Our choice of the best craft announced
The Motor Boat of the Year Awards take place tonight, at an exclusive dinner and presentation ceremony at Claridges Hotel, London.
The technical teams of Motor Boat & Yachting, Custom Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly have chosen the winners from hundreds of contenders on the market today.
The shortlist has been broken down into the following categories:
RIBs and Sportsboats
These are the drivers’ boats par excellence, combining high speed, great handling, dazzling looks and robust build. Whether solid or inflatable, the judges wanted a boat that was fun, and built to take a hammering.
Goldfish 30 Sportscruiser
Hunton 9.04 RIB
Karnic Bluewater 2250
Regal 2750 Cuddy
Shearwater 860
Williams Turbojet 285
Windy 25 Mirage
Wheelhouse & Walkaround
Time to cut away the airs and graces to leave the essence of boating: vessels that are utterly at home on the sea while keeping their crew safe and comfortable in any conditions.
Aquador 28HT
Boston Whaler 320 Outrage
Botnia Targa 31
Finnmaster 6100MC
Kingfisher 35 Sport Explorer
Nimbus Nova 42
Quicksilver Weekend 700
Sessa Key Largo 36
Traditional and Retro
These emotive boats draw on style and elegance above all, but they are not just toys – they must still be great performers on the water, drawing on the traditional qualities that made these designs successful in the first place.
Chris Craft Corsair 33
Guernsey 34
Mochi Dolphin 64 Fly
Oyster LD43
Sabre 34 Express
Sabre 38 Express
Trusty 23
Steel and Inland
These buyers spend long periods of time onboard and want to enjoy it. Quality of fitout, comfortable interiors and comprehensive inventories are the elements that stand out above all.
Antaris 950
Boarncruiser 43ac Classic
Haines Sedan 34
Linssen Grand Sturdy 33.9 AC
Linssen Grand Sturdy 500 Variotop
Pikmeerkruiser 12.50 OK
Wim van der Valk Continental 17.50
Trawlers and Aft Cabins
Discerning, well-informed buyers of trawlers and aft-cabin boats seek reliability, quality build and solid sea-keeping, for a final package that encapsulates the long-legged philosophy of serious cruising.
Fleming 65
Grand Banks 47 Heritage CL
Nordhavn 47
Nordic Tug 37
Skagen 50
Tarquin Trader 64
Sportscruisers below 45ft
The combination of fun, style, practicality and price is a difficult one to get right, but that is what discerning families and individuals are looking for in this hotly contested area of the market.
Atlantis 35 Plus
Cranchi 43 Mediterranee
Fairline Targa 38
Fairline Targa 44
Hunton RS 43
Jeanneau Prestige 42S
Sealine SC35
Sunseeker Superhawk 43
Sportscruisers above 45ft
For motorboats that are the epitome of glamour, the judges were looking for brave design that delivers real benefits and attention to detail that takes your breath away. Performance is important for excitement that matches the appearance.
Absolute 47
Atlantis 50
Azimut 62S
Fairline Targa 64 GT
Pershing 56
Princess V45
Princess V65
Sessa C46
Sunseeker Portofino 47
Flybridge below 50ft
These are the vessels that so many boaters aspire to owning. They can be expected to cover an abundance of sea miles, combiningthe needs of a family or couple onboard with a touch of glamour – and all at the right price.
Azimut 47
Bénéteau Antares 13.80
Fairline Phantom 48
Nimbus 340 Commander
Nordwest 420
Princess 42
Rodman R1250
Flybridge Above 50ft
For these luxury cruisers, the judges were looking for a high-end feel coupled with the ‘home from home’ elements that make staying on board a genuine pleasure. Has the space been used to sumptuous, jaw-dropping effect?
Azimut 50
Fairline Squadron 68
Ferretti 630
Princess 54
Rodman Muse 54
Sunseeker Manhattan 60
Custom Yacht over 70ft
At this level buyers expect not just faultless quality but the last word in style, luxury and exclusivity. This isn’t just about building a great boat, it’s about fulfilling the owner’s wishes and dreams.
Azimut 103S
Custom Line Navetta 26
Fleming 75
Mochi Dolphin 74
Pershing 72
Sunseeker 37m
