Boat Reviews

Malo 41

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

The Malo 41 has many of the same features that impressed us on the other Swedish boats we sailed—strong no-nonsense construction combined with lush mahogany interior joinery work—as well as a few unique twists of its own. For example, the distinctive traveler arch over the cockpit, long a Malo trademark (they call it their TARGA system), works very well, and its height can be

J/109

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

The J/109 is more than a high-performance boat with cruiser-friendly add-ons; it's a well-conceived, well-executed dual-purpose boat that comes close to being all things to all sailors. Fast, easy to handle, stable, and spacious, the J/109 can serve as a competitive racer, comfortable cruiser, shorthanded daysailer, and a family weekender.The accommodations plan includes a proper nav

Hallberg-Rassy 43

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

The Hallberg-Rassy 43, designed by German Frers, is a comfortable offshore cruiser from a well-respected Swedish builder. Hull and deck construction meet the high standards we have come to expect from Hallberg-Rassy, as does the excellent mahogany joinery down below. The interior accommodation includes many features we like to find on long-distance cruising boats: a well-positioned wet locker,

Beneteau 423

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

High-volume boatbuilders strive to provide more boat, more conveniences, and more standard features for less money, and the Beneteau 423 made our list because it does just that. It's a spacious 42-footer that sails well, has comfortable accommodations and sufficient systems, and is equipped with a long list of standard features (many of which are options on other boats) at a price that makes it

Seawind 1160

by Kimball Livingston, Posted March 3, 2006

Wollongong, Australia, is a beautiful spot you’ve possibly never heard of. Backed by mountains south of Sydney and fronting the Tasman Sea, Wollongong is home to Seawind Catamarans, whose newest offering reinterprets the open accommodations of its popular Seawind 1000 into something larger, comfier, and better suited to offshore duty. The new 1160, at 38 feet, sails at the

Wylie 43

by Sail Staff, Posted November 19, 2004

California-based designer Tom Wylie is known for his long, slender sleds with freestanding masts, so the configuration of the new Wylie 43 should come as no surprise. It's billed as an "ultralight downwind flyer" and is aimed at the section of the market that's looking for performance in a more-affordable 43-foot package. The hull is made of a cored carbon-fiber laminate; the 4,800-pound keel

Island Spirit 40

by Sail Staff, Posted February 4, 2003

The Island Spirit 40, designed and built in South Africa, has many of the characteristics people look for in an offshore boat: solid construction, simple, robust, and accessible systems, safe and efficient sailhandling gear, a roomy interior, a manageable price, and good sailing performance.On deck we liked the mainsheet/traveler system and the good visibility over the coachroof from the

Bavaria 30

by Sail Staff, Posted August 10, 2005

The Bavaria 30 is an entry-level cruiser with all the features that any sailor would look for in a coastal cruiser. With each of its two cabins equipped with a double bunk, hanging locker, and small open area, the interior is large enough to accommodate two couples or a small family on a weekend (or even longer) cruise. The straight settees in the saloon are over 6 feet

X-40

by Sail Staff, Posted August 25, 2004

The new X-40 is a chip off the old block. Flush with the success of the X-43 and X-46, X-Yachts designer Niels Jeppesen has drawn this new 40-footer to be as sexy, sturdy, comfortable, and responsive as its larger siblings. And it seems to have all the necessary ingredients. The cored hull is light and stiff, the sailplan has power to burn, and the hand-polished teak joinery is sure to turn some

Hunter 27

by Sail Staff, Posted August 10, 2005

Not so long ago, compact coastal cruisers usually provided cramped quarters and minimal comfort, but the new Hunter 27 is cut from an entirely different mold. It’s only 27 feet long, but its 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom and nearly 10 feet of beam provide enough internal volume for cruising amenities not often found on 27-foot boats. Being able to stand up down below is