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14 Great Pocket Cruisers in 2023

• By Victor Tan
• Updated: July 20, 2023

Pocket cruisers and mini yachts are generally vessels under 50 feet in length overall, and can include express cruiser designs, flybridge yachts as well as either monohull or catamaran hull forms. They are cruising boats easily handled by a small, or even shorthanded, crew. Pocket cruisers generally have wave-taming hull designs and have the ability to take on sporty seas, offer comfortable accommodations belowdecks with one or two staterooms for extended voyages, “homelike amenities,” and the ability to cruise as slowly or as quickly as an owner desires with inboard- and outboard-power options. These pocket-cruising boats have the range for longer voyages , can pull up in skinny water at the sandbar thanks to shallow drafts, and head over the horizon where cruising adventure awaits. Pocket cruisers are true multitasking yachts. When it comes to family and couples cruising, it’s hard to beat a well-built and well-equipped and pocket cruiser.

Best Cruising Boats Under 50-Feet

The following 14 pocket cruisers and mini yachts are all vessels we’ve seen, been aboard, and tested. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hood 35 LM: high-tech, family-friendly pocket cruiser
• Galeon Yachts 375 GTO: mid-size boat with plenty of below-deck space
• Aquila 42: sleek power catamaran ready to entertain
• Azimut Verve 42 : small, yet mighty yacht ready for open water
• Hinckley Yachts 35: luxury picnic cruiser with range
• Beneteau Gran Turismo 45: sleek cruising yacht with all the amenities
• Solaris Power 48 Open: eye-catching power yacht with 360-degree views
• Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS: luxury cruiser yacht with powerful outboard options
• Back Cove 34O: modern outboard power combined with classic Downeast styling
• Picnic Boat 40: speedy and fuel-efficient vessel with great looks
• Aquila 36: comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt
• Boston Whaler 350 Realm: multitasker built for fishing and entertaining
• MJM 35z: sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features and elegant lines
• Greenline 39: sturdy-looking lines and environmentally-friendly power

When Android co-founder, Rich Miner, wanted a new family-friendly pocket cruiser , he turned to a custom-penned C.W. Hood design and a Lyman-Morse-built 35-footer, which has a timeless Down East profile matched to seriously modern technology under the hood.

This yacht looks like a traditional, cold-molded Down East dayboat, but actually, it has everything, from Hamilton HJX Series water-jet drives to a planned Sea Machines autonomous command-and-control system . Top speed: 40-plus knots.

Quick Specifications

Galeon yachts 375 gto.

Even the remnants of Hurricane Ian, couldn’t dissuade the Galeon Yacht 375 GTO from its cruising mission. The small yacht’s wave-splitting hull form is paired to torque-filled 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards , giving this fun-in-the-sun boat a 47-knot top hop.

The 375 GTO is a speedster, to be sure, but it’s also so much more. Just about every aspect of the main deck seating is transformable and multifunction, from the aft seating to the alfresco dining abaft the helm, and beyond. It also has a family-size and eminently cruise-worthy belowdecks space for four guests, all while providing a foredeck entertaining lounge too.

The Galeon Yachts 375 GTO ticks all the boxes for an easy-to-handle and sporty cruiser.

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

Following the success of its 44-, 54- and 70-foot power catamaran models, Aquila has launched the stable-as-a-table, owner-operator-ready Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran .

The Aquila 42 is the entry point into the builder’s yacht line and is noteworthy for its ability to accommodate anywhere from a two- to four-stateroom layout, depending on the owner’s cruising requirements. There are alfresco spaces to manage the sunset cruise with friends and family, including a foredeck lounge area that can be accessed via centerline steps from the flybridge. The Aquila 42 is available with several Volvo Penta diesel-engine options .

Azimut Verve 42

Want to cruise from Florida to Bimini in about an hour? The Azimut Yachts Verve 42 can do that thanks, in part, to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards and a hull designed to dice-and-slice a seaway. Top hop: 45 knots. The Verve 42 also has style for miles with a fine entry, raked hardtop, and a razorlike sheerline accented by sweeping hull glass from bow to stern. It’s striking.

With accommodation for a family of four, the Verve 42 is also solid under the hull tokeep everyone safe on those passages. The Verve 42’s hull is built of fiberglass and uses vinylester resins for blister protection. The yacht’s deck and hardtop are comprised of carbon fiber for strength without added weight. This all means that the Azimut Verve 42 is built to CE Classification Type A , making it suitable for sea voyages where winds can exceed 45 mph and seas to 13 feet.

Hinckley Yachts 35

The Hinckley Yachts 35 takes everything that yachtsmen like about this pedigreed-brand’s classic profile and infuses today’s modern outboard power to create 40 knots of sheer fun wrapped in sheer luxury.

This 35-foot Hinckley is built on a Michael-Peters-penned hull form with a fine entry, wider-than-average chines and a moderate deadrise. While the boat is built to sprint when desired, it’s also a relatively economical cruiser. For instance, a comfortable 24-knot cruise the Hinckley Yachts 35 has a 276-nautical-mile range.

It also has a tech-build thanks to vacuum-infused carbon-fiber composites and epoxy resin. An integrated interior structure is infused with the hull adding rigidity. The hull is then post-cured in an 80-foot oven, further strengthening the structure.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

The Beneteau Gran Turismo is the flagship of the builder’s four-model GT series, which also includes 32-, 36- and 41-foot models.

The Gran Turismo 45 ’s cruise-centric layout includes two staterooms and two heads belowdecks, as well as a galley down. There is also a dinette for meals and a settee for rainy-day lounging. Entertaining guests and enjoying the sun is the primary mission of the main deck.

Solaris Power 48 Open

The Solaris Power 48 Open was the first powerboat from this longtime builder known for its sailing yachts, ranging from 40 to 110 feet length overall. The Solaris Power 48 Open is notable for its wave-slicing plumb-bow design, high freeboard forward and 32-knot-plus speed. Power is twin 480 hp Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels.

The high freeboard keeps the deck dry and help creates sizable volume belowdecks with an average 6-foot-6-inch headroom. This enables real estate for either one or two staterooms. With the single-stateroom setup, there is a forepeak master stateroom while an L-shaped settee converts to sleeping accommodations for family or occasional guests. Interior wood options are oak or walnut.

Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS

Outboard-power cruising aficionados will appreciate the triple-engine options for the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS . The 42 GLS we got aboard had the triple 400 hp Mercury Verados , which produced a top hop of 45 knots, but triple 450 hp Verados are available. Triple 350 hp Mercury Verados are the standard engine option. No matter the power arrangement, this express cruiser can easily be used for wakeboarding and tube towing. The 42 GLS is designed to handle the rough stuff too, with a fine entry and 21-degree transom deadrise.

For cruising enthusiasts, the 42 GLS has a master stateroom with an athwartships and a nearly queen-size berth, and the lower salon’s U-shaped dinette converts to a queen-size berth for the kids.

Back Cove 34O

Combining modern outboard power with classic Downeast styling, the Back Cove 34O touts award-winning standards with cruising in mind. The 34O is equipped with twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, engines that allow the Newport International Boat Show’s 2018 Best Powerboat Under 35 Feet winner to travel up to 214 nautical miles at 24 knots on a 250-gallon fuel tank.

