best yachts of 2023

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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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From Epic Sailing Vessels to Rugged Explorers: The 10 Best Superyachts That Will Launch This Year

Beyond size, this year's launches are unusually diverse, including motoryachts, sailing vessels, explorers and even a giant sportsfisherman., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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With a combined length of 2,929 feet, the world’s top 10 superyachts scheduled for delivery this year are moving away from the idea that yachting is about whose boat is bigger. The trend is now more about mission than size. This year’s launches will be wide ranging, from motoryachts to sailing vessels, explorers and even a giant sportfish.

The list includes offerings from German shipyard Lürssen , which has two 400-foot-plus yachts ready to splash this year, with noteworthy deliveries from other shipyards in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands showcasing different definitions of design, power and performance.

Here are the yachts we can’t wait to see.

‘Koru’ (564 feet) Oceanco

Jeff Bezos’ first yacht, Koru , was spotted last week on sea trials. The Amazon founder chose to make a bold design statement by commissioning the world’s largest sailing yacht, not to mention the longest pleasure vessel, motor or sail, ever from The Netherlands. Built by Oceanco, the titanic sailing machine is an incredible 3300 GT, powered by kinetic energy generated by the sails. Besides its massive length, its classic canoe stern, a double-deck wooden coach house and navy hull with a red stripe differentiate Koru from any other vessel on the water. The project remains hush-hush. Even the designers remain a secret.

‘Liva’ (387 feet, 1 inch) Abeking & Rasmussen

Launched late last year and scheduled to be delivered in early 2023, Liva is the largest yacht built by Abeking to date, overtaking the German shipyard’s previous flagship Aviva by 65 feet. The French studio Joseph Dirand Architecture was commissioned to pen both the exterior and interior, which is reported to include a semi-submerged underwater observation room on the lower deck, a supersized pool, helipad, spa with sauna and beauty salon, and a lower-deck beach club.

‘Alchemy’ (216 feet, 5 inches) Rossinavi

Commissioned by a private American client, the 216-foot multi-deck motoryacht Alchemy is one of three yachts to be launched by Italian shipyard Rossinavi in 2023. Exterior design is by Philippe Briand, with interior styling by Enrico Gobbi’s Team for Design. Little information has yet to be revealed, though it’s visible from images that the custom yacht features an axe bow, drop-down side terraces at the stern and large floor-to-ceiling windows that afford views from all levels.

Project Jag (400 feet) Lürssen

The 400-foot displacement motoryacht known only as “Project Jag” is reported to be the owner’s third Lürssen. His most recent is Kismet . It is set for delivery in late 2023. Capable of sleeping 20 guests and 40 crew, the gigayacht is equipped with a helipad, spa, swimming pool, two cinemas, gym and storage for a sub. Italian design firm Nuvolari Lenard designed the steel yacht’s exterior, while UK studio Reymond Langton has crafted what is rumored to be a “bespoke homage to the owner’s lifestyle”—whatever that means.

Project Luminance (426 feet, 5 inches) Lürssen

Project Luminance is a 426.5-foot motor yacht that Lürssen claims will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced boats in the world. It’s also the largest yacht due to deliver in 2023. Construction began in 2018, yet few details have been revealed. What we do know is that the seventh-largest project to ever come out of the German shipyard to date features state-of-the-art propulsion systems, advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as next-generation entertainment.

‘T52’ (170 feet) Baglietto

The first model in Baglietto’s T52 line, which splashed in February 2023, features sleek lines and aerodynamic grills penned by Francesco Paszkowski Design. Power comes from a diesel-electric-hybrid propulsion system. The yacht celebrates outdoor space, including a large multi-level beach club at the stern with a fold-down transom, oversized sunbeds and a swimming pool with a floor that rises flush with the deck. Sliding windows on the upper deck convert space into an open-air sky lounge and a 78-foot sundeck with a glass-encased hot tub.

Project 406 (170 feet, 6 inches) Royal Huisman

The Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman made its name building some of the world’s largest sailing yachts, including 296-foot Athena , but now it’s hitting the record books again with the impending launch of Project 406 , the world’s largest sportsfisherman. Naval architecture, exterior and interior are by Dutch studio Vripack. The firm gave the six-decked aluminum yacht a towering profile promising spectacular front-row views of the big game fishing action. The team balanced its height by a long bow, high bulwarks and uncluttered fishing cockpit.

‘Black Shark’ (252 feet, 6 inches) Nobiskrug

Black Shark first began construction in 2019, but all work ceased when Nobiskrug later filed for insolvency. In March 2022, following the German shipyard’s acquisition by entrepreneur Lars Windhorst, work on Black Shark recommenced, with delivery set for 2023. The 252-foot boat, designed by Winch Design, gets its name from its predatory profile and mast shaped like a dorsal fin. A reverse bow, black matte hull and metallic silver superstructure will also help to enhance the marine connection.

‘Ultra G’ (196 feet, 8 inches) Heesen

Heesen is renowned for building fast boats, so it’s no surprise that Ultra G , equipped with a propulsion package totaling 22,000 horsepower, with four water jets and a top speed of 37 knots. The Dutch yard hailed this as its most powerful project to date. The motoryacht was commissioned by an avid sportfisherman, with a fighting chair and storage for 40 rods. Entertainment was also a big mandate for the design, stretching from Samsung’s “The Wall” screen, an infinity pool, and a dedicated self-cleaning “dog park” for furry guests.

‘Maverick’ (145 feet, 3 inches) Cantiere delle Marche

Maverick is the first Flexplorer 142 to soon be delivered by Cantiere delle Marche (CdM), bought by a young German who is a keen sailor and serial owner of both sailing boats and motoryachts. The owner’s itinerary will see him cruising the Mediterranean, before heading to the Northern latitudes to cross the Northwest Passage and put Hydro Tec’s bold exterior design and running surface to the test. Key features include a custom-built A-frame crane that sits flush on the deck when not in use, collapsible bulwarks that fold-down to reveal a 1,450-square-foot beach club, and an infinity pool at the transom.

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2023 Motor Boat Awards winners: Best motorboats of the year revealed

• Top stories

It has taken months of testing, weeks of analysing and days of deliberating amongst our judges but the 2023 Motor Boat Awards winners can now be revealed....

As always, we have chosen a winner in each of our ten categories based on how well the boat performed during our rigorous sea trials but also how well it meets the requirements of its target market in relation to its size, style and price.

In some categories, we have also awarded a Highly Commended, not because it’s the nearest runner-up but because the judges feel it has some exceptional talent or innovation that is worthy of recognition.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank Sleipner for once again partnering with us as the headline sponsor of the 2023 Motor Boat Awards and our category sponsors Garmin and The Moorings .

2023 Motor Boat Awards winners revealed

Customer service award.

Sponsored by Garmin

Approved Boats, Boats.co.uk, Gibbs Quay Boat Sales, Haven Knox-Johnston

Winner – Gibbs Quay Boat Sales

This is the only award that is open to nominations from members of the public. However, the judges base their decision not just on the number of nominations each company gets (as this would always favour bigger companies with more customers) but also on the quality of service provided to these customers.

This year, we had more nominations than ever before, with several previous winners making it through to our shortlist of finalists, proving that good customer service isn’t just a passing phase but permanently ingrained in the culture of the best companies.

This year’s winner also enjoys a long track record of looking after its customers and particularly of helping new buyers take their first tentative steps into boating – a daunting prospect for many. This is what a few of their recent customers had to say about them:

“The after-sales experience has totally matched the pre-sales experience, dealing with minor niggles and providing us with unlimited technical advice.” “They made us feel welcome from day one and had the patience of a saint as we chose our new boat. They are a credit to the marine industry.” “Excellent after-sales service, prompt and professional boat service and good advice given at all times.”

Sportsboats up to 30ft

Aquaspirit 585 ,  Iron Boats 827 ,  Quarken 27 T-Top ,  Ryck 280 ,  X Shore Eelex 8000

Winner – Quarken 27 T-Top

Quarken’s 27 T-Top is an object lesson in practical dayboat design. Proudly built in Finland, it uses a single Yamaha F300 outboard motor for a 43-knot top end and cruising efficiency only a shade over 1.5 litres per nautical mile.

It’s fun to drive, with a novice-friendly hull and an effective helm position with direct access to a ‘skipper’s cleat’ for single-handed work. And it looks cool too, with its sleek stepped hull, flared bow and contrasting tinted panels.

There’s also masses of storage on board and all of it is useable, thanks to sensible proportions, proper linings, dual access points and quick-lift one-handed cushions. But it’s the ease of movement that really hits home.

Even if you reverse the helm seats to integrate with the diners at the aft bench, you can still pass them freely on the starboard side. And when you reach the bow, whether the forward seats are rigged for dining or sunbathing, the step-through forepeak with offset anchor means you can still disembark without obstruction.

There’s no wet bar and the heads is an open-plan affair but if you want a proper open dayboat with a serviceable cuddy at a sensible price, this is a superb debut from Quarken.

Highly commended – Iron Boats 827

Fast, agile and well-priced, with a brilliant Mannerfelt hull and a cool military aesthetic, the Iron Boats 827 is one of the most entertaining boats you will ever drive.

Weekenders over 30ft

Aquila 32 ,  Duchy Sport ,  De Antonio D36 ,  Galeon 325 GTO ,  Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 ,  Rand Escape 30

Winner – De Antonio D36

De Antonio has become well-known for its unique take on the outboard-powered weekender and its new D36 is a fine exponent of that approach. It uses a raised sunbed to cover its motors, with a clever transverse tender slot and a full inboard-style swim platform.

It counteracts that extra aft weight with a pair of hull extensions for extra buoyancy – and when you get the boat under way, that translates into the kind of flat-running 50-knot performance that thoroughly validates De Antonio’s way of doing things.

Further forward, there’s a central dining zone opposite a big transverse galley, with a pull-out cushion-topped coolbox that turns it into a dining station for ten. The bow adds another generous sunpad and yet, when you step down below, the calibre of the cabins is way beyond expectations for an open weekender.

There’s a central lounge, a starboard bathroom, a forward double berth with push-button convertibility and a huge full-beam mid-cabin that can be converted from a saloon to a second double in a matter of seconds.

With masses of user-friendly day space, versatile four-berth accommodation and whippet-like performance, this is a truly brilliant family weekender.

Highly commended – Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5

The imposing new 12.5 features a deepset cockpit, an expandable port terrace, twin or triple outboards for 45 knots and convertible sleeping for up to five.

Adventure Boats

Axopar 45 Cross Cabin ,  Viggo C8 ,  Wellcraft 355 ,  XO DFNDR 9

Winner – XO DFNDR 9

Very few boats under 30ft offer anything like as much all-round ability as the XO DFNDR 9. Slender and soft-riding, with raised hull sides and a lofty but deepset pilothouse, there is virtually no cruising ground where its practical but innovative walkaround layout wouldn’t excel.

You can slide it onto the beach for a party. You can spend the night in the comfy forward cabin. You can open up the aft end of the pilothouse and enjoy a relaxed sunbathe or a six-man lunch – and you can achieve precisely that same feat up in the bow.

Back in the pilothouse, the helm is superb, there’s ample standing headroom and visibility is also first class. But if you slide those vast glass side panels aft, you can also enjoy the DFNDR 9 in much the same way as an authentic open boat.

Having taken it across the Baltic, we can vouch for its performance too. With twin 225s on the transom, it’s fast, frugal and beautifully balanced.

The fact that it’s built like a tank and looks like a film star is just the crowning glory for an all-action adventure boat that proves just how much can be achieved when intelligent design, quality build and rigorous development come together.

Highly commended – Axopar 45 Cross Cabin

With its stepped hull, sliding wet bar, vast sunroofs, two-part side doors and fold-down bulwarks, this is a fast, versatile adventure boat.

Sportscruisers up to 45ft

Bavaria SR36 ,  Dale Classic 37 ,  Jeanneau DB43 ,  Marex 330 Scandinavia

Winner – Marex 330 Scandinavia

The Marex 330 is full of ideas that directly upgrade your life on the water. There’s a fold-down bench at the aft swim platform and hidden fender slots beneath the side decks. There are aft and side doors, plus a mix of sunroofs and sunshades, so you can tweak the conditions to your needs.

In fact, with an aft curtain that wraps around the cockpit, you could easily use this boat as a four-season cruising machine. But it doesn’t stop there. The cockpit is deep and sociable for large dayboating parties and the saloon dinette uses a pop-out stool and reversing co-pilot bench to make best use of the space.

