With spring, it is inevitable, the desire for the sea and small cruises returns, both for regulars and occasional sailors. Spending a weekend among the marinas of the Riviera, rather than a couple of days in the roadstead, is indeed an “escape” that never displeases, and the motor boating market well knows this, offering us solutions of all kinds, from the most compact weekender, to the most comfortable cruiser. Which one to choose? To shed some light on this front, then, here are 5 weekenders suitable for short cruises (12-13 m), a little bit for everyone.
5 short cruise boats for all tastes (12-13 m)
Whether they are open, cabin, or more classic, weekenders are relatively small, they are versatile, and they are cabin cruisers, offering enough amenities and services to allow us to spend more than one day out of doors. This, in short, is the recipe, a winning formula that gives us hulls somewhere between “smaller” weekenders and larger weekenders, more challenging cruiser. A variable format suitable for all tastes in which, finding the boat that suits us, is ultimately not that complicated. So here are 5 options to consider.
Nimbus W11 – (12.4 m) | The “Swiss Army Knife”
In the meeting of different styles and trends, sometimes little gems are born. This is perhaps the case with the Nimbus W11, where the W stands for Weekender and Scandinavian and Mediterranean design meet. The goal is simple, to offer a boat that can make for comfortable and enjoyable weekends on the water, while maintaining the look (and performance) of a sports boat. In short, a complete and versatile hull, prone to be used both as a dayboat and as a small cruiser. As a good Swiss Army knife of the seas, it offers it all: hydraulic submersible bridge, cockpit sofa that can be converted into a large sundeck, fold-down bulkheads, Hard-Top sunroof (there is also open), covered convivial space, galley and large forward sundeck, which can be covered with dedicated bimini. Speaking only of the blanket…
Below deck, in fact, guests will find two large bunks to accommodate up to four people thanks to two double beds, spaces that are complemented by a separate bathroom complete with shower. Propelling the two-step hull, however, are different outboard options: two 300-horsepower Mercury V10s, or 2 Mercury V10s of 400 horsepower each. Performance, in this respect, varies to between 20 and over 40 knots.
- Learn about the Nimbus W11inour in-depth article, you can find it HERE!
Rustler 41 (12.5 m) | For the gentleman
From the sailing world this year comes a 41-footer that could appeal to many. Rustler Yachts, a well-known British brand famous for the quality and elegance of its hulls, is in fact entering the motor yachting scene, and it does so with a classy hull, in full “Lobster” style, to say the least. Designed by Tony Castro, the new Rustler 41 is a V-shaped planing hull with particularly elegant lines and high quality in both materials and finish. But, aesthetics aside, it is also a good performer, strong with particularly marine lines and appreciable speeds: 25 knots at cruising speed, 35 knots, on the other hand, top-speed.
Looking instead at volumes, there is no shortage of convivial spaces on board, with a main-saloon capable of accommodating both a comfortable U-shaped dinette and a full kitchen. In addition, the dinette can be converted into an extra berth. Below deck, however, we find the two actual cabins, a double owner’s cabin, and a guest cabin, also double. Large bