If reading this site proves anything, it’s that there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy time on the water. Every time you lower the boat hoist, back down the ramp or untie from the dock, the possibilities for a life-changing adventure are endless. There’s no set definition of what a boating adventure actually is—that’s entirely up to you. Whether you’re looking to cruise for the day or night, catch a wave or a fish, relax or perform crazy tricks, there’s a boat out there that can meet your needs. Here are six great boats for whatever awesome adventure awaits in 2026.
The Overnighter: Tiara 39 LS
The Tiara Yachts 39 LS is a vessel that, while staying true to its heritage of building high-quality, seaworthy boats, showcases its real genius in its modular design, especially for those inclined toward cruising. The cockpit can be configured with a “Buffet Lounge” setup, featuring a plush, rotating lounge. This easily rotates to face a portside terrace, which expands water access, so you can interact with swimmers. Or, you can swing this to face aft, which is perfect for those contemplative views of the wake. This layout is designed for socializing, complemented by an electric Kenyon grill, a refrigerator/freezer, and an optional high-gloss teak table.
A standout feature is the portside gunwale that folds down to the waterline at the push of a button, creating a terrace that expands the usable cockpit space directly over the water. This area includes a dedicated swim ladder for safe reboarding away from the twin 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 outboards.
The thoughtful layout extends to the bow, accessed via a wide starboard walkway. Here, a U-shaped settee provides a perfect spot for dining or conversation and can be converted into a large sun pad. Below deck, the 39 LS proves its capabilities as a weekender. The interior is finished in architectural teak and features a forward queen-size berth and a sizable head with a walk-in shower. A new mid-ship cabin with a convertible berth offers additional sleeping space or a private area for relaxing. A galley is conveniently located by the entryway.
Read Next: Boat Test: Tiara 39 LS
At the helm, the captain benefits from an electrically adjustable chair, twin Garmin displays, and standard joystick piloting for easy handling. The boat’s deep-V hull, resin-infused construction, and a standard Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control system ensure a smooth ride. For ultimate comfort, a Seakeeper 4.5 gyrostabilizer is available as an option. With a cruising speed of 35 mph and a range of over 300 miles, the 39 LS is well-equipped for any adventure.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 600 hp Mercury Verado
- Drive/Props: Outboard/Verado 27.5” diameter contra-rotating 3-blade and 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.97:1/2.50:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $1,471,495 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 39’6″ |
| Beam: | 12’6″ |
| Displacement: | 21,339 lb. |
| Persons/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 500 gal. |
Tiara Yachts – Holland, Michigan; 616-392-7163; tiarayachts.com
Fishing Fanatic: Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer
The Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer is designed to facilitate your next angling adventure. Whether you are seeking to head outside the inlet and take on long runs down the coast or you want to invade the shallows in search of gamefish just the other side of your river or bay, this Coastal Explorer will prove a great tool for the job. Powered by twin Yamaha 300 EXs, the 281 CE delivers exciting performance and the safety of dual engines for offshore trips. Handling is easy with integrated digital steering and an optional full-maneuverability joystick. Grady-White’s exclusive SeaV² hull ensures you get a solid, smooth ride and a stable fishing platform, whether at rest or trolling or running at cruising speeeds.
Once offshore, anglers can utilize dual shotgun rod holders, dual gunwale rod holders, and a pair of forward rod holders suitable for bottom fishing. The hardtop comes standard with four rocket launchers rod holders, and outriggers are available as an option for those who enjoy trolling the blue water. Two livewells keep bait lively, and fish boxes in the forward seating drain overboard. Tackle compartments are located below the rigging sink and on the front of the lean bar.
For more specialized fishing, Grady-White offers optional pre-rigging for a 36-volt trolling motor, which includes a swivel bracket, motor shaft support, and three 12-volt batteries. Dual 10-foot Power Poles can also be added.
Read Next: Boat Buyers Guide: Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer
The boat’s casting decks are lethal fishing features, but they also convert to seating. This versatility supports longer days on the water, with features such as electrically actuated inclining seatbacks on the forward deck. This combination of serious fishing amenities and durable comfort reinforces the boatbuilder’s reputation for customer satisfaction.
How We Tested
- Engine: Twin Yamaha 300 EX
- Drive/Props: Outboard/SWS II 15.25″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $331,200 (base with test power) |
| LOA: | 27’7″ |
| Beam: | 9’4″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’7″ (engines up) |
| Displacement (approx.): | 5,650 lb. (less engines) |
| Persons/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 160 gal. |
Grady-White Boats – Greenville, North Carolina; 252-752-2111; gradywhite.com
Watersports Warrior: Montara EVO 25
The Montara EVO 25 is a unique boat, the watersports-loving family’s secret weapon. How does Montara make a boat that equally satisfies the wakesurfers and sun worshippers in the crew? The EVO features pontoon-style amenities topside but swaps out aluminum tubes for an aluminum, modified-V hull below that carries its beam well forward and that is shaped to provide super wakesurf waves and wakeboard wakes. Twelve-foot-long ballast bags are tucked into that hull both port and starboard. Rather than outboard or sterndrive, a PCM V-drive provides the power. The result is a boat that can boost wakeboarders to impressive heights, dish out tasty surf waves and serve as the ultimate party platform for up to 16 passengers.
