Category: Boats
You want boats? We got boats! From classic cruising boats to flashy center consoles boats, Southern Boating is your go-to place for the latest and greatest boats on the market. From center consoles to motoryachts, Southern Boating is the authority on warm-water cruising.
Kadey-Krogen 58 EB Boat Test
The Krogen 58 Is Ready for Your Adventure of a Lifetime
The Krogen 58 EB is the embodiment of beauty and function. Comfortable, capable, safe and sure, her Pure Full Displacement hullform and superior-quality materials and systems result in an unrivaled passagemaker in this size range. While many builders today focus on building much larger yachts in the 70-foot-plus market, Kadey-Krogen Yachts has made the deliberate business decision to concentrate its decades of experience on significant passagemakers like the 58. As a result, their customers will find a bluewater cruiser easily piloted and handled by two people without the need for additional crew. Yet the yacht is set up to accommodate a large family ready to go off the beaten path. Are you ready to start your journey?
Krogen 58 Design & Engineering
Like all Kadey-Krogen models, the 58 seamlessly blends design, systems, and comforts. And we don’t see these as autonomous endeavors. For example, on a passagemaker it is preferred that the living quarters that will see significant use while on passage are concentrated in the most comfortable portion of the boat should heavy weather be encountered. Note the location of the 58’s pilothouse and galley area. This also benefits the design and weight distribution allowing an easy motion into a head sea. The deep forefoot and rounded entry of the 58 ensure there is no pounding at all. It’s a soft, easy entry into even large seas.
Furthermore, the weight distribution complemented by the underbody shape eliminates any tendency for the Krogen 58 to produce any type of pitching motion. A better and easier motion through the seas not only means a less tired crew, but it also results in a more efficient passage.
Seakeeper Ride
Introducing Seakeeper Ride
Seakeeper Ride is the first-of-its-kind Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that eliminates up to 70% of pitch and roll underway. You thought you knew boating, but you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Scout 377 LXF Boat Test
Scout 377 LXF
The 377 LXF is an all-new model, built as the ideal blend of performance, luxury and styling. Loaded with Scout innovation, this model has a lithium ion battery with battery management system (no generator necessary); portside swing-in boarding door with ladder; double sun deck lounge with cushions, armrests and underside storage forward of the console; key fob remote controlled lights; spacious cabin down below and an enclosed head with a porcelain vessel sink with Corian vanity and mirror; marine head with electric overboard discharge with an 11 gallon holding tank; 120V air conditioning & heat in the cabin and at the helm; and so much more. Upgrade your experience out on the water with an available Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer; optional summer kitchen complete with grill, sink, cutting board, manual slide-out cooler, seat cushion and bolster; and your choice of upholstery color package. Dive in to discover more. ScoutBoats.com
S-Class (luxury models 33’ and up) signifies the upper echelon of our line-up – the highest level of luxury – similar to what you experience with high-end luxury automobiles. The 377 LXF is meticulously crafted with cutting-edge Carbon Epoxy Construction (Carbon Fiber/E-Glass is the main material used in the Epoxy Infusion process) and the highest-performing dual Scout Stepped Hull Technology, while simultaneously pairing it with the finest sophisticated blend of appointments and technologies.
Beneteau Gran Turismo 45 Boat Test
The Gran Turismo 45 is very much a social boat but she’s also an entry-level weekender at the same time. She’s perfect for the set that has had enough of the center console or bowrider days and is now looking to get more out of their premium boating time.
This is the third generation of the Gran Turismo line. It’s landing in the market at an exciting time — 70,000 new boaters have entered the boating market in the last couple of years. These boaters are ready to make the move from day boating to a boat that can accommodate not only overnighting but taking additional couples along for the weekend. However, the GT45 still has all of the day boating DNA that made them fall in love with boating in the first place — the swim platform, the outdoor grill… etc.
