In 2013, we put a number of boats to the test in an effort to rate construction quality, ride characteristics, ease of use and overall fit and finish. Some of them stood out more than others, either because they raised the bar for a particular category, or created an entirely new category. Here are 10 boats we loved in 2013.
For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012.
Best Boats of 2013: Boston Whaler 270 Vantage
The Gist: Boston Whaler’s 270 Vantage is a hardcore fishing machine that the whole family can love. Lasting Impression: Whaler softened the hard edges of its core fishing platform and gave a nod to luxury and comfort, while maintaining its fishable DNA. Click Here for the Complete Boston Whaler 270 Vantage Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Boston Whaler
Best Boats of 2013: Chaparral 277 SSX
The Gist: The Chaparral 277 SSX features loads of storage, innovative bow seating and a great running attitude. Lasting Impression: The wide-open layout provides excellent access to common maintenance points, such as fluids and filters. Just a few more killer details — on a boat with many. Click Here for the Complete Chaparral 277 SSX Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Chaparral
Best Boats of 2013: Chris-Craft Launch 32
The Gist: More than a decade later, the new Launch 32 shows that today’s Chris-Crafts are as singular as the classics of yesteryear, and that the brand’s restoration is complete. Lasting Impression: Don’t forget what everyone else sees as you fly by: that you’re undeniably at the helm of a Chris-Craft. Click Here for the Complete Chris-Craft Launch 32 Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Chris-Craft
Best Boats of 2013: Cobalt 336
The Gist: All this luxury would just be another opulent place to sit if it weren’t for the high-performance design of the 336 hull wrapped around it and the easy-to-operate MerCruiser Axius or Volvo Penta 380 Joystick system that makes it perform. Lasting Impression: The nice thing about the 336 is that, if your crew can’t decide whether to cruise, ride or hang out, it can go with the flow and satisfy them all. Click Here for the Complete Cobalt 336 Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Cobalt Boats
Best Boats of 2013: Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius
The Gist: The 45 Cantius stands out in many ways. Cruisers Yachts’ design team married the best elements of a sedan to those of an express, resulting in a cruiser unlike any currently available. Lasting Impression: The layout, propulsion and systems aboard the Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius integrate and accentuate each other in that rare way that makes the sum equal more than the parts of the whole. Click Here for the Complete Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Cruisers Yachts
Best Boats of 2013: Formula 350 CBR
The Gist: No other bowrider displaces 13,500 pounds and measures 35 feet in length overall: The 350 CBR is the world’s largest bowrider. Lasting Impression: You can tell a lot about a boat after just a few minutes in its engine space. The 350 CBR screams quality. Click Here for the Complete Formula 350 CBR Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Formula
Best Boats of 2013: Four Winns H260
The Gist: The H260, offers more cockpit space, more versatility and a higher level of quality that’s bound to keep other premium boatbuilders on their toes. Lasting Impression: You can see and feel the extra space built into the H260’s 8-foot-5-inch beam. The room was cleverly eked from narrowed gunwales and tucked-in coaming panels. Click Here for the Complete Four Winns H260 Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Four Winns
Best Boats of 2013: Monterey 288SS
The Gist: Monterey’s 288SS is one of the most exotic, even elegant, bowriders we’ve tested. Lasting Impression: The 288SS is going to be right at home any busy weekend on lakes like Lanier, Mead and Lake of the Ozarks, vying for the title of king of luxury boats. Click Here for the Complete Monterey 288SS Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Monterey Boats
Best Boats of 2013: Pursuit SC 365i
The Gist: The SC 365i’s kit includes a hardtop, single-level cockpit, luxurious accommodations and loads of light belowdecks, yet it offers the low-slung sleekness and elegance of line typical of day boats. Lasting Impression: Stepping through the companionway, we were startled. The decor eschews Pursuit’s traditional simplicity in favor of luxe digs modeled after larger yachts. Click Here for the Complete Pursuit SC 365i Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Pursuit
Best Boats of 2013: Regal 3200 Bowrider
The Gist: In designing its stylish new 3200 Bowrider, Regal had the epiphany that most people in the market for a large family runabout are buying it for a specific intent — to have fun on the water during the day. Lasting Impression: Our favorite feature on the 3200 just might be the twin UltraLounges that sit on either side of the transom walk-through to the swim platform. They easily adjust to six positions. Click Here for the Complete Regal 3200 Bowrider Review For more best boats picks check out Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2014, Best Boats of 2011 and Best Boats of 2012. Regal Boats