But the fore and aft dining zones also convert into double berths. And that means you can add another two beds to the forward double and the low-slung mid-cabin and sleep up to eight at a time.

Under way, the 330 makes a mockery of its restrained looks with plenty of poke, outstanding poise and pinpoint handling. You can spec it with single or twin V-drives or sterndrives.

And a beautiful helm position with multiple adjustment points, a wide overhead sunroof, a skipper’s side door and the option of joystick control makes single-handed helming an absolute breeze.

Highly commended – Dale Classic 37

Designed by celebrated Dale stalwart, Arthur Mursell, the new four-berth Classic 37 is built like a tank, styled like a work of art and equipped with a delightfully soft-riding semi-displacement hull.

Sportscruisers over 45ft

Fairline Phantom 65 ,  Pardo 60 Endurance ,  Riva 68 Diable ,  Sunseeker Predator 65

Winner – Fairline Phantom 65

This may be Fairline’s first attempt at a sportsfly design but you’d never guess it from the way it looks, performs and feels. With those sleek, flowing lines, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and sportiness, yet somehow still manages to pack in up to four cabins below deck and masses of sociable living space inside and out.

Even the flybridge itself, while compact by Squadron standards, has plenty of secure seating, sunpads and a proper wet bar, as well as a comprehensive outside helm station.

However, all of this would count for little if the driving experience failed to live up to Fairline’s usual high standards. Thankfully, it’s even better than we had anticipated, delivering effortless acceleration up to a top speed of 38 knots, responsive handling and the kind of refined, long-legged cruising that feels perfectly in keeping with that other legendary Phantom built by Rolls-Royce motor cars.

Last but by no means least, those impressive dynamic characteristics are backed up by sound practical thinking, a beautifully finished interior and reassuringly solid build quality.

As we said in our original test, the Phantom 65 really does feel like it offers the best of both worlds with the looks and driving characteristics of a traditional sportscruiser but also the comfort and practicality of a flybridge.

Flybridges up to 60ft

Absolute 56 ,  Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 ,  Galeon 500 Fly ,  Leopard 46 Powercat ,  Prestige M48

Winner – Galeon 500 Fly

The Galeon 500 Fly is a supremely innovative boat. Up at the helm, push-button windows aid ventilation and a rotating seat integrates the driver with the starboard bench and the rest of the upper saloon guests.

There’s a pleasantly sociable helm on the flybridge too, with forward sunbeds and a wraparound lounge, plus a port wet bar and a huge dining space aft.

And back down on the bow, a big triangular dining area with comfy backrests provides all kinds of convertibility, including incline control for the sunlounger and sliding forward benches for a larger party.

Down below, there’s masses of natural light from oversized windows and skylights. But it’s the aft part of the main deck that really stands out. The port balcony folds down so you can perch on a stool and take advantage of the galley’s inside-outside bar.

On the other side, the saloon opens up, enabling the settee to reverse and face out over its own terrace. And in the aft cockpit, a spinning carousel enables you to face in whichever direction you choose.

In short, with its combination of rotating seats, twin terraces and inside-outside zones, the 500 Fly is more rewarding than any other boat in its sector.

Highly commended – Prestige M48

In addition to three double cabins, each with its own bathroom and staircase, the Prestige M48 provides a stupendous amount of day space and a drive as novice-friendly as any you will see.

Flybridges over 60ft

Absolute 60 Fly ,  Azimut 68 ,  Numarine 22 XP ,  Sirena 68 ,  Sirena 78

Winner – Sirena 68

It’s hard to believe that Sirena Yachts has only been making motor boats under its own name for a little over five years but with plenty of prior experience building high-quality motor yachts for Azimut, and the talents of world-renowned yacht designers German Frers and Cor D. Rover to assist them, it has gone from zero to hero in record time.

We tested two new models in 2022 alone, both of which made it through to our shortlist. But it’s the 68 which we feel is the more rounded package, offering the perfect balance of size, style, ability and price.

That starts with a modern yet elegant design that manages to pack a high-quality, high-volume interior into a surprisingly sleek exterior.

Then there’s the robust semi-displacement hull with its category A RCD rating that is just as happy batting aside heavy seas at displacement speeds as it is hoovering up the miles at 25 knots.

That low-speed comfort and stability also plays into the current trend for fuel efficient passage-making, giving a safe cruising range of almost 1,000nm at 9 knots. The result is a wonderfully capable all-rounder that is perfectly in tune with today’s needs at a price that belies its quality.

Highly commended – Absolute 60 Fly

With its versatile deck spaces, vast windows, innovative layout and refined IPS performance, Absolute’s latest flybridge is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Custom Yachts

Sponsored by The Moorings

Azimut Grande 26M ,  Grand Banks 85 ,  Pearl 95 ,  Sunseeker 90 Ocean

Winner – Sunseeker 90 Ocean

We don’t mind admitting that this was the hardest of all the categories to pick a winner in. We could make a case for any one of these finalists winning. However, after much debate we decided to give it to the one we felt was most in tune with what today’s buyers are looking for.

The Sunseeker Ocean 90 has it all: acres of versatile deck spaces packed with innovative solutions like the X-TEND seating; an intimate connection with the sea thanks to the vast sea-level beach club, glass transoms and bulwarks; masses of storage space for tenders, water toys and cruising gear; a wonderfully luxurious interior that makes full use of the unusually wide beam; and a hull that feels very nearly as agile and sea-kindly as some of its overtly sportier siblings.

The fact that this all fits comfortably into a craft with an LOA of 89ft is all the more remarkable, enabling it to offer the same space and luxury as much longer boats but without the associated running costs.

However, the biggest achievement of all is that despite its extra beam and volume and a brand-new hull shape, it still manages to look, feel and drive like a true Sunseeker.

Highly commended – Grand Banks 85

With its slippery hull shape, carbon fibre superstructure and IPS drives, the new GB85 is exceptionally fuel efficient but still just as seaworthy, stylish and beautifully built as its much heavier predecessors.

Judges’ Special Award

Sponsored by Sleipner

Winner – Pearl Yachts

From its humble beginnings in 1998, when a former yacht captain teamed up with a local businessman to launch a stylish new range of aft cabin craft, Pearl Yachts has never shied away from doing things differently.

In the face of vastly bigger, better resourced competition, it has consistently managed to defy the odds, building spacious, cleverly packaged craft with the style and quality to match.

While many of its competitors have been bought, sold or even fallen by the wayside over the intervening years, Pearl Yachts’ small but enthusiastic management team, led by its founder and managing director Iain Smallridge with the backing of its owners Tony and Margaret Whittaker, steered Pearl Yachts through the tough times and continued to invest in new product.

The introduction of world-class designers, Bill Dixon and Kelly Hoppen, in 2012 has ensured that its latest range of yachts are as fresh and innovative as ever, while maintaining the quality-to-price ratio for which they are renowned.

Now boasting a thoroughly modern range of stylish flybridge cruisers from 62ft to 95ft, including a brand new 72ft model and an 82ft project currently in development, Pearl Yachts enters its 25th year in business looking stronger and fitter than ever.

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2023 Boat of the Year: Best Midsize Cruiser

• By CW Editorial Team
• December 7, 2022

Taking a long view on the Boat of the Year contests from the past two decades, it’s clear that the midsize segment of the market has often gotten the short shrift. Boatbuilding is a business, and the profit margins on larger boats are bigger. Hence, we get fewer offerings in the smaller size ranges. That’s why it was terrific not only to see a trio of boats in the mid-30-foot division (at one time, the sweet spot in cruising sailboats), but also to discover that all three yachts in the class were exemplary sailboats. Our conclusion? Any coastal-cruising sailor who obtains a nominee from the 2023 Midsize Cruiser category is going to be quite satisfied with the choice. 

Winner: Tartan Yachts, Tartan 365

Longtime Tartan Yachts designer and mainstay Tim Jackett joined our judges for the sea trial of his latest creation, the Tartan 365. Remarkably, it was Jackett’s first spin on the yacht, as well as ours. It was a terrific, windy sail.

“On a breezy day, with probably a little too much sail up, we had a thrilling test sail,” judge Mark Pillsbury says. “Thanks to a self-tacking jib mounted on an inner forestay, the boat was well-mannered close reaching to windward. And cracked off with the reaching sail set, let’s just say that the ride home was a thrill.” 

Of the double-headsail setup, which Tartan calls its CCR (cruise control rig), judge Herb McCormick agrees: “It just really works. You know, it really is great to have that option to really be able to switch gear when you’re hard on the wind. Then you crack off at 20 degrees, and you roll up the little jib, and you unroll the code zero, and it’s a whole different sailing experience. You’re hauling the mail.” 

The [Tartan 365] was well-mannered close reaching to windward. And cracked off with the reaching sail set, let’s just say that the ride home was a thrill.” —Mark Pillsbury 

Judge Ed Sherman has a different take: “According to Jackett, COVID forced the plant to move and acquire new staff. In my view, this ended up as a change for the best because I saw significant improvements in the behind-the-scenes quality and detail work than on Tartans a few years back. First class all the way here.” 

Jackett was smiling at the conclusion of our test sail. Though he did not yet know the BOTY results, whatever transpired, he already realized he had a winner. 

Finalist: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is the latest in the French builder’s Oceanis line of cruisers, following the Oceanis 30.1, an earlier BOTY award winner. 

“There is a lot to like about the Oceanis 34.1, starting with the way the boat handles,” Pillsbury says of the twin-wheel 34-foot yacht. “We had a fair amount of breeze for our test sail, and the boat felt very comfortable, even without reefing.” 

McCormick also finds much to like with the vessel: “Beneteau is building this boat in its facility in Poland, and I thought that the overall build quality was very impressive. And of all the boats in this category, I found the Oceanis to be the best sailing platform, with a terrific cockpit layout. The spacing and sailhandling controls are fantastic; it’s a super-fun and easy boat to operate.” 

Sherman notes a new feature the company has introduced in all its offerings: “This boat was equipped with Beneteau’s Seanapps system, which is quite impressive. The app, linked to your cellphone, will provide GPS position, important engine data, battery-charge level, bilge-water level, fuel and water levels, and a maintenance logbook, to name some of its features. The app can connect you directly to your Beneteau dealer to set up maintenance services as needed. The app is a subscription-based service, but I think it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Finalist: Dufour Yachts, Dufour 37

Now under the auspices of French building consortium Fountaine Pajot, Dufour has made a concerted effort in the past several years to overhaul the look and presentation of the brand. Our panel agrees that the approach is moving in the right direction. 

Pillsbury is impressed with the use of space aboard: “You can cruise comfortably with only so many people on a 37-foot boat, and I thought that the two-cabin, one-head layout of the Dufour 37 that we sailed worked well. With a large storage locker and more-spacious shower in lieu of a third cabin, there was plenty of space for a couple to spend considerable time aboard, and room for guests, should they pop in from time to time.” 

Our systems expert, Sherman, goes deep in his praise, saying: “Small details on this boat impressed me. This boat was one of the few in our group that took the effort to seal the end grain on the plywood veneers that make up the cockpit table. The screws that hold this table together all have neat threaded caps on them where the screw extends beyond the nut holding things together. Nice, small touches that make a difference. While motoring, the boat was among the quietest in our group this year, rivaling some of its competitors costing significantly more money.”

View all of the winners by category, meet the judges, and more…

• More: 2023 Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year , midsize cruisers , print Jan 2023 , Sailboats
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13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• August 30, 2023

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hatteras GT65 Carolina : A customizable sportfish yacht with Caterpillar diesels
• Viking Yachts 64C : An eye-watering 42 knots of fish-chasing speed boat 
• Royal Huisman Project 406 : The biggest sportfish yacht ever built
• Rybovich 94 : A superyacht-sized angler’s dream
• Viking 38 Open : A family-sized express sportfisherman loaded for offshore fishing
• Bertram 61 Convertible : A tournament-ready battlewagon with a distinct look 
• Hatteras Yachts 45EX : Entry-level sportfish yacht with all the angling amenities of its larger siblings
• Huckins 45 Sportfisherman : Built for bluewater angling with the patented and sea-taming Quadraconic hull form 
• Jarrett Bay 46 : A mid-size custom-Carolina sportfisherman with a yacht-level finish
• Viking Yachts 92 : Designed to travel the world’s oceans chasing behemoth billfish
• Merritt 72 : An iconic Florida boatbuilder’s high-end fishing boat
• Bertram 35 : This 35-foot flybridge sportfish pays homage to the builder’s legendary roots.
• Viking 54 Open : This express-style fish boat also comes in a Sport Tower and Coupe version

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70 . This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Quick Specifications

Viking yachts 64c.