Furthermore, it’s interesting to see how Beneteau named this Gran Turismo model the GT45. Any other company would have taken the liberty of looking at the LOA of 48’6” (14.78 m) and called it the GT48 in a vain attempt to capture more sales from those looking at yachts in that size range. But this is a company that doesn’t need to play in that sandbox. Her hull length of 44’3” (13.5 m) is enough to call her the GT45 and her attributes are all she needs to sell herself. We must appreciate that self-confidence and lack of desire to succumb to the bottom-feeding level of marketing ploys. For this is indeed a yacht that needs no such tactics.
Riviera 645 SUV
Big & Bold, Inside & Out
The new Riviera 645 SUV combines large, versatile spaces with smooth performance that will keep everyone happy whether at the dock or underway.
The flagship of Riviera’s SUV line, the 645, is a perfect family or couple’s cruiser with a variety of accommodations ideal for different sizes and types of entertaining. Since popular boating spots in Riviera’s native Australia have similar climates to those in Florida, the company builds its boats with both indoor and outdoor spaces that can take advantage of the weather. Doors, windows, and sunroofs can be open wide to let in gentle breezes and connect the spacious living areas, or they can be separated and climate-controlled.
The single-level living area at the heart of the SUV concept works well by keeping everyone together when the boat is underway and providing a central core when entertaining. Like the popular kitchen/great room found in nearly every modern house, this layout has tremendous adaptability. The 645 SUV helm is adjacent to the salon and galley so the driver can interact even while underway. A door to the side deck and a large slider and pop-up window aft open the salon to the mezzanine, cockpit, and foredeck lounge.
The helm features three large, comfortable bucket seats that electrically slide and recline, and the triple Garmin multifunction display screens are within easy reach as are most controls.
On the Water
Easing out of Palm Beach, the Twin Disc EJS joystick provides variable control of transmissions and thrusters and is impressively smooth and accurate. At 69 feet LOA, the 645 SUV is a sizable craft but maneuvers easily, even in the incredibly tight area from which we had to depart. Concealed cockpit wing stations that open on both sides offer additional visibility and keep docking under control.
Once out of the inlet, we spool up the optional twin 1,550-hp MAN V12s and hit a peak speed of 35.8 knots, impressive for a boat with a dry weight of 88,119 pounds. The Riviera 645 SUV accelerates evenly, transitioning easily onto plane. V-drives and a Seatorque system, where the shafts are encased in a sealed tube and bathed in oil all the way from the engine couplings to the props, reduces vibration and noise. Cruising at 2,150 rpm, we hit a sweet spot at 31 knots using 128 gph yielding a calculated range of 372 nautical miles with a 10 percent reserve.
The boat is fun to drive and handles admirably with little speed loss during tightly controlled turns. There is only a light chop, so I aim for the wake of a nearby boat—she slices through without spray or fuss.
It is amazing that a boat this large is as agile and easy to handle. The helm configuration provides excellent visibility for drivers and passengers, and with four of us on board, there is ample seating for everyone.
Well-appointed Interior
On the main deck, high-gloss walnut accents nicely contrast solid-surface, synthetic pearl quartz counter tops with elegant waterfall edges. The galley has abundant drawer-style fridges and freezers and a lengthy island counter perfect for meal prep and serving. A Miele three-burner electric cooktop, combo microwave/convection oven, and a deep stainless steel sink with a garbage disposal provide functionality.
The adjacent lounge with an ottoman faces the galley with a large flatscreen TV housed
on the island. A TV can also be placed on a lift behind the helm, but on this boat, that cabinet showcases Riviera-embossed martini and wine glasses in a varnished wood-and-glass display case. The “Newport” option adds a wet bar with a removable stool, additional drawer fridges, bottle storage, sink, and serving space. The entire salon/galley/bar provides a luxurious area for gatherings, or drop the roller blinds for privacy, to watch the big game, or for movie night.
The accommodations are spacious even in this four-cabin layout. The full-beam master features a king island berth and has huge hull windows on both sides to let in natural light. The ensuite head includes a large separate shower and an access door that leads to a utility/crew room with a washer, dryer, storage, optional bunk, crew head, and engine room access.
A VIP cabin forward has a centerline queen and its own ensuite head. Side cabin twin berths are more than six feet long, suitable for kids and adults. Another guest cabin has twins that can push together to form a double, and a connecting head that also exits to the foyer for day use.
