Canadian Yachting April 2023 - 6

FEATURE EDITORIAL
27 UNDER 27'
A
Compiled By | Canadian Yachting Staff Writers
on page 12 in this issue) .
recent Canadian Yachting magaz
ine reader survey showed that
there is a big population of boats
under 27-feet amongst our audience. This
is clearly the biggest part of the market
and we are seeing some maj or design
infl uences guiding the boat builders and
our readers' selections of new boats.
The major infl uence is the social side
of boating. We all enj oy spending q uality
time with friends and family. For many
families, bringing their adult children and
their grandchildren together is at the top
of the list.
What could be more appealing than to
all go boating together? Nothing we can
think of!
The latest design trend is what we call
' day boats' ; larger boats that can accommodate
a gang of family and friends in
comfort. Recently, our regular readers
have seen numerous power boat reviews
featuring day boats (like the Regal LS 36
One of the fastest growing segments is
the pontoon boat market. One family after
another is discovering that pontoon boats
are well-suited to large groups, pets and
children and even wheel-chairs that are
almost impossible to accommodate on
other types of boats.
Another factor is the popularity of
tubing and wake-surfi ng. The speeds are
slow, the weight of a boat full of passengers
helps create the biggest wake and
generous seating means everyone can
watch the people surfi ng behind. It is a
group activity and one that most people
can participate in.
Fishing is another maj or attraction.
Statistics show that more than half of all
pleasure boaters fi sh. There are some dedicated
fi shing boats that are well worth a
look and boats like pontoons can make
excellent fi shing platforms. We selected a
few examples in various price ranges for
OUR PICKS FOR TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NEW BOATS
VEER BOATS / MERCURY AVATOR
Brunswick Corporation launched Veer in J anuary 2023, an all-new boat brand
designed to support electric propulsion and appeal to the next generation of boaters. The
fi rst model in the Veer line-up is the X13.
The Veer X13 is a 13-foot, multi-tool vessel built from durable rotomolded polyethylene
to enable boaters to experience the outdoors with confi dence. The X13 is designed
to be powered by Mercury Avator electric propulsion systems or Mercury FourStroke
outboards, including the Avator 7.5e electric outboard - the fi rst product in the Avator
series. Avator propulsion systems offer q uiet, all-electric power, integrated with intuitive
controls and advanced digital displays, and produce no direct emissions.
Starting at about $11,995 USD in the United States including a trailer, the X13 will be
available in 2024 for Canadian orders at www.veerboats.com.
SEA-DOO SWITCH
BRP took out a clean sheet of paper to design the Sea-Doo Switch and they came up
with not one, but a whole series of boats. The Switch is modular and there are countless
variations available. The bow of the boat is the same in every case and so is the boat from
the helm back, but with modular components, it' s possible to adj ust the length of the boat
from 13-feet up to 19-feet plus the swim platform.
It's extremely changeable just like a Lego set. BRP created the " LinQ " system where
slots in the fl ooring match tabs on the components and accessories like the seat bases and
tables. These click securely into place. You can relocate the seats, coolers and other parts
for watching tubing and swimming, to make up a tanning lounge, serve food or seat the
maximum number of passengers. The Switch can evolve as your uses evolve. BRP has
priced it for wide success starting at $27,299 including trailer.
Sea-Doo Switch: LOA: variable from 13' to 21' / POWER: Rotax 130 to 230 HP
www.sea-doo.com
6 CANADIAN YACHTING | APRIL 2023
We pick 27 of the most
interesting new boats in the
Under 27-foot category
you to check out.
In this feature story, we also wanted to
cover a few of the most popular sailing
dinghies and performance boats. Sailing
is the most ' green' a boater can go and the
environment is on everyone' s mind these
days.
Speaking of the environment, we have
included a couple of electric boat options
for those who want to pioneer a new era in
electric boating.
This is a two-part story with a condensed
version printed here in Canadian
Yachting magaz ine and then a greatly
expanded version with more photos and
information, available at no cost online.

http://www.veerboats.com http://www.sea-doo.com

Canadian Yachting April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting April 2023