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels , ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack . Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat , designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels . 

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics , both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport . Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull . The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread. With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers , fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters -penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open , which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

• More: Bertram , Hatteras , Huckins , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfishing Yachts , Viking , Yachts
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Top ten brand new superyachts to charter in 2023

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By Nina Done   2 June 2023

With the summer season now in full swing, we take a look at some of the newest additions to the charter fleet for 2023.

Offering unparalleled levels of privacy, the chance to spend quality time with your closest friends and family, world-class leisure and entertainment facilities and stunning surroundings there really is no better way to enjoy a vacation than on a luxury yacht charter. Read on to discover our top ten picks of the best new yachts to charter in 2023;

Launched by Golden Yachts last month, the 78m (255ft) superyacht O'REA  is scheduled for delivery to her owner this June, when she will be made available for charter around the sublime cruising grounds of Greece . 

Showcasing a sleek exterior with a plumb bow, the yacht has been designed with relaxation in mind, with plenty of areas onboard where guests can kick back, unwind and entertain in maximum comfort and style.

Highlights include : an expansive swimming pool on her main deck, health bar at the entrance of her lounge area and an abundance of top-quality spa facilities including a sauna, massage room and Hammam. 

Commissioned by highly experienced owners, you can be assured that the elegant 66m (216ft) Rossinavi superyacht ALCHEMY will offer everything you could possibly want on a luxury yacht charter.

Penned by the esteemed Philippe Briand for Vitruvius Yachts, the steel and aluminum motor yacht is a masterclass in design and innovation, with Enrico Gobbi at Team 4 Design heading up her interior scheme.

Highlights include : a spa-centered beach club, a suspended glass staircase, zen-calm interiors and a huge array of land and water toys

Marking her debut onto the world stage at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, the custom Amels 60 (196ft) superyacht ENTOURAGE offers her guests a floating oasis of luxury. 

Providing accommodation for 12 guests, she boasts an exceptionally well-equipped master cabin, comprising a dedicated lounge, two bathrooms and adjoining twin-bed guest suite, as well as a fold-down balcony providing glorious over-water views.

Highlights include : a vast sundeck where guests can sip drinks in her Jacuzzi pool or relax on sumptuous loungers, chic light-filled interiors, fold-down balconies and wide deck spaces offering endless opportunities to relax and unwind. 

Available for charter around the glittering coastline of Croatia this summer, the 52m (171ft) Custom sailing yacht SCORPIOS will cut a fine figure in the water as she powers along under sail. Showcasing a striking black hull and blonde teak decking, she is every inch the contemporary sailing yacht .

Her stylish flair continues into her beautiful interiors, featuring elegant herringbone wooden floors, plush carpets and sumptuous sofas, with discrete lighting adding a warm ambiance.

Highlights include : a sun-kissed flybridge offering guests a variety of options with far-reaching views across a number of zones; from her expansive forward dining area to her Jacuzzi with swim-up bar and semi-circular sunpads further aft. 

Marking Benetti ’s third hull in its award-winning B.Now 50 series, the 50m (164ft) superyacht FANTASEA is home to a wealth of charter-pleasing amenities and beautiful interiors that will have charter guests in raptures. 

Designed to reflect the characteristics of the owner’s unique vision and insight, the yacht offers up a wealth of interior and exterior relaxing and social spaces that flow harmoniously between one another.

Highlights include : her vast sundeck, stunning upper deck saloon and 36 square-meter waterside beach club with infinity pool and loungers.

ETERNAL SPARK

Marking the first hull in Bilgin Yacht ’s highly-anticipated 163 series, the 50m (163ft) superyacht ETERNAL SPARK is the perfect blend of performance, style and innovation. 

With a bright and airy scheme that has been cleverly engineered through the use of full-height windows and low external bulwarks, the motor yacht offers guests spacious living areas set across a unique layout, with accommodation for 12 in six luxurious suites. 

Highlights include : a convertible indoor movie theater, with an additional alfresco cinema set-up, oversized glass-walled Jacuzzi on her sundeck and a sunken-level beach club featuring a full-height Finnish sauna, ice fountain, entertainment system and wet bar.

Winning a special commendation award at the World Superyacht awards 2023 , charterers will not go far wrong in making 44m (145ft) yacht ACE  their top choice for their next luxury yacht vacation. 

Built by the up-and-coming Conrad Shipyard in Poland, the yacht is not just a pretty face. Featuring a slew of crowd-pleasing amenities, guests will also love her generous proportions and elegant interiors.

Highlights include : a sun-kissed top deck, featuring an infinity pool with a shaded nearby sit-up bar providing day-long refreshments. This area also benefits from an alfresco cinema set up for movie nights under the stars.  

Available for charter around the Mediterranean , the 40m (131ft) yacht LADY FIRST is the perfect platform for first-timers looking to dip their toes into the charter waters this summer.

Launched earlier this year as part of their Belissima 130 range, the Riva yacht is elegance personified.

Highlights include : a lavish, 60 square-meter beach club and a spacious sundeck that provides guests with ample alfresco outdoor entertainment spaces. Meanwhile, principle charterers are in for a treat with their own on-deck stateroom complete with a terrace and Jacuzzi that offers next level privacy and comfort for their yacht vacation.

Representing the second hull in Gulf Craft ’s Majesty 120 series, the 37m (121ft) superyacht OLIVIA will mark her debut onto the charter market in the celebrated cruising grounds of the West Mediterranean .

The yacht's tri-deck design offers ample spaces for socializing and relaxing, as well as a variety of interior and alfresco dining options.

Highlights include : an expansive sundeck with a beechwood finish wet bar and large Jacuzzi, a crowd-pleasing beach club and swim platform with retractable steps where guests can take to the warm Mediterranean sea on her array of toys and accessories. 

Set to welcome her first guests around the sublime cruising grounds of the East Mediterranean, the sumptuous 36m (117ft) yacht ANDIAMO makes a wonderfully comfortable choice for a luxury yacht charter this summer. 

The brand new Sanlorenzo SD118 has been purpose-built for outdoor living, with generous deck spaces offering swathes of sunbathing opportunities and plenty of lounging space. She also offers a great family-friendly layout; ideal for guests with children or groups of friends keen to experience the high life. 

Highlights include : a large swim platform and beach club stocked with an array of the latest water toys, exercise equipment, on-deck Jacuzzi and fold-down balconies in the main and upper deck salons. She also boasts a top speed of 19 knots, perfect for island hopping around the East Mediterranean. 

So there we have it, ten incredible new yachts all available for charter this year and you can be among the first step on board and experience a wonderful vacation in the utmost luxury.

To find out more about any of the superyachts featured in this list get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker . Alternatively, view the entire fleet of superyachts available for luxury yacht charter.

Other standout new yachts available for charter

48m Dunya Yachts 2024

47m Sanlorenzo 2023

55m Custom 2024

41m Benetti 2023

30m Ferretti Yachts 2023

27m Sanlorenzo 2023

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• Digital edition

The best small cruising yachts in 2023

• Theo Stocker
• September 29, 2023

Despite bigger yachts dominating the new boat scene in recent decades, there are still any number of builders making new smaller cruisers. Here's our pick of the best small cruising yachts in 2023

We have seen a surprisingly large number of builders going against the grain to bring small cruising yachts to market in the last year or so, ranging from trailer0-sailers to smaller traditionally-styled options. Here, we’ve rounded up 4 of the best small cruising yachts launched in the last year.

Typically this size of yacht appeals to those who are looking for a day sailer or weekender and will often offer reduced draught in able to allow you to go creek crawling or nose your way into otherwise hard to get to anchorages.

The best small cruising yachts 2023

Once you’ve seen one, Bente yachts are unmistakable. We revisited the brand’s first boat, the Bente 24 , a couple of issues ago, which has been around for 10 years or so. The brand then launched the striking Bente 39 which was immensely innovative, but the company ran into financial difficulties. Now under new owners and a more stable footing, a third model has been launched, which I can’t wait to test sail. The Bente 28 is unlike any other 28-footer.

The hull is cutting edge with wide transom, double rudders and full bows providing a powerful hull form as well as volume below. Construction is polyester GRP foam sandwich, with the basic version being heavier hand lamination, and the more expensive Edition version being vacuum infused. While this is a boat designed to be fast, it’s a long way from a wild racing boat.

Displacement is a not outlandish 3.2 tonnes and draught is 1.6m (there’s an option for a 1.95m performance T-keel with lead bulb that’s 100kg lighter), so it fits well within the scope of a sensible cruising boat.

The Tide 25, built by MFH in north Germany – began its life as a Dehler SQ25, but the mould was sold off when that company hit hard times. Plumb bows and stern with a long hull chine, bevelled deck edge and twin rudders put her on trend, and maximise performance under sail and accommodation on board.

On deck, she has a large cockpit with benches forward and four decent lockers. Under the cockpit sole there’s access to what would be engine space for a diesel inboard, now housing batteries for the electric motors.

Opt for the sport version, and you’ll get beefed up deck hardware and a minimalist fit out, with the mainsheet traveller across the transom, while the comfort version has a smaller main with the mainsheet coming to a fixed point on the cockpit sole forward of the helm. The rig has aft-swept spreaders and no backstay.

The fact that the accommodation of the Pointer 30 is designed around a Nespresso machine, enshrined in glory, tells you a lot about this boat. It was conceived as a comfortable, fast and stylish weekend cruiser that you can take your friends down to for a coffee before a nice sail to somewhere for lunch. This is a boat that knows what it is about. Tea drinkers, don’t worry; there’s still a gas hob to boil a kettle.

The sail area isn’t vast, but this looks to be an easily driven hull. A below-deck furler setting a genoa that sheets to tracks on the coachroof is standard, with a self-tacker being optional.

The fixed bowsprit houses a bow roller, and a tack point for furling offwind sails – the gennaker takes her offwind sail area up to 100m2, set from an aluminium twin-spreader rig with adjustable backstay. She has a powerful kicker, but no traveller for the main, which is sheeted to a raised plinth in the cockpit sole.

Below deck the layout is simple, clean and quietly stylish. Headroom is restricted, dictated by the low freeboard and elegant lines.

To port, the heart of the boat is the ‘coffee bar’ on a shelf in the moulded hull liner, next to a small dinette-style table with two leather swivel armchairs. The forward of these chairs spins round to face a neat lift-top desk (though the drawer below isn’t large enough for a chart).

Swallow Yachts 32

Aimed at sailors who may have owned larger yachts before but want to downsize, Swallow Yachts owner Matt Newland explained that he ‘wanted to build a boat that was fun and easy to sail, simple to maintain and had timeless looks with as low an environmental impact as possible.’

Though not a true launch-and-sail trailer sailer, a four-by-four will still be able to tow the 32 on her own trailer, as boat and trailer come in at under 3.5 tonnes, and within the 2.9m overhang limit.

With a keel-down draught of 2.8m, a fine entry at the bow and broad aft sections, this boat promises to be a good performer. You can sail with the lifting keel in any position for shoal waters, but lift it all the way and you’ve got a draught of just 40cm for creek crawling and drying out.

Newland has tried to draw lines that are timeless rather than trendy while a retractable bowsprit, backstayless carbon rig and square-top mainsail ensure she is right up there in terms of her contemporary design and latest tech.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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Best yacht 2023: European yacht of the year winners

By toby hodges, the european yacht of the year 2023 winners have been announced and comprise the best yacht winners in five categories including a special mention award. toby hodges was one of the 12 jury members who test sailed each of the 21 shortlisted yachts before deciding on the winners..

The European Yacht of the Year programme is a highlight of my year as it gives us jury members the opportunity to assemble our shortlist of the best nominees, seatrial each and every one of them and discuss what works and what doesn’t at sea and in port, in order to choose the best yacht of 2023 in a variety of categories. Our trials were held in La Rochelle and Port Ginesta, Barcelona over the autumn of 2022.

This is the 20th anniversary of the European Yacht of the Year awards, which were presented at a gala event on the opening evening of the boot Düsseldorf Boat Show on 21 January 2023.

Together we comprise 12 magazines across Europe, each the leading voice on boat testing in their respective countries. The result is indisputably the most thorough, impartial and respected awards programme for new production yachts worldwide.

