We run down 11 of the most exciting new boats at this year's Southampton Boat Show
Six more launches
Bénéteau Gran Turismo 46 – Berth M118
Striking looks and plenty of choice with the Gran Turismo 46
If it’s choice you’re looking for from your sportscruiser then the GT46 is well worth a look at the show. You can have it with IPS or sterndrives, with or without cockpit doors and there is the option to have either two or three cabins.
It has a very clever main deck layout, too, where the seating runs around nearly the entire perimeter of the cockpit to make for an incredibly sociable seating area.
Thanks to design and engineering courtesy of Nuvolari Lenard it’s a striking thing, too.
Bavaria E40 – M401
The flybridge version of the Bavaria E40
One of the most interesting new launches is this displacement, aft cabin cruiser from Bavaria called the E40.
Available with a flybridge or as a coupe the E40 is designed for peaceful and comfortable passages in the slow lane. Even the largest single Volvo Penta D4 300hp makes for a laid back 10-knot speed.
Below you can have two or three cabins, the most tempting layout being an aft master ensuite with a guest double in the bow.
Axopar 24 – Berth M216
The Axopar 24 has a soft-riding, tenacious hull
The new entry-level model of the Axopar range arrives at Southampton with a fantastic hull and attractive price tag.
It is available as a totally open boat or with shelter in the form of a T-top (this version is coming to the show) or fully enclosed hard top.
We have tested this boat with a single 200hp Mercury and recorded a top speed of 35 knots, so it might be worth opting for the 250hp motor, which should make this a 40-knot boat.
Greenline 36 Hybrid – Berth M235
The 36 is available with a hybrid drive or a single 370hp Yanmar
Greenline returns with a fresh take on its hybrid wheelhouse cruiser.
J&J Design is responsible for the styling and engineering (as it was on the original Greenline range) but this is by some way the most modern, sleek Greenline design to date.
That doesn’t detract from the boat’s practical heart, though, with a pair of spacious cabins on board and a well designed saloon and cockpit that merge together flawlessly.
XO 360 – Berth M238
Twin Yanmar 370hp diesels delivered 42 knots on test
Though it’s been out for some time (and appeared at the Seawork trade show) this is the first major show in the UK that the flagship of the XO range will appear at.
You can watch Dave Marsh’s review to see how the 360 monsters a rough sea and there have been a fair few changes made to the boat since he tested the prototype hull number one.
It’s not the last word in overnighting comfort but it’s one of the toughest point-to-pointers you will find.
Williams Minijet – Stand E053
A pocket jet RIB that packs a real punch
This is the smallest Williams ever made, specifically targeted at those with sub-45ft boats who want a jet RIB.
It may be mini (9ft 2in (2.78m)) but it packs a punch, thanks to a 45hp Rotax engine and a weight of just 200kg.
It’s not cheap but then Williams has high standards of finish.
VIDEO: Southampton Boat Show 2015 round-up
Jack Haines gives you a guided tour of the most important new boats at the Southampton Boat Show