Belowdecks, the 34O has an island double berth and a split-head arrangement with the toilet to port and a separate shower stall to starboard. On the main deck, a U-shape dinette to port accommodates four or more guests on the Back Cove Yachts vessel. The 34O’s galley is equipped with a Cuisinart microwave, a two-burner Kenyon electric cooktop and a Vitrifrigo fridge and freezer.

Picnic Boat 40

Hinckley Yachts unveiled its first Picnic Boat more than two decades ago. Now, after two previous, sub-40-foot models, the Maine-based boatbuilder has developed its largest and most advanced model to date: the Picnic Boat 40.

Twin 480 hp Cummins diesel engines paired to twin Hamilton 322 jet drives propel the yacht to a 30-knot cruising speed and 34 knots on the pins. With optional twin 550 hp Cummins diesels, cruise and top-end speeds jump to 35 and 38 knots, respectively.

There is an L-shaped settee with a table and a wet bar on the main deck to port. The helm station is forward and to starboard with a benchseat for two. There is also a companion seat across from the helm. Belowdecks, there is 6-foot-2-inch headroom, and the dinette table drops to form a California-king berth for overnights and weekending.

Aquila Power Catamarans started its line with 44- and 48-footers, and now the builder’s Aquila 36 takes the line into the midsize market.

The 36 features a single, main-living area from bow to stern, helped in part by the vessel’s 14-foot, 7-inch beam. The boat can comfortably seat up to 20 guests for fun on the salt. Several Mercury Verado engine options are available for the Aquila 36, including twin 250-, 300- and 350-hp four-strokes. With the 350s, the Aquila has a top-end speed of 37 knots.

Other notable features include a fiberglass hardtop, a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Belowdecks, there are two staterooms with nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads and 6-foot-6-inch headroom in each.

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

From fishing and entertaining guests to diving and overnight cruising, Boston Whaler ‘s 350 Realm is a multitasker. And it’s fast, too. It’s powered with either triple 300 hp or triple 350 hp Mercury Verados. The 350 Realm can reach a top speed of 46 knots.

At the helm, two Raymarine displays provide vital navigation data. The captain can take in the displays’ view from a doublewide helm seat. There’s a flip-down platform for standing when needed and a footrest when desired.

There is a V-shaped berth that converts into a double berth with a filler cushion. The separated head has a VacuFlush MSD and a hot-and-cold shower. Owners also have the option to add a microwave and a flat-screen TV.

The MJM 35z can reach a top speed of 44 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots on its optional 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards; twin 300 hp outboards are standard on this MJM Yachts vessel. Additionally, the 35z can travel up to 304 nautical miles on its 250-gallon fuel tank.

The 35z has a flush-deck layout and to port is space for an electric grill, a baitwell, a sink, an ice maker and a fridge. There are two Stidd helm seats—one for the helmsman and the other for a copilot—that rotate to face the rest of the seating aft. In the cabin is V-shaped seating forward that can be converted to a berth.

Owners also have the option of adding a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit.

Greenline 39

Greenline Yachts ‘ vessels are aptly named for their environmentally friendly means of moving about; the Greenline 39 is no different. The Slovenian yacht manufacturer produces two types of this model: hybrid and solar.

If owners opt for the latter, the 39’s four solar panels atop the salon power all of the vessel’s systems for three hours. With the power of the sun, the 39 can achieve a max speed of 6.5 knots and a cruising speed of 4 knots. The hybrid type uses those same panels to help power a 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 with a Mahle electric-drive system. Owners have the option of replacing the standard engine with a 370 hp Yanmar 8LV diesel.

Belowdecks, scissor berths provide accommodations for long weekends.

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Best Outboard Motors

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: June 4, 2021

Outboard motors dominate today’s boating market. And with good reason. Today’s outboards are powerful, quiet, reliable, easy to service, and offer excellent power-to-weight ratios, as well as outstanding corrosion resistance. American boaters can choose from more than 180 models (not counting shaft length variants), all four strokes, from manufacturers such as Honda Marine, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, Yamaha Outboards, and others, many in a choice of colors.

Horsepower ratings range from 2.3 to a whopping 600 ponies. Advanced technology abounds, with many models featuring electronic throttle and shift, electric steering, digital integration with your marine electronics , wireless connections to apps that let you view key functions, and more. While many boaters might narrow their search to the best outboard motor for the money, we instead built this list to showcase the best outboards available.

If you own an outboard motor, then you probably already know what you like in terms of brand and horsepower. But, on the other hand, you might be interested to learn about other great outboard motors, in case you buy a second boat or want to repower with the latest outboard technology. With this in mind, we looked at three outboard categories—portables, midsize and big outboards—and highlighted models from the major outboard brands that reflect some of the most notable and innovative engineering and features in each class.

Choosing an outboard motor for your boat is an important decision. Here, then, are 15 of today’s best outboard motors, ordered by horsepower from low to high, defaulting to alphabetical order for like power ratings.

Portable Outboard Motors

Honda Marine BF5

Portability, performance and reliability are the hallmarks of the Honda Marine BF5 tiller-steer outboard model, a motor that’s ideal for small boats and dinghies. The BF5 is equipped with a 0.4-gallon internal fuel tank, the largest in its class. This single cylinder outboard is also easy to pull-start, thanks to a decompression system that bleeds off cylinder pressure to reduce the pulling force. Weighing about 60 pounds, the BF5 is equipped with a 127cc overhead-cam engine that features an Oil Alert system that indicates any drop in oil pressure, automatically limiting the engine speed to 2,300 rpm. The Honda BF5 is available with an optional charging system with a capacity of 6 amps at 12 volts to power electronic devices on board.

Suzuki Marine DF9.9B

This portable outboard is the only motor in its class with electronic fuel injection for easy starting, strong acceleration and smooth operation at all engine speeds. Even more impressive is that Suzuki DF9.9B’s EFI system does not require a battery. The two-cylinder 327cc overhead-cam engine also features Suzuki’s proven Lean Burn Control System for outstanding fuel efficiency from low idle speeds well up into the cruising range. Weighing 108 pounds (20-inch model), this motor is available with electric or manual start with a decompression system for easy pull-starts. Suzuki’s class-leading 327cc displacement delivers plenty of torque for pushing inflatables, small fishing boats and more. Power tilt and trim is optional.

Yamaha Outboards High-Thrust T9.9

The Yamaha T9.9 is one of today’s smallest and lightest high-thrust 9.9 hp outboard motors and serves a perfect kicker outboard for a variety of boats. Weighing 102 pounds (20-inch model), the T9.9′s 212cc, two-cylinder, overhead-cam engine provides smooth, reliable power and torque with outstanding fuel efficiency. Yamaha’s patented dual-thrust propeller offers robust forward and reverse thrust. Shallow Water Drive System or Power Tilt allows the operator to raise the outboard during low-speed operation or fully tilt the outboard up. A freshwater flushing device at the front of the outboard allows for easy maintenance and increased longevity. Resting pads enhance storage capability.

Mercury Marine 20 EFI FourStroke

Designed for anglers, recreational boaters and commercial operators, the Mercury 20 hp FourStroke features battery-free electronic fuel injection for reliable starting, instant throttle response, strong performance and superb fuel efficiency. Weighing in at 99 pounds, this outboard model is among the lightest in its class. Available with electric start, this engine is designed with ease of maintenance, featuring a clean, no-drip, no-spill oil-drain system. The 20 hp EFI FourStroke features an award-winning multi-function tiller handle, offering ambidextrous operation. Its vertical down-stop is adjustable to accommodate specific boat layouts and transoms.

