
Annually, it seems, the collective fleet of brand new sailboats introduced to the marine market assumes a definite character all of a unique. Sometimes the roster guidelines greatly toward dual-purpose racer/cruisers whoever selling point is usefulness. Various other years tend to be distinguished by more information on all-oceans voyagers supposed to chase far perspectives. For 2013, but with one notable exception—it’s significant, and we’ll reach it in a moment—the “major trend” had been really having less any certain one.
As soon as the Boat of the Year judging panel convened in Annapolis, Maryland, final October to begin deliberations throughout the annual U.S. Sailboat Show, the users encountered a field of two-dozen nominees that, with regards to dimensions, price, and intent, was probably because diverse as any that preceded it into the competition’s 20-year record.
Continue reading to see this present year's nine winners!
Most Readily Useful Inshore Cruiser
Winning Details
+ Really expansive hotels and interior for a 31-footer, with a forward cabin that competitors the staterooms in some for the larger ships in the 40-foot range.
+ Outstanding value your money can buy: With a sailaway price tag of $145K, the Catalina 315 had been the lowest priced entry of Inshore Cruiser contestants.
+ Tremendous focus on apparently tiny items: real mattresses when you look at the cabins, large lifelines and cockpit benches, exemplary motor access, as well as on and on.
Sometimes it is the simple things in life which can be noteworthy and memorable, and for BOTY judge Tim Murphy, that has been undoubtedly the situation with many for the features in the Catalina 315, CW’s Best Inshore Cruiser for 2013. Use the boat’s ahead stateroom.
“i believe you’d consider this the prime cabin when you look at the ship, therefore’s much better than the primary cabin in a lot of associated with 40- and 44-footers that we’ve seen, ” he said. “It’s a cabin by which two different people will not only lie down easily but also sit-up and review, with good light and with their particular backs against a solid bulkhead. That doesn’t occur in a shocking amount of ships which are 10 or 15 legs larger than this one. Then look at the full-on galley and also the standing headroom throughout, and you recognize this can be a boat that is actually got all of the conveniences of residence in a neat package.”
Judge Ed Sherman concurred: “The Catalina rose towards the top of its course due to the creature comforts, and not down below but also on deck plus the cockpit. This really is only an excellent boat for a young couple, even one with several young ones. The quality of the methods installs is right there. It sailed pretty much. it is simply good little coastal cruiser which has a lot opting for it.”
“I’ll say this level out—I admire Catalina designer Gerry Douglas because he has a method that is not just profit driven, ” added Alvah Simon. “He has a sincere relationship along with his clients, he takes lots of pride in his boats, and I also think he along with his team just deliver a lot of bang when it comes to buck.”
In several ways, the Catalina was a throwback to conventional values and conventional motifs. There’s one helm place included, not two. Douglas chosen the standard shaft and strut for the auxiliary, versus a saildrive, because he seems the setup is much more trustworthy much less vulnerable to possible warranty dilemmas. “He really wants to make certain any dilemmas are minimized, ” stated Sherman. By firmly taking proper care of those little things, Catalina maxed aside a winner.
See photographs of this Catalina 315 right here.
Read more about Catalina Yachts here.
Most readily useful Midsize Cruiser, 40 to 44 Feet
Moody 41
Successful Details
+ A good overall cruiser for extended voyaging or residing aboard that sails really and has good visibility, storage space, handholds, dodger, and propane tanks.
+ good looking interior with nice details including wicker pantry façades and range of three optional timber finishes.