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Automatic Water Fill: If you're hooked up to city water while at the docks, a bypass in the Formula 47's plumbing lets you fill up the water tank. When it's topped off, an automatic shutoff closes the valve to return the system to normal city-water operation.
Hideaway Anchor Roller: You want to have an anchor roller on the bow to keep the hook from hitting the topsides. Too bad it sticks out like a stainless-steel ram. Leave it to Hinckley to solve this aesthetic problem on its Talaria 29. Open the anchor locker hatch, press a button, and the anchor and roller rise out of their hideaway.
Console Compartment Entry: The better way to access a compartment within a center console is from the front. You can step in like a human rather than diving in head-first from a side opening like a dog going through a pet door. But most front console doors lift up so they block the helmsman's view and are unstable when open. The Intrepid 366 offers an electrically powered door that slides to port. It's robust and provides great access.
Fishing Rod Wash and Dry: Usually, you have to wash your rods on the dock, wait for them to dry, then stow them onboard. But the Bertram 670 has a vented, upright-stowage locker with a built-in fresh water wash. Put 'em in, rinse 'em off, and forget about 'em.
Galley Stowage: Many motoryachts have an in-sole stowage locker in the galley. The Meridian 408 made it better by having two drawers that slide out from under the sides of the opening. This way you can make better use of the space that is too far under the sole to reach.
A Place for Garbage: You finished a can of soda, now where do you chuck it? On most runabouts all you can do is jam it in an inwale pouch or locker, and hope the remaining sticky liquid stays inside. Why doesn't someone put a trash bin in small boats? Rinker has-it's by the walkthrough on the 212 Captiva BR.
Cockpit Drains: All drains on the Robalo 265 are integral, laid up with the rest of the deck while it's in the mold. Compared to a threaded-in fitting, this gives a stronger nipple for the hose to connect to, eliminates the need for sealants to make it water tight, and drains every last drop of water from the deck.
Slide-out Batteries: Batteries should be checked regularly, but most spots that are easily accessible are better used for stowage purposes. On the Pursuit 3070 the batteries are hidden in an aft locker. When you want to look at them, they slide out on a rollered tray.