Midsize Outboard Motors

Mercury Racing 60R

The only outboard motor in its class available as a 15-inch model, the Mercury Racing 60R fits perfectly on the transom of flats skiffs and other small high-performance boats. Featuring a high-thrust gearcase, this outboard motor is geared to deliver strong hole-shot for jumping on plane in shallow water. The smallest outboard motor in the Mercury Racing line, it features a four-cylinder, 1.0-liter long-stroke powerhead tuned for torque. Wide-open throttle range is extended to 6,300 rpm to maximize acceleration and enable more propping options. Weighing in at 268 pounds, it can accommodate a lower poling platform while eliminating the need for a jack plate

Suzuki DF70A

Known for delivering strong fuel efficiency and long-run reliability, Suzuki’s DF70A pushed a 17-foot Hell’s Bay flats skiff to victory in the 2021 Florida Skiff Challenge, a non-stop, 1,300-mile race around the entire Florida coastline. This four-cylinder engine features dual overhead cams, four-valves-per-cylinder and electronic fuel injection with Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control. Weighing 343 pounds and boasting 9.17 liters of displacement, it’s the only motor in the class with an offset driveshaft for better weight distribution and balance on the transom. Suzuki’s two-stage gear reduction and 2.59:1 gear ratio delivers snappy acceleration and top-end performance. This motor also features a self-adjusting and self-lubricating timing chain and powerful 27-amp alternator for tech-laden boats.

Yamaha Outboards F70

Yamaha’s F70 outboard motor is perfect for family fishing and fun. Weighing 253 pounds, it’s the lightest in class and delivers quick starts, high performance and efficiency for aluminum fishing boats, pontoons and fiberglass boats. This 1.0-liter engine also boasts the best horsepower-per-liter ratio in its class. It offers four-valve-per-cylinder and single cam design with electronic fuel injection. A high gear-ratio and 6,300 rpm wide-open throttle rating combine with a compact single-throttle valve and long-track induction system for maximum power and thrust. The F70 integrates with Yamaha’s CL5 and CL7 touchscreen displays.Yamaha’s Multi-Function tiller handle is also an option for the F70.

Honda Marine BF90

Inspired by the engine of the Honda Fit car, the BF90′s 1.5-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder features multi-port electronic fuel injection. Weighing 359 pound (20-inch model), it comes with a multi-function display and an optional tiller handle that includes a larger shift lever, a power trim and tilt switch, handle height adjustment and trolling-speed control. The patented Blast system advances ignition timing during hard acceleration for powerful hole shots, while a Lean Burn Control system adjusts the air/fuel mixture to maximize fuel efficiency at cruise. A three-way cooling system promotes long-term durability. Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) improves torque and power at higher rpm.

Mercury Marine 115 hp Pro XS

The 115 hp Pro XS has been powering bass boaters and other performance enthusiasts since its launch in 2016. Built on the proven 2.1-liter four-cylinder platform, this outboard motor lives up to the Pro XS reputation for hole shot, top-end speed, and durability. It delivers outstanding zero-to-20 mph heavy-load acceleration and a blistering top speed. At 359 pounds, it’s the lightest weight high-output engine in its class. In addition, the 115 hp Pro XS features the Idle-Charge Battery Management system, ensuring peace of mind for a full day on the water. Available with the standard or larger Command Thrust gearcase, this outboard motor is perfect for boaters looking to maximize performance on their bass boats, multi-species boats, bay boats and pontoons.

Big Outboard Motors

Honda Marine BF250

The flagship of the Honda outboard line, the BF250 outboard motor integrates an innovative design, a sleek progressive V-form style, improved corrosion resistance, streamlined maintenance, and an expanded number of rigging options. Weighing 622 pounds (25-inch model), the 3.58-liter V-6 is available with either Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) or electronic controls or mechanical controls. Technological innovations include Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) to delivers precise amounts of fuel and air to each cylinder, Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) to increase performance and acceleration; and Lean Burn Control to maximize fuel efficiency in cruise mode. The motor also features digital line redundancy for added protection against connection failure.

Yamaha Outboards F300 Offshore

Yamaha’s updated F300 Offshore Digital Electronic Control (DEC) model features Digital Electric Steering (DES) and Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) and other XTO Offshore-inspired features. Fast and precise Digital Electric Steering (DES) draws battery amperage only when active. The 4.2-liter EFI V-6 incorporates Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) that allows the propeller to bite clean water for strong reverse thrust. Yamaha’s TotalTilt function allows complete tilt up from any position with a double push of the “UP” button, or full tilt down with a double push of the “down” button. Weighing 562 pounds (25-inch model), F300 has a color-matched lower unit, an upgraded one-piece top cowling with water-draining air duct molding and a new bottom cowling.

Suzuki Marine DF350A

Suzuki’s flagship DF350A was the first outboard to feature dual contra-rotating propellers for superior hole shot and strong acceleration for today’s larger and heavier boats. It also improves top-end speed and enhances low-speed maneuvering. Weighing 727 pounds (25-inch model), this 4.4-liter V-6 features dual fuel injectors for better power output and fuel efficiency, a self-adjusting oil-bathed timing chain with Variable Valve Timing for performance and durability, a dual-louver direct air intake to provide cooler, denser air for more powerful combustion, and Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control technology for optimum efficiency. The drive-by-wire Suzuki Precision Control system delivers silky smooth shifting and instant throttle response, along with a wide range of advanced features for anglers and boaters.

Yamaha Outboards XTO Offshore

The 425 hp XTO Offshore 5.6-liter V-8 outboard motor combines power, reliability, system integration, control and convenience. The first four-stroke outboard to use direct fuel injection, the XTO Offshore sprays fuel at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber, rather than the intake track, improving atomization and increasing fuel burn effectiveness to maximize power and efficiency. Weighing 952 pounds (25-inch model), this outboard motor also features integrated electric steering, eliminating hydraulic lines, fluid and linkages. It allows for clean rigging and an orderly bilge. The XTO provides up to 96 amps (net) at idle and reaches peak output around 1,500 rpm. It is compatible with Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick control system.

Mercury Racing 450R

The hand-craft 450R has elevated the definition of outboard motor performance. Boosted by an exclusive supercharger, the 4.6-liter V-8 FourStroke powerhead delivers 450 peak horsepower—40 percent more torque than the powerful 400R. Weighing 689 pounds, it is 300 pounds lighter than the nearest competitor. The exclusive Mercury Racing Advanced Mid Section (AMS) features heavy-duty stainless-steel guide plates and stiffened engine mounts that stabilize the outboard and enhance high-speed handling. An optional rear tie-bar bracket integral to the AMS provides a strong, ultra-light mounting point and uncluttered installation for catamaran and other high-speed applications. The 450R outboard is backed by a three-year limited factory warranty and a three-year limited corrosion warranty, the same as Mercury mainline outboards.

Mercury Marine V12 Verado

The new V12 Verado is in a class of its own, providing the ultimate boating experience for customers. Incorporating industry-first innovations, the 600 hp Verado includes a two-speed transmission, steerable gearcase, and 7.6-liter V-12 powerhead that differentiate it from any other outboard motor. Weighing 1,260 pounds, the V12 is Mercury’s quietest high horsepower engine ever built. Contra-rotating propellers maximize thrust and ease low-speed maneuvering. Maintenance has also been simplified—service intervals have been extended and all regular maintenance points are accessible via the top cowl service hood, meaning the top cowl does not need to be removed for 1,000 hours or five years. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Mercury V12 Verado establishes a new benchmark for marine propulsion.

