Freshly Launched Designs for Power & Sail
Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2021
By: Zuzana Prochazka
The pandemic has been hugely disruptive in all parts of life, but one place where COVID hasn't really slowed things down is boating. Although the fall boat show season was abbreviated, boat builders still launched several new models in 2020. Whether you're a sailor, angler, pontooner, or waterskier, there's a new toy waiting for you.
Boston Whaler 240 Vantage
If it's versatility you're looking for, put Boston Whaler on your list. The new 240 Vantage dual console design features a hull that delivers a stable and soft ride and has a responsive helm for precise close-quarters maneuvering. Powered by a single Mercury 250-hp V8 DTS Verado, the 240 carries 111 gallons of fuel, which is enough to have a long afternoon of running out to fish, tubing on the way back, and then cruising at happy hour. And that's the point of this model—it can do everything, so it's perfect for new boaters as well as those looking for maximum utility.
Boston Whaler dubbed this model the "Swiss Army Knife of Boating" because it packs so much into such a compact platform. Just 24' 2" LOA, the 240 Vantage comes with power steering, a glass windshield, origami seating, and Whaler's proprietary foam-injected construction that allows them to call their models "unsinkable." A hardtop is optional but definitely worth spec'ing both for functionality as well as aesthetics.
The ergonomics of this design are well-thought-out. The bow is open for seating; in fact, the 240 Vantage is rated for 11 people. Aft is a fold-away seat, and a walkthrough to the small swim platform with a ladder tucked neatly below. There's always something to hold on to, but at the same time, the boat feels open and uncluttered.
You can pack this little model with features that will make it fit your changing needs: Raymarine electronics including a fishfinder transducer, a watersports tower with wakeboard racks, an insulated in-floor fish box to keep the catch fresh, a transom live well, stainless steel rod holders, a rod stowage compartment, a fiberglass prep station for bait or snacks, a windlass and bow boarding ladder, and a freshwater shower at the bow or transom. Phew – this options list is extensive. Of course, an enclosed head and sink are integrated into the portside console and are standard so that you can stay out all day.
With its single-engine and friendly price tag ($127,264 base), this boat really can do it all and for many types of boaters. It's also low maintenance and can be trailered, so your cruising grounds are nearly limitless. For the family that doesn't know yet how they'll use a boat or for seasoned boaters with high expectations of what a boat should be, the 240 Vantage delivers
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
I'm on a perennial search for the perfect couple's cruiser. I'm like Goldilocks; one is too small, and one is too big, etc. It's true that a couple can cruise on anything from a superyacht to a bathtub but for self-sufficient cruisers who like comfort but are still realistic about their abilities, there really is a range of boats that makes sense. One such boat was just introduced by Groupe Beneteau in the form of the Oceanis 40.1.
This Marc Lombard design has a fractional rig that consists of a deck-stepped, Z-Spar aluminum mast with an air draft of 60'2". The standard sail area is 751 square feet split between a self-tacking jib and a large furling mainsail, but you can add another 658 square feet with the Code 0.
The boat feels much larger than her 40 feet. There are a number of layouts offered below, including two cabins and a workshop aft, as was the case on the test boat I rode. A total of four accommodation plans are available, including three or four cabins and one or two heads.
The galley is straight-ish and to starboard. There will be no cooking underway on a starboard tack, though, as there's nothing to brace yourself on. However, Beneteau has a small space next to the sink that can fix this, and I hope they use it in future iterations.
Our test boat was outfitted with a shoal keel and the "Comfort" pack, which includes a teak swim platform, electric windlass, and Incidence sails with a furling mainsail and a self-tacking jib. In 10-12 knots of true breeze, we sailed 7.5 knots at 60 degrees apparent wind angle. The real fun came when we unfurled the Technique Voile Code 0. In 14 knots of true, we were doing 8.2 knots on flat water. Absolutely sublime.
A Yanmar 45 hp diesel provides plenty of power, and at wide-open throttle, we motored at 7.1 knots and 3100 rpm with the three-blade Flexofold folding prop. A more economical cruising speed of 6.5 knots can be found at 2500 rpm.
Although the base price is $251,000, our loaded boat came in at $375,000 USD. For a forty-footer that feels like forty-five, that's not bad, and it completely satisfies my Goldilocks complex.
Godfrey Monaco MC235 FS and MC255 FS
Pontoon boats aren't just for entertainment anymore as a premium builder, Godfrey Marine, shows us on two freshly launched models in their Monaco line.
The MC235 and MC255 have become 23- and 25-foot angling platforms with fishing stations and live wells. Add rod holders, knife and tool storage, and stern fishing seats on removable pedestals, and you can go from a fishing afternoon to an upmarket happy hour in minutes. And just so no one is left out, there's also a ski tow pedestal option to give the kids a thrill before dinner. Engine choices are 150-400 hp, and 12-17 passengers can be accommodated depending on which model you choose.
About the Author
Zuzana is a freelance writer and photographer with regular contributions to over 18 sailing and power-boating publications. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana is the founder of a flotilla charter company called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations around the world.
Zuzana serves as an international presenter on charter destinations, safety issues, and technical topics, and she's the Chair of the New Product Awards committee for innovative boats and new gear. She is a member of the American Society of Authors and Journalists and a board member of Boating Writers International.
A version of this article appeared in the Winter Issue (Jan/Feb) 2021 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: New Boat Models, Sailing
