The boating industry has rebounded from the depths of COVID-19 and is back, offering a tempting array of entirely new boats in all sizes for 2024. If there is any one trend that I’d pick out, it’s family fun. Getting the family out on the water, whether it’s for fishing, water play or just loafing in the sun, is something that boating does to perfection. Here’s a look at some of the hottest boats for this year.
Boston Whaler 210 Vantage (photo featured above)
This 21-footer checks all the boxes for family fun, with a powerful but easily maintained outboard, flip-up stern seating, spacious bow seating with a table, and a portable head in a private compartment. For absolute family security, the 210 (like all Whalers) is unsinkable.
Prestige M8
This 65-foot catamaran is your villa afloat, with twin Volvo diesels, a cruising speed of 17 knots and multiple entertainment (and dining) areas for fun on the water. Starting at the top, the spacious flybridge covers nearly 550 square feet, with dining under the arched hardtop for eight plus ample lounges for sunning. Americans will choose the galley-up arrangement in the salon, which provides formal dining for six, three couches, and a media center. On the same level but just aft of the sliding doors are three more couches and, on the forward deck, sun pads plus yet another settee. One deck down are no less than five staterooms, including a forward full-width owner’s suite (with a getaway lounge!), two VIP cabins and two guest cabins, all of which have private heads with showers.
Viking 64 Convertible
If you’re a dedicated Izaak Walton with fishing in your blood, the Viking 64 will get your heart pounding. Anglers will relish the 41-knot top speed, soft ride and a 180 square-foot cockpit with an array of fish boxes, live wells and a bait prep station. Guests enjoy spectating the fishing action from a raised mezzanine, or from the spacious salon impeccably finished in walnut. The galley is fitted for a hungry crew, from Sub-Zero fridge and freezer units to the four-burner cooktop. Four staterooms all have queen-sized walk-around berths, ensuite heads with stall showers, and the master includes a credenza and liveaboard storage. The flybridge features a walk-around console, lounge seating and triple pedestal chairs behind the helm. Power comes from twin MAN V12 diesels of 1550hp each, and a husky Onan 21.5kW generator keeps the air conditioning and margarita blenders running.
Aquila 47 Molokai
The latest offering from Aquila Yachts is this 47-foot catamaran marking their first foray into sport fishing, and she checks every box for serious anglers. Even better, she suits family outings to a T. Anglers will have to use all their fingers twice to count the rod holders. The forward casting platform is a spacious 15 feet wide and 4-foot and 8-foot fishboxes are hidden under the deck. Power is from four hulking Mercury 400hp outboards and those 1600 horses push the Molokai to a solid 66+ mph. Speed in your blood? Check the box for quad 450 Mercs and hold onto your hats at 70+ mph. Two layers of seating (one raised, overlooking the helm), while anglers can chase a fish entirely around the pilothouse while still having securely high rails. But the Molokai isn’t just about fishing: the low profile hides an air-conditioned cabin with 6-foot 7-inch headroom, a queen berth and an oversized head with shower. Details abound, from deep gutters for Tampa-sized rain, walkaround berths to eliminate inelegant climbing into bed from the bottom, and lithium batteries that will quietly power the air conditioning all night.
116’ Hargrave Romeo Foxtrot
This superyacht from the American builder, Hargrave, features an interior by Yacht Interiors by Shelley, in harmonious sea blues, graphite undertones and touches of ebony. The master suite spans the full beam on the main deck, with a dual bath and twin walk-in closets for an owner’s sanctuary. Four additional cabins provide total luxury for guests, each with a king berth and ensuite head. No matter if you’re Texas-tall, the 7-foot 2-inch headroom provides an open and airy atmosphere. A true Tri-Deck motor yacht, the 116 has distinct areas for relaxation, entertainment and leisure. Adding to the experience are the crew cabins for eight, providing for every need. A “beach club” is revealed by the fold-down stern, with an air-conditioned lounge, bar, steam room and bath, plus easy access to the water for swimming or water toys.
So, whether you shopping for a 21-footer, and looking for a floating villa of 116 feet, 2024 is going to be your year on the water.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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Chris Caswell
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