• More: Boats , Engines , honda marine , mercury marine , outboards , suzuki marine , Yamaha

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Outboard Cruisers Roundup

Outboard cruisers are truly the best of both worlds. What are these boats like? It’s like speed and maneuverability met comfort and space to make the most useful of boats.

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Electric outboard motor: we test 13 options

• Theo Stocker
• July 25, 2023

An electric outboard motor is now a viable option for dinghy propulsion. Emrhys Barrell puts the latest outboards and trolling motors to the test

The electric outboard motor has been around for many years, but they have either been too low powered or their lead acid batteries have made them too heavy to lift in and out of a small tender, so petrol outboards have remained the engine of choice.

The development of lightweight lithium batteries has changed all this, making an electric outboard motor a practical alternative to petrol – and making all electric yachts a real possibility too.

With this in mind, we tested 12 models whose all-up weight, or the weight of their individual components, did not exceed the 14-17kg of a 2.5hp petrol outboard.

See how we tested the electric outboards at the end of this article.

Best electric outboard motor

Specifications Outboard weight:   12kg Overall weight with outboard and bracket: 14.5kg Battery capacity: 1085Wh Top speed: 5kts Thrust: 30kg / 66lbs

Designed along the lines of a dinghy rudder, this Remigo outboard is incredibly easy and intuitive to use. No external cables or anything to be snagged, it clips onto a bracket pre-mounted to your tender or dinghy, in a similar way that you’d attach a  dinghy rudder.

Flip down the handle, attach the magnetic kill cord and you’re good to go.

On test this outboard gave as much thrust as the ePropulsion below but out performed it in terms of maneuverability. The Remigo can be switched from forward to reverse thrust at the touch of a button.

We like the Remigo for it’s sleek simplicity. If you want a clean smart easy to carry outboard to take you from your mooring to shore or quietly meander from your anchorage to shore then this is definitely worth considering.

We especially liked the rudder effect of this outboard giving us steerage even we had turn the power completely off to coast in alongside our pontoon.

Read Fox Morgan’s review of this outboard – Remigo One Electric Outboard review

Reasons to buy

very easy to stow, innovative rudder design, lightweight, built in battery, easy to mount and dismount

Reasons to avoid

No multiple battery swap options like more conventional electric outboards

Find a dealer at Silent Yachting

Photo: Paul Wyeth

ePropolsion Spirit 1.0 EVO

Yachting Monthly’s best buy

Specifications Motor weight:   10.5kg Battery weight: 9kg Battery capacity: 1276Wh Top speed RIB: 4.5mph Top speed skiff: 6.0mph Thrust: 31kg/68lbs

The Chinese firm ePropulsion has been developing its electric outboard motor range and lithium batteries for some time. We tested the Spirit 1.0 Plus and Evo, both 1kW motors with integral batteries.

Clearly ePropulsion was influenced by Torqeedo, but there are some important differences. From the outset ePropulsion went for a direct drive motor, being quieter and avoiding gearbox problems.

The battery has a greater capacity than the original Torqeedo, and is still 30% higher than the latest version. It also floats – useful if you should drop it overboard.

Fitting the battery is a two-handed job, with the carrying handle being at the back, and latch lock at the front, which requires leaning over the transom to install it. You also cannot see the locating slots underneath, which isn’t quite so easy in a bobbing inflatable. The power cable socket is protected by a rubber cap.

You have a display, but it only shows power being consumed, voltage, and remaining runtime, which means it has larger figures, easier to read on a sunny day, but it lacks GPS speed or range.

It has the same trim settings as the Torqeedo, with a similar fiddly retaining split ring. It also has a magnetic kill cord. Three shaft lengths are available, catering for transom heights up to 61cm. The shaft is streamlined but rotates through 360º for maximum manoeuvrability and reverse.

High battery capacity Quiet 360º rotation

Limited display options

Buy it now from epropulsion

Yachting Monthly’s best in class

Specifications Motor weight:   10.5kg Battery weight: 9kg Battery capacity: 1276Wh Top speed RIB: 4.5mph Top speed skiff: 6.0mph Thrust: 68lbs Regeneration: 4 knots – 40W / 10 knots – 300W

The 1.0 EVO has the same dimensions and performance as the Spirit, but it has the options of a removable tiller, plus remote controls and steering, but the real innovation is that it offers regenerative charging while you are sailing, putting 40W at 4 knots, and 300W at 10 knots back into the battery.

You can even have a wristband remote for steering and throttle.

The ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO is undeniably more expensive than it’s little sister without the regenerative charging and the cost difference is significant. If you are likely to be doing a lot of sailing and using your electric motor from ship-to-shore in relatively remote locations then the regeneration will probably be worth it. For most, though the price differential is probably a little too steep.

Regenerative charging Removable tille Remote controls

Relatively expensive

Torqeedo 1103 and Torqeedo 603

Torqeedo 603 specifications Motor weight:  11kg Battery weight:  4.2kg (floats) Battery capacity: 500Wh Top speed RIB: 4.0 mph Top speed skiff: Not tested Thrust: 44lbs

Torqeedo 1103 specifications Motor weight:  11kg Battery weight:  6kg Battery capacity: 915Wh Top speed RIB: 4.4mph Top speed skiff: 6.0mph Thrust: 68lbs

Torqeedo was the first company to commercially produce an outboard with an integral lithium battery in 2005. The earliest motors used a high-revving geared motor, which produced a characteristic whine. Following the launch of its new larger battery, Torqeedo changed to direct drive at about the same time that ePropulsion arrived on the scene.

The 1103 is 1.1kW and has a removable battery and tiller/throttle. The battery locates in slots in the powerhead and can be dropped in one-handed, with the slots clearly visible from above, which is helpful in a rocking dinghy. It then hinges back and locks in place with a separate plastic pin. The tiller locates in similar slots.

The two are then connected to the motor by a power cable and a data cable, but the latter has an 8mm plug, with five tiny pins that have to be carefully lined up, then secured with a threaded plastic collar. Neither of the sockets have caps to prevent debris or water getting into them when the cables are not connected.

The display on the tiller shows four lines of data at the same time, which makes them small to read (a phone app can be used for a large display). They include volts, battery capacity, range at a given speed, speed in kts, mph or km/h, and power consumption in watts. A magnetic kill-cord cuts the power circuits if you fall overboard.

The motor has four trim positions to allow for angled transoms, but the split ring securing the locking pin is very stiff and fiddly, especially when you have to adjust it hanging over the transom. A side-mounted lever allows the motor to be tilted horizontally. In normal use a catch prevents the motor kicking up in reverse, but this can be released with another side-mounted lever if you are in shallow water.

Long and short shaft versions are available, with the height of the transom to the top of the prop on the long shaft being 62cm. Clamps screws and fittings are stainless steel, making it suitable for salt water use, but an anode is an extra. It has forward and reverse but not 360º rotation.

Established brand with relatively long history Removable battery and tiller Lots of display options

Display hard to read

Buy the Torqeedo 603 now from Torqeedo Buy the Torqeedo 1103 now from Torqeedo

Best Trolling motors

Haswing Ultima 3

Specifications Motor weight: 11kg Battery weight: 5kg Battery capacity: 600Wh Top speed: RIB 4.0mph Top speed skiff: Not tested Thrust: 51lbs

Haswing is a new name to us, but this Chinese manufacturer now has an extensive range of motors, several of which we were able to bring along to our test.