Best Luxury Cruiser

Winner: oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga, is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer. At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb. Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

Price: (ex VAT) £1.35m

Jury comments

“So reassuringly strong, so surprisingly quick in straight line speed, so great to helm, so easy to handle and so, so comfortable if you want to retreat to her living quarters!” Jochen Rieker, Germany

“A true blue water cruiser that makes no compromise in terms of comfort, safety or sailing abilities.” Loic Madeline, France

“The entry level of the Oyster range brings with it the build quality and customisation typical of the yard’s largest models… perfect for a couple’s globetrotting dreams.” Alberto Mariotti, Italy

Related articles

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27 October 2022 Eddie Jordan reveals how his 495 fulfils his need for speed As the second yacht delivered from the Oyster 495 production line, this "little treasure" already meets Eddie Jordan's desire for outstanding speed and performance at the Oyster Palma Regatta. READ MORE

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Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She sets a new 50 foot bluewater benchmark, offering a stunning combination of sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living space.

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• Nov 4, 2022

FLIBS Recap - The 15 Best Boats Coming in 2023

It was quite a week in Fort Lauderdale. With both the industry and consumers dizzy with excitement after a two year hiatus, To put it mildly, it was a veritable rush to experience everything on the docks. The BoatBlurb crew went tip to tail to uncover the Top 15 coming to the market in 2023, and there is no shortage of stunners on this year's list. Let's dive in.

1) Wellcraft 355

Wellcraft has entered a new era. The Cadillac, MI boat builder was a major name in the 80's under Bob Long and Irwin Jacobs, while Don Johnson, who played the imitable Sonny Crocket in the TV megahit Miami Vice , catapulted the brand into the mainstream with his Wellcraft Scarab 38 KV.

Now under the ownership of Groupe Beneteau since 2014, Wellcraft has been a constant presence, and is now poised to enter new territory that is a stark departure from their current catalog of center console fishing boats.

With a noticeable European flair from bow to stern, stylistically the all-new 355 brings to mind the aesthetics of some Scandinavian builders currently plotting the course for the next generation of midsize cruisers. The 355 isn't a slouch, either, with either triple Mercury or Yamaha outboards with a top speed over 50 knots (60 mph).

The Michael Peters designed yacht is designed "to go anywhere, to do anything" and it certainly appears the 355 will deliver on its promise. On top of her already obvious capabilities, the 355 will also boasts several smart utilitarian features, like a sliding helm door and dual side gates for access throughout the deck.

2) Sea Ray 260 SLX OB and 260 Surf

Sea Ray will be launching a wakesurfing boat in 2023. The all-new SLX 260 Surf will expand upon their already popular SLX lineup to provide a built-in platform for wakesurfing and other watersports.

The release coincides with their modus operandi of late as the luxury builder surprised boaters with the sudden release of the SLX 260 and SLX 260 outboard back in May. These new SLX 260 variations also mark an important turn for the highly regarded brand as they announced back in 2021 they would be following a new design philosophy for new models.

To create the perfect wake, the SLX 260 Surf will be powered by a Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT engine with a forward-facing Bravo Four S drive, integrated SmartCraft technology, and Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) c ontrols. Working in tandem, electric surf tabs and ballast tanks control the height of the wave and produce a long or short pocket. Using a custom user interface, developed in partnership between Sea Ray, Mercury Marine and Simrad, surf settings can be adjusted with a touch of a button to accommodate specific watersports and riders’ preferences. Read More

3) Scout 400 LXF

Scout Boats will be launching three new models in the coming year - the 281 XSS , the 377 LXF , and the 400 LXF .

The 400 LXF is the real showstopper -- bringing a double-stepped hull crafted with Scout’s epoxy-infusion with carbon fiber/e-glass construction and an interior layout and cabin that's first rate among her competitors.

The 400 LXF boasts perks like a standard hydraulic port side beach platform with synthetic teak (ideal for boarding/de-boarding away from the transom and engines), and two standard Garmin 8616 touch screens at the helm. From the helm or with the key fob, owners can control features throughout the boat with the help of C-Zone digital switching technology. There’s also a standard Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer (with optional upgrades to a Seakeeper 5 or 6), electronically-actuated SureShade integrated retractable aft awning, and Scout’s electronically-actuated articulating rocket launchers.

(take a virtual tour of the new 400 LXF by clicking below)

4) Cruisers 50 GLS

Wisconsin's Cruisers Yachts has made a big splash at FLIBS with the launch of a new flagship- the 50 GLS . The new platform will serve as the largest offering in Cruisers' GLS lineup. The highly regarded brand has made several notable moves in the last two years -- most notably their acquisition by Florida-based MarineMax for $63 million in May 2021.

As for the new 50 GLS, she will carry a 52'4" LOA (16 m) with a 14'6" beam (4.4 m) and a draught of 34" (up) and 47" (down).

Power will come via triple Mercury 600 Verados paired with Simrad electronics and joystick docking. In classic Cruisers style, the 50 GLS’ will have an open-concept cockpit that balances functionality with entertainment. There are multiple seating options between the bow lounge, a midship L-shaped seating area, two aft-facing L-shaped seating areas, and additional bench seating. Read More

5) Tiara 43 LE

We tested the new Tiara 43 LE earlier this summer, and suffice to say, it was a pleasurable experience. With 1200 horsepower courtesy of twin Mercury 600 Verados, it was staggering how quickly and how smoothly she got on plane. In the words of our tester Rick Layzell, " The 43 LE or ‘Luxury Express’ is the first in the series, and after this experience we can’t wait to see what Tiara has up their sleeve next. The LE is a multi-purpose craft, akin to a Swiss Army knife, as it answers so many needs and wants. She’s a stunning day boat, a dream entertainer, a beautiful overnighter and an all-round playful performer. She is exceptionally well appointed with craftsmanship exuding from every curve inside and out. And boy is she fun to drive!"

See our full boat review .

6) Regal LX 36

The motivation behind Regal's new LX 36 is clearly to bring the luxury of a yacht into a midsize bowrider package. According to the company itself, the new ride is "thirty-six feet of dynamic comfort technology advancements and new ways of thinking merge for the ultimate day yachting experience." Yes please.

The LX 36 boasts an expansive retractable hardtop, windshield walk-thru, and side windows for an open-air day experience. But, if things turn dicey, the all-electronic hardtop can be closed with ease, allowing you to enclose the helm for private time.

One of her neatest features is a complete co-captain experience including a 16" 'Companion Screen' that allows the second in command to also control navigation, systems data, media, and more. Another handy must-have is the quarterberth and mattress hidden beneath the flip-up starboard bow. The area is both washable and air conditioned, so it adds a handy hideaway for extra passengers staying overnight or soggy gear that can't sit below deck.

(take a virtual tour of the new LX 36 by clicking below)

7) Yamaha 275 SDX

Serving as Yamaha's flagship for 2023, the new 275 SDX will come standard with Yamaha's new DRiVE X control system. he system uses two paddles on either side of the steering wheel for the drive to access and offers four modes aside from the low-speed maneuvering of the paddles- Lateral Mode (for direct sideways movement), Pivot Mode (when enabled, turn the steering wheel more than 85% for a tight rotation), Dock Hold (side thrust will hold the boat against the dock), and High Mode (when enabled, RPMs are increased for added thrust).

Paired with a spacious customizable stern lounge with swim-up seating, a hard top for sun protection, and premium features throughout, the 2023 Yamaha 275SDX is the embodiment of Yamaha's future design stylings. Read More

8) Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The 280 Dauntless will sport a new look from the keel up for 2023, including a sleeker hull style and a multitude of new tech. The new 280 will also serve as the flagship for the Dauntless series, which also includes the 220 and 250 sizes.

Typical of all Whaler designs, the 280 is more than a bay boat and brings an intelligent layout catering to cruising, fishing, and watersports. There is an equal array of both offshore and inshore capability, as seen with its classic hull shape and mixed with an entertainment and comfort-focused interior. According to Mark Robinson, the program manager at BW, “Some boaters wanted a crossover boat, equally at home in back bays, a bit offshore and everywhere in between, and Dauntless delivered." Can't argue with that.

9) Mystic M5200

Mystic needs no introduction as they have a long history atop the performance boat segment. The M5200 can hardly be described, but try as we might, she can be summed up one simple word -- stunner. The new flagship M5200 is an eye-popping blend of performance and luxury that might be unrivaled for 2023. With a 52' LOA, a 14' beam, and a dry weight of 26,500 lbs, the transom on the M5200 is packed with up to quad Mercury 600's generating 2400 horsepower to an off-shore proven design. You can also get a 450 hp configuration with four, five, or even six engines.

If you can slow down long enough to take a closer look, her interior detail is immaculate. Everything from the stitching on the upholstery to the bow lounge configuration shows an obvious focus on the finer details.

(take a virtual tour of the new M5200 by clicking below)

10) Formula 387 CCF

One of boating's most iconic brands is back in the center console business. Formula dabbled in center console designs during the late 70's and early 80's, but now appears primed to make an earnest re-introduction to the category with the launch of the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS).

The new models fall into Formula's ultra-popular Crossover series, which also includes standouts like the 380 SSC and their flagship 500 Super Sport Crossover . The new 387 CCF a offer a mix of old school Formula style paired with a modern SSC template, all wrapped up with an impressive list of fishing features. It's a bold statement by Formula as they enter into the growing fishing category, but their status and reputation will no doubt serve them well.

The 387 CCF will carry an LOA of 38'7", a 12' beam, 23° of deadrise, and utilize Formula's legendary FAS3TECH inspired hull. She will be powered with a choice of Mercury and Mercury Racing outboard options, including triple Mercury Verado 300's, triple Mercury Racing 450R's, or twin Mercury 600 Verados Read More

(take a virtual tour of the new 387 CCF by clicking below)

11) Chaparral 250 OSX

The new 250 OSX from Chaparral is exactly what you'd expect from one of the world's premier fiberglass manufacturers, and that's a good thing. With twin Simrad 7" displays highlithing an impressive helm station, an electric folding EFX wakeboard tower, a custom bimini top, a JL audio system, and a huge aft lounge, there isn't much you can't do with this luxury bowrider. Family, fun, watersports, it's all on the table. Other perks include a windlass anchor with a stainless plow anchor, docking lights, premium gelcoat with hydropol resin, and a lifetime hull warranty, so you know she's meant to be used. Power comes via the trusted Yamaha four stroke 250XSB outboard, and with a 26'6" LOA on an 8'6" beam it will undoubtedly deliver the ride and performance owners demand from the Georgia-based brand.

(take a virtual tour of the 250 OSX by clicking below)

12) Pursuit S 248

Not to be confused with the dazzling flagship 428 they released in 2020, The all-new S 248 will replace Pursuit's previous C238, bringing with it 12 more inches of length and a lot more in terms of entertainment and functionality.

An enlarged swim platform is an obvious perk, not to mention an oversized hardtop with a full windscreen. Whether you're enjoying a day of family fun or you're after the catch of the day, the S 248 offers an excellent balance. Rod holders throughout, multiple fish boxes, in-floor storage, and a recirculating livewell will encourage your angling adventures. Other subtle yet handy features include an adjustable transom bench, a molded transom walkthrough, and a concealed helm toilet. Digital electronic throttle and shift with standard trim tabs make the S 248 a smooth and responsive ride, and a single Yamaha outboard in a variety of configurations delivers a solid punch, all within a respectable MSRP that will draw the attention of boaters across the spectrum.

(take a virtual tour of the S 248 by clicking below)

13) Chris-Craft Calypso 27

One of the longest standing players in the game, Chris-Craft rarely, if ever, misses the mark. Which is why readers and future owners will be confident that the new Calypso 27 continues to maintain the gold standard of the almighty Florida brand.

When it comes to a Chris-Craft, some things are certain -- vintage style paired with modern tech, a plush interior, and a robust hull that exudes confidence on the water. The Calypso 27 is all that and more, with an ultra-lux helm station and a classic-chique interior that matches modern tech like Mercury Smartchart Premier controls and a 12" Garmin display with classic features like a teek steering wheel with stainless steel accents throughout. In other words, it's an "old meets new" modern classic. Teek accents are tastefully added from bow to stern, not to mention a host of new electronic features like a custom Chris-Craft digital home screen and cZone digital switching.

You know the ride will be smooth, and by all accounts the Calypso 27 will enjoy a smooth entrance into the market.

