Buddy Davis 42CC

The new Buddy Davis 42CC exudes the Buddy Davis pedigree.

That means a superior ride and handling and designed with built-in fishing amenities from bow to stern. Not to mention, it introduces the builder’s new breed of resin-infused fiberglass custom boats. The Buddy Davis 42CC features a large console area that includes an interior complete with head, galley, dinette, and berth. There’s room for up to three 16-inch displays on the helm with an additional electronics box built into the hardtop.

Under the triple helm seats you’ll find a custom refrigerator/freezer, ample tackle storage, sink with saltwater washdown, and built-in cutting board. Forward is an anchor locker with a seawater washdown, fold-down seating and a forward-facing lounge seat with storage options. Serious anglers will appreciate a large fish box in the forward deck with two under-deck fish boxes in the cockpit along with an integrated livewell in the transom. Powered by quad Yamaha outboards, the 42 can run up to 62 miles per hour.

42′ LOA, 12’6″ beam

Read our full review of the Buddy Davis 42 Center Console

Or return to the Center Console Roundup

davisyachts.com

See the Astondoa 65 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The new Astondoa 65 has an outdoor living theme, and the big party is under the hardtop-shaded platform with a retractable moonroof. The top deck offers plenty of places to relax; check out the see-through Jacuzzi and large sun lounge with backrests and seats. Two hinged, hydraulically activated “wings” to port and starboard increase the platform area even more when unfolded. Prep a meal outdoors thanks to a small fridge, sink, dishwater, and pullout grill. Below deck, the Top Deck 65 (65′ LOA, 16’8″ beam) has a media room with a flat-screen TV, lounge seating and a microwave. Astondoa 65 includes four staterooms, each with an ample head and a separate shower. Base power is twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines. astondoa.com

Hunt Surfhunter 32

With its iconic deep-V hulls dating back to C. Raymond Hunt and the original Bertram 31 Moppie in 1960, Hunt Yachts knows how to build fast, agile and seaworthy boats. Now, the new Hunt Surfhunter 32 powered by twin 250-hp Yamaha outboards, it has updated a classic to give it both more zip (top speed 44 knots) and more room in the cockpit. The hull on the new 32 is an evolution of the popular Surfhunter 29, now stretched with an Armstrong bracket to fit the four-stroke outboards. The outboards, says Hunt President Peter Van Lacker “are simple, fast and the handling is sportier. The range is greater so you can go a little further, faster.” The redesigned cockpit in the Surfhunter 32 has aft seating with plenty of entertaining (or fishing space).

The bridgedeck has an L-shaped settee to port with a custom varnished teak table on a removable stainless steel pedestal base. Visibility from the helm starboard is excellent all around. Varnished teak companionway doors lead to overnight accommodations below, including a full-sized V-berth, enclosed head and shower, and a galley with a single-burner stove, fridge, microwave, and Corian countertop. The hull, designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, is solid E-glass bottom laminate with foam-cored topsides and a vinylester osmosis barrier.

Huntyachts.com

True North 34

With its iconic profile—plumb bow, graceful shear line and reverse transom—the True North 34 Outboard Express is a unique take on a traditional Downeast lobster boat. But it’s a lobster boat that goes 43 mph and that can be used for cruising, fishing, diving, water sports or, if you trim up the outboards, a picnic on the beach.

Power comes from the boat’s twin 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC outboards, using advanced two-stroke technology and displaying the same color as the True North’s signature red hull. Using outboards—as opposed to an inboard diesel—opens up useable space under the cockpit for a sports locker for toys, fish boxes and even a small deflated tender. Up top, the flat cabin top holds optional purpose-built racks for more toys, a kayak or paddleboard.