The EVO 25’s exterior styling has evolved into solid rather than two-tone panels and more sculpted fence lines to create a more refined appearance. Interior hues are richer blends such as mocha, bronze or charcoal. A new fiberglass helm is modern and sleek, and incorporates a sturdy flat seat base rather than a tube-style pedestal. Monitor vitals and dial-in all aspects of wake and ballast on the 15-inch touchscreen at the dash. Bathe nearly every inch of the boat—from twin lounges forward to the convertible L-shaped lounge/convertible sun pad aft—with sound from a three-zone, Boston Acoustics, Bongiovi-tuned sound system featuring 12 speakers, two subwoofers and three amplifiers.
Read Next: Boat Buyers Guide: Montara EVO 25
Though its on-water presence looms large, under way the EVO 25 handles with a light, nimble feel. It’s surefooted in hardover turns and deceptively agile for a boat of its size. Chalk some of that up to the modified-V hull and an inboard’s combination of prop, rudder and tracking fins but also a switch to hydraulic steering for 2026. A PCM 6.2-liter reached 30 mph in 8.2 seconds and had no trouble pulling our wakeboard/surf rider above the water with ease. Once up, the combo of up to 4,200 pounds of ballast and wake-shaping transom tabs produced a steep wake with a clean face, plenty of push and a lengthy pocket.
How We Tested
- Engine: PCM 6.2 465 hp Inboard
- Drive/Prop: V-drive/OJ 15.5″ x 16.5″ 3-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 46 gal. Crew Weight: 525 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $240,876 (with 465 hp PCM 6.2L and Boatmate tandem trailer) |
| LOA: | 25’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’8″ |
| Displacement: | 6,939 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 16/2,520 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 104 gal. |
Montara Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; montaraboats.com
Sandbar Hopper: Bayliner Trophy T22SC
If your idea of a day’s adventure out on the lake, bay or ocean involves wetting a line or two then camping out at the local sandbar, the Trophy T22SC might be the perfect boat to help you realize that dream. It’s an easily trailerable boat that can keep the family entertained no matter what the day’s intended mission holds in store, and it is offered well-equipped for a competitive price.
What makes this Trophy T22SC unique is Bayliner’s side-console design. It is different than other boats. Rather than working in the traditional dual-console framework, Bayliner doubled the size of the helm console to starboard and moved the walkthrough to the bow over to the port side of the boat. This creates space for a double-wide helm seat, complete with independent flip-up bolsters for the captain and co-captain. The dash fits a flush-mounted Simrad Go 9 MFD, with space left to add a second screen if desired. Plus, the console itself is double the size that you’d find on a typical dual console, which allows for a lot of space to create a head/storage area inside. Add in a portable toilet for the crew, and they’ll have a less claustrophobic experience belowdecks. In contrast to a center-console design, the side console allows for a full-width windshield to help keep the crew better protected in the main cockpit.
That aft cockpit features a transom bench that seats three adults. For fishing, there’s an 18-gallon livewell, coaming bolsters lining the cockpit gunwales, four rod holders in the gunwale topsides, and flip-out rod racks in the portside inwale. In a nice touch, Bayliner adds two rod holders in the bow area forward of the windshield. Space under the transom bench serves as a cooler or fish box.
Read Next: Boat Buyers Guide: Bayliner Trophy T22SC
The Trophy T22SC’s versatility shines in the bow, thanks to carrying the beam forward as you’d see on a deck boat. Set up the table to create a conversation pit, throw in the filler cushions to create a sun pad, or remove all the cushions for a bow-casting platform.
Standard power for this boat is a Mercury 150 FourStroke, but we recommend our tested 250 FourStroke. We recorded a top speed of 43.1 mph while climbing onto plane in a snappy 3.8 seconds. Handling proved smooth and predictable in hardover turns at 30 mph and the boat’s moderate deadrise served it well in taking on other boats’ waves and a bit of bay chop.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 250 FourStroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 200 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $67,990 (with base power) |
| LOA: | 22’7″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (min): | 1’10” |
| Displacement: | 4,500 lb. |
| Persons/Weight Capacity: | 10/2,500 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 80 gal. |
Bayliner Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; 865-971-6311; bayliner.com
Day Cruiser: Bennington 27 QX SB
The Bennington’s 27 QX SB packs power, performance and cruising comfort in pontoon-boat form. It’s got everything you need for taking a full crew out for a day of exploration, adrenaline and entertainment.