(take a virtual tour of the Calypso 27 by clicking below)

14) Fountain 38 SCX

You can expect big activity from Fountain in 2023. Iconic Marine Group, who own the Fountain brand as well as Donzi and NauticStar, were very active in the marketplace in 2022. The all-new 38SCX seems to be a byproduct of this resurgence -- and consumers are tickled to see it.

The all-new platform features a classic Fountain double-step positive lift hull, backed by a plethora of power options -- everything from triple Mercury 450R's to quad Mercury 400's. On a performance driven hull with an LOA of 38'4" and a 10'6" beam, no one is expecting the 38SCX to be driven modestly. There's a surprising addition of luxury features as well- including a next-gen T-top, premium six colour upholstery, and Marine Mat flooring. Tech-wise, she's full from bow to stern with a powered high-low table in the bow, inverter-powered A/C in the cockpit, dual 17" Garmin displays, Mercury VesselView monitoring, and an optional 5KW generator for those looking to turn their performance boat into an overnighter.

(take a virtual tour of the 38 SCX by clicking below)

15) Blackfin 232 DC

Small but mighty, the all-new 232 DC from Blackfin is 'the little engine that could' on our list. After Blackfin went for the gusto with their new flagship 400CC earlier in 2022, now they've turned their eyes to the delightfully versatile 232 DC.

With a 21'6" LOA and an 8'6" beam, the 232 DC is right in the wheelhouse for many trailering boaters who want to mix fishing adventures with family day cruising. A smartly designed crossover hull, it comes standard with U-shaped bot seating, custom helm seats, an 18 gallon livewell, stainless steel rod holders across the gunnels and transom, a Fusion stereo with JL Audio speakers, a telescoping swim ladder, and a cockpit that serves both anglers and family captains incredibly well.

Other tidy perks include a 45 qt Yeti cooler, dual 12v USB outlets, weatherproofed electronics, a Garmin 8610 GPS chartplotte, a Garmin B60 600 watt transducer, and digital monitoring. It may be on the shorter end of boats on this list, but Blackfin is making long strides towards the forefront of the crossover market.

(Take a virtual tour of the 232 DC by clicking below)

#news #products #fortlauderdale #FLIBS

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Lazzara Yachts News

Best Motor Yacht of the Year 2023

We are delighted to announce that Lazzara LSX 67 Limited Edition received 2 of the most prestigious yacht design awards for ”Motor Yacht Under 25 Meters” and ”Master Cabin Design ” at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023. 

The award pays testament to the Lazzara LSX 67 unique design features, notably the full-beam master suite with direct access to an aft deck entertainment area and beach club. The Lazzara Limited Edition LSX 67 is the only yacht in her class to offer such an arrangement.

This year the yacht & aviation industries gathered at The Belmond Hotel, Cipriani in Venice for the annual International Yacht & Aviation Awards ceremony. As the only event focusing on both of these sectors, the Yacht & Aviation Awards Ceremony 2023 announced the best yacht and aviation design projects of 2023, surrounded by the culture and inspiration of Venice.

About the Winner - the Lazzara LSX 67 Limited Edition:  

The Lazzara Limited Edition LSX 67 has been designed as the ultimate ‘sport express yacht’. At 67-feet, (20.42m), this vessel leads the way with eye-catching style, exceptional quality, and exhilarating performance. With a striking exterior profile and innovative arrangement, this yacht will not go unnoticed.

In a revolutionary design move, the full-beam master suite has direct access to an aft deck entertainment area and beach club. The Lazzara Limited Edition LSX 67 is the only yacht in her class to offer such an arrangement. The exceptionally large master suite affords the owner uninterrupted views of their surroundings on both port and starboard sides, as well as aft from the cabin via the full beam sliding glass door.

The beach club space is extended further by fold-down balconies on the port and starboard sides, the largest in this class of yacht, creating an expansive aft deck and terraces at the water’s edge. A social seating arrangement makes this area a fantastic spot for entertaining and the platforms facilitate easy access to and from the water.

Polished stainless steel and teak railings are just one example of the exterior design details that set the Lazzara Limited Edition LSX 67 apart. Combine this with superyacht interior finishes and materials, and she becomes a floating piece of art.

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10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition

Table of Contents

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. Big ones, small ones, boats with one hull , boats with two or three hulls, boats with pontoons, boats for fishing, boats for cruising, boats for wakeboarding, and more. When you first start looking at boats, this can overwhelm you. You don’t have to search alone; we’ll guide you! Let’s look at 10 of the leading boat manufacturers and brands up-to-date together: 

• Cruisers Yachts 
• Sea Ray 
• Azimut 
• Monterey 
• Chaparral 
• Leopard 
• Everglades 
• Grady White 
• Bennington 
• Malibu 

Rent, Charter, Share— Only at Boatsetter

Cruisers Yachts

Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts has been building boats since 1904. It currently has Cantius and GTS lines, with 15 different models between them. The boats range in length overall from 34 feet to 60 feet and can come with everything from open tops to closed tops to flybridges. Generally speaking, Cruisers makes boats for cruising with friends and family. ou can find these boats on the nation’s coasts and on larger lakes. 

Sea Ray is based in Tennessee and has been building boats since 1959. Its Sundancer line is one of the most ubiquitous on America’s waterways; the company also has an SLX series of luxury cruisers, an SDX series for family day-boating, and an SPX series of sport boats that you can sometimes rent with things like wakeboarding towers built-in. You could rent multiple Sea Ray boats on Boatsetter and have a different boating experience every single time. 

Azimut is an Italian boatbuilder that was founded in 1969, and today is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group of shipyards and other companies. Azimut itself has six lines of boats: Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve, and Atlantis. Within those lines, multiple sizes offer increasingly larger versions with more and more features. Overall, Azimut builds boats intended for higher-speed family cruising with chic Italian style. 

Florida’s Monterey Boats got its start in 1985. It has four models currently available: Super Sports, Outboard, M Series (which come with lots of options, so there are lots of versions of them on the waterways), and Sport Boats. When you combine all the lines and sizes within the lines, about 30 different Monterey boats are available—which means many rental opportunities. 

Georgia-based Chaparral boats have been in business since 1965. It makes five lines of boats: SSI Sport Boats, SSI Outboards, SSX Luxury Bowriders, OSX Luxury Outboard Sport Boats , and the Surf line of wakesports boats. Quite a few of Chaparral’s models can be trailered to and from different locations, and the various models can be outfitted with features for cruising, fishing, and water sports. 

Leopard Catamarans builds its boats in Cape Town, South Africa. As the company’s name states, these are cats, not monohulls, which means they have two hulls instead of one. Leopard cats come in power and sail varieties, from about 40 to 53 feet in length overall. Because they’re catamarans , boats with these lengths are much wider than monohulls, giving people more room to stretch out on board.

Florida’s Everglades is a favorite brand among boaters who like to catch fish. The company builds center consoles, dual consoles, and bay boats, and some of its models are regularly seen hunting for big game during professional-angler tournaments in the offshore canyons. On these boats, expect to find things like rod holders, outriggers, bait stations, and other features that are intended to make a day of fishing even more fun. 

Grady-White

Grady-White , based in North Carolina, has been building boats since 1959. It has long been known for its coastal fishing boats, with five lines available today: Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of these boats can be ordered with features that make them equally great for family cruising and fishing, so check the Boatsetter listings for specifics when deciding which one to rent.

Indiana’s Bennington is a leading brand name in pontoon boats, which are often available for rent on lakes and other inland waterways. These are wide, stable boats that can be used for family cruising. Parents with small children tend to like pontoon boats because of the higher sides all around. Bennington makes four lines: the customizable Q Line, the sporty R Bowrider line, the higher-end LX Sport line, and the more traditional SX line. 

Malibu Boats in Tennessee is a brand that’s synonymous with wakeboarding and other tow sports. It makes a dozen different styles of boats that are shaped and outfitted in ways that produce fun-to-ride wakes, step-up features to make it easier to get in and out of the water, seating that lets passengers look forward or aft (at the wakeboarders in the water) and soft-grip flooring so there’s less of a chance of wet feet slipping. The premium sound systems are pretty darn cool, too.

One of the great things about learning through Boatsetter is that you can book a different builder, and even a different model from that builder, every time you head out on the water. Boatsetter rentals are a terrific way to learn which brands and styles of boats are ideally suited to the type of fun you want to have on board. 

About Boatsetter 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain . 

Put your boat to work. Earn an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines. 

Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.

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The Best Insulated Water Bottles of 2024

Insulated water bottles are an essential gear item for summer — that much is obvious. But they also have lots of great uses throughout the year. Check out the best insulated bottles of 2024 here.

If you’re looking to purchase a water bottle for outdoor adventures, an insulated bottle should be high on your list. Insulated bottles are designed to keep cold liquids colder longer (and hot liquids hotter) and are usually higher quality and more durable than their plastic counterparts.

Plus, having a reusable water bottle is great for the environment. For this review, we looked at water bottles that have some form of insulation (whether stainless steel construction or otherwise) and a good-sealing cap or lid. And we evaluated each on factors like insulation, shape and volume, durability, and price. All told, we’ve sourced, filled, and drained more than 40 different water bottles since 2021, and pulled together the top 14 in our line-up today.

These bottles didn’t get off easy, either. Each vessel underwent our in-house testing regimen, which saw them all examined for timed ice retention, a leak test, as well as a quasi-scientific taste test. Safe to say, these bottles have been vetted, and to choose the best of the best, we ranked each bottle on features, feedback from our testing, and price.

For more information about insulated water bottles, check out our buyer’s guide , comparison chart , and FAQ at the end of this article. Otherwise, top off your bottle and scroll through our picks for the best insulated water bottles of 2024.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on March 14, 2024, to add the uber-popular Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler , a driving-ready vessel that lived up to the hype in our testing.

• Best Overall Insulated Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
• Best Budget Insulated Water Bottle: Igloo Sport Sipper Bottle
• Most Durable Insulated Water Bottle: YETI Rambler Chug Water Bottle
• Best Insulated Can Cooler: YETI Rambler Colster
• Best Insulated Growler: MiiR Growler
• Best Water Bottle for Driving: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
• Best Insulated Water Bottle for Kids: Thermos Funtainer Bottle With Straw

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle

• Material Stainless steel
• Insulation type Double-wall vacuum
• BPA-free Yes
• Weight 1 lb., 2 oz. in 40 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 20, 24, 32, 40 and 64 fl. oz.

• Long-standing cold and heat retention
• Slim profile fits into many pockets and cupholders
• Wide mouth accommodates ice cubes
• Not impervious to dents

Sometimes you don’t want to mess with the OG. Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth ($50) won out as the best insulated bottle, with a massive following both in the GearJunkie offices, as well as with adventurers abroad. There may only be so many ways to craft an insulated bottle today, but Hydro Flask hits the nail on the head with this one.

Astute observers will note that our top spot has long been occupied by Hydro Flask’s Standard Mouth offering, but all tides change eventually, and after consistent testing side by side, we now lean on our Wide Mouth bottle more to slake our thirst on a hot summer’s day. The wide mouth also better accommodates loading ice cubes in the bottle, keeping it ice cold for longer.

No matter the model, the brand’s double-wall vacuum insulation and pro-grade stainless steel construction are designed to maintain drink temperatures for hours without altering taste — an impressive 24 hours of cold and 12 hours of heat retention.

And we found during testing that this bottle is pretty durable as well, thanks to its powder-coated exterior. We will note that even the best has a limit, and dropping the Wide Mouth bottle from a good height is liable to lead to some dings.

Our testers raved about this bottle for its great insulation and lineup of more than 12 fun colors. Also, being on the skinnier side, it fits in most cup holders and pack pockets. While it also comes in 20-, 24- and 32-ounce sizes, we like the 40-ounce best for most activities. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is easily the bottle we reach for the most often as we head out the door.

Igloo Sport Sipper Bottle

• Weight 14.4 oz. in 20 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 20 fl. oz.

• Budget price
• Rubberized bottle stays put
• Flattened edge on bottle improves grip and lines up straw
• Bail handle is a bit loose

Going budget doesn’t have to mean scraping the bottom of the barrel, and the Igloo Sport Sipper Bottle ($20) is proof positive of that. The brand has been getting coolers right for 75 years running, so it’s unsurprising that its foray into insulated bottles has produced a winner.

Built with a reliable stainless steel double wall construction, the Sport Sipper claims cold retention of up to 24 hours, and up to 6 hours with hot beverages — numbers that we were able to confirm in our own testing. Not too shabby for a cool $20 out of your pocket.

