Mid-size Inflatables: Mercury Wins
Mercury's 240 outperformed six other roll-up inflatables with a dry ride, excellent control, and the lowest price. Bombard's AX2 is good, but short on space. And West Marine's RU-260 is big, but expensive.
Evaluating Marine Surveyors
Often taken for granted, the decision to engage a marine surveyor is one of the most important ones you can make. Here's some important advice in advance.
Norseboat 17.5
This versatile daysailer combines traditional aesthetics with contemporary construction. The downside? A proper jib would make for better tacking.
Beneteau’s New 343
A revamp of the 331, this midsize Beneteau's New 343 cruiser has a plain-Jane mien coupled with adequate comfort and surprising performance.
Saga 409
With a bullet-proof hull and a good turn of speed, this Canadian-built boat has a lot to offer serious sailors ... at a serious price.
Seaward 26 RK
By no means just a stretch version of Hake Yachts' 25-footer, this new craft features a retractable keel and sensible pricing options.
Headings: Designers’ ConferencePart II
Glenn Henderson (Hunter Marine), Tim Jackett (Fairport Marine; C&C and Tartan Yachts), Tony Smith (Performance Cruising), Jim Taylor (Sabre Yachts), and Robert Perry, share insights regarding the deck layouts, accommodations, and construction methods they favor.
Headings: Designers’ ConferencePart II
Glenn Henderson (Hunter Marine), Tim Jackett (Fairport Marine; C&C and Tartan Yachts), Tony Smith (Performance Cruising), Jim Taylor (Sabre Yachts), and Robert Perry, share insights regarding the deck layouts, accommodations, and construction methods they favor.
Headings: Designers’ Conference
We interviewed five leading designers of recreational and cruising boats to better understand what considerations reside behind the designs they produce.
X-40
An established European builder offers a strong offshore performer with good looks, a few interesting twists, and only one or two minor flaws.


