Outdoor Living
I head up to the salon and out the stainless steel and glass slider to the alfresco deck. This mezzanine creates a perfect transition between the cabin and outdoors. It is covered by the coach top overhead and can be enclosed with Strataglass panels and air-conditioned. Comfortable seating, a folding teak table with integral bottle/glass holders for casual dining, an icemaker, stereo, and a 32-inch flatscreen TV complete this porch-like gathering spot. When weather permits, the overhead sunroof and aft panels open, and a pop-up window and the cabin door can join this space to the interior.
A few steps down, the nearly 100-square-foot cockpit is suited for fishing or can be used to entertain with a dance floor, a cocktail lounge (wet bar included), a place to barbecue with the built-in grill, or all of the above. Buyers can choose transom seating or a windowed, lighted livewell. Twin transom doors connect the cockpit to a large swim platform with a standard hydraulic lift that raises and lowers a tender. I like the idea of slightly lowering the platform to create a wading area or setting up a table and chairs for lunch, or a cocktail while your feet dangle in the water.
Side decks covered in optional teak lead forward from the cockpit, protected by bulwarks and sturdy rails. The port side has both a watertight door into the salon/galley and a pathway that cuts through into an expansive bow lounge. The deck is recessed ahead of the broad, three-paneled windshield to accommodate the Sunbrella-cushioned seating area complete with a removable table and a Fusion Apollo SRX400 stereo. There is room to sunbathe, but an awning on carbon fiber poles provides shade as well.
At anchor or when Med-moored, I picture quiet times here enjoying the breeze, separated from activities in the cabin or dockside. The bow is complete with storage, an anchor locker with washdown, a Muir vertical windlass, recessed anchor, and ground tackle.
The Riviera 645 SUV living areas are stylish, comfortable, and spacious. Entertainment spaces are easily connected or separated to best suit the needs of those on board. If you are not sure which you like better, the comfort of the cabin or the fresh air and the stars, you don’t have to choose—the Riviera 645 SUV delivers plenty of both.
-by Arnie Hammerman
Grand Banks 85 Boat Test
Grand Banks 85
INTRODUCING THE GB85. GRAND BANKS ON A GRAND SCALE!
The GB85 is not simply a bigger Grand Banks. True, this exquisite, long-distance cruiser is the largest yacht they’ve ever built. But her most impressive statistics are not to be found in her dimensions but in the best-in-class figures we’re recording for her fuel efficiency and range. That’s where you will indeed find a big difference!
Thanks to the hydrodynamics of their proprietary V-Warp technology, the Grand Banks 85 uses half the fuel of other 85 footers as she requires half the horsepower to achieve the same speeds and performance.
Owners and their guests will travel further, faster and spend more time exploring their destination and less time at the fuel dock.
Needless to say, her interiors and amenities are everything you’d expect from a name that is synonymous with luxury and elegance. Her extended length and 22ft beam allow Grand Banks to offer a wide range of configurations. Hull number 1 has three massive staterooms and separate crew quarters that can be used for children or additional guests.
Wellcraft 355
Wellcraft, acquired by the Beneteau Group in 2014, designs vessels that push the limits to allow boaters to go farther and discover new territories. The brand-new Wellcraft 355 combines speed, agility, and endurance with creature comforts and luxurious amenities to quickly get you from point A to point B. Southern Boating was invited on board the first hull of this adrenaline-filled model, which recently made her red-carpet debut at a private waterfront estate in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
“The Wellcraft 355 is a Scandinavian-style commuter boat built for adventure,” says Nick Harvey, brand director. “Buyers will know exactly what they get with this boat. Wellcraft is a brand that is built to last.”
What he means is that there are ways to customize the boat, but as is, the boat—and the brand—speaks for itself.
“The Wellcraft 355 is built to withstand any weather,” said Martin Meyer, product manager and our captain on this sea trial. Part of this is thanks to the dual-reinforced hull by world-renowned Michael Peters Yacht Design that offers stability and control through the roughest conditions. The other part is due to the enclosed wheelhouse that provides shelter from inclement weather or air conditioning on those hot summer days. “On the other hand, you could opt for heat in this space,” added Meyer, about those cruising north or to keep warm on a chilly night.