A hardtop covers the bridge deck with a small galley to starboard. An L-shaped settee to port can be converted to a berth. The captain has an adjustable Stidd chair; the mate’s seat is large enough for two. Down two steps, the cabin has a V-berth, head with shower and hanging locker. True North yachts are made by USWatercraft, which specializes in Scrimp resin-infusion technology for stronger, lighter hulls. The 34 is a user-friendly boat that’s fast, fun and easy.

tnyachts.com

Padebco V25R

It doesn’t get much more Downeast than Round Pound, Maine, a beautiful, protected harbor that serves as the gateway to Penobscot Bay and that also has been the home of Padebco boats for more than 50 years. The new Padebco V25R is proof of that.

Padebco’s newest model, the V25R, is a sporty day boat with classic lines, teak accents, easy handling, and 40-plus knots speeds. The V25R has an almost plumb bow and a sharp entry, like a lobster boat, with hard chines, two lifting strakes on each side, and a 17-degree deadrise at the transom. The beam is only 9 feet, and the draft, with twin 150 Yamahas, is just 18 inches.

The boat comes on plane easily, accelerates quickly and is nimble maneuvering around Maine’s myriad of lobster pots. Padebco is a full-service yard and makes each boat to order. This V25R has seating for eight, with a three-person bench seat aft, another three-person seat on the forward side of an amidships wet bar, and two pedestal-mounted helm seats. The wet bar comes with a sink, storage and removable table for lunch. The helm is finished in faux carbon fiber to reduce glare.

You step down to the salty, teak-trimmed cuddy cabin with a V-berth, head and hanging locker. The Padebco V25R has a solid fiberglass bottom, fiberglass stringers and foam coring in the hull sides and deck.

padebco.com

Tiara 39 – Day Boat or Cruiser

Tiara 39 Coupe delivers the best of both worlds.

Elliott Key or simply cruising the ICW and stopping for lunch.” Issy Perera, president of Apex Marine in South Florida—and a Tiara Yachts dealer—knows precisely where Tiara’s new 39 Coupe is going to create a remarkable swagger among the growing number of dayboats that now congregate popular gathering spots on weekends. “Watch this,” he says as he pushes a button and the hydraulic swim platform lowers into the clear blue water of the Keys. “This is going to appeal to a wide scope of boaters, not just an aging population that finds ladders challenging.”

Yet the twin Volvo IPS 500 drives and 300-gallon diesel fuel capacity will just as easily conquer Key West, Havana Harbor and Marsh Harbour. “Cruising, especially with the price of fuel dropping, remains an important component for today’s boater,” acknowledges Tom Slikkers, president and CEO of S2 Yachts, Tiara’s parent company. “As we modernize our fleet with innovations, we’re more in tune with our customers’ changing lifestyles, and the Coupe series caters to dayboaters and cruisers alike.”

This is Tiara’s third Coupe following successive launches of their 50 and 44 Coupes that share a design trait styled around outdoor entertaining. A cockpit sole to hardtop sliding glass door glides open creating a seamless union between galley and salon inside, with an outdoor cockpit conducive to conversation, dining or simply enjoying the fresh air.

Across many boat lines, builders are “Swiss Army knifing” entertainment centers in cockpits, combining storage space, recessed grills, tackle drawers, and ice makers. Tiara’s vision is a designer’s dream. By positioning this feature of the Coupe series at the transom, a functioning focal point island was created, which serves as a luxurious forward-facing lounger, while the swim platform side includes a hidden grill, drawers and entrance to a cavernous storage trunk.

This island establishes two ways of egress, a definite advantage for singlehanded docking or boarding regardless of the marina’s finger pier configuration. The dual entry is also a winner with grill masters as they rush a plate of hot hamburgers or mouthwatering mahi-mahi from the innovation award-winning Kenyon All Seasons Electric Grill recessed in the aft island. This eliminates a congestion point yet keeps everyone close to the conversation.

An optional teak salon table with manual hi-lo pedestal bases easily stores between meals—storage is abundant in the Coupe series. IPS equipped boats opened spaces below decks that massive engine blocks once occupied. That room led to the enlargement of cabin space and in the Tiara 39 Coupe’s instance, a garage-like fiberglass liner accessed by a simply actuated one-piece door. Shore power cables, fenders, cleaning supplies, hoses, and fishing rods—there is room for it all—are out of sight, yet easily within reach.