The Ultima 3 has an integral Lithium battery and an output of 1,000W, with the ‘3’ in its name indicating the 3hp petrol outboard its makers claim it is equivalent to. The battery is 600Wh.

The battery was the easiest of all in our test to fit and remove, just sliding down a set of grooves, with contacts in the bottom removing the need for any linking cables or wires, and an easy one-handed operation.

The unit is well engineered, with stainless steel used throughout plus an anode as standard, making this suitable for use in salt water, and a spare anode and shear pin. The tiller/throttle hinges up and down for easy operation and storage. It has a streamlined aluminium leg, but rotates 360º.

A magnetic kill cord is a useful safety feature, and there are 5 LEDs showing battery capacity remaining, but this is the only instrumentation, so there is no way of gauging how much power you are using. It also meant that with no exposed power cables, we could not measure intermediate power settings.

Easy to fit battery Anode as standard for salt water usage High end materials

Limited instrumentation

Buy it now from Amazon

Motorguide Varimax 40

Specifications Motor weight:  9.1kg Battery (Sterling 60Ah) – 8kg Battery capacity: 780Wh Top speed RIB: 3.2mph Top speed skiff: 4.0mph Thrust: 28lbs

Another trolling motor, this has a claimed 40lb thrust and a variable speed electronic control. The throttle pulls forward for ahead, and pushes back for reverse then twists in the same direction for speed. A clever feature once you get used to it. Ten LEDs show the battery state.

The sliding shaft gives transom heights up to 65cm transom to prop, and 360º rotation. It also quickly tilts through 90º, with 5 positions, for shallow or weedy water.

Clamp screws and fittings are mild steel, meaning you should wash it off with freshwater after using it in the sea.

Clever throttle control Variable transom heights accomodated

Quite basic in functionality

Haswing Osapian 55

Yachting Monthly’s best budget buy

Specifications Motor weight:  9kg Battery weight:  (Sterling 60Ah) 8kg Battery capacity: 780Wh Top speed RIB: 3.3mph Top speed skiff: 4.4mph Thrust: 35lbs

This is another trolling motor with a claimed 55lb thrust, but with five forward speeds and three reverse on a twist-grip throttle. Again, it is a well-engineered motor, with all fittings and clamp screws made of stainless steel, an anode behind the prop and a spare in the box.

Five LEDs show the battery state. The sliding shaft gives transom heights up to 62cm, and 10 tilt positions.

As with all click-speed throttles you have double the power at Setting 5 compared to Setting 4, and very poor range figures at intermediate speeds compared to motors with electronic throttles.

However it is an excellent value-for- money option for sailors looking for ways to power their tender for short trip

Well engineered Value for money

Poor range at medium speeds

Motorguide SW82

Specifications Motor weight: 13kg Battery weight: 16kg Battery capacity: 1,560Wh Top speed RIB: 4.0mph Top speed skiff: 5.5mph

Motorguide is a well-established US company that is part of the Mercury/Mariner group. The most powerful of the transom mount range, the 82 has a claimed thrust of 82lbs, and is a 24V unit requiring two 12V batteries in series.

It is also designed for saltwater use, with stainless steel clamp screws and fittings, and a large anode on the shaft. It has an extra long shaft, giving up to 93cm transom height to the prop, 360º rotation, and seven tilt positions There are no battery LEDs. An on/off switch under the control head is the nearest it gets to a kill switch.

Well known company Powerful Anode for salt water

No battery LEDs

Haswing Protruar 1

Specifications Motor weight: 9kg Battery weight: 8kg Battery capacity: 780Wh Top speed RIB: 3.4mph Top speed skiff: 4.5mph Thrust: 40lbs

Another Haswing requiring a separate 12V battery, this has a variable speed electronic throttle, and similar features to the Protruar 5, except no kill cord. It claims to be equivalent to a 1hp petrol motor, but in practice delivered 600W.

The sliding shaft only allows transom heights up to 40cm, but a longer shaft version is available. It has 10 tilt positions and 360º rotation.

Another well engineered unit, with stainless steel used throughout plus an anode as standard, and a spare anode and shear pin. The tiller/throttle hinges up and down for easy operation and storage.

Anode for salt water use 360º rotation

No kill chord Limited transom height range

Haswing Protruar 5

Specifications Motor weight: 14kg Battery weight: 16kg Battery capacity: 1,560Wh Top speed RIB: Not tested Top speed skiff: 6.1mph Thrust: 108lbs

Another Haswing, the Protruar 5 is the most powerful model we tested. The unit is extremely well engineered, with stainless steel used throughout for the clamp screws and fittings, plus an anode as standard, making this suitable for use in salt water. A nice touch is the spare anode and shear pin in the kit. The tiller/throttle hinges up and down for easy operation and storage.

Its 5 designation indicates its makers think it is equivalent to a 5hp petrol motor, but in reality it delivers around 2.5kW at 24V so requires two separate batteries. It has a variable electronic throttle, three battery state LEDS and a magnetic kill cord.

The shaft slides up and down, giving a maximum transom height of 62cm and 360º rotation. Ten tilt positions are quickly engaged by a squeeze lever.

The thrust was the highest of the test, making it suitable for heavy boats, but the fine pitch prop significantly reduced its efficiency at speed.

Powerful model Anode for salt water use Battery LEDs and kill chord

Needs two batteries for full power

Motorguide R3 45

Specifications Motor weight:   9.5kg Battery weight: (Sterling 60Ah) 8kg Battery capacity: 780Wh Top speed RIB: not tested Top speed skiff: 4.1mph

This trolling motor has a claimed thrust of 45lbs and five forward speeds. The sliding shaft gives transom heights up to 65cm and 360º rotation, with seven tilt positions. Clamp screws and fittings are mild steel, so should be washed after saltwater use.

The click-speed throttle gives non-linear power gaps, with Speed Setting 5 being double the power of Setting 4. This throttle arrangement results in poor range figures at medium speeds compared to motors with electronic throttles, but it keeps the price down.

360º rotation Plenty of transom height range

Minn Kota Endura Max 55

Specifications Motor weight: 9.5kg Battery weight: (Sterling 60Ah) 8kg Battery capacity: 780Wh Top speed skiff: 4.6mph

Minn Kota is one of the oldest makers of trolling motors. The Max 55 has a claimed 55lb thrust, with a variable speed electronic twist-grip throttle.

Clamp screws and fittings are mild steel, making it best suited for freshwater, though you can use it in the sea if you wash it off afterwards.

It has a fine pitch prop like all trolling motors, which gives a good static thrust, but efficiency, and hence range, falls off at higher speeds, though the electronic Maximiser throttle helps to offset this.

Electronic maximiser throttle helps offset range issues

Big range drop off at high speeds Needs washing after salt water usage

Buy it now from MinnKota

How we tested the electric outboard motors

We took a selection of electric outboard motor units available on the market, and tested them in two situations, firstly on a Frib 275 folding RIB on the Lymington River to reproduce the situation of getting out to your boat in the tender. We then put them on a 4m skiff on the Thames, to see how they perform at higher speeds on a boat with a smoother underwater form and longer waterline on sheltered waters.

Speed: We measured speed using a handheld GPS, and electricity consumed using a clamp ammeter or the motor’s inbuilt power display. We converted these to the range you would achieve, either for a given power, or the full power of the motor’s battery.

