boat builder, but that’s what Trawlers Midwest accomplished in launching its new Eco-Trawler, a 33-foot aluminum trawler. The boat is slender for its length (8 feet) and remarkably light (5,600 pounds), which allows it to run efficiently with smaller engines and knife through waves. The welded aluminum construction also makes it very durable and allows for easy design changes to the cabin and interior layout. The first Eco-Trawler, which will launch this spring, will be powered by a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard and will include full electronics, air-conditioning, an enclosed standup head, TV, galley, deluxe captain chairs and thick custom-made mattresses. www.trawlersmidwest.com.
Hurricane: Fitting right into Hurricane’s feature-filled SunDeck series, the new 2200 Dual Console comes with a lot of great equipment and has enough options for boaters to make it their own. Key features include a transom sun pad, telescoping ski tow bar, twin bucket seats with flip-up bolsters, and an enclosed head in the port console. Striking hull colors carry into the upholstery accents and coordinated canvas. Choose the Preferred Package to get handy upgrades like a stern freshwater washdown and dual battery switch. The 23-footer is available in outboard or sterndrive versions, allowing owners to pick their power based on how and where they boat.
The Hurricane SunDeck Sport 203 OB is another new model with a cockpit refreshment center, Sony stereo and optional Fishing Package that adds a bow fishing pedestal seat, rod storage clips and trolling motor harness. www.hurricaneboats.com.
Mako: This brand’s 16-, 17- and 18-foot inshore models have earned a reputation as tough and versatile fishing boats, and now that same engineering and reliability are available in the 21 LTS. With a 21-foot length and a wide, 100-inch beam, this low-profile vessel looks to be stable at rest and under way. There’s plenty of room on the bow casting deck for coils of fly line, and the design includes a compact helm station to allow 360-degree fishability. Vertical rod holders on the center console make it easy to keep rigged rods ready to grab and cast. Lockable dry storage and rod storage will keep your gear safe; insulated coolers will keep the catch fresh. The hull and transom design allow the boat to operate with short-shaft outboards up to 225 horsepower. www.mako-boats.com.
Note: You can see images of all the boats in this article by visiting: http://www.heartlandboating.com/Photo-Galleries/index.php/gallery/783/.
Polar Kraft: Fish-and-ski models are the sport utility vehicles of the water, and great platforms for family fun. The Polar Kraft Kodiak Sport 170 FS has a deep-V hull for a soft ride and smooth handling, plus the durability and low maintenance that comes from an aluminum hull. Fishing features take center stage, with a bow-mounted trolling motor and footswitch, baitwell, livewell, forward pedestal seat and locking rod/ski storage. The whole family will love the forward lounge (created using optional filler cushions), swim deck and available stainless-steel ski tow bar. Take it camping with the available full enclosure with canopy and side and aft curtains. A single outboard motor up to 150 horsepower propels the craft. www.polarkraftboats.com.
Ranger: Measuring more than 18 feet, the 1850LS is rated for 175 horsepower and available with a host of outboards. The deep-V hull grants significant storage in the deck and cockpit, highlighted by the drop-in rod storage system, which converts the center floor locker into a dedicated rod box capable of housing rods in excess of 7 feet. An insulated cooler and baitwell are forward of the windshield, where a folding extension can turn the bench seating into a deck designed for serious fishing. Aft, the rear deck was likewise designed with excellent fishing room. Other nice features include a Sirius-ready Sony stereo, removable cockpit carpet, built-in ski tow, boarding ladder and space for a kicker motor at the stern. www.rangerboats.com.
Rinker: Featuring the “wow” factor of a hardcore wakeboard boat but with a more versatile hull and sterndrive power (rather than inboard), the new Captiva 220 MTX Extreme is sure to bring a fresh attitude to your boating. The 22-footer offers five exciting color schemes, quilted Silvertex upholstery accents, a deluxe stereo system and a standard tower with speakers. But the water-sports pedigree doesn’t end there. A two-tier swim platform aft of the sun pad practically beckons fun on the edge. Add optional equipment like LED swim lights, a transom stereo remote and custom cover to really take this boat to the next level.
Rinker also has a new Captiva 186 Fish & Ski (available in outboard and sterndrive versions) and a new Captiva 236 BR (sterndrive only) for 2013, both of which promise sporty good looks and plenty of family fun. www.rinkerboats.com.