Built for living outdoors, the salon delivers a yacht-like ambiance within the 13′ 3″ beam. The starboard galley features an Isotherm 120V/AC drawer unit—drawer refrigerator on top with lower drawer freezer, microwave/convection oven, and recessed two-burner electric cooktop. All appliances are neatly accented by Corian countertops and easily powered underway by the Onan 7.5kW generator. Portside, an L-lounge offers seating for four, with easy viewing of the 28″ LCD TV with Samsung Blu-Ray DVD player mounted above the galley.

Tiara has wisely chosen to sculpt a command center with the Volvo Glass Cockpit integrated electronics package with Volvo engine option. Twin Garmin 12″ displays allow for orchestration of every feature, sounder, radar, plotter, optional video cameras, all on presets that best serve you in the moment. While the 17.5-inch leather trimmed wheel offers a pleasing, reassuring tactile response, Volvo Joystick Plus Control with joystick driving may be the closing argument that sways the purchasing jury. Tiara’s sweet-riding hull delivers an exceptional driving experience, one that tempts you to turn hard to starboard as if cornering a roadster. Joystick control removes any navigation and docking hesitation.

Other notable design features include a manual sunroof and Duette blinds for port and starboard salon windows. The Fusion 3 zone sound system—with wired remote powered by JL Audio digital amp—blasts your favorite tunes from four speakers and Polk 8″ subwoofer with tuned enclosure. Bring your own playlist on board, as the unit accepts USB/MP3 and has integrated Bluetooth.

For weekends aboard or vacation adventures, below deck accommodations are inspirational. The master centerpiece is a queen-size pedestal berth with a deep quilted innerspring mattress. Storage is a cut above normal, with a cedar-backed hanging locker, a couple of upper storage compartments port and starboard, and significant space below the berth. Privacy is afforded with a bi-fold teak door.

An aft stateroom sports a full-size berth and a clever portside settee that can be used for additional sleeping capacity. For families, these sleeping arrangements are ideal, but owners who prefer separate sleeping accommodations will find the roominess of both staterooms more than adequate.

The single head between the master and aft stateroom is easy to access by day or night, and the over-the-counter mirrors and LED lighting create a sense of space. The shaped sink, single handle faucet and teak countertop over the lower vanity storage add a distinctive designer element to the head and shower.

Throughout the 39 Coupe are rich, solid wood flooring, decorative wall coverings, and heavy-duty hardware on latches that will stay closed in unsavory seas. Desirable options prospective owners should consider include a flat-screen TV and DVD player for the master stateroom, the elegant Sisal Seagrass aft cockpit carpet, and a well-engineered Makefast Marine powered sunshade that extends over the aft outdoor seating.

Tiara’s 39 Coupe eases the dilemma of choice between dayboat and cruiser, while giving a nod to changing lifestyle choices on the water.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 40’10”

Beam: 13’3″

Draft: 3’4″

Bridge Clearance: 13′

Displacement: 23,290 lbs.

Fuel/Water: 300/100 gals.

Power: Twin Volvo IPS 500

Cruise/Top Speed: 30.1/40.3 mph

Range: 272 nm @ cruise

MSRP: $703,704 (base); $769,299 (model reviewed)

CONTACT:
Tiara Yachts
725 E 40^th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-7163
tiarayachts.com

By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating January 2016

Dayboat or Cruiser?

Tiara 39 Coupe delivers the best of both worlds.

“Elliott Key or simply cruising the ICW and stopping for lunch.” Issy Perera, president of Apex Marine in South Florida—and a Tiara Yachts dealer—knows precisely where Tiara’s new 39 Coupe is going to create a remarkable swagger among the growing number of dayboats that now congregate popular gathering spots on weekends.

