Boston Boat Show Report

[Bob Knott]

Well as promised here's the low-down on the New England Boat Show.Hunter's were very evident from the nearly unchanged 380 and 410 to the brand new 320. We were very pleased with the 320 several nice changes over the 310 also liked the fact that the 380 hasn't changed much since this protects my re-sale value and it's a perfect size for my family of four anyway. My dealer also sells Beneteau and as you know I've always felt Hunters have much more room,cost less, and have much better factory customer service support, and since I sail with kids, Hunter wins hands down. Jenneau was there with the new 37 that won as best value in cruising Worlds BOTY competition. . But other CW winners like Tartan 37, Amel Super Maramu 53, and cats were not there. Lots of power boats too but who cares about that side ))Hunter was very well represented on the small boat side too!Island Packet 380 was there wow what a boat. Costs almost 1 1/2 times what a H380 costs but what build quality. I tore the boat apart and was very impressed. That plus the new more modern cut away full keel design means it should sail better to weather than in years passed. Was eager to see their new 420, but it was not in attendance.Anyway great show, lots to see, can't wait for the Newport Show in the fall. Lots of sailing to do between now and then.Best to AllBob KnottH380

 

[Paul Bednarzyk]

Boat Show

Bob, Looked at both the IP380 and 420 at the Miami show. If you liked the 380, you will absolutely be drooling over the 420. The downside was the 350,000 dollar price tag. Maybe someday, but for what I use my H380 for, I'll save the extra 180k+. My favorite, though, still is the Gozzard 44 centercockpit.Paul BednarzykS/V Knot Again

 

[Bob Knott]

Paul did you see the...

Paul,Glad you like the IP's too! They are well built but I can't afford one. The real dream boat though was the Amel Super Maramu 2000. Now at $500,000 that quite a leap but four water tight bulkheads, autoprop genset, AC/Heat, radar, instruments, furling everything, windlass, goes on and on. I contacted Joel Potter after seeing his great ads in the sailing mags and the Amel brochure drove me nuts. If only I bought Microsoft in 1990 I could afford one! Now named cruising World's boat of the year, their price will jump I'm sure. Ah to dream..... Spring's coming Paul, I'll be in the water as soon as I get back from FLA after April School vacation.Bob KnottS/V Serenity

 

[Sean D.]

If we are dreaming....

I went to the show and toured most of the sailboats. The best boat in the show, sail or power, was the Sabre 452. With craftsmanship equal to the best and an absolute perfect mix between modern and classic looks, that boat just blew me away. It is beautiful. Big price tag with those too.A very qualified captain and offshore boat delivery specialist gave me the inside on the IP. He helped deliver one from the northeast to Florida. He really disliked the boat, said it sailed like an absolute tank. Super heavy and super slow. You can not argue with the safety of the boat, I too drooled endlessly for that boat, however, I believe when he says that it has terrible performance.Just something I found interesting that I thought I might add.