The modern design of the one-level wheelhouse includes three large helm seats with backrests in the cockpit—one to port and two to starboard facing the dual 16-inch Garmin MFDs and state-of-the-art controls on the dash. Between them, steps lead down to the forward cabin that features a full-size berth and ensuite head with separate shower. Large hull windows let in natural light. When not in use, a door can close off the cabin area, making for a full-beam dash.
Aft of the helm, guests can sit comfortably on the L-shaped settee that surrounds a small dinette. Drop the dinette, and the settee converts into another berth that sleeps two. Opposite is a well-equipped galley. A sliding door and hinged window open to the aft cockpit to create a seamless indoor/outdoor space. Two boarding gates on either side of the platform allow easy access.
A starboard-side walkway leads to the bow where sunbathers will rejoice. Huge triple forward-facing sunpads with armrests and an aft-facing bench offer plenty of space to sit back and feel the ocean breeze while listening to tunes through the high-quality JL Audio speakers placed conveniently throughout the boat.
The Wellcraft 355 can power up with triple Mercury or Yamaha outboards up to 1,050-hp to reach a top speed of more than 50 knots. Meyer proved it on our sea trial. “Do you feel that?” he asked. Indeed, I did. I was bouncing like a baby on grandpa’s knee. It was a thrill ride, but in a good way—like that feeling you get afterward when you say, “Can we do it again?”
Take the wheel and push yourself to the limit to see how far you’ll go. wellcraft.com
By: Bonnie Schultz 2022
Everglades 455 CC Boat Test
The Icon Has Arrived
The All-New 455cc Flagship
Every new model launch is important, but this is one of the most significant unveilings in Everglades history. Introducing the 455cc flagship model. A model of firsts. Revealed in their platinum anniversary year, the 455cc is a testament to their 20-year history of unyielding innovation, time honored design, and uncompromising fishability.
The 455cc is a flagship of control and technology. The largest command center to date, the helm allows you to control everything – literally. Integrated into the vessel’s central nervous system with the assistance of Garmin’s Advanced Electronics Engineers, three massive Garmin touchscreen monitors provide continuous access to a full array of information and control features.
Yet the 455cc is no showboat. Everglades fishing DNA is inherently designed into the 455cc’s deck plan to get you on top of prey quickly and fish hard. From strategically placed gear drawers and rod holders to their first ever in-floor fishboxes, the 455cc is first and foremost a hardcore, unapologetic offshore fishing machine.
Adorned in beautifully crafted materials and exotic woods, the 455cc will let guests and passengers know that you have arrived. It transcends typical marine appointments with impeccable fit and finishes that includes high-quality leather-like upholsteries, above and below deck climate controls, rich-looking wood accents, and supportive triple Release Marine® helm seats. Overnights and weekends come standard with a generous king-sized convertible bed, galley space, and separate head and shower facilities.
Recently released for production, the 455cc will be offered exclusively to select Everglades customers and dealers in limited quantity.
Viking Yachts 64 Convertible
A New Champion
The Viking 64 Convertible is designed for tournament fishing action and luxurious family comfort.
The newest member of the Viking Yachts’ fleet, the 64 Convertible, is a tournament contender designed to fish around the world and provide luxurious amenities for family cruising. She is a domineering replacement for the company’s popular 62 Convertible. Two feet may not sound like a lot in terms of LOA, but the New Jersey-based, family owned and operated sportfish builder’s design team has a knack for maximizing the volume out of every available inch.
The 180-square-foot cockpit, for example, is six inches longer than in the 62C. Viking’s demo team has it outfitted for efficiency whether fishing for a Winner’s Circle trophy or going on a family vacation. A 90-gallon pressurized livewell is built into the transom, and the transom scuppers in the cockpit corners can be fit with drains to keep the deck dry if removable livewells are used. Beneath the coamings are fresh- and raw-water washdown systems, quick disconnect fittings for oil changes for the engines and generators, plus 12- and 24-volt outlets to accommodate dredge, kite, and deepwater drop reels. Side storage lockers and fiberglass wells beneath the cockpit sole keep the deck clear. A transom door with a lift gate is standard and allows flexibility for boarding and while fishing.