The helm station, with it’s integrated electronics, is still part of the salon thanks to the L-lounge seating.

Relax from your travels in the large Master with a queen-sized berth. There are plenty of storage compartments.

The Tiara 39 cuts through the water with grace.

Tiara’s 39 Coupe eases the dilemma of choice between dayboat and cruiser, while giving a nod to changing lifestyle choices on the water.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 40’10”
Beam: 13’3″
Draft: 3’4″
Bridge Clearance: 13′
Displacement: 23,290 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 300/100 gals.
Power: Twin Volvo IPS 500
Cruise/Top Speed: 30.1/40.3 mph
Range: 272 nm @ cruise
MSRP: $703,704 (base); $769,299 (model reviewed)

CONTACTS:
Tiara Yachts
725 E 40th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-7163
tiarayachts.com

Apex Marine
2550 S Bayshore Dr, Suite 104
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 858-9700
sales@apexmarine.co

Southern Boating, By Alan Wendt, January 2016

Jeanneau Velasco 43

Not quite a trawler, not quite a sport yacht, Jeanneau’s new Velasco 43 occupies a niche in the market that will attract attention from a wide variety of boat buyers. And that’s saying nothing of its price tag, which at first glance would seem to be missing a figure. But more on that later.

Debuting at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, the boat’s appeal lies in a sweet spot at the epicenter of several sought-after qualities. Think back to your math-class days and picture a Venn diagram with overlapping circles labeled “performance,” “value” and “luxury.” The spot where all three circles overlap is exactly where you will find the Velasco 43.

Like sister brand Beneteau, Jeanneau is well known for crafting high-end production sailboats such as the Sun Odyssey series. Powerboats are quickly becoming a focal point for the French boat-building powerhouse, however, and it’s easy to see the smarts behind this strategy. Sailing enthusiasts can be a superstitious lot, and as they look to make the trade from sail to power, brand loyalty often enters into play.

InterMarine in Dania Beach, Florida, exhibited the Velasco 43 in Palm Beach and invited Southern Boating for a sea trial with company captain Tony Pedraja. He’s been with the dealership for two years and driven all manner of boat makes and models. He admits to being “skeptical at first” concerning the Velasco 43’s performance, and adds that despite having the added bulk and weight that comes with a flybridge, it compares very favorably to Jeanneau’s popular NC14 cruiser. “It’s pretty much the same hull design,” says Pedraja, “which means it’s very economical and runs great at trawler speeds but can also get up to 27-28 knots.” The hull also stays true to the NC14’s exaggerated wedge design, which is intended to minimize bow rise—a hallmark of the Beneteau/Jeanneau family.

The Velasco 43 features both interior and flybridge helm stations—fully equipped with Raymarine hybrid-touch multifunction displays—but up top is where you want to be. Before you ascend the starboard-side stairs, however, the boarding process is made easy thanks to an optional telescoping, hydraulic gangway. The swim platform is also hydraulically powered, making it even easier to adjust the way the boat is situated at the dock.

The aft deck area is roomy enough for lounging and casual socializing but could feel a bit cramped when the table from the saloon is added to the mix. While we’re on the topic of tight spaces, the asymmetrical side decks make some dance moves necessary as you progress forward to the bow. The starboard side deck is a fairly reasonable 15½ inches wide, but on the port side the passageway width narrows to 12½ inches. It shouldn’t be a problem for most people—just something to be aware of. However, Jeanneau ameliorates this compromise via several features, such as a sliding door on the starboard side that allows the helmsman to step out directly onto the side deck—a welcome advantage at the dock. Also, Jeanneau has substantially exceeded American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) safety standards with the height and thickness of the toe rails and handrails along the side decks and bow, so there’s very little chance of losing your footing in these areas.

Jeanneau’s Velasco 43 checks all the boxes.

Queen master forward invites light through panoramic hull windows.

A well-equipped galley offers convenient access.

The helm keeps the skipper close to guests.

