With the success of the Finnish designs from Axopar and several others, it is not surprising that an enterprising Turkish builder would enter the fray, given their countrymen’s boat-building skills and their cost advantages. A new company called Aita has done just that. They hired a a Fiinnish yacht designer and have launched the new Wayfarer 38, which is n outboard-powered, center console walk-around with a large forward cockpit, a spacious aft cockpit, and a comfortable double cabin and head. As a new brand, Aita made the choice to offer the 38 in a wide range of configurations. This will…

Here’s something that looks interesting for eco-conscious cruisers, an electric-powered, jet-drive dinghy. Highfield is one of the world’s leading builders of advanced inflatable, rigid-floor tenders. With more than 54,000 dinghies sold in the last 13 years, the company pioneered aluminum-hull inflatables that are lighter than fiberglass and more durable. With the launch of the n EJET 330, once agin they display the innovative thinking behind every Highfield. Powered by ZeroJet MKII jet drive system, the 24-volt electric motor delivers 24-horsepower but less than half of an equivalent outboard more. And, it produces no carbon emissions. The battery pack provides 10.8…

Australian builder Maritimo kicked off this week’s Palm Beach International Boat Show on Wednesday with the gala debut of the new M600 Offshore Flybridge motor yacht. This stunning addition to the Maritimo fleet reflects the builder’s dedication to innovation and excellence that has propelled the company since it was founded 22 years ago. We’re really excited to showcase the M600 to our North American customers,” says Keith Teynor, Maritimo’s Managing Partner for the Americas. “It really showcases what makes every Maritimo so special from the accommodations, fit and finish, volume, and seakeeping ability.” Maritimo has long been a leader in…

The Swedish builder Nimbus has launched more than 12,000 boats from their yard near Gothenburg since it was founded in 1968 and most of those have been svelte speedsters, day boats and weekenders. So, the introduction of the new 495 is an entry into the larger express cruiser or fast trawler market. And, it’s a stunner. The hull is thoroughly modern looking by European standards with a sharp bow, double chines, big square windows and lots of angles. Note the aggressively angled Targa-style arch over the flybridge and the overall low profile of the bridge. It nests on top of…

When you think of Boston Whaler, the Massachusetts-based builder of unsinkable powerboats, you may not be envisioning cruising boats. Instead, the builder is known for its sporty runabouts, center consoles, and robust sport fishing models. But, they also build the Conquest line of hybrid or dual-purpose boats that combine comfortable living accommodations for cruising with Whaler’s fishing DNA. The result is a style of boats that are truly sporty and will make great platforms for family vacations. The 405 Conquest is a good example of what this dual-purpose concept is all about.  Starting at the stern, the 41-footer is powered…

At the Palm Beach International Boast Show this month, Vicem Yachts will  introduce their new Vicem 65 Classic to the American market. The Turkish builder of semi-custom, traditional  cruisers is celebrating 27 years in business and should be considered one of the early leaders of the country’s now famous boat building industry. The new 65 Classic is a four-cabin coupe design and is the ninth model in the Classic series that runs from 46 to 82 feet. The 65 has the full-figured hull design of the Classic line with high topsides, full sections forward and a stylish amount of tumblehome…

This Turkish builder of luxury cruising power catamarans is based in Tuzla near Istanbul, Turkey. The company was started in 2018 and splashed onto the scene in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic with their innovative, aluminum Vision F80. It turned heads, and not just because it is bright pink. The founder’s vision was from the start to go big and go with ultimate quality and luxury. So, they followed up the F80 with the Vinson F82 and the Vison F101.  The F80 set the bar for the company and let the world know that a new luxury yacht…

New England yacht designer Chris White is well known for his innovative multihull designs, mostly on the sailing side of the cruising coin. But he also has drawn and built numerous cruising power cats that are stylish, fast and provide both a very stable ride and excellent fuel efficiency. Over the last few years, Chris has partnered with Bill Koffler at Aquidneck Custom Composites in Bristol, Rhode Island to create two 72-foot custom sailing catamarans and the Sprindrift 45 power cat. Currently Chris and Bill are building the new Sprindrift 47 Flybridge power cat for a very experienced cruising couple…