While waiting for a sailfish or marlin strike, the flybridge overhang offers protection from the sun and spray when sitting on the observation mezzanine, which can be plumbed for air conditioning. The mezzanine deck also provides freezer, tackle, and gear storage as well as a space for an electric grill, a small cooler, and engine room access. A Seakeeper 26 in the lazarette is protected from the elements via a single watertight hatch accessed manually or with an optional electric actuator.
Spacious Salon and Galley
The design team utilized the wide beam and divided the very sociable salon into four separate areas to maximize comfort and convenience. Passing through the electrically operated fiberglass salon door, an L-shaped lounge with storage below is to starboard, complemented with a walnut coffee table. To port, a 50-inch HD television in the walnut cabinetry rises with the touch of a button.
Forward to port is a dinette that seats four with a pull-out drawer sized to store fishing rods. A popular option with this layout is a second HD television on the port side bulkhead next to the dinette. The peninsula galley opposite the dinette includes a pair of bar stools for additional seating.
Undercounter Sub-Zero refrigeration provides deep-drawer capacity, and the custom stone counter has an overhang to enhance usable space. Cooking amenities include a four-burner cooktop and a microwave convection oven. Plentiful walnut cabinetry throughout stores cookware, food items, and supplies. Viking offers a second galley layout with a walkaround island and similar features.
Luxury Accommodations
Accommodations below accentuate luxury and comfort. In the master suite, owners can customize the layout with the choice of an athwartships or fore-aft queen-size berth, ensuite head, credenza storage, and his-and-her maple-lined hanging lockers. The forward stateroom comes standard with a queen-size berth and ensuite head, but a crossover berth arrangement is optional. Separated by the third head are two guest staterooms to port, one appointed with upper and lower berths, the other with side-by-side berths. The latter stateroom also has a massive fishing rod locker behind a wall of walnut cabinetry.
Well-equipped Flybridge
The flybridge boasts Viking’s signature center console helm outfitted with triple pedestal chairs. Navigation systems and other electronics installed by Atlantic Marine Electronics, a Viking subsidiary, nest in a black acrylic helm dash with three flush-mounted Seatronx touchscreen displays. The angle of the dash brings the screens closer to the operator for convenience, and the console itself is slightly taller for quicker access to the twin radio boxes and accessory controls flanking the teak helm pod. The length of the helm console also is slightly shorter to allow more room forward for a sizable lounge with a padded backrest, fiberglass armrests with cupholders, and a 76-gallon freezer under the cushion. Port and starboard lounges with rod storage beneath meld practicality and comfort, along with a chill box for beverages, a sink, and a freshwater outlet.
Prime Performance
Take the wheel and prepare to smile. In the ocean off Palm Beach, I recorded a two-way average top speed of 42 knots. Viking’s engineering and design group fine-combed the running surface, tweaking the chine and running strakes that delivered lift and spray deflection. Modifying the shaft angle and the entry shape in the propeller pockets were other steps the team utilized to enhance the overall performance. At cruise, the water breaks abaft the house windshield and looking astern, there is barely a rooster tail of wasted thrust. The Optimus steering puts you in total control and the boat, despite its hefty weight, handles like a thoroughbred.
-by Peter Frederiksen
Tiara 43 LS
Tiara 43 LS
Sport Meets Style
The third model in the ls series, the 43 LS, combines the aesthetic of sport styling with the luxurious amenities and details synonymous with the tiara brand. Guests can choose from multiple social zones for relaxation and leisure. Forward, the bow features wrap around seating with a reclining lounge. The helm seats four comfortably, with standing room and a leaning bolster just aft, providing a secure zone for more guests while underway. A side boarding door located portside presents access to your favorite water activities. The innovative aft u-lounge rotates 180 allowing guests to further enjoy the swim platform and beautiful views. Entertain everyone aboard from the galley, well equipped with sink, refrigerator and large countertop. Below deck, comfortable accommodations for four await.
