Vanquish 24

When I first saw the new Vanquish 24 at last fall's Newport boat show, I had to stop for a second look. I then arranged for a test ride with Morgan Huntley, president of the company. Designed by Doug Zurn, the Vanquish 24 comes in both runabout and center-console versions. The hull is the same in both, and the boat has just enough tumblehome to make your head turn and straight lines, teak and stainless to inject a little sex appeal. This boat, I thought, would be fun.

A few weeks later, I had the chance to find out when I met Huntley in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to put the boat through its paces on Island Sound. The single 350 Crusader gas engine produced an adrenaline-pumping rumble as the throttle was pushed forward. I realized my instincts were right. We maxed out at 32.7 knots at 5,000 rpm, burning 23 gph, and that was in a 15-knot wind and 2-foot chop. At a cruise speed of 20 knots (3,000 rpm), the Vanquish 24 burned only 7.2 gph. It tracks well, turns easily and indeed is simply a lot of fun to drive. Acceleration throughout the speed range is terrific, adding to the enjoyment. Elegant in its simplicity, the boat's curved stainless windshield only adds to its looks. The Vanquish has a modified V with 16 degrees deadrise aft and is available in a diesel or jet drive version - your choice.

Specifications
LOA: 25'8"
Beam: 8'
Draft: 1'7"
Disp.: 4,200 lbs.
Fuel: 76 gals.
Price: $92,500
vanquishboats.com