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BoatU.S. editors were on the docks in the sailing hub of Newport, Rhode Island, for the seaport town’s annual boat show. Several boats stood out from the crowd.
The historic waterfront makes this a destination boat show.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350
Jeanneau has been tweaking its 349 model to bring it up to par with the popular 410 and 440 models for a while now, and it’s done it with the new Sun Odyssey 350. Packing an impressive amount of boat into a smaller body, the 350 is a heavyweight in the 30- to 40-foot range.
The most prominent change from earlier 349s is the integration of the popular walk-around side decks from the cockpit, already a staple of the larger 410 and 440 models, which allow crew to easily transit from the cockpit to the deck without clambering over seats or other passengers.
From both on deck and inside the cabin, this 34-foot, 1-inch boat feels 10 feet longer, especially with the double helm stationed within a beamy cockpit with drop-down swim platform and standing headroom that exceeds 6 feet throughout the cabin. The saloon is bright and airy, and the two-cabin layout version with oversized head and shower feels anything but cramped.
The cruisability of the 350 is impressive for this size class, and combined with the performance Jeanneau is known for with their axehead bows and chined hull shapes, the 350 may just cure a few cases of “2-foot-itis.” $205,000 | jeanneau.com
Smart design makes the 350 feel larger.
Kufner 54
Kufner Yachts is not a household name among American sailors, probably because it got its start in Croatia in 2012, and the first model has only arrived in the U.S. this year. Despite being new to the scene, the Kufner 54 has a lot to offer, especially for those who like to charter in the British Virgin Islands.
The deck of this 54-foot yacht with 16-foot-beam is expansive – as to be expected of a boat this size – with sweeping sightlines, well-planned rigging, and real teak decks, as well as a dedicated lounge area just aft of the mast.
Inside, abundant handholds and smart storage point to the 54’s utility as an offshore vessel, while the bright and airy saloon and cabins with en suite heads. The interior layout forward of the mast is modular, allowing for a single owner’s suite forward berth, double forward berth, or even double bunk rooms with an additional forward berth.
While the 54 is only available on custom order, Kufner plans to start integrating the 54, as well as its little sister, the Kufner 50, into Caribbean charter fleets to compete with Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, and Fountaine Pajot, starting in the British Virgin Islands. As this growing boatbuilder expands into the Americas, it’s certainly one to watch for in coming years. $795,000 | kufneryachtsusa.com
HYFOIL Marine HY32
Founded in 2013 in upstate New York, HYFOIL Marine builds foil-assisted RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable) power catamarans the company touts as “adventure boats,” but to us they look good for a fun day on the water. The brand-new HY32, coming in at 31 feet, 6 inches, with a 10-foot, 5-inch beam and 21-inch draft. Buyers have a choice of traditional fiberglass or carbon fiber hull, and power from either twin 115- to 250-hp gasoline outboards, or twin 120 hp-equivalent electric outboards (and accompanying lithium iron phosphate batteries).
The secret ingredient is the “hydrofoil-assist” technology, essentially a horizontal stainless-steel strut that bridges the two hulls without increasing the draft or adding maintenance-heavy mechanical parts. The idea behind it is more efficient planing and increased stability at high speeds. Along with the stabilizing advantages of twin hulls and inflated Hypalon tubes, these technologies make for a smooth-riding, rugged coastal explorer.
New tech aside, the HY32 is simply a thoughtfully laid out dual-console deck boat. Bow seating is appropriately aft to avoid overloading forward, a fold-down walk-through bow ramp allows for easy access to beaches and sand bars, the canopy shade top with expansive glass windshield is rigidly constructed, seating is abundant, and navigating around the cockpit is easy and hazard-free. Additional models are 22 and 28 feet. $269,000 | hyfoilmarine.com
HYFOIL promises precision handling at speed.