SeaArk: Sometimes, you just need a vessel that can get the job done. The flat-bottomed Mud Runner 170 is built out of .125 gauge aluminum, with a combination of transverse and longitudinal ribs for added strength. It also has a large hunt step that allows room for flotation but also works great as a stepping platform when getting in and out of the boat. The 17-footer comes standard with a tread-plate floor, split rear seats with storage, inside drain plug access and a high bow deck with storage. Popular options include a gun box, bilge pump, navigation lights and choice of five camouflage patterns.
The buzz around the 170 has been so pronounced that SeaArk is working on an 18-foot model to add to its 2013 lineup, with all the same bells and whistles, plus more interior room. www.seaark.com.
Sea Ray: The new 370 Venture has already garnered awards for its innovative architecture, built around twin four-stroke Mercury Verado outboards cleverly hidden under sun pads. This gives the sport cruiser a quieter ride, better shoal-water ability and diminished corrosion concerns because the motors can be trimmed out of the water. The smaller engines also allow for more stowage and larger accommodations than comparable sterndrive-powered boats. There’s room enough in the cockpit for multiple lounge areas and an outdoor galley with sink and faucet, refrigerator, induction stove, storage and available electric barbecue grill. The cabin includes a second galley, head with pullout shower sprayer, forward dinette/V-berth and full-beam mid-master stateroom with sofa — a remarkable feature in a boat this size.
Sea Ray has also introduced the 350 Sundancer and 510 Sundancer for 2013, and has announced the new 240 Sundeck and 21 Jet for release later in the year. www.searay.com.
Tiara: The third in its new Coronet line, Tiara’s 3900 Coronet is built in Holland, Mich., but reminiscent of a Downeast-style express. Standard are a composite hardtop with side enclosures and skylight with opening hatch. A stainless-steel destroyer tilt wheel controls twin Cummins inboard diesels up to 1,100 horsepower total. Opposite, an alfresco dinette lets the captain remain in the social mix while the boat is under way. The large cockpit invites fishing as well as entertaining, especially when enhanced with the optional Cruising Package or Tournament Fishing Package. Below deck, the 3900 Coronet offers a comfortable retreat, featuring an L-lounge/dinette with ottoman (convertible to double lower berth and single Pullman upper berth), forward master stateroom, galley and fiberglass head with shower. Optional hull and boot-stripe colors provide custom style and personalization. www.tiarayachts.com.
Yamaha: New from Yamaha is the 192 Series, consisting of the SX192 and the tower-equipped AR192, the first Yamaha boats to come with a supercharged 1.8L engine. From the stylized upholstery, comfortable J-shaped seating rarely seen in a 19-foot boat (AR192; the SX 192 features U-shaped seating with two bucket seats), reclined rear seat backs and snap-in marine carpet to advanced helm features that include Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode, these are no barebones 19-footers. Both boats feature Yamaha’s award-winning stern lounge area and swim platform. Made possible by the compact drive train and engine that sit low in the hull, the stern begins with a convenient walk-through transom and has integrated cup holders, wet storage, inset matting, upholstered backrests, a ski tow eye and swim ladder. www.yamahaboats.com.
Zodiac: Rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) as primary vessels are popular in Europe, and catching on in the US. And it makes sense. Combining comfort, looks and ease of use, these boats, like the new N-ZO 700 Cabin, allow owners to experience a variety of activities (skiing, diving and exploration) in one dynamic package. The step-down cabin can seat five or sleep two and includes a head cubicle. The forward sun deck provides a luxurious lounging surface, while the U-shaped aft cockpit provides relaxed outings thanks to its numerous seats, collapsible table and convertible sun pad. The new Silvertex upholstery provides exceptional comfort and is easy to clean and maintain. A kitchenette with sink, refrigerator and stovetop (optional) provides owners with all the independence they need for longer cruises.
The new N-ZO 760 and a totally reworked Medline Series (500, 540 and 580) round out the 2013 introductions for Zodiac. www.zodiacmarineusa.com.
Note: You can see images of all the boats in this article by visiting: http://www.heartlandboating.com/Photo-Galleries/index.php/gallery/783/.
