In New England terms, this is a bassboat. We're not talking largemouth here. The Pemaquid 26's lineage has been refined in that slow Down East way for the pursuit of striped bass, a fish that often feeds in the surf line or among rocks. So bassboats must be stable in confused waters, highly maneuverable, and able to take the occasional bump and grind.

This is a gentleman's bassboat that may never see scales on its deck. Yet the 26 has a bassboat's full bow to rise to the waves, keel for protection, good-size rudder to swing the boat around quickly, and rock-bouncing construction. In addition, you'll find some lobsterboat touches, with additional bow flare and a more sinuous sheer line. There's also a molded-in strake on each side that reduces spray and provides an extra touch of stability and lift while underway. All of which equals a nice touch of craftsmanship and practicality on this round-bottomed hull.

We took the 26 out in a modest 15-mph breeze. Conditions weren't bassboat rough, but they were sloppy enough to prove the strakes work. The boat was also remarkably quiet. At 2400 rpm we measured 83 dB-A, and most of that was water slapping the hull.

CERTIFIED TEST RESULTS Pemaquid 26

Advertised fuel capacity 100 gallons. Range based on 90 percent of that figure. Performance measured with three persons aboard, full fuel, full water. Sound levels measured at helm, in dB-A.

That silent running can be attributed to sound insulation, plus the optional foam coring ($3,225) in the hull. Our boat also had an optional Aquadrive system ($4,100), which incorporates a constant velocity joint, thrust bearing, and flange mounted between the transmission and the propeller shaft. It reduces hull-borne noise and vibration by maintaining proper alignment. The Aquadrive also eliminates axial loads on the engine by transmitting thrust directly to the bearing and bulkhead. So you push and pull against the boat, not the engine.