Throw a rock at any marina and you'll likely hit a good-looking, good-performing express cruiser. Finding one that's also practical is more challenging. So I was pleased that Maxum's 3100 SE had cord wraps for shorepower cables, cleats positioned where hanging a fender makes sense, and standard port and starboard windshield wipers. Sure, many express builders are great at installing backlit headboards, but a glance at their equipment lists tells you that few consider visibility through both sides of the windshield important.

This had the makings of an "uh-oh" trial run. It was 54 degrees with a stiff wind blowing across Lake Michigan and directly into the face of our test boat. We were leaving the mouth of the Grand River near Grand Haven, Michigan, where erratic 3- and 4-foot waves rolled off the big lake. A big walkaround or express cruiser would have been slam dancing, with passengers scrambling for heavier offshore attire. But in the cockpit of the Tiara 3000 Open, cruising toward open water at 23 mph, three of us sat with shirtsleeves rolled up while engaged in a casual conversation.

There are some express cruisers with performance that just doesn't live up to their streamlined good looks. The Cruisers Yachts 520 Sports Coupe isn't one of these, proving itself to be a pleasure to run during my test on a boisterous Atlantic. The 520 Sports Coupe also ramps up the luxury level with such features as a rotating circular cockpit lounge, a synthetic teak cockpit sole, underwater lighting, electric hi-lo tables, and jack-in-the box televisions. It has all the toys; it has all the must-haves. Is this the express cruiser for you? Let's take a look.

We know it's tough. You've been a go-fast guy for years but now your domestic situation -- wife, kids, chocolate lab -- requires something a little more family friendly. The solution? Take a look a Baja's hot new 335.

It has offshore-style bolsters in the cockpit and big-block engines under the hatch. The boat runs 63.5 mph with a pair of 425-hp 496 MAG HO Bravo Ones and would make a comfortable poker runner.

Regal's 5260 is a big express cruiser that offers a single-level cockpit, unparalleled engine room access, a hardtop and three-sided glass enclosure, a dinghy garage, standing headroom belowdecks, and your choice of two cockpit arrangements, four cabin layouts, and numerous decorating enhancements. Powered by Volvo Penta's IPS tractor drives, it sips fuel and offers the ease of joystick docking.

You need three boats. One for cruising, one for fishing, and another for getting out your high-speed ya-ya's. You might find a boat that satisfies two, but three? Well, we found 'em. Each can cruise, fish, and perform with aplomb. With outboards, draft and maintenance are minimized and interior space is maximized. All are center or side consoles, with seating between the helm and cabin, a generous cockpit aft, and complete cabins. The only question is which to choose.

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CONTENDER 38 E, www.contender.com 800-645-2906

Admit it, you have landlubber friends you wouldn't mind bringing along for a cruise, but you cringe at the idea of having to tell them how to sit, what to hold, where things go, and everything else regular boaters already know. Cranchi's Zaffiro 36 can help bridge the gap in experience because this Italian builder simplified the boat and labeled many lockers. If you can read, you can crew.

Some of the more underwhelming boats I've tested were express cruisers powered with V-drives. The aft position of the engines coupled with the loss of buoyancy due to shaft tunnels can result in a boat that runs as if it were dragging a heavy tow. A steep climb out of the hole is followed by a high running angle, inelegant turning, and the need for lots of throttle and wheel work. The quality of your ride may not be the most important characteristic when shopping for a cruiser, but it ranks high for most boaters.

They Say: This is the ideal luxury utility-style powerboat.

Few boat categories are as crowded, or as competitive, as the one occupied by 35' express cruisers such as Crownline's 340 CR. Many of the competitors include diva offerings from Chaparral, Cruisers Yachts, Formula, Regal, Rinker, and Sea Ray. My test proved the 340 CR not only competes with these boats but beats them on some counts.