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2020 May 1

The new ‘baby’ of the X-Yachts fleet is a 40-footer that is a real looker and a great performer

It was a mile-long trek in 90-degree heat from the front gate of the Miami International Boat Show past countless fishing gear booths and outboard powerboats to the far southeast corner of the docks w
2020 May 1

This stylish ketch is designed for work and play

I get some unusual design commissions but this is the first time another yacht designer has asked me to design a boat for him. Rob Leighton­—I call him Capt. Rob—is an accomplished yacht des
2020 May 1

With speed and comfort, this catamaran can be build built by a home builder

Here’s an unusual catamaran project from my old friend Dudley Dix. It’s unusual because the client was Phil Harvey, builder of the Gunboat cats in South Africa, Dudley’s previous home. Dudley an
2020 May 1

This well-built center-cockpit cutter can take you offshore in comfort

The center-cockpit Kelly Peterson 46 has sparked plenty of discussion among sailors who favor bluewater cutters, mostly because it’s often compared with its little sister, the popular Kelly Peterson
2020 April 1

A designer found the perfect client in creating a comfortable, powerful daysailer

Ithink it was about eight years ago when I heard that Chuck Paine had retired. I was incredulous. How do you walk away from your life? I called Chuck and found him a bit bitter due to the complication
2020 April 1

This junk-rigged barge-styled cruiser oozes classic charm

If you were walking the docks last weekend you probably didn’t notice the three old codgers sitting on the bench at the end of the pier. No reason you should except for the fact that the three of th
2020 March 6

With customizable options galore, this cruiser will be comfortable for a crowd

The newest boat in the Dufour line is the 530 designed by Felci Yacht Design. When I review a new boat I look for some defining feature that sets it apart from the competition. In this case we have a
2020 March 1

Beneteau brings back its First line of racer-cruisers with the launch of the powerful and beautiful flagship

In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Beneteau First cruiser-racers were winning regattas across the world. The popularity of multipurpose boats waned over the decades, with racing and cruising
2020 March 1

This handsome design packs all you need for family cruising

This is the newest boat from the Arcona yard in Gustavsberg, Sweden. I think it is the perfect size for family cruising. Nothing is overwhelming. Space is tight but you can get everything you need in
2020 March 1

This rugged racer cruiser has a loyal following, making this rare early C&C a desirable used boat

The Invader was launched in 1965 during the golden age of fiberglass boat construction. This recreational cruising boat was one of the earliest C&C designs built. The Invader was designed by Geor
2020 February 1

This rugged bluewater cruiser offers seakindly sailing and comfort

One of the ways to learn about the Corbin 39 is to read builder Marius Corbin’s story in his own words. On the verge of creating the boat of his dreams, Corbin founded Corbin les Bateaux Inc. in Can
2020 February 1

Blending out-of-the-box thinking with custom elements, this daysailer is a super speedster

I’ve known Tom Wylie for a long time. I once owned a boat he designed, a Wylie Wabbit—24 feet of thrills and spills. Tom has always been an original thinker. When just about every designer was doi
2020 February 1

This large family cruiser has all the bells and whistles for Catalina fans

I received a very nice design package from Gerry Douglas, head designer at Catalina Yachts. I think I may have reviewed more Catalina models than any other manufacturer in the many years I have b
2020 January 1

The beautifully designed cruiser can go the distance for a couple or a crowd

Now let’s look at what German Frers does with a very similar design challenge. Sitting side by side at the dock the two boats would be nearly identical except for some subtle styling differences. LO
2020 January 1

This passagemaker is packed with style and comfort for cruising

This month we are going to look at two large cruising boats: the Hylas 60 and the Oyster 565. They share a target market and a general  approach to styling and hull shape. The numbers are so clos
2020 January 1

This latest midsize cruiser from France packs big boat features in an easy-to-handle and stylish package

The drop-down transom reveals a large swim platform with an integral telescoping swim ladder, a dedicated life raft locker, grill and sink. The capricious winds of Chesapeake Bay got the best of
2019 November 1

This daysailer fills the niche for simple sailing and offers a stable platform for learning to sail

Ilike this quote from the promotional material that came with this Tim Jackett-designed Tartan 245. “Although there may be no such thing as the perfect daysailer, that’s not our decision to make,
2019 November 1

With America’s Cup trickledown technology, this daysailing-buoy racing catamaran can fly

There are lots of ways we can enjoy sailing. I think there is a boat for just about everybody. My neighbor bought a John Welsford Scamp this summer. It’s a 12-foot pram with a lug rig. This is his f
2019 November 1

This classic Chuck Paine design is a capable offshore cruiser

When Morris Yachts launched the Chuck Paine-designed Annie 29 in 1980, it attracted plenty of attention in the sailing community. Its look was in sharp contrast to Paine’s double-ended designs, the
2019 October 1

A cleverly designed offshore cruiser that has an interior layout for all kinds of sailing

The Pegasus 50 is built in Slovenia and designed by Marine Designs. This is not a new yard. It has produced many yachts and has recently started to build in carbon fiber. I can’t find any mention in

Perry on Design

  • This rugged pilothouse cutter can handle the rough stuff in comfort

  • This small oceangoing cruiser can be built by DIY builders

  • This folding trimaran for fun cruising offers plenty of options

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