AB Inflatables: Based on its roomy and open Navigo 12 VS tender, AB has added molded-in seating for five to create the new 12 VSX. The 12-foot rigid inflatable boat (RIB) features a quality Orca CSM tube, LED navigation lights, bilge pump, stainless-steel steering wheel and grab handle, concealed stowage in the bow locker, a center console and a flip-open rear seat. Four stainless-steel davit lifting points complete the package. In tests performed by the manufacturer, the boat planed with five adults on board and hit 23 mph at wide-open throttle with a Yamaha F30 four-stroke outboard. www.abinflatablesusa.com
Aqua Patio: The popular Aqua Patio 250 WB (wet bar) layout has been expanded for 2014 with the addition of a smaller wet bar model on the brand’s 220 platform. The new Aqua Patio 220 WB has a bar base with molded-in footrest and solid-surface bar top with stainless-steel ring cup holders. The eat-drink-and-be-merry aesthetic continues with plenty of cooler storage and a grill mount in the aft port corner — complete with a standard removable propane grill. A sink with hand-pump faucet is also included, while a water-sports arch is an attractive option. Additional improvements for the Aqua Patio line include a new Nutmeg vinyl deck option and new metallic rail skin color options. www.aquapatioboats.com
Baja: The 26 Outlaw Outboard is the first Baja ever to be powered by outboards. With twin Mercury Verado 300s, the builder reports a top speed of 70 mph, and the boat is also available with twin Mercury 225s or 200s. In converting the 26 Outlaw to an outboard configuration, Baja’s design team turned the boat’s former sterndrive engine compartment into a high-volume storage space with a wakeboard rack and locker for safety equipment. The 26 Outlaw Outboard also features a comfortable forward cabin. The boat’s optional X2 package includes custom hull colors and graphics, a color-matched sun pad and carbon fiber dash, powder-coated rails, Plexiglas windshield venturi, and LED lighting and underwater lights. www.bajamarine.com
Boston Whaler: Along with new 210 and 270 Dauntless models, this venerable builder has introduced a new 240 Dauntless this year. All three boats are purpose-built to be versatile, with generous storage and convertible areas to make them adept at cruising, water sports and fishing alike. On the 240, there’s a reversible pilot’s seat, hideaway aft bench, and foldout backrests and an optional filler cushion in the bow. Wakeboarders and skiers will appreciate the available All-Activity Tower; anglers the standard livewell and aft casting deck, as well as a slew of options like pedestal fishing seats and a trolling motor panel. In addition, Whaler builds all of its boats to be unsinkable, which is a nice safety feature. www.bostonwhaler.com
Chaparral: The 307 SSX is the latest addition to Chaparral’s top-of-the-line SSX sport boat series, which has included new 25-, 27- and 32-foot offerings over the past three years. The 307 SSX bridges the size gap with its 30-foot, 6-inch length and 9-foot, 6-inch beam. It offers the exceptional performance of the brand’s Extended V-Plane hull, along with a fully enclosed head compartment, doublewide companion seat and Chaparral’s all-new, hand-stitched, vinyl-wrapped dash design. At home on lakes, rivers or even offshore, the 307 SSX is available with either twin or single sterndrive power options. www.chaparralboats.com
Chris-Craft: Built with a clean “vertical bow” profile complete with stainless-steel scuff plate, the Capri 21 harkens back to the classic Chris-Craft models of the 1930s. There’s even a sloped tumblehome aft and old-is-new-again seats with diamond-stitched upholstery. The helm of the boat is positioned far forward, leaving more room for forward seating and a full cockpit bench, plus a stretched, full-width sun pad. Handsome accents include wood decking and stainless-steel hardware and rails throughout. This year’s Chris-Craft models are also available in new graphite metallic paint colors. Va va voom! www.chriscraft.com
Cobalt: Last year, this premium boat builder introduced its R series of assertive-yet-refined bowriders with the R5. The R3 and R7 join the lineup this year, with the former stretching 23 feet, 10 inches by 8 feet, 6 inches. The R3 has a sleek, low profile, with an integrated swim platform and sun pad with adjustable backrest and rumble seat design. The boat has a lot of seating for its size, with a doublewide companion seat, L-shaped cockpit lounge and starboard jump seat. But what really sets this and other Cobalts apart are the appointments: aluminum dash panel, stainless-steel switches, leather-wrapped wheel, Rockford Fosgate stereo with Bluetooth, ergonomically positioned footrest…and that’s just the helm. www.cobaltboats.com