Thrust: We measured static thrust using a spring balance. This is a somewhat crude test, as it measures the pulling power of a motor in a static boat, and therefore doesn’t allow the propeller pitch to work at its designed speed.

Function: We checked the stated weights of each of the motors and made a qualitative survey of their main features when used as a dinghy outboard.

We tested the trolling motors with a 60Ah lithium battery from Sterling Power, which cost £360, though you can use a heavier lead acid battery costing around £120 for a good quality AGM or gel. Don’t bother with leisure batteries, which will fail after 4 to 5 trips. You will need a good quality Lithium charger, which will add on £100 or more.

We haven’t included charging in this test, as this is dependent on the charger you are using, whether you are charging from 240V or 12V on board, and whether the power source is mains, a generator, alternator or solar. It’s worth noting that you will rarely be recharging from flat, and will rather be aiming to top up batteries after each use.

Trolling motor or electric outboard motor?

The options today are trolling motors with separate batteries – so called because they were mainly used as auxiliary slow-speed power for anglers, and integral-battery motors built for dinghy propulsion. These are the options a sailor will be looking at when thinking about changing to an electric outboard.

Trolling motors are still popular for low-speed applications, as they are simple and cheap, but they do need a separate 12V battery.

The integral battery motors are sophisticated units designed to give you more speed and greater range for a given power in a small boat, though for any 3-4m boat, the hull speed will limit how fast you can realistically go with any motor unless you start planing.

An electric outboard motor with an integral battery will often include displays showing speed, range at a given speed, and percentage of battery capacity remaining, but these features come with a higher price tag.

The trolling motors and integral battery models in our test were similar in weight and both come in at around the same total weight as a 2.5hp petrol engine.

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7 New Dayboats That Bring Superyacht-Style Design to the High Seas

Think of them more as day yachts., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories.

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A dayboat is exactly what it sounds like—a vessel to spend the day on before retiring to somewhere else to spend the night. Traditionally it’s a European style of boating, relegated to boats in the 30- to 50-foot range. But in the last few years, thanks to a flood of new owners, the dayboat market has seen big design changes and enormous growth—literally. The boats keep getting larger to the point where many should be rightfully be called day yachts . The trend started with the HCB Custom 65 . The boat, Estrella , was a monster center-console design, powered by six outboards totaling more than 3000 hp. That 2018 launch set a new standard for dayboats.

But the new generation of maxi-sized dayboats aren’t limited to utilitarian center consoles. The 77-foot Wajer that former quarterback Tom Brady purchased last year is a good example of a more yacht-like design, while the 115-ft. Vanquish Veloce VQ115 is an even more dramatic case.

These new designs, all with large staterooms, show how much the definition of dayboat has changed from smaller open boats. The intent of the design is now as important as the form—to maximize exterior space, and with it, the number of guests who can come on board to enjoy a day on the water. There are the usual salons, galleys and heads, but the focus is the exterior, or in most cases, the blending of the interior and exterior through large glass doors that slide and conceal to connect inside and out.

Here are seven of the largest, newest dayboats on the water today.

Vanquish VQ115 Veloce

Vanquish’s VQ115 Veloce is the largest dayboat on this list. The 115 has an aluminum hull, and with triple 2,650-horsepower MTU Rolls-Royce V16s matched to surface drives, Vanquish says it can hit speeds of 50 mph. The VQ115 has two separate tender garages: one for a VQ16 and the other a VQ11, both bearing a resemblance to the mothership. A Jacuzzi on the boat’s foredeck is sure to be a popular at anchor, while the aft cockpit connects to an open-arrangement salon via sliding glass doors. That arrangement puts the day in day yacht. A boat this size will be able to accommodate four crew members.

Scout 670 LX

Currently under build in South Carolina, the Scout 670 LX will be the largest center console ever built when it debuts at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. With five 600-horsepower Mercury outboards, this Scout should see top speeds close to 60 mph. Three different versions of this boat will be made available, including an LXF (luxury fish), LXC (luxury cruiser), and LXS (luxury sport). The boat was designed in conjunction with superyacht design studio Harrison Eidsgaard. It will be constructed in carbon-fiber epoxy. The forepeak master will have its own en suite—a design breakthrough for vessels of this type.

When you’re the greatest quarterback of all time, and also find yourself back on the singles scene in your early 40s, what better way to re-acclimate yourself than a hot boat? And that’s exactly what Tom Brady bought for himself. The Wajer 77 is a Dutch-built dayboat with one of the most beautiful sterns in yachting. It has a 40-mph top speed and cruising range of over 400 miles. Wajer’s trademark walkaround design opens up the alfresco entertainment options onboard, meaning the boat can ferry large numbers of guests comfortably to the sandbar and back. The boat also has three staterooms, plus crew accommodations for two, as you might expect from a dayboat this large.

With an axe bow and a reverse-rake windshield, mirrored by a reverse-rake windscreen on its flybridge, the Pardo Endurance 60 conjures up the profile of a stylish workboat. But it is built for play. Its walkaround design couples with foldout terraces in the cockpit to open up the deck space for entertaining. A hydraulic swim platform aft holds a tender for easier beach access, or it can double as a beach club. The Pardo has twin 600-horspower Volvo Penta D8s matched to IPS drives, making it easy to dock and maneuver at slow speeds. The boat runs the low-to-mid-20-mph range.

Bluegame 75

Unveiled last year at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Bluegame 75 is the first edition in a line of multihulls the Italian builder plans to release. Bluegame is known for its innovative designs, and this boat was penned in conjunction with Bernardo Zuccon and Piero Lissoni with a hullform that mimics an America’s Cup chase boat. The 75 will also be able to carry up to 56 solar panels to minimize its carbon footprint. The interior layout is intended to maximize the boat’s natural beaminess. Open arrangements the norm particularly on the lower deck, where an unorthodox salon lies at sea level, and the upper deck is fully open for social events.

Zeelander 7

The 66-foot Zeelander 7 is this Dutch yard’s new flagship. Zeelanders all have similar lines as well as high levels of fit and finish. The boat has a foldout beach club from its transom, with a generous amount of tumblehome. A four-stool bar at the bulwark separating the cockpit and salon complements a dining settee in the aft section of the cockpit. The boat’s fully enclosed salon has nearly 360-degree worth of windows. This boat can reach 40 mph at top end.

From Brazil comes the Okean 80, a boat clearly built for a party. Like its smaller sisters, the builder’s flagship has foldout terraces to port and starboard on its main deck. Also on the main deck is a pane of smart glass between the helm and salon that can become see-through or opaque at the touch of a button. Up top, the 80’s flybridge features a wetbar and modular furniture. A beach club at the hydraulic swim platform is partially recessed into the transom for shade, a design trait which adds a sense of gravitas to the space.

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Best Outboard Motor: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Are you ready to get out on the water, but do not know what outboard motor is the right one? Tired of looking through endless engine configurations and fuel types?   

With this resource, buying an outboard motor need not be a daunting experience. Whether you want a large engine or something on the smaller side, or fancy electric over petrol, this list will allow you to choose the motor you have been dreaming of. 

Long or short journeys, it is all here.

But before we begin this blog post, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, well done on your choice. In comparison to oars and other more manual modes of powering your boat, outboard motors have many benefits.