With a mostly round exterior profile, the Sport Sipper bottles also feature a flattened edge for your thumb along the front of the bottle. Not only does this give you some gripping power, but it also lines up the straw for quick access. Smart.

Flipping up the straw is a snap, and the rubberized bottom helps keep the important side down. The bail-style handle, while handy, was a bit floppy in our usage (and despite our best fixer efforts, no tightening of the hex screws would alleviate it). No deal breaker in our opinion, just something to keep in mind when toting the bottle around.

For less than you might spend on lunch, the Igloo Sport Sipper slides in as an affordable way to keep your beverages cool this summer.

YETI Rambler Chug Water Bottle

• Weight 1 lb., 3.2 oz. in the 18 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 18, 26, 36, 46, 64 fl. oz.

• Fits in most cup holders
• Available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and lid types
• Standard issue Chug cap isn’t for everyone

YETI’s 26-ounce Rambler Bottle ($40) is another amazing insulated bottle. This one is tied with our top choice for its stainless steel construction and insulating performance, however, it weighs slightly more — although that also gives it points for durability.

Available in an impressive five different volumes, there’s bound to be a Rambler bottle for any sized adventure you might be planning. The bottle comes standard with YETI’s Chug Cap, which is about the only controversial feedback among testers — some loved the two-part narrow mouth cap, and some didn’t.

A final note — one of the best parts of buying from an established brand like YETI is the broad range of supplementing accessories available. We counted five different lid styles available for the Rambler , which makes it a super versatile bottle to match whatever hydration needs you might have.

Of all of the insulated bottles we’ve tested over the years, offerings like the Rambler consistently held up better than their counterparts, making this bottle one tough option for those who leave the kid gloves at home.

YETI Rambler Colster

• Weight 9.6 oz. in 12 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 12 fl. oz., 12 fl. oz. Slim Can, 16 fl. oz. Tall Can

• Simple design with only two parts
• Truly keeps drinks chilled
• Not a one size fits all solution
• A little heavy

When the heat of the summer comes on, water isn’t the only thing we’re looking to slake our thirsts. Your favorite foam can koozie may get all the laughs, but a true insulating can cooler like the YETI Rambler Colster ($25) will keep your favorite beverage chilled for far longer. We found the Colster to be the best of the bunch, with a simple design that just plain works on a long day outside.

Made of the same double-wall stainless steel construction as the rest of YETI’s insulated offerings, the Colster retains the same high performance in a smaller package. And by utilizing a simple lock ring design, this can cooler will holster any 12-ounce can with ease, though it won’t accommodate the other can styles made today.

Luckily, YETI makes the Colster in additional 12-ounce Slim Can , and 16-ounce Tall Can versions. We did find the Colster a bit hefty for what it is but chalked it up to being necessary for adequate insulation.

For those who like to sip a little slower (or have trouble remembering which can they were drinking from), the Colster is the perfect companion to your next six-pack.

MiiR Growler

• Weight 1 lb., 13 oz. in 64 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 64 fl. oz.

• Handles carbonated beverages easily, no leaks here
• Lid and pour handle make for easy distribution
• Rubber seal can retain scents

One of the things that bedevil many insulated bottles is carbonated beverages — but not the 64-ounce MiiR Growler ($60). This insulated brewtainer keeps your favorite IPA locked down, thanks to an innovative threadless lid and locking clasp that seals in freshness and carbonation.

MiiR considered all the niceties as well, incorporating a lid that locks into place in the open position so as to not impede a good pour. The Growler holds an impressive 4 pints of liquid and keeps them chilled for a long time. We will note the rubber seal that’s used can hold onto the scent of whatever is stored last, but this can be removed and washed separately.

One of the things that sets MiiR apart from other manufacturers is the company’s ingrained global philanthropy, funded by a portion of the sales of every product. To date, MiiR has donated $3.75 million to various nonprofits, ranging from sustainable food systems to land and water protections. You can feel good knowing your Growler is doing something positive for the world.

Excellent for bringing the party with you (and keeping it chill), the MiiR Growler makes the cut for anyone looking to transport their brews and enjoy them too.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

• Weight 1.4 lbs in 40 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 14, 20, 30, 40, and 64 fl. oz.

• Car cup holder compatible even in larger sizes
• 3-position lid including reusable straw
• Large handle improves grip
• Lid is not leak-proof
• 40 fl. oz. size is quite heavy

At larger volumes, many insulated water bottles won’t fit in a car cup holder. The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45) solves this problem with a tapered bottom designed for cup holder compatibility, even in the 40-ounce size. Fill up this tumbler before your next road trip, and you’ll stay hydrated for the long haul. 

The 3-position lid features a reusable straw for sipping and a wider mouth opening for chugging. We especially liked using the straw while driving; it makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road while enjoying your beverage. It’s worth noting that the rotating mechanism on the lid does not seal, and this lid is not leakproof. If you are looking for a bottle to throw in your bag while on the go, this tumbler is not the ideal choice.

We recently brought the Stanley Quencher on a drive into the mountains for an overnight backpacking trip. Drinking water is important before big days in the mountains, and we hit the trail feeling well-hydrated. We left the tumbler half full in the car overnight, and we were pleasantly surprised to enjoy cool water after the trip, even though the car was sitting in the sun when we returned. 

While we wouldn’t recommend this for hiking or backpacking, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is our new favorite road trip companion.

Thermos Funtainer Bottle With Straw

• Weight 4 oz. in 12 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 12, 16 fl. oz.

• Perfect size for lunch boxes and backpacks
• Built-in straw is easy to manage for kids
• Can leak from air hole if not closed properly

A fun and trusty water bottle is a great way to encourage your kids to stay hydrated. The 12-ounce Thermos Funtainer ($20) from Thermos is a durable, safe, and affordable bottle designed for kids of all ages. Plus, it comes with a built-in straw.

This compact and packable bottle comes in all sorts of kid-friendly colors and patterns. Though the capacity is a fairly small 12 ounces, it’s the perfect size for small hands. This bottle fits easily into most school bags and lunch boxes.

Made from BPA-free stainless steel, this bottle is both lightweight and thoroughly durable. The click-shut lid is easy to open and quite leakproof when properly closed (which was our only complaint). When tucked away with the lid closed, the Funtainer keeps liquids cold and refreshing for a full 12 hours.

Right at home in any lunch pail, the Thermos Funtainer keeps tykes hydrated all day long.

Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle

• Weight 15.2 oz. in 32 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 19, 22, 32, 40 fl. oz.

• Well constructed flip top lid
• FreeSip spout for sipping or gulping
• Tough powdercoating
• Handle doesn't lock out
• Not for use with hot liquids

When it comes to insulated water bottles, it’s tough to imagine anything new under the sun. But with a spout design that impressed us right out of the gate, the Owala FreeSip ($33) proves that there’s still innovation to be done.

While many other bottles have interchangeable lids that offer different means of drinking, the FreeSip spout is a bit of a hybrid, combining both a straw and open-mouth neck. You have the choice of either sipping or chugging. The whole affair is protected by a stout flip-top lid, and in testing, we came to really enjoy drinking from this bottle.

Backed up with a triple-layer vacuum construction, the Owala FreeSip has all the tech to do what insulated water bottles do best, and we had no problem keeping our water cool all day. Our only slight arose with the carry loop, which has a detent (or catch) for locking it down in the closed position, but not in the up.

Other than that small flaw, it’s perfect for drinking on the go. The FreeSip is high on our list of best water bottles on the market today.

Hydro Flask Insulated Sports Bottle

• Weight 14.1 oz. in 20 fl. oz. size

• Ergonomic grip
• Fits in bottle cage
• Cap is backward compatible with standard mouth Hydro Flask bottles
• Rigid, no-squeeze construction
• Mediocre flow rate
• Cap can whistle when sucking

A “sports bottle” might seem like an out-of-place inclusion in a roundup of Best Insulated Bottles, since on its face it’s an entirely different class. But Hydro Flask bucked that logic when it designed the insulated, double-wall stainless steel Sport Bottle ($40). It bears a striking similarity to the brand’s hallmark products, with a twist — or rather, a grip.

This 20-ounce, wide-mouth bottle has an ergonomic girdle that’s perfect for grabbing and holding while biking, running, walking, or even standing still. But that groove belies the real function of the Sport Bottle; while your instincts will tell you to squeeze the bottle, that’s not how it works.

A pop-spout sport cap, similar to a standard bike bottle, dispenses liquid with the help of a pinhole air valve. When upturned, water dribbles out mechanically. It’s not a gush, but it’s not painstakingly slow either.

It can be a little counterintuitive if you’re accustomed to squeeze bottles. And while you can suck to increase flow rate, you need to allow air to refill into the bottle to keep drinking. In other words, it’s not the fastest or most explosive bottle out there.

But it has all of Hydro Flask’s quintessential style and thermal performance, in an ergonomic, trendy design. Best of all, the Sport Bottle is compatible with any wide-mouth Hydro Flask lid, and likewise, the sport cap is backward-compatible with any previous wide-mouth bottle. So mix and match to your liking!

Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle

• Weight 16 oz. in 22 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 17, 22 fl. oz.

• One of the better straw-drinking lids
• Bottle shape fits well in your hand
• Only smaller volumes are available
• Can be difficult to clean

Borrowing from the company’s successes in the realm of thermoses , Stanley has produced a great insulated bottle with the IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle ($32). We don’t have too many straw-drinking lids in our review, but this bottle executed it perfectly.

The contoured bottle shape fits well in our hands, and the oversized bail on top meant we weren’t scrambling to keep a hold of it. Because it’s a straw bottle, you’re limited to only using cold liquids in it. Our biggest complaint, however, was the rubber seal is particularly deep inside the lid and not ideal for washing.

With a good pedigree, the IceFlow bottle comes from a long line of keeping hot things hot and cold things cold and is the perfect fit for walking and drinking on the go.

Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth

• Weight 12.6 oz. in 32 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 21, 24, 32 fl. oz.

• Lightweight construction
• Same Hydro Flask build quality
• Higher price
• Temperature retention somewhat compromised by low weight

Hydro Flask’s new Lightweight Trail Series bottles have r eally won us over . If it weren’t for the price, this bottle might be in our top three.

The Lightweight Wide Mouth ($50) weighs just 11 ounces, has a perforated strap to keep weight down, and is designed to work with most backcountry water filters. Hydro Flask did some metal wizardry on this bottle, giving it tapered walls that are thicker on the bottom for durability, and thinner on top for weight savings.

Compared to the Wide Mouth Hydro Flask , we did note some diminished ability to keep drinks cold for as long, but the difference is small. When you’re counting ounces, the Lightweight Wide Mouth comes in clutch.

Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide With Twist Cap

• Weight 1 lb., 4 oz. in 32 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 12, 16, 20, 32, 64 fl. oz.

• Fully insulated cap increases temperature retention
• Stainless steel cap bottom means there’s a full steel interior
• Lid can be a bit hard to grasp

This Klean Kanteen bottle ($45) has a wide mouth, is vacuum-insulated, and holds 32 ounces of your drink of choice. It’s more expensive than others on this list but has everything you need: a cap and fold-down carry handle, a stainless steel interior, and insulation to keep liquids hot for 24 hours and iced for an incredible 83!

We were especially impressed with the thought put into the lid design. Using what Kleen Kanteen calls its TK Closure, the internal threads of the bottle are more like rows of bumps, meaning fewer nooks and crannies to clean. The lid is also fully vacuum insulated and sports a stainless steel bottom, meaning your water only sees steel on the inside of this bottle.

Some testers commented they didn’t like the ergonomics of the lid. We noted that it’s slightly narrower and shorter than other wide-mouths on this list. But if that’s no bother to you, the Kleen Kanteen TKWide bottle could be for you.

Purist Mover Bottle

• Material Stainless steel & glass
• Weight 12.2 oz. in 18 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 18, 32 fl. oz.

• Glass lining eliminates any metallic taste from water
• Sleek fit and look
• Painted finish scratches easily

Purist uses a glass interior coating to combat the odors and flavors some don’t like in their stainless steel bottles. Meanwhile, the exterior sports the tried-and-true stainless steel construction for durability. The brand’s medium size, the Mover 18-ounce bottle ($50), has a convenient sipping cap.

We also liked testing the 32-ounce, wide-mouth size (same insulation and materials, just holds more), although the 18-ounce fits much better in cupholders, packs, and bags. We like the muted colors and professional aesthetic of this brand.