Stay tuned for a full boat review from Southern Boating coming soon!
Sea Ray SLX 260
Experience an escape from the day-to-day in a model that steals the spotlight with sophisticated style, luxury details and easy-to-use amenities. The SLX 260 combines ingenuity with intuition to reveal a host of next-level features that make boating effortless. Superior materials, plush upholstery and refined accents create a relaxing atmosphere encouraging those aboard to be present in the moment. Every inch of the SLX 260 has been carefully designed, from the updated seating layout to integrated storage optimized for space.
MORE ROOM AT THE WATER’S EDGE
The Sea Ray SLX 260 showcases an extended transom with a broad swim platform and an expanded sunpad. The swim platform is outfitted with a swim step and concealable ladder for easy water access. The sunpad presents a prime spot to take in the sights along the water’s edge and lounge in comfort. An integrated transom cooler can be filled with ice and drinks or kept empty as dry storage to safely stow items.
REIMAGINED SPACES
The SLX 260 has been thoughtfully designed to maximize space. The cockpit’s updated layout includes L-shaped bench seating with deeper seats to promote ergonomics and comfort. Blending seamlessly, convenient storage has been incorporated throughout such as the enlarged ski compartment in the cockpit floor and transom locker for storing gear, floating water mats and inflatables.
NIGHTS FILLED WITH LIGHTS
With LED lights and courtesy lighting, there’s more to enjoy aboard the SLX 260 after the sun goes down. Gaze at the stars while sharing refreshments and listening to music on the standard Fusion® Apollo™ audio system. Select the Lighting bundle offering LED RGB-W color-changing lighting for a burst of color perfect for any occasion or celebration out on the water. An LED light that projects the Sea Ray logo onto the cockpit floor is also available with Lighting bundle and Power Tower additions.
NEXT GENERATION POWER TOWER
Adding a sporty look to the SLX 260 while providing protection from the elements, the optional next-generation Power Tower features an extended sunshade. The tower can be lowered or raised with the touch of a button, and removable canvas sections can be unzipped to reveal a T-top opening to let in the sun.
INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY
Get out on the water faster with a host of technologies designed for confident captaining and simple monitoring of the boat’s systems. The helm places everything within reach and offers a standard Dual Digital Dash™ featuring 9″ Simrad® touchscreen displays with Mercury Marine® VesselView® Mobile, Active Trim control & monitoring, and CZone® digital switching.
Regal Boats 38 FLY
New “Fly” in Town
Regal Boats invited us out on the new 38 FLY
Still basking in the afterglow of crossing to the Bahamas on Regal’s new 38 FXO this past fall, we recently received another message from Jeff Littlefield, Regal’s marketing manager, announcing its new 38 Fly. What? Another 38 flybridge model so soon? He invited us on board to spend the day getting to know this new “fly guy”…err…gal.
The sun wasn’t out for our journey from Miami to Boca Chita Key, but it wasn’t a problem for us. The 38 FXO and the new 38 Fly have the exact same layouts, so our party of six rode comfortably inside the salon which features an L-shaped seating area opposite the starboard-side helm station with a 22-inch MFD. Aft of the helm is another cozy bench with a convenient storage area behind it. A small, but well-equipped galley completes this space that can be enclosed with a sliding door during inclement weather. Both models provide the perfect platform for entertaining.
So what is new on the 38 Fly? “The transom, and obviously, the sterndrive. We’re just using Volvo and their system,” says Thomas Medri, regional sales manager for Regal in Canada, who was our captain for the day. The 38 Fly (38’ 9” LOA, 11’ 11” beam) is powered by twin Volvo V8 430 EVC2 Joystick Catalysts with the option of twin Volvo D4 diesel 300s. “You get the driving joystick, you have your docking modes, you know it’s dual station with the fly, but you have full control…. (Overall), it means this is much quieter,” he adds.
With the engines now placed inside, there is room for a full swim platform which can be used for easy access to and from the water or just for lounging in the sun. “You get this massive swim platform which is just inches off the water,” Medri says. “It’s a game changer for families.”