Four Winns: The Horizon 290 is another big, luxurious bowrider (also see Chaparral and Sea Ray) that promises all-day comfort and fun. The bow contains plenty of stretching-out space with chaise lounge-style seating with adjustable headrests and integrated arm rests. A motorized captain’s seat, optional galley and L-shaped seating highlight the cockpit, while a few steps below is a changing room and single berth with wood finishes and a large hull window. The aft area is where your family will hang and play. Featuring a one-touch automatic sun lounge, along with low-profile swim platform, every day on the water will be full of comfort. Power options are available in single and twin sterndrives. www.fourwinns.com
Glastron: This all-American brand announced a new line of water-jet-powered boats for 2014, including the new GT187 and GT207. The first out of the gate, the GT187 takes its cues from the retro styled GT160, with features like a roadster-inspired windshield and sleek, low profile. There’s a full-width transom bench in addition to a pair of transom lounge seats overlooking the swim platform. The boat is propelled by a Rotax power plant (the same as used by Sea-Doo until it vacated the jet boat market last year), so you know you’re getting a proven, performance-ready design. www.glastron.com
Grand Banks: The all-new 50 Eastbay SX is a cruiser’s boat, from the big deckhouse with automatically retracting side windows, to the available flybridge option, to the flexible layout with two or three staterooms. You can even get the galley “up” on the main deck or “half-down” in a mezzanine off the salon. Wide side decks encircle the yacht, with a starboard side door providing easy access when docking. The cockpit is huge, with an optional passarelle and aft docking station, plus a sunshade that extends at the push of a button. Power is provided by Volvo Penta IPS drives with joystick control, and the Dynamic Positioning System holds the boat’s heading and keeps it within a very limited area when activated. www.grandbanks.com
Hinckley: The T43 will be the third new Hinckley powerboat in as many years, and several features distinguish the design. First, the boat has a rear glass pilothouse enclosure that can be retracted at the push of a button, satisfying those owners who like the openness of an express boat but want protection in case of inclement weather. Second, while Hinckley offers the T43 with Hamilton water-jet propulsion as standard, the Volvo IPS 600 pod drive system is an option for the boat. The cockpit features sociable seating and a hospitality bar with refrigerator and sink. The boat’s galley is to port on a mezzanine level for easy access. Below decks is a forward queen master stateroom, a double guest cabin and a head with stall shower. www.hinckleyyachts.com
Moomba: This 20-foot, 6-inch water-sports boat isn’t large in stature, but it’s designed to offer big performance and comfort. The wakes behind the Moomba Mondo benefit from 1,300 pounds of ballast, perfect for surfing a curl or launching off both sides. The builder says that the rough-water ride and handling of the Mondo dwarf all other 20-footers. The little-big-man vibe continues on the inside, with room for 13 people and convenient storage for all of their stuff. Small enough to garage, trailer and handle with ease, the Mondo is huge when you want it to be and petite when you don’t. www.moomba.com
Polar Kraft: Adding to its top-selling Classic series, Polar Kraft has introduced the 156 T for fishing families who prefer a tiller-operated motor in a boat that’s incredibly easy to handle and trailer. With the series receiving an all-new graphics and logo update for 2014, the 156 T is a sharp-looking fishing machine from the water. The boat features lockable rod storage, an aerated livewell, standard Lowrance X-4 Fish Finder and a MinnKota 45 Edge bow-mounted trolling motor. The tough Torque Control Design double-riveted, reverse-chine hull features extruded aluminum keels and spray rails, closed-cell foam flotation and a strong longitudinal stringer system. www.polarkraftboats.com
Regal: The new 32 Express is a social animal on the outside, with a lot of comfort inside for a serious sense of luxury on extended stays. The single level cockpit sole keeps everyone on the same plane and in view of the beautiful horizon, and the seating here slides away at the push of a button to form a sun pad or rear-facing lounge. Down below, the 32 Express is the only boat in its class to feature a king-size bed amidships. Forward is a double berth for another couple or the kids. There’s also a big, L-shaped lounge with removable dinette table across from the full galley. Large windows in the salon, galley and on both sides of the mid-berth flood the interior with natural light. www.regalboats.com