The next thing you must consider is the type of outboard motor you seek. Your first choice may be good old gasoline. Gasoline-powered outboard motors are the default option for boaters. They can range from a gentle 1.4 horsepower up to a rip-roaring 300 HP. Engine configurations, too, are just as diverse. Motors can have one to eight cylinders and be either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. All of which can be either hydraulically connected to a steering wheel or commanded using a throttle.

But do not forget electricity. A greener and quieter alternative, electric outboard motors are generally on the smaller end of the power spectrum. It is important to note that the power of an electric outboard motor is typically measured in pounds of thrust, whereas a petrol motor is measured in horsepower. Cheaper yet less readily available, electric motors are well suited for fishing vessels and pleasure yachts. This is because they are almost silent.

Some other considerations include power. In fact, this is the salient feature you should take into consideration when buying your outboard. Beyond speed, the power of an outboard engine will determine how it handles itself on the water. For the sports enthusiasts out there, look to a higher-powered engine. Activities such as towing an inflatable or water skiing are impossible without one.

Often overlooked, gears are also vital. Albeit a tad pricier, outboard motors can come with three gears (reverse, neutral, and forward ). This makes them easier to handle on the water. More commonly, outboards have only two gears (neutral and forward). Bare this in mind.

Shaft length. In many other departments, it is important to know what shaft length is right for your boat. To do this, you will need to get a tape measure out and measure at the exact center of the transom from top to bottom. If it is around 15”, you should consider a short shaft outboard, but it falls in the range of 17” to 22”, you ought to purchase a long shaft outboard.

For more guidance on how to inspect a boat , particularly before you buy it, take a look at this blog post. It might save you a lot of hassle.

Coleman Powersports 2.6 HP

Now that we have looked at what to consider let review some of the best outboard motors out there. The best in class is the Coleman Powersports 2.6 HP Outboard Motor. This bad boy is designed for more petite vessels and inflatables (think RIB, not rubber ring). However, it should be noted that it would make an ideal auxiliary trolling motor.

Weighing in at 37.5 pounds, the Coleman Powersports 2.6 HP Outboard Motor is a 4-stroke engine and has a 31-gallon internal gas tank. While it is not the most powerful beast out there, it is reliable. Indeed, most users say that it works well after you break it in, and it will start roaring on the first or second pull. It is quieter than competitor models on the market and comes with an easy-start TCI ignition and 360-degree steering. Plus, it is made of marine-grade aluminum and has a maximum fuel consumption of 0.5 gallons per hour. What is not to love about that? Look at the  latest price  here.

Anbull 2-stroke

While the Coleman was the best overall outboard engine, the Anbull 2-stroke boat motor is by far the best value. Boasting advanced cooling technology, this motor has a horsepower of around 3.6. Because it uses cool air, it can run in shallow waters, especially in comparison to other motors out there.

It is ideally suited to inflatable boats, fishing vessels, and sailboats . A pretty wide selection indeed. This is because it features an adjustable throttle control lever and a more energy-efficient streamline propeller . Besides, it is reliable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to operate.

With this many features, the Anbull 2-stroke is a great motor for the price. Plus, the manufacturer also has gifted buyers with a one-year warranty should anything go amiss.

Sea Dog 4-stroke 

Keeping in the cost-cutting vein, the Sea Dog 4-stroke 4 HP is a fuel-efficient choice – and that’s saying something. Just 24 pounds in weight, this outboard motor is a superb addition to more miniature vessels. At the same time, it can be used in both fresh and saltwater.

Despite its small size, the Sea Dog 4-stroke packs in a bunch of features. It is air-cooled, there is a 360-degree rotary handle with self-lock, and it has a CDI starting system with a manual pull cord. To help you on those frosty mornings, it also has a choke. What’s more, the motor’s cutting-edge combustion chamber makes it extremely fuel-efficient. It reaches speeds of 5,000 to 6,000 RPMs.

Minn Kota Traxxis 70

If money is no object and you are ready to splash out, then the Minn Kota Traxxis 70 is for you. This premium motor is replete with so much technology; it would make the Death Star look obsolete. A myriad of adjectives come to mind when describing this delight. It is competent on the water boasting 70 pounds of thrust. It has an indestructible composite shaft, which flexes on impact instead of shattering. Finally, its quick-cam depth adjuster has a responsible and effortless steering capacity, which means users can rotate the motor 180 degrees by adjusting the tiller to just 45 degrees.

Yet the cherry on the cake is the Taxis 70’s digital maximizer. Once you dial in your desired speed, this innovative feature will deliver the necessary power to keep you cruising—nothing more, nothing less.

This will keep you on the water all day long!

Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55

Exclusively for this list, the  Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55  is made entirely for kayaks. Yes, you read that right. No more paddling. This motor is capable of delivering 55 pounds of thrust through its lightweight and durable fiberglass shaft. There are not one, not two, but eight variable speed modes. Five of which are forward, three are for reversing. Needless to say, this ensures the captain has complete mastery over the vessel on the water. Designed to perfection, it has an aluminum motorhead with corrosion-resistant magnesium, zinc, and stainless-steel parts. In short, it is hardy enough for saltier waters.

Luckily for buyers of the Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55, it comes with extra long battery cables, meaning you can stow batteries anywhere on your kayak. Besides, the motor maker is so confident in the quality of their build that they have included a two-year warranty with the kayak!

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

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Best outboard boat: 4 of the best secondhand options on the market

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Our resident used boat expert Nick Burnham picks out four of the best outboard boats on the market from the likes of Axopar, Botnia, Galia and XO.

The last service on my 362hp Mercedes Benz SL400 (not a marque noted for parsimonious running costs) came to £537.72.

That included loaning me another Mercedes car and cleaning the vehicle inside and out. The last service on my 260hp boat engine and drive cost £1,711.30, and I didn’t get another boat to use or the valet.

‘Ah, but it’s a boat, see’, is an excuse that might hold more water if it weren’t for the fact that a full service on a 300hp Mercury Verado outboard engine costs £360.

Add in better packaging, the ability to tilt the entire unit clear of the water and no diesel bug fears and the surge in sales of outboard powered boats is no mystery. They’re fast too – properly fast.

Built: 2018 Price: £189,950

The Axopar range has enjoyed phenomenal success for such a relatively young brand. Its very first model, the Axopar 28 , was launched less than eight years ago at the Helsinki Boat Show in 2014 but is now a ubiquitous sight in almost every marina in Europe.

The larger Axopar 37 launched a year later, sharing the same brand values of practicality, seakeeping, accessible performance and competitive pricing. Although both models have now been replaced with updated MkII versions, the originals are still as desirable as ever and remain a sought after buy on the secondhand market.

There were three distinct versions of the Axopar 37 at launch. The T-Top was an open boat with (as the name suggests) a short T-shaped hardtop providing shade and something to hang the canopy from.

The Sun-Top version actually gets a longer hardtop, but an opening section lets the sun shine in. And then there is this, the Cabin which, you’ve guessed it, has a cabin.

In fact they all get a cabin below deck, complete with double berth and a couple of seats, one with a sea toilet beneath it. The Cabin in the name refers to the enclosed deck-level wheelhouse with sliding doors either side.

Inside you’ll find the helm position with a dinette behind, giving all-weather comfort for skipper and crew.

The Sun-Top, Cabin and T-Top versions all have forward cabins with a double berth

On the outside, there’s a sunpad up front over that forward cabin, and back aft a wet bar directly behind the wheelhouse and ahead of three seats across the transom.