Families, or large groups, will get the most enjoyment from this boat. “People love these for their kids and stuff, too,” he says. “There’s just so much space.
“Storage on this boat is unreal,” he adds. “Even places you can’t see. I mean, it’s behind that backrest. It’s under the seat. It’s under that mattress. We’ve got storage in the steps down here.” Yes, there’s even storage in the top two steps that lead to the accommodations below: one full-beam cabin forward with an island queen-size berth (that lifts to provide even more storage space) and another cabin amidships with a queen that can split into twins. Both have large windows that illuminate the rooms in natural light and share a full head to starboard and a full shower to port.
The sun came out around lunchtime, giving us the opportunity to slide open the salon door and push the button to retract the window separating the galley from the aft cockpit creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. Capt. Medri put on his chef hat and heated up the grill at the wet bar/entertainment center forward on the cockpit to make burgers for lunch. There was plenty of room to cook everything for this party of six, and some enjoyed the meal alfresco, while others dined in the salon under the cool air from the air conditioner.
When it was time to head back to Miami, I made my way up to the flybridge because there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to take in the view from anywhere else. Although a bimini comes standard, it was not raised. Capt. Medri piloted from the starboard-side helm station featuring dual 16-inch screens. I sat behind him on the comfortable L-shaped settee that has a table hidden underneath the seat. Just take it out when you want to dine up top.
The bow boasts a huge sunpad where I could have relaxed for the ride back, but I already had my feet up on the flybridge with the wind blowing through my hair. Nothing beats that boating feeling.
Medri agrees. “There’s a lot of people that still just want that wind in their face when they boat, but they also want the amenities that Regal brings you with that galley up or head down below, or open atrium,” he says. “And the ability to just come up here and just get that boating feeling that you grew up with is awesome.”
Head on over to Regal Boats and design your own today!
Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS Boat Test
The GLS series continues its powerful, entertainment-centered yacht line with the 34 GLS. The 34 GLS’s cockpit features two cockpit L-shaped seating areas. The portside seating has an adjustable backrest while the larger starboard side seating converts into a large, aft facing sunpad. The lower salon features an aft stateroom, a dinette that converts into a berth, fridge, and microwave.
COCKPIT
The 34 GLS’s cockpit features two cockpit L-shaped seating areas. The portside seating has an adjustable backrest that when flipped in the aft facing position, makes a companion seat. On the larger starboard side, the aft backrest can flipped into the forward position to create a large aft-facing sunpad. There is also a personal, aft-facing seat on the port side to comfortably watch swimmers.
ENGINES
The 34 GLS OB is powered by twin or 300 Mercury Verados. The joystick piloting allows you to navigate with ease at the top speed of 46 mph or cruise at 37 mph with the 600 hp option.
GALLEY
The galley features a fiberglass inlay sink, fridge, grill, and storage.
HELM
The helm aboard the 34 GLS is impeccably designed with Simrad electronics and joystick piloting.
BOW SEATING
The bow seating features a table that easily converts into a sunpad, Rockford Fosgate speakers, and multiple cupholders. An optional foredeck shade keeps your guests nice and cool.
LOWER SALON
The lower salon features a dinette that converts into a spacious berth. The lower galley is compete with a fridge, microwave, and TV.
AFT STATEROOM
The aft stateroom aboard the 34 GLS features a custom sized berth, and personal reading lights.
HEAD
The 34 GLS head features a sink, toilet, and standing shower. Storage hidden behind the mirror and underneath the sink allow you to tuck away personal items.
Horizon Power Catamarans Hosts 5th Owners’ Rendezvous
Horizon Power Catamarans Hosts 5th Owners’ Rendezvous
Thirteen Horizon Power Catamarans with their owners and guests gathered for a celebration in Harbour Island, Bahamas
It was blowing a gale the day the Horizon Power Cats navigated “The Devil’s Backbone” and arrived on North Eleuthera in the Bahamas, but once comfortably nestled into their slips at the Romora Bay Resort and Marina on Harbour Island, the 13 beautiful catamarans in attendance paid no notice, their owners and guests immediately taking to the docks to mix and mingle with friends old and new.