Sanpan: This year, Sanpan offers a new deck layout utilizing three wide and comfortable reclining seats. Available in both the 2200 and 2500 platforms, the SLR package features extra-wide reclining lounges, one directly opposite the helm and two more rear-facing seats, all covered in soft-touch, pleated vinyl. Full seat adjustments allow guests to find their perfect comfort angle, and compartments directly behind the seat and in the armrest provide ample storage. Also new for Sanpan in 2014 is a beautiful stay-cool vinyl decking, stylish matte-finish wood grain accents, standard Bluetooth-enabled Sony stereo systems, and a new optional aft refreshment center with sink and pressurized water system. www.sanpanboats.com
Scarab: The new Scarab 195 combines the performance heritage of the Scarab brand with the edginess of a jet boat. With three models to choose from in the 19-foot size, the builder has created a series of boats that will appeal to a broad audience: The standard model is a runabout with rich interior appointments to attract the new jet buyer. The Scarab HO provides a higher horsepower engine from the standard model and delivers on the well-known Scarab performance heritage. And, for the real Scarab enthusiast, the Impulse model incorporates exciting graphics and exclusive design elements to turns heads anywhere you go. Proven Rotax power provides dependable performance, with horsepower ratings from 150 to 250. www.facebook.com/ScarabBoats
Sea Ray: With seating for 18 and a starboard side compartment with optional TV and berth, the 350 SLX makes you think twice about the meaning of “day boat.” The transom area is equipped with an aft-facing lounge, along with coolers, stereo speakers, storage and a swim platform with swim step. All you need for the ultimate waterside hangout. The cockpit comes with an entertainment center with sink and grill. And if that’s not enough, the 350 SLX also boasts the brand’s proprietary Quiet Ride technology to decrease noise, vibration and harshness by roughly 50 percent, as well as its Dynamic Running Surface for auto-maintained optimal running attitude and wake manipulation. www.searay.com
Sea-Doo: The all-new Spark is a entry-level boater’s dream — affordable, small and cutting-edge at the same time. It comes in two sizes: 2up (two persons) and 3up (three persons). Take your pick, and then choose from Vanilla, Orange Crush, Bubble Gum, Pineapple or Licorice colorations to personalize your ride. Next, select a 900 ACE engine (40 mph top speed) or a 900 HO ACE (50 mph). Add the Convenience Package, which includes a front storage bin kit and swim step, or get the Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR) system. Top it off with one of 20 Attitude graphics kits. It’s more fun than building a tricked-out video game racecar! www.sea-doo.com
Stratos: The new 186 VLO is based on a proven hull design and features an expansive front casting deck with a Minn Kota trolling motor and recessed foot pedal. The large front deck is highlighted by loads of lockable storage on the port and starboard sides, plus a center rod locker. At the helm, the console has space for flush-mounting electronics with screens as large as 7 inches and is offset from the gunnels to allow space for longer rods resting on the front deck. The 186 VLO also comes standard with a Lowrance X4 at the console, onboard battery charger and oversized, aerated livewell. It can be equipped with a multitude of precision-matched outboards up to 115 horsepower. www.stratosboats.com
Walker Bay: The 10-foot, 9-inch Supertender 325 was specifically designed for the tender customer using Walker Bay’s RTM molded construction, making it especially strong and light. The extra-deep-vee running bottom provides a smooth ride in rough water, while the hull shape and the large, 17-inch-diameter tubes deflect water down for a dryer ride. The 325 has a wide bow and is available with a locker that fits a 6.6-gallon gas tank. Towing D-rings are included, and additional reinforcement areas in the hull and deck allow many different davit lifting point options. Three versions are available: Standard, Deluxe and Console versions. www.walkerbay.com
Yamaha: A new Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) engine increases cooling efficiency, supercharger air intake, supercharger boost and fuel flow by significant amounts. As a result, the new-and-improved FX Cruiser SVHO and FX SVHO represent the most powerful Yamaha WaveRunners in history. These watercraft are also the brand’s most luxurious, with amenities including adjustable tilt steering, cruise assist and No Wake Mode, slip-resistant Hydro-Turf matting, a re-boarding step, pull-up cleats, compass and dual cup holders in the glove box. The Cruiser model even comes with a special seat that has added bolster support for the second rider and stacked “theater” seating, so everyone has a view of the water ahead. www.yamahawaverunners.com