Unfortunately, we did find the Purist Mover Bottle to be a bit lacking when it came to scratch prevention. With no powder coat finish, scratches showed up easily in the painted finish. For the price, this was a bit disappointing. For those who place taste above all else, however, the Mover bottle makes no exceptions.

CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle

• Weight 1 lb., 5 oz. in 16/22 fl. oz. size
• Available volumes 12/17, 16/22 fl. oz.

• Many options for sharing beverages
• Keeps drinks cold for a long time
• Heavy design
• A bit fiddly to keep track of all the parts

This is by no means a bottle you’ll want to take backpacking, but it’s a really cool design. CamelBak designed the MultiBe v ($50) for just what it sounds like — multiple beverages on the go. This bottle separates into both an insulated bottle, and a cup.

It’s great to fill up with water or coffee at the start of your day, and then have a reusable and insulated option for other drinks later. The incorporated cup is also great for sharing, and both components hold the cold and hot temps well.

Because it is so feature-rich, we did find a few things fiddly to handle, such as the Roll and Fold silicone lid, which stows in the main lid of the MultiBe v . That aside, it did give our testers a lot of flexibility in doling out beverages at the end of a hot day.

Insulated Water Bottle Comparison Chart

How We Tested Insulated Water Bottles

Long a holdout to the niceties of an insulated bottle, GearJunkie Senior Editor Nick Belcaster finally came around to the wonders of insulated water bottles after being gifted a Hydro Flask. It turns out that having ice-cold water hours after leaving the house is worth it.

When you work and play in extreme environments, the benefits of keeping hot water hot and cold water cold start to click. Contributor Katie Griffith originally sought an insulated bottle so she could sip on a liter of hot chocolate during an ice climbing trip. Now she packs her Hydro Flask every day for work as a rock climbing guide in Joshua Tree and savors each gulp of cold water in the desert heat. 

Many in the GearJunkie offices enjoy bringing an insulated bottle to work, and we tapped into this collective knowledge to assemble our list of bottles. We then put them through the wringer and pulled together the best of the best insulated bottles you see here.

We started our foray into the world of insulated water bottles in 2021 with a slate of 14 bottles, aiming to cut through the noise and distill down a huge market into a handful of the best insulated water bottles available. In order to test our slate of insulated bottles, we subjected them to common-place use, such as on hot day hikes, bike commuting, or airline travel. We paid close attention to how long each bottle held onto chilled water as well as important issues such as leaking or denting.

In 2023, we expanded our horizons when Nick looked afar for the best bottles for more special circumstances, and tested models to include the best options for insulated growlers, can coolers, and self-cleaning water bottles. 

At the end of 2023, we tweaked our choices again, pivoting some of our award winners to newly updated standard bearers, and added significantly to our Buyer’s Guide to really dig deep into subjects such as volume, materials, and styles.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose an Insulated Water Bottle

It’s worth noting that this article specifically covers the best insulated water bottles. We also have a separate gear guide for the best thermoses , for when the temps dip and a hot drink is needed. You may also want to read up on the best backpacking water filters .

Style of Insulated Bottle

Insulated bottles come in many shapes and sizes. Some closely resemble other plastic sports bottles with spill-proof, screw-top lids. The best overall bottle, Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth , falls into this category. These are often the most versatile option and may replace your Nalgene when weight isn’t a big factor. 

Beyond the standard water bottle, this list also includes tumblers, can coolers, and growlers. A tumbler more closely resembles a cup with a lid than a water bottle. The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is great for all-day hydration, but the lid is not spill-proof. You can’t pack it in a backpack like other water bottles. 

Other styles are even more specialized, like the MiiR Growler . This insulated container is designed specifically for storing carbonated beverages like beer or kombucha. The lid functions to seal in carbonation and freshness; you wouldn’t need this for your daily beverages. The YETI Rambler Colster is also not designed for direct drinking; this insulated can cooler slides around your bubbly water or beer to keep it chilled. 

Pick a water bottle with enough volume for all your activities. If you really love one particular insulated bottle, consider getting two sizes — one for daily use and one with more volume for longer trips or travel. (Also consider if the bottle you’ve chosen will work with a water filter or in your pack pocket if you know you’ll be taking it with you on the trail.) If you spend a lot of time driving, note that after a certain volume, fitting into most cup holders isn’t going to happen.

Most bottles we tested are available in volumes from around 12 to 64 ounces. A 12 or 16-ounce bottle is ideal for morning coffee or tea, while you’ll likely want a 24- or 32-ounce bottle to stay hydrated. For all-day, outdoor activities, bringing at least two liters of water is typically recommended, which would translate to about 64 ounces of capacity. We find that two 32-ounce bottles fit easier in a backpack than one 64-ounce vessel. 

Make sure the bottle you choose lists how long it keeps water (or other liquids) cold. The standard is 24 hours, but we’ve noticed in many of these bottles the contents will stay colder for longer . You’ll want to know how good the insulation is, especially if you live in a hotter climate.

What are the interior and exterior materials? Most insulated bottles use some form of stainless steel double-wall insulation, but not all, like the triple-wall build of the Owala FreeSip . Also, look at the exterior material: Is there a powder coating? Does it reduce condensation? Is there a rubber grip or protective design on the base?

Once you find a bottle you think will work for you, pick out a fun color while you’re at it! Colors are mainly just a preference but can also help identify your bottle in a crowd.

Temperature Retention

One of the most important aspects of an insulated bottle, temperature retention is how well it keeps the hot things hot and the cold things cold. The majority of insulated bottles will use some type of vacuum insulation to achieve this. 

Heat energy needs mass to travel through, so by removing the air in between the two layers of the bottle, the liquid inside is able to retain its temperature for longer. We’ve found that most bottles are able to keep hot liquids hot for around 12 hours and cold liquids cold for about 24.

An insulated water bottle is basically a thermos with different design features. Most thermoses are also built with vacuum insulation, but they typically come with a lid designed for pouring hot liquid and a cap that doubles as a small cup for sipping tea or coffee. 

Lids on thermoses can also be more effective at keeping liquids hot or cold. The lids on insulated water bottles focus on hydration, with straws like the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler or open tops like the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth . 

Don’t get us wrong; the insulated bottles we tested are still great at temperature retention. We filled the Stanley Quencher halfway with half-inch ice cubes and no water. After 24 hours in a 65-70 degree room, we found some water, but most of the ice cubes had shrunk only 50%.

Metal bottles can sometimes impart a metallic taste to water, often after being left for a long period of time. Bottles like the Purist Mover implement a silicon dioxide coating on the interior of the bottom to create a glass-like barrier. This can greatly reduce the metal taste that is imparted to water.

Keeping insulated bottles clean is also important to limit any off-tastes. Pay attention to how easy the bottle might be to clean. Look at the threads on the lid as well as how easy it is to remove any gaskets for cleaning. Many bottles are marked as dishwasher safe on the top rack but not all.

A quick tip for cleaning your insulated bottle: Mix two to three tablespoons of baking soda and warm water and shake inside your bottle. Let sit for a few hours and then rinse out with water.

Lids & Handles

A bad lid can ruin an insulated bottle. Manufacturers understand consumers have many uses for their bottles and produce a number of different lids to fit them. The most basic will be a simple screw cap, but there are also lids that incorporate straws, flip closures, and even magnets.

Lids will also have a good bit to do with the mouth style of the bottle. Narrow-mouth bottles can make sipping directly from the bottle nice and easy but will limit your ability to put ice into the bottle. Wide-mouth bottles can accept things like water filters with ease, but without a steady hand, they can lead to some spillage.

Some lids are designed to be leak-proof when closed, and some are not. YETI’s 26-ounce Rambler Bottle , for example, features a secure lid that doesn’t allow spillage when screwed on correctly. The Stanley Quencher is not leak-proof and doesn’t claim to be; what it sacrifices in spillage it makes up for in ease of sipping with the reusable straw. The rotating cover helps reduce leaking but doesn’t prevent it. 

Our tester performed a leak test on the Quencher by adding food coloring to water inside the bottle, screwing it shut, turning it on its side, and timing both types of covers for ten seconds. The Quencher was nearly full during the test. With the rotating cover closed, a small blue puddle formed on a paper towel within a short time. With the straw still in place, a big puddle spilled over a paper towel almost immediately. 

At their most basic, insulated bottles are sleek cylinders, which aren’t the most stable. Having a lid that you can clip a carabiner to can ensure it won’t make an escape. Others will sport a layer of silicone to improve grip or a contoured shape that fits your hand. We found the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Water Bottle to be one of the nicest to handle.

Lastly, think hard about your budget. These bottles are an investment but totally worth it, especially if (like us) you spend lots of time outside. And before buying, always check to see if your favorite bottle is on sale.

You can find insulated bottles that won’t break the bank in the $15-25 range like the Igloo Sport Sipper. Some of our favorites lie in the $30-50 range, including the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth or the YETI Rambler Vacuum Bottle. Though a little spendier, both of these come in larger volumes and feature a coating that improves durability. 

The most specialized bottles come with the highest price tag, including the MiiR Growler, Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth , and Purist Mover Bottle . All sports technologies that go above and beyond daily hydration needs like holding in carbonation, adding a taste-free liner, or being made from uber-thin materials to cut down weight.

On this list, we have selected the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 40-ounce bottle as the best overall insulated water bottle. This option provides a useful blend of quality insulation and heavy-duty construction. We also like that it fits easily in most cup holders.

Still, the best-insulated water bottle is the one that meets your needs. If you are looking for a bottle with smaller volume, you may want to go with the 26-ounce YETI Rambler or 32-ounce Owala FreeSip .

All of the bottles on this list will do a great job at keeping your hot liquids hot and your cold liquids cold for impressively long periods. That said, the YETI Rambler Chug Water Bottle performs exceptionally well when filled with hot contents. It’s a lightweight bottle that keeps liquids piping hot and is thoroughly leakproof.

It is important to regularly clean reusable water bottles to prevent the growth of bacteria. Many insulated water bottles are dishwasher safe, and others can be easily cleaned with dish soap and hot water.

On this list, many of the bottles are made from easy-to-clean materials such as stainless steel and linings such as glass or copper. After cleaning, it is a good idea to take the cap off of your bottle and let it fully air dry.

Generally, it is safe to fill insulated water bottles with contents other than water. For coffee and tea, an insulated water bottle can allow you to enjoy a hot drink all through the morning.

However, it is especially important that you clean your bottle thoroughly after filling it with anything other than water. Because of the different shapes of insulated bottles, some are easier to clean than others.

For food like hot soup or oatmeal, you’re going to be better off with a food-specific thermos. These are similar to insulated water bottles, but their short and stout shape makes them easier to use and clean. A good thermos can keep hot food at a safe temperature for hours — an excellent counterpart to an insulated bottle!

Yes, many insulated water bottles are dishwasher-safe. Always double-check the manufacturer’s directions before washing your bottle. If your bottle is not dishwasher-safe, it can be cleaned with hot water, a little dish soap, and a thorough rinsing.

Always check to see what the manufacturer suggests. Many insulated water bottles can be washed in the dishwasher, which is an effective way to thoroughly remove any bacteria that may be present.

If washing by hand, scrub the inside and outside of the bottle with hot water and dish soap. Be sure to fully clean out the threads on both the cap and bottle. After cleaning, let all parts fully air dry.

Thanks to hardy stainless steel or ceramic construction, a good insulated water bottle should last many years — or potentially decades for the careful owner. We’ve all seen those old green Stanley bottles that are three decades old and still going strong.

The biggest threat to insulated water bottles is puncturing. If the double or triple-walled insulation of your bottle is punctured, it will lose its ability to insulate. To prevent this, avoid dropping your bottle onto jagged or hard surfaces. Plastic insulated water bottles are less prone to dents and punctures, but they are generally not as rugged overall.

If an insulated bottle becomes punctured, it will lose its vacuum and be replaced by air molecules. Since there is now matter in between the inner and outer bottles, heat transfer occurs much quicker.

To test if your bottle still has its vacuum sealing: Carefully fill the bottle with boiling water and wait five minutes. Then feel for any hot spots, which would indicate loss of insulation.

The Best Thermoses of 2024

If you want your favorite liquids to stay hot all day, check out our roundup of the best thermoses of 2024. Get ready to warm up with a hot drink.

The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

We tested the best backpacking water filters and purifiers for your next trip into the great outdoors.

