Photos

Boating’s Boats of the Year 2000-2015

The best boats from a variety of categories have won Boat of the Year honors.

By Boating Staff

Updated: January 24, 2014

2000: Bertram 450

Combining speed, luxury and a mastery of the boat builder’s art, this iconic boat left all others in its wake. Boat of the Year: Bertram 450 For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2001: Grady-White 330 Express

Redefining the offshore battlewagon, and setting a new standard in quality and innovation, this sportfish broke the mold. Boat of the Year: Grady-White 330 Express For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2002: Donzi 38 ZR

One of the first truly competitive stepped-bottom go-fasts you could buy straight off the showroom floor. Boat of the Year: Donzi 38 ZR For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2003: Mastercraft Maristar 280 VLD

Unique construction, a new standard in style and one of the first “yacht-quality” runabouts, this boat set the bar higher. Boat of the Year: MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2004: Sea-Doo 3D

This PWC debuted as the industry transitioned away from standup watercraft. It offered the quick reflexes and freestyle fun of a traditional standup but was easier to ride. Boat of the Year: Sea-Doo 3D For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Sea Doo

2005: Intrepid 475

The very first outboard-powered luxury cruiser, this boat, and its key elements would be copied in whole and in concept by many other builders. Boat of the Year: Intrepid 475 For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2006: Pursuit LS 345

Pursuit’s LS 345 Drummond Island Runner was so groundbreaking, so trend-setting, and so unique that the decision was easy. Boat of the Year: Pursuit LS 345 Drummond Island Runner For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Pursuit

2007: Yamaha AR230 High Output

Yeah, jet boats are common now. Check out the boat that led the wave. **Boat of the Year: Yamaha AR230 High Output** For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Boating Magazine

2008: Chaparral 400 Premiere

Its ground-breaking new hull form was one reason it won. Read on to find out what else this boat impressed us with. Boat of the Year: Chaparral 400 Premiere For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2011: Pursuit ST-310

They say every boat is a compromise. We say: “Pursuit didn’t.” Boat of the Year: Pursuit ST-310 For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Forest Johnson

2012: Sea Ray 370 Venture

Sea Ray’s 370 Venture is powered by outboards, cleverly hidden and ingeniously installed. It reshaped the express cruiser category with its quieter ride and larger accomodations. Boat of the Year: Sea Ray 370 Venture For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Bill Doster

2013: Cruisers Sport Series 328

For leading with innovation and excellence in a brand-new boat category and doing so without being the highest-priced boat in that category, we name Cruisers Sport Series 328 Boating‘s 2013 Boat of the Year. Boat of the Year: Cruisers Sport Series 328 For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Bill Doster

2014: Chris-Craft Launch 36

The Chris-Craft Launch 36 advances the sport of boating. This boat runs like a blue-water fish boat and sports a bold layout that combines the very best elements of an open boat with those of a cruiser. Boat of the Year: Chris-Craft Launch 36 For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Boating Magazine

2015: Boston Whaler 420 Outrage

Boston Whaler’s 420 Outrage combines technology with performance and amenities to win the 2015 Boat of the Year award. Boat of the Year: Boston Whaler 420 Outrage For more best boats picks check out Best Boats of 2013, Best Boats of 2012 and Best Boats of 2011. Bill Doster