In fact there was a further choice here, as an alternative version featured a raised sunpad back aft instead, with a further sleeping cabin beneath it but no wet bar. However, this boat has more outside space and storage.

Performance

Twin 200hp outboards were the base motors, and they’re good for 40 knots apparently. However most went out with the twin 300hp upgrade that this boat has.

A pair of Mercury Verados, they’ll gift the boat 47 knots if our test of a similar boat in Mallorca is anything to go by.

The twin- stepped high performance hull proves more than a match for both the power and the resultant speed. At 41 knots in choppy conditions, we reported it was so smooth it felt like it was doing half that speed.

Axopar 37 specifications

LOA 36ft 9in (111.2m) Beam 10ft 10in (3.3m) Draught 2ft 9in (0.8m) Displacement 3.4 tonnes Fuel capacity 770 litres Engines Twin Mercury Verado 300hp outboard engines Location Essex Contact Boats.co.uk

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XO 270 used boat guide: Aluminium hull makes this Scandi cruiser super-tough

Regal 42 fxo first look: inside the world’s first outboard-powered flybridge.

Botnia Targa 25.1 GT

Built: 2019 Price: £179,000

Any doubts about the take-up of outboard engine power are quickly vanquished by this boat. Few manufacturers are more traditional than Botnia .

No slaves to fashion, the Finnish company has simply turned out ever more honed versions of a basic design that dates back to its 25 model of 1984, the first Botnia Targa ever put into production.

Like the original Land Rover, there is no styling as such, the look is simply a product of functional design.

The interior is classic Botnia – an upright wheelhouse with a reverse sheer windscreen and lashings of teak. Access, as ever, is via twin sliding doors and the wheelhouse doubles as a living space, complete with drop-down dining table and a tiny galley alongside the helm.

Lift the centre section of the bench seat aft, and you’ll find a small cabin with two single beds that burrow forward beneath the wheelhouse.

Access to the small twin sleeping cabin is through a lifting section of the bench seat

The boat has a walk-around layout with a bow cockpit ahead of the wheelhouse and deeply bulwarked side decks leading aft. It’s only when you reach the stern that two big outboard engines ring the changes, meaning the full-width bathing platform is no more, leaving just a small area either side of the outboards.

The other big change is beneath the aft deck. Lift the floor and you’ll find batteries, switches and lots of room for things like paddleboards, which you’d struggle to stow on the inboard version.

Performance with the outboards is both instantaneous and strong. We recorded a 44-knot top end when we tested it with a pair of 200hp Mercurys, but equally impressive was the 10 seconds it took to reach 30 knots.

Botnia’s trademark teak finish gives the interior a smart, sturdy look

Botnia didn’t just slap on a pair of outboards and proclaim the job done – the hull was remodelled to suit the Mercury powerplants.

Like all Botnias, the exaggerated flare of the bow does a great job of throwing spray wide, and even in big seas, high speed landings are rattle-free and confident.

Botnia Targa 25.1 GT specification

LOA 27ft 5in (8.4m) Beam 9ft 5in (2.9m) Draught 3ft 6in (1.1m) Displacement 3.5 tonnes Fuel capacity 420 litres Engines Twin Mercury 200hp outboard engines Location Poole Contact Wessex Marine

Galia 700SD

Built: 2019 Price: £79,995

Galeon seem to have come from nowhere. A decade ago we’d barely heard of them, today the Polish company sports a 28-strong range of inboard boats spanning 30ft to 80ft, and a completely separate range of 11 Galia sportsboats that stretch from 15ft through to 25ft.

In fact the company has been building boats since 1982 and employs over 1,000 people. It’s fair to say that we’ve heard of them now!

What drives Galeon products is innovation, and that philosophy extends into the smaller Galia range. The interior of the 700SD is pretty conventional, with a U-shaped dinette that converts to a double berth and a sea toilet built into a cabinet, but the way that the backrests double as infill cushions is pretty neat. Oak woodwork provides a classy finish.

The backrests double as infill cushions for the convertible berth/dinette

It’s when you step up into the cockpit that the innovation shifts up a gear. The foredeck is completely flat, making this a great sundeck with cushions that spread right across it.

But lift those cushions and you’ll find a recessed track that allows the bimini top to disappear completely, and in the centre is a deck socket that allows one of the pedestal seats from the cockpit to slot in to create a fishing platform.

Back in the cockpit there’s an L-shaped seating area around a table and a small wet bar with a fridge and single-burner hob. Twin bucket seats at the helm swivel so the helmsmen can join the party when at rest.

The base 200hp Mercury provides close to 40 knots. By fitting a Mercury 350hp Verado you’ll turn this boat into an absolute flying machine! With this set up you should reckon on a 45-knot top end and a 40-knot cruise if you’re brave enough.

The helm seats swivel to face the cockpit table and benches when at anchor

A 7m hull is likely to give agile handling but might struggle in big seas. It should be a fun machine and a great watersports tool.

Galia 700SD specification

LOA 23ft 0in (7.0m) Beam 8ft 3in (2.5m) Draught 1ft 10in (0.6m) Displacement 2.1 tonnes Fuel capacity 300 litres Engine Mercury Verado 350hp outboard engine Location Greenock Contact Approved Boats

XO 270 Cabin

Built: 2015 Price: £92,500

Launched in 2013, the XO 270 was the third and, at the time, largest model in the Finnish yard’s range, and like its smaller siblings, its USP is a metal hull.

Built from military-grade aluminium, it’s designed for strength and durability, and it’s very much a product of Finland’s ‘no nonsense’ approach to boat building.

Available only as a wheelhouse boat, the XO 270 has a vertical wrap-around windscreen with mullions so thin that the roof almost appears to float above it.

Stretching out virtually to the edges of the hull, it creates a spacious practical interior with a dinette to one side and a helm to the other.

A galley unit behind the helm is a useful option, the small heads ahead of the dinette arguably even more helpful.

The dinette will convert to a double berth, and in fact there is a third ‘pipe berth’ just ahead of the helm that disappears forward beneath the bow cockpit seating.

XO also offered a “Front cabin” version of this boat, in which the bow cockpit is infilled with a foredeck, creating a cosy forward cabin beneath it.

A dinette and galley behind the helm make this a viable compact cruiser/weekender

The bow cockpit is accessed via an opening door, making this an easy and safe boat to crew. But perhaps of more interest is back aft.

The inboard version gets a small fold down seat facing the sliding aft cabin door and then a raised deck over the inboard engine.

Opting for the outboard version loses the requirement to house an engine here, thus increasing the size of this aft seating area considerably.

There’s another advantage to speccing outboard power – it creates space for a twin-engine installation. That gives the benefits of emergency redundancy of course, but it also gives the potential for more power.

Inboard diesel options were typically Volvo Penta D4 300hp or D6 370hp, with similar sized options from Yanmar. This boat has two 250hp Mercury outboards, giving an incredible 45 knots from its combined 500hp!

The wraparound windows and thin mullions give exceptional visibility for an enclosed boat

The deep-Vee and unstepped hull allows more trim, useful in large following seas.We’ve driven several of them and always been impressed.

XO 270 Cabin specifications

LOA 27ft 6in (8.6m) Beam 8ft 6in (2.6m) Draught 3ft 1in (0.9m) Displacement 2.8 tonnes Fuel capacity 340 litres Engines Twin Mercury Verado 250hp outboard engines Location Poole Contact Wessex Marine

First published in the December 2021 issue of MBY.

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