Arrangements for the Jeanneau Velasco 43 offers many options.

There’s room for two on the bow sun pad.

The flybridge offers plenty of room for entertaining.

Dinette converts for extra overnight guests.

Bump up your tan on the sun pad on the flybridge.

The Velasco 43’s lines are good-looking.

The foredeck boasts one of the boat’s many outstanding creature comforts—a huge sunpad with a cover to protect it from the elements and handrails on either side in the case of a bumpy ride. This area of the boat should get a lot of use, so Jeanneau also included a bow platform with ladder as an optional feature. The review model was fitted with optional teak decking on the foredeck, side decks and cockpit sole. Teak is standard on the aft platform.

The salon is laid out nicely with the galley to port, just forward of a chaise lounge that adds a bit of European flair to the interior. It’s a feature we’re seeing more of as builders—especially those with Continental pedigrees such as Jeanneau and Beneteau—strive to introduce variety to vessel accommodations. It’s hard to lie down and relax on a U- or L-shaped settee with a dinette table in the middle, so introducing an amenity like a chaise lounge is a welcome design choice. You sacrifice some space in the galley, but overall, it’s worth it. And not to fear: directly across from the chaise lounge is a U-shaped settee for dining and entertaining.

The galley itself has everything you’d need for extended cruising, including two stainless-steel sinks, a GE microwave, Kenyon two-burner stove, and eight cabinets/ drawers. A convection oven and dishwasher are available as options. The refrigerator is cleverly placed opposite the galley below the helm seat. Opening a hatch in the saloon sole between the dinette and chaise lounge reveals an area for a wine cellar or freezer, or just additional storage. It also provides access to the engine room if for some reason the main access point in the cockpit is not available. Another below-deck storage space between the galley and helm houses a washer/dryer.

Below deck, a guest cabin to starboard is fitted with twin beds, while forward the master boasts a queen berth and full ensuite head along with CruiseAir temperature control panel for maximum comfort. A guest/day head is located just forward of the guest cabin. Both cabins benefit from a full complement of standard features—reading lights, mirrors, hanging lockers, portholes, removable carpet, and panoramic hull windows, to name a few. Cruisers looking for a boat with more guest accommodations need not rule out the Velasco 43 as the dinette table in the saloon can be removed, and an additional cushion added to the settee to create a double bed.

The flybridge is the highlight of the Velasco 43. This particular hull lacked some of the optional features, but it did have the all-important, greatly appreciated bimini for shade from the unrelenting Florida sun. The adjustable helm seat offers supreme comfort for the driver of the boat, and to port, a reversible bench seat is just as accommodating and even sports the added benefit of a footrest when facing forward. Facing backward, the bench seat becomes part of a U-shaped settee wrapping around a dinette table.

The Velasco 43’s performance was a pleasant surprise, topping out at 27.8 knots at 3070 rpm during our sea trial. It was kind, forgiving and steady in turns, with no unwelcome tendencies to speak of. We found 8 knots to be an excellent cruising speed, at which the engines sipped only 1.66 gallons per hour. And thanks to the sharp, responsive engines, tight maneuvers such as spinning the boat in its own length are stress-free and easily accomplished.

Whether you’re in the market for performance, economy or luxury, Jeanneau’s Velasco 43 is a tough package to beat. The price tag might indicate otherwise, but this is a boat that is absolutely packed with value.

SPECIFICATIONS: LOA: 44′ 11″; Beam: 13′ 6″; Draft: 3′ 10″; Weight: 23,724 lbs.; Fuel/Water: 310/106 U.S. gals.; Power: 2x Cummins QSB @ 380-hp; Cruise/Top Speed: 22.7 knots/27.8 knots; Range: 250 nm @ cruise; CONTACT: Rene Julien, Sales Manager; Jeanneau North America (514) 927-4294; rjulien@prestige-yachts.com; jeanneau.com

By Brian Hartz, Southern Boating August 2014