Let’s start with its eye-catching looks. Its sweeping fiberglass bow architecture gives it an aerodynamic profile and head-turning aesthetics. An extruded aluminum top rail does likewise. Additional design cues include sculpted fiberglass side panels that incorporate a dramatic swoosh, a billet aluminum Bennington logo, integrated louvers, and an aft mesh accent on the sides at the stern that looks quite dramatic when lit at night. Even the fuel fill gets sexy sleek, now covered with an automotive-style door so as not to blemish the looks. Form, however, doesn’t sacrifice function. Example? Designers were tasked with adding much of those curvy contours within a fraction of the space used by some competitors, keeping interior real estate at a premium.
With twin 350 hp Yamaha outboards on the transom and riding on Bennington’s Elliptical Sport Package (ESP), the 27 QX SB impresses beyond the dock, as well. ESP pairs twin 25-inch pontoons with a 32-inch elliptical center tube for greater buoyancy, enhanced stability, and improved handling. Turns are typical of Bennington flagship tritoons—smooth and crisp with the larger elliptical tube adding a touch of inside lean, similar to that of V-hulled boats. The 700 Yamaha horses boost this boat onto plane in a scant 3 seconds, past 30 mph in 4 seconds and to a 62-mph top speed. Low-speed manners also defy the boat’s oversized footprint, with joystick control making it video-game-simple to maneuver around the docks, even with our test day’s brisk crosswinds.
Read Next: Boat Buyers Guide: Bennington 27 QX SB WAT2
The Swingback floorplan offers a versatile mix between plush parallel couches forward, high-back chairs behind the helm and port console, and an aft couch/sun pad combo with a pivoting backrest that easily transitions from a forward-facing couch to an aft-facing chaise. A new helm console debuts on all windshield models and features the Commander Dash 2.0, with Bennington’s streamlined 12-inch Vivid UX primary touchscreen and a 7-inch Vessel Control Screen. Wireless chargers are found at both consoles. Our test boat’s port console had an optional 7-inch Vessel Control Screen to manage audio and lights, a lockable glove box, a combination storage/cooler, and a billet grab handle for when all 700 horses run.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Yamaha F350
- Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ¼” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $404,118 (with twin Yamaha F350) |
| LOA: | 27’11” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’0″ |
| Displacement: | 4,719 lb. |
| Persons/Weight Capacity: | 13/1,833 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 116 gal. |
Bennington Marine – Elkhart, Indiana; benningtonmarine.com
Zen Trickster: Sea-Doo Spark Trixx
It’s impossible to hop onboard the new Sea-Doo Spark Trixx and not have tons of fun. All you need is one person and one stretch of water to cut loose.
This single-rider PWC comes wrapped in eye-catching new colorways: a refreshing Gulfstream Blue with Orange Crush accents or classic Dragon Red and Bright White combo.
What makes this watercraft worth your budget? One thing is its 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE engine. With a dry weight of just 425 pounds (bumping up to 435 with the optional audio system), its power-to-weight ratio delivers acceleration that will have you grinning like a sugar-rushed 5-year-old. Think crisp, responsive power with fuel economy that’s stingy.
The true magic of this Sea-Doo happens when you activate Trixx Mode. Doing so transforms this PWC from fun to “how did you do that?” territory. It’s essentially a cheat code, offering increased reverse thrust that makes tricks such as reverse donuts—usually easy only for pro-watercraft riders—suddenly accessible to the rest of us. Pair that with the Extended Range Variable Trim System, and the Trixx for one insists that you push your limits.
The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx sports a 4.5-inch digital display to keep tabs on speed, fuel and more. A watertight phone locker ensures your smartphone lives to see another Instagram post. Storage capacity totals 11.8 gallons when you add the accessory front bin—enough for essentials.
Read Next: Boat Buyers Guide: Sea-Doo Spark Trixx
Perhaps most cleverly, Sea-Doo designed this single-rider craft to accommodate a second passenger with an accessory seat—making it essentially a 1.5-person watercraft for those days when riding solo seems selfish. Want to share the fun with more than one person? You can also order a Trixx capable of riding three passengers.
The Intelligent Brake and Reverse system—a Sea-Doo exclusive—adds practical functionality to this fun machine, giving riders control at low speeds that’s unmatched in the industry. When you factor in its affordability, the Spark Trixx for one delivers the fun and independence only found in heading out on the water.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $6,999 (base; without freight) |
| LOA: | 9’3″ |
| Beam: | 3’10” |
| Draft: | Not Much |
| Displacement: | 428 lb. (with engines) |
| Persons Capacity: | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity: | 7.9 gal. |
Sea-Doo – Valcourt, Quebec; 888-272–9222; sea-doo.com