After a three-year hiatus, the 2022 Horizon Power Catamarans (HPC) Owners’ Rendezvous unofficially kicked off with the celebratory christening of a brand-new PC65, Hideout. Guests enjoyed the signature fresh stone crab, champagne, and Taiwan beer during the christening and continued the merriment with a shared potluck dinner on the dock.
The first official day of the HPC Owners’ Rendezvous dawned bright and beautiful as the catamarans were prepared for their Rendezvous appearance. The Horizon Power Cat team spent this time checking on any service or maintenance needs—one of the many examples of the attention to service and detail that distinguishes the HPC brand from its competition. In the afternoon, the Romora Bay Resort extended a gracious welcome to the Rendezvous attendees with a steel drum band and Bahamian conch fritters washed down with tropical Goombay Smashes at the dockmaster’s office. Ready to celebrate, guests donned their tropical attire for the welcome dinner on the resort’s terrace, for which The Power Catamaran Company founder and CEO Richard Ford set the tone for fun with his pre-dinner welcome speech. Sponsored by AssuredPartners, the evening continued well past dessert with live music and dancing.
On day two, owners and guests bustled about the docks carrying bags and boxes and scurried to and from their golf carts huddled in whispered conversations: It was the day of the Pimp My Golf Cart Contest. Led by Spencer Lloyd of AssuredPartners, the team of judges carefully critiqued each golf cart entry, paying particular attention to the award-winning characteristics of uniqueness, fun, and creativity. Decked out in full regalia, each cart lined up for a scavenger hunt around the island. The raucous parade, ranging from astronauts to aliens, lifeguards to lobsters, and mermaids to dinosaurs, created quite a stir as it rampaged through Dunmore Town completing tasks and competitions.
Laughter echoed off the docks early the morning of day three as owners gathered on their neighbor’s aft deck to sip coffee before tending to the preparations for the raft-up and beach barbecue. Despite the blue skies and brilliant sunshine, the aforementioned winds had forced a change of venue for the last two days of the Rendezvous. By mid-morning, each catamaran left its slip and cruised the few miles to the beach at Man Island.
Here, the spectacular orchestration of the annual raft-up was on full display and managed by the HPC team with excellent precision, as Ford greeted and boarded each Power Cat as it arrived and seamlessly helmed it into position as the crew set the anchor and adjusted the fenders. Within just one hour, all 13 yachts were lined up and the guests tendered ashore for an afternoon barbecue of burgers, South African sausages, and plenty of beer, rosé, and champagne. After lunch, it was time for the cocktail competition for which three self-proclaimed experts in the field visited every yacht for a formal presentation and tasting of that yacht’s signature cocktail. Music and conversation continued as guests mingled before each Power Cat broke away from the raft-up and set anchor for the night.
Guests took to the water on day four, some taking part in the official fishing tournament and others spending the day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing before heading back to their berth at Romora Bay. The highly anticipated awards ceremony prefaced the dinner with the Horizon PC52 My Best Life taking home both the largest and the heaviest fish trophies as well as the Most Unique award for its Jurassic Park-themed golf cart. The PC65 Cell Fish won Most Creative for its Under the Sea-themed golf cart and the PC60 Brokedown Palace won Funniest for its Pimp Palace-themed cart. As for the cocktail competition, the sobered judges presented the two cocktail awards—both of which coincidentally were margaritas—to the PC60 Vitality for Taste and to the PC60 Mangata for Presentation, and the PC52 Cut and Run won the Scavenger Hunt.
“The 2022 Horizon Power Catamarans Owners’ Rendezvous brought together a group of fantastic owners for four days of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures, which is what being a Horizon Power Cat owner is all about,” says Ford. “Despite the weather forcing us to abandon our original plans to cruise the Devil’s Backbone and spend the last two days in Spanish Wells, all of our owners and guests were content to relax and enjoy each other’s company no matter where they were. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting this amazing event for our owners and their guests and look forward to next year!”