Mary Murphy is the Managing Editor of GearJunkie. She has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for seven years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Prior to that, Mary wrote for 5280 Magazine in Denver while working as an outdoor instructor teaching climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder. Mary also serves as the leader of AllGear Digital’s DEI Committee.

Katie is a freelance writer and gear tester with GearJunkie. She has been writing about climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking for five years. In addition to freelance writing, she teaches clinics and runs women’s climbing events as a guide and instructor for She Moves Mountains. Based in Joshua Tree, CA, and Index, WA, Katie loves climbing splitter cracks in the mountains, riding her bicycle, and cooking yummy food for her friends.

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The 9 Best Boat Shoes for Conquering Land and Sea

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at [email protected].

Boat shoes are the perfect sockless casual slip-on . No other footwear can transition as seamlessly from a boat ride to a restaurant to lazing around on a porch as these stylish yet casual must-haves. They can also do the job of indoor/outdoor house slippers. 

For those who already have a pair in their rotation, there's probably still more to learn about the history, the construction differences, and the range of comfort with boat shoes—from thin-soled options that let you feel the deck of a sailboat to more cushioned styles you can walk in for hours. 

I've tried them all and am here to report back which ones are the right fit for various purposes. Our best overall pick for a great boat shoe is the Sebago Docksides Portland Crazy Horse . Its simple construction and uniquely durable leather makes this a long-lasting classic that'll work well on or off the water.

What Makes Boat Shoes Special (and Uniquely American)?

Paul Sperry invented boat shoes in the 1930s after falling overboard on his sailboat because of slippery soles. At the time, boat shoes were made of canvas with either crepe soles or rope soles—the former slippery when wet and the latter slippery when dry.

Sperry, a tinkerer, went to work in his home workshop in Connecticut on making a non-slip sole what would keep him "Top-Side." Inspired by his dog’s paws as he ran easily over snow and ice in his back yard, Sperry used a blade to cut lines in a rubber sole, and by applying pressure from different directions he landed on a zigzag pattern—now known as "siping"—which is key to the boat shoe’s nonslip factor.

His original models were canvas, but he soon improved upon them by using a leather upper of a moccasin style. “The moccasin is the original athletic shoe,” says Kyle Rancourt, of Maine shoemaker Rancourt & Company. “Sperry just combined the need for a non-slip sole with a comfy moccasin.”

Related: The Best White Sneakers of 2023 Will Clean Up Any Outfit

A big order from Abercrombie & Fitch catapulted Sperry’s invention to nationwide notoriety, and they became the official shoe of the U.S. Navy during World War II. Even John F. Kennedy wore them while he was running his PT-109 missions in the South Pacific.

But why do we associate them with Maine if their inventor was from Connecticut? “Maine was the largest shoemaking area in the country in the 20 th century,” explains Rancourt, “The peak was the 1950s, with dozens of shoe factories in Maine, like Bass, Dexter, and Quoddy—a rich shoemaking heritage combined with coastal culture and lifestyle.”

What to Look For in Boat Shoes

Get the sole that’s right for you. The traditional boat shoe sole is a white non-marking sole with siping—tiny cuts that provide traction while you’re on the wet deck of a boat. Camp Mocs are similar to boat shoes, but have a brown, pebbled sole. While most of these are still non-marking, they won’t provide the same traction on wet surfaces. That said, they can be slightly better at traction on dry surfaces. The outlier is a hybrid boat shoe like the Timberland below, that has lug soles which make it suitable for hiking. 

Leather, suede, or canvas? That depends. The original Top-Siders were made of canvas, and later upgraded to leather. Canvas has the advantage of being less expensive, and a synthetic canvas can hold up better to being soaked in water without drying out. Leather, especially a good Horween, will be far superior in comfort, and because of the high wax content they still hold up well if they get wet. Suede boat shoes are definitely better for those who are wearing them more for style than nautical function. 

How much cushion do you need? Foot support is not a strong suit for boat shoes. If you’re spending hours on a sailboat, you really want to feel the boat deck under your feet, so the thin soles and limited (or non-existent) padding makes sense. But, if you want to walk in them for long periods of time, something like the Sperry Gold Cup has more ankle cushioning, and the full leather linings of the Quoddy boat shoes also provide more cushion.

Mass-produced versus hand-made? This will likely come down to budget, but if you want a pair of fine handmade boat shoes made in Maine, the cost will be significantly higher. The difference between sliding your feet into a made-in-Maine boat shoe and a mass-produced version is significant—and the price reflects that.

Related: We Tested Every Hoka Running Shoe—These Are the Best

Why You Should Trust Me

I've been covering gear and style from a home base in Los Angeles and now Charleston since 2006, for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Wired, Maxim, Gear Patrol, Fatherly, and Men’s Journal . Whether it’s testing out gear, bags, clothing, and accessories on my own adventures, or profiling designers and craftspeople who make it, it’s been one continuous process of discovery, and an ongoing search for the essentials that bring joy, serve a purpose, and add value to our experiences.

Ever since I moved to the Southern capital of boat shoes, Charleston, SC, they have become part of my daily routine for nine months out of the year. In a land of warm weather, water, and boats, these slip-on staples are as much workwear as fashion. Over the past eight years, I've owned many pairs, worn most of them ragged, and have developed some strong opinions on the subject. 

These are the best boat shoes you can buy today. From those that you can own for a lifetime and re-sole over and over, to dressier models you can easily wear to dinner with a sport coat, to more active options that you can truly batter on the open seas.

The Best Boat Shoes of 2023

Sebago makes a lot of classic boat shoes, but what sets the Portland Crazy Horse apart is the leather that ages uniquely and responds to water and abuse by simply acquiring a nice patina. Despite the name, it’s not horse leather but full-grain cowhide that got its name from the fact that it was popular in saddle making because of its durability and the way it can acquire a polished surface with time and wear. The Portland name is an homage to the boating culture of Maine. 

The interior of the shoe is unlined, with a leather half-insole. Because of the simple construction and uniquely durable leather, this could be your ideal option if you want a classic leather boat shoe but intend to really put these to work on the water.

Paul Sperry sold off his shoemaking enterprise early in his career to dedicate himself to his family business, but this boat shoe remains the closest descendant of Sperry’s original. The Gold Cup is an upscale version of Sperry’s Authentic Original boat shoe. 

It has a layer of leather between the sole and the upper that dresses it up, making it well suited to wearing with a blazer. Handsewn with lambskin lining and a cushioned heel cup and OrthoLite insole, the shoe provides an extremely soft and pliable leather upper. When combined with its plush insole, there’s no break-in needed on these.

Family-owned and founded in Maine in the 1960s, Rancourt & Company does boat shoes right—making them by hand in their own Maine factory. Their flagship boat shoe, the Read , is made of unlined Horween Chromexcel leather. This makes them good for warm weather, and ensures the leather will easily conform to your foot over time. 

They have non-slip and non-marking deck soles, rust-resistant nickel-plated eyelets, and a leather half-insole. The Horween leather can last a lifetime if properly cared for, and these can be re-soled as many times as needed.

Quoddy is another legacy Maine shoemaker, founded in 1947. Like Rancourt, they’re made by hand at their own factory. Quoddy offers a made-to-order boat shoe , so you can truly customize every visual detail—picking the type of metal for the eyelets, the color of the thread used in the stitching, and the color of the soles and the leather. They have cushioned insoles, full leather lining, and triple eyelets give them a much more secure fit than the usual two-eyelet boat shoe style. 

All of these details add up to a shoe that will hug your feet in a soft leather grasp like no boat shoe you’ve ever worn. And because they are able to be infinitely re-soled, they’re well worth the investment for the bespoke customization.

Like the original boat shoes, these are made of canvas. Unlike the originals, they have a modern rubber sole more akin to that of a sneaker. The Slack Tide Boat Shoes are ultra-light, ultra-affordable, and ultra-comfortable. There is zero break-in needed; they feel great right out of the box. The sole is cushy enough to wear well on land, but still gives you a very in-tune feel for the deck of a boat. True to the PFG designation, these would be ideal if you plan to do some fishing from a boat, because they are light, waterproof, and will stay on your feet better than a traditional boat shoe.

In their stunning suede version, Allen Edmonds’ Force 10 is a style-focused option you may be less inclined to drench with salt water. But they look fantastic, so if you’re thinking of these as a summer style staple more than a sailing accessory, they'll deliver the slip-on ease and comfort of a typical boat shoe with a style that exceeds them. 

Inside are full leather insoles and perforated leather linings that give you the comfort of a full lining but with more breathability. They have a two-tone white rubber sole to mimic the look of a leather layer between sole and upper that also makes them look slightly dressier than solid white soles.

Camp moccasins are very similar to boat shoes, and visually they can be hard to tell apart at first glance. But the subtle differences are perfect if you want something other than a typical boat shoe. Camp mocs have a one-piece "apron" toe, and they traditionally have pebbled soles instead of siped soles. 

These mocs from Oak Street Bootmakers in Chicago are hand-sewn in the U.S. with Horween Chromexcel leather, and their darker pebbled sole can make them slightly more versatile than a white sole in certain settings, as the dark brown blends better with a pair of khakis while still being non-marking. They have a leather half-insole and are unlined to allow for a cooler-wearing shoe that conforms easily to your foot.

Atlanta-based Sid Mashburn is one of the finest men’s stores in the country, with a remarkable level of curation and a serious focus on service. They don’t put their name on anything that isn’t great, and these hybrid camp mocs are no exception. They have a suede upper that makes them more fashion-centric than sailboat-ready, but unlike traditional camp mocs they do have a siped white sole like a boat shoe, so they could do well on deck. 

The Suede Camp Moccasin's are made in Portugal and are leather lined with a full leather insole. For under $200 they’re a great value, and even come with two nice green Sid Mashburn shoe bags. They are also available in a leather version in lieu of the suede.

This Timberland Boat Shoe and hiking boot mashup was created in 1978 by combining the leather upper of their boat shoe with a durable boot lug outsole, and it has since become a core Timberland classic. With the lug sole, the thick padding around the ankle, the leather half-insole and full leather lining, it’s far sturdier than a typical boat shoe. It’s also heavier because of the lug soles, and these clearly aren’t going to give you that feel for the boat deck that a thin white sole will. 

But what you get in the tradeoff is the comfort of a boat shoe’s moccasin-style upper with serious traction and stability you could go hiking with. The burgundy version of the shoe features Horween leather uppers, which for $150 shoes is an absolute steal.

• Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen is offering $13,000 off the 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus with new lease deal

In a fire sale, Volkswagen is offering $13,000 off the 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus with a new lease deal as it gears up to launch new EVs.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 lease deal offers $13,000 off

The Volkswagen ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US last year, with sales up 84% from 2022.

With a starting price of $38,995, the ID.4 is already one of the most affordable electric SUVs in the US. The Standard range model, powered by a 62 kWh battery, has up to 209 miles range. A larger 82 kWh delivers up to 275 miles range in the ID.4 Pro.

The ID.4 is powered by a rear electric motor with 201 hp. With an added front axle, the AWD ID.4 Pro models deliver up to 295 hp and 255 miles of range.

Volkswagen announced earlier this year that “most” 2023 and 2024 ID.4 models will qualify for the full $7,500 EV tax credit. Only ID.4 models with US-made SK On battery components will be eligible.

As Electrek reported in December 2022 , some 2023 ID.4 models have LG battery components due to a previous supply agreement. Both SK and LG Chem provide batteries for the RWD ID.4 models with the 82 kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the AWD and standard 62 kWh ID.4s are powered by SK batteries.

Volkswagen announced it’s now offering $13,000 off the 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus with its latest lease deal.

Only ID.4 models with SK batteries qualify. 2024 models with LG batteries are not included. To see which battery the ID.4 has, you can check the window sticker.

The news comes as Volkswagen looks to clear room for new electric models. VW announced a longer-range 2024 ID.4 model ( check out our review ), and two new EVs are rolling out, including the ID.7 and ID Buzz.

Starting at $54,445, the new lease deal could bring the starting price of the ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus, down to $41,445. That’s less than the ID.4 S and ID.4 Pro.

Earlier today, we reported that VW is sticking to its EV game plan in the US with plans to launch a larger electric SUV in the next few years.

If you want to take advantage of Volkswagen’s massive ID.4 lease deal, we can help you get started. You can use our link to find 2023 VW ID.4 models on clearance at a dealer near you.

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Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising