We bring together 20 new showstopping models for our annual roundup.
By The Editors
Photos by Billy Black
 Albemarle 410 Out of North Carolina comes a convertible sportfisherman that couples a tournament-ready cockpit (85 square feet) with a condo-size cabin that can accommodate up to six tired anglers. The 410 Convertible rides on the same Roy Blount-designed offshore hull that you've seen on Albemarle's popular 410 Express. This model, however, incorporates more creature comforts and overnight amenities than the express version. In fact, it's the new company flagship. Our rally boat had the standard twin 700-hp Caterpillar diesels. With that propulsion, it cruises near 32 knots and yields an impressive range of 450 nautical miles. Top-end speed approaches 35.5 knots. LOA: 43'6". Beam: 15'9". Base Price: $712,995. www.albemarleboats.com
 Hunt 33 From the drawing board of C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the new 33 is the largest model in this builder's series of Surfhunter express boats. Created in response to requests for more accommodations, it can sleep four in a forward V-berth and a portside convertible dinette; opposite lie a full galley and a head with shower. The standard 33 is powered by a 315-hp Yanmar and can hit speeds in excess of 30 mph. Considerable effort has been invested in reducing sound levels, using a special muffler and extensive sound-deadening materials. The result is that your guests will be able to speak civilly while relaxing on the L-shaped cockpit settee or on the aft bench. LOA: 33'0". Beam: 11'4". Base Price: $249,000. www.huntyachts.com
 Calyber 27 The 27 Express was designed to appeal to tournament-level anglers who want to spend time on the water without a captain and mate. Its pronounced sheer, forward flare and tumblehome aft leave little doubt as to its heritage; this North Carolina builder makes only about 12 boats a year, and each is fashioned to suit its owner's fishing style. The cockpit sole is teak, as is the centerline helm pod with single-lever controls. Transom and in-sole fish boxes come standard. A leaning post with a bait-prep center and a live well is optional. Inside is a V-berth and storage. LOA: 27'0". Beam: 8'4". Base Price: approx. $150,000 (w/twin Yamaha outboards and a half-tower). www.calyberboatworks.com
 Donzi 38 The colors, the speed, the appearance and the heritage are all outrageous, but that's exactly what Donzi's high performance boats are all about. Ever since Don Aronow formed the company 40 years ago, Donzi has been an icon for fast fun on the water. That hasn't changed. Indeed, the new 38 ZR Daytona introduced at the Miami Boat Show looks great and springs from the same hull design as the factory's race boat that has won three straight APBA national championships. From its powered seats to its stepped hull, this is an adrenaline-pumping, 90-mph rocket ship. LOA: 39'9". Beam: 9'3". Base Price: $275,000 (w/twin 525-hp MerCruiser EFIs). www.donzimarine.com
 Birchwood 350 Just arrived from England, the Birchwood 350 is distinct for its "semi-flybridge" configuration. A circular cockpit lounge with table gives way to a curved staircase that leads to a centerline helm station-higher than a raised bridgedeck, but lower than a flybridge. To starboard of the double-wide helm seat is a sunpad for one. The cabin is available in two layouts: single stateroom with galley to port; or double stateroom with galley to starboard. Eight portholes and a pair of retro-style sidedeck windows provide a good interior atmosphere. Power options include single or twin diesel sterndrives. LOA: 36'6". Beam: 11'4". Base Price: $311,120. www.birchwood.co.uk
 Davis 48 The 48 Express has a well-flared bow and a beautiful tumblehome aft. Construction features include a solid fiberglass bottom, cored sides and decks, and a hull-to-deck joint that's glued, screwed and fiberglassed together to withstand the rigors of bluewater fishing. Prop tunnels help protect the running gear and provide an optimal thrust angle. The raised bridgedeck offers excellent visibility all around. Four anglers and a mate can work in the large, well-equipped cockpit. Two cabin plans are available, one with a separate guest cabin. With standard 800-hp Caterpillar diesels, the 48 cruises at 30 knots. LOA: 47'10". Beam: 16'0". Base Price: $852,000. www.buddydavis.com
 Everglades 290 In this world of sameness, this is the kind of special boat you could grow old with. The center console combines a hardtop with a windshield, leaning post and helm seat that has a built-in live well and tackle-rigging station. In bad weather, the space converts to a fully enclosed pilothouse. A drop-down security shield locks electronics behind a veritable vault door. Creature comforts include an enclosed head compartment with a china bowl and macerator, a shower and a vanity with sink. Forward is a 160-gallon fish box, two large storage compartments and lockable storage for eight rods. LOA: 28'7". Beam: 9'9". Base Price: $163,847 (w/twin 225-hp Hondas). www.evergladesboats.com
 Cumberland 44 Constructed by renowned sailing catamaran builder Fountaine Pajot, the 44 offers exceptional space and comfort. Nearly half as wide as it is long, this power cat has three decks totaling 1,300 square feet of living space. It has earned a French Category A approval rating (free from any requirement to remain within reach of shelter) and can cover more than 800 nautical miles at a cruise speed of 12 knots when rigged with twin 285-hp Volvo Penta diesels. In the owner's version, one entire hull is given over to the master suite; the four-cabin version is designed for charter but also is ideal for a large cruising family, as it has four separate heads. LOA: 44'0". Beam: 21'6". Base Price: $637,250. www.trawler-catamarans.com
 C-Dory 25 This Washington-based builder calls its 25 Cruiser a trailerable trawler. Though it's powered by an outboard (maximum horsepower is 200), its hull is made to be fuel efficient with a sharp entry forward and flat sections aft. Our rally boat averaged 3.7 mpg at a 20-knot cruise with a single 150-hp Honda. This pocket cruiser has been attracting owners coming out of larger sailboats and displacement-style powerboats. These skippers want a simple boat that's seaworthy, too. The cabin interior on the 25 is no-nonsense, with a helm station, no-frills galley, dinette, berth and toilet. LOA: 25'5". Beam: 8'6". Base Price: $80,000 (w/motor and trailer). www.c-dory.com
 Hampton 558 From stabilizers to bed linens, the 558 is voyage-ready right out of the boatyard. It unites the all-weather advantages of an enclosed lower helm with the improved visibility of an elevated command deck (which also has room for a dinghy). The yacht's semidisplacement hull incorporates a moderate keel and wide reverse chines for safe coastal cruising and a stable ride in heavy seas. Walkaround sidedecks make moving about the 558 easy and safe. With twin 450-hp Cummins diesels (480-hp Cummins are optional), range at 18 knots is roughly 860 nautical miles. Owners specify two or three staterooms. LOA: 57'8". Beam: 16'3". Base Price: $979,800. www.hamptonyachts.com
 Neptunus 55 This sexy Canadian import differs from the other models in the Neptunus line for its expansive, single-level open bridgedeck. Flip a switch at the helm and the sunroof glides back to bring the light in and warm the teak sole. It's a good layout for active boaters who really want to enjoy the outdoors. Although it's the smallest model from Neptunus, the 55 Cabrio is built to the same standards as the builder's larger yachts (up to 70 feet); there are marble floors in the heads, for example, and each panel of the salon headliner is individually wrapped in Ultraleather. The 55 is a good performer, too: With twin 800-hp Cats, cruise is 28 knots and top speed is 34. LOA: 56'5". Beam: 15'7". Base Price: $995,000. www.neptunusyachts.com
 Prowler 375 A high-tech, high-quality yacht with the timeless lines of a commuter or picnic boat, this is the first in David Marlow's new series of Prowler express cruisers. With its sleek profile and its flag-blue and oyster-white coatings, the look is stunning. Its two-foot draft and 30-knot speed (with standard twin 315-hp Yanmars) give you the ability to run to the Bahamas or other thin-water cruising grounds quickly and comfortably. The cockpit is innovative, with lots of seating areas. The salon is large and open, with a queen bed on centerline forward. A fresh approach from a first-rate builder, the Prowler is perfect for a couple for a long weekend. LOA: 37'6". Beam: 12'0". Base Price: $350,000. www.prowleryachts.com
 Pursuit 3480 Pursuit's latest flagship center console incorporates new production technologies to cater to an even more enthusiastic offshore angler. A notched transom combined with a 24.5-degree transom deadrise and three-piece construction delivers higher top speeds and better performance in adverse sea conditions. The leaning post comes with a 55-gallon live well and tackle storage. The transom door and gate is straight off an inboard sportfisherman. Family-friendly options include V-benches forward and a marine head in the console compartment. Standard power is twin 225-hp Yamaha four-strokes. LOA: 34'5". Beam: 9'6". Base Price: $159,325. www.pursuitboats.com
 Regal 3860 This express cruiser has been around for a couple of seasons, but it deserves a fresh look since Regal upgraded power choices to include Volvo's new 310-hp IPS 400 system with D-6 diesels. Compared to twin 440-hp Yanmars, acceleration comes on stronger. Top speed stays about the same (39 mph) even with 260 less horsepower. Fuel economy improves by about 30 percent, thanks to the D-6s' efficiency and the added bite of the twin-prop drive legs. Handling is significantly improved. At docking speeds, it's like driving a car. LOA: 39'10". Beam: 13'9". Base Price: $429,215 (w/IPS, which won't be available until 2006). www.regalboats.com
 Rinker 300 The well-equipped Fiesta Vee 300 fills a slot in this builder's line between its popular 270 and 320 express models. It features a new dash design with Mercury's stylish SmartCraft instrumentation. A cockpit wet bar has a sink and standard blender and can be fitted with an optional refrigerator. The cabin entryway has an acrylic door as well as a separate screen door. Inside is a full galley, plus a 13-inch TV, a DVD-player and a stereo. The V-berth converts to a dinette, and a mid-cabin sleeps two. Standard power is twin 260-hp Mercs or twin 270-hp Volvos (both 5.0L V-8s). Desirable options include air conditioning, a 5-kW genset and a dinghy package with swim platform mounting system. LOA: 31'6". Beam: 10'6". Base Price: $112,499. www.rinkerboats.com
 Sea-Doo 180 This quick and maneuverable jet-powered craft is a fun boat to play around in near the shore and also makes a great tender for a large cruising vessel. Its aerodynamic sheerline and sporty graphics will entice gawking at any port of call. Thanks to a wide beam for its length, the 18-footer has more onboard space than many 20-footers. It seats eight and has draining storage lockers for skis, water toys and beverages. Aft are a sunpad and an integrated swim platform with boarding ladder. The 180 comes with either a supercharged 185-hp or an optional intercooled, supercharged 215-hp Rotax four-stroke engine. LOA: 17'7". Beam: 8'2". Base Price: $20,999 (w/trailer). www.seadoo.com
 Supermarine 36 Built to take on high seas at brisk speeds, this upscale sport cruiser from the UK will attract those who are tired of having to wait for a good weather window to go boating. If the name sounds familiar, that's because this model debuted in the 1980s. It's been redesigned for 2005 to be stronger, lighter and faster. With twin 440-hp Yanmars, our rally boat topped out at 41.8 mph and cruised at 37. Interiors are by Ken Freivokh, who is well known in Europe. Satin-finished mahogany is used throughout. We ran the twin cabin model; the 36 also is available in two single-cabin versions. LOA: 36'0". Beam: 12'3". Price (as tested): $354,000. www.supermarinemotoryachts.com
 Rivolta Coupe 4.0 This yacht's graceful lines and detailed interior are evidence of its fine pedigree. Its teak-soled bridge and cockpit have covered and open seating areas. The helm is dressed with a varnished teak instrument console. The standard interior plan includes a U-shaped galley, an enclosed head and a master stateroom with a queen berth. A guest berth tucked under the bridgedeck sleeps two. Standard power is a pair of 440-hp Yanmars, but both V-drive shafting and water-jet propulsion are offered. The Coupe is built on a semicustom basis, and layouts and finishes are tailored to the owner's specifications. LOA: 41'2". Beam: 12'6". Base Price: approx. $710,000. www.rivolta.com
 Triton 351 The 351 is Triton's biggest, boldest center console yet. It's as appropriate for a jig fisherman as it is for the angler who trolls a six-rod spread. There are 50- and 38-gallon live wells (the latter with removable tuna tubes), a 500-quart fish box with macerator, in-floor storage compartments with bait bucket recesses, a bow casting platform and a transom door. The T-top can be rigged with a half-tower and controls. Triton didn't forget the family either. There's a china toilet in the console, a forward seating option, and even a berth conversion kit and a bow dodger up front. LOA: 34'10. Beam: 10'0". Base Price: $145,370 (w/twin 225-hp Hondas). www.tritonboats.com
 Windy 34 Imported from Norway, the Windy range of boats (28 to 86 feet) should give companies like Cranchi and Sealine a run for their money. The 34 Khamsin is billed as a performance day boat with overnight capabilities, and it succeeds in both respects. Our rally boat pegged 49 mph with a pair of 285-hp Volvo diesels. The cabin sleeps four in a V-berth and a mid-berth. What's not evident without closer inspection is the high level of finish. The interior displays solid African pear wood and teak flooring; every hatch is gas-assisted, no matter how small. Our boat had the leather upholstery upgrade, but not the full mahogany transom. LOA: 34'8". Beam: 10'5". Base Price: $319,000. www.windyboats.com
Aicon 64 With its new 64 Sport, this Italian builder addresses the needs of its stateside customers. As such, the main cabin is open, not crowded with built-in furniture. Because most Americans like to cook aboard, the galley is on the same level as the dining area, not hidden behind a bulkhead. The lower deck arrangement comes in either a three- or four-stateroom layout (each with three heads). Topside, the swim platform has a hydraulic lift that is designed to carry a 1,000-pound tender-American style. As for performance, with a pair of 1,300-hp MAN diesels, maximum speed is 34 knots. LOA: 66'9". Beam: 17'0". Base Price: approx. $2,400,000. www.aiconyachts.com
 Coda No, the happy crew gathered on the foredeck of this Sea Ray Sundancer is not the staff of Motor Boating, though on the day the express cruiser passed us headed in the direction of the Florida Keys, we sure wished it was. During our two-day rally after the Miami Boat Show, we met the owners of a classic Bertram 31, a vintage wooden Hacker Craft and a number of other boats that drove by to see what we were up to. To them we say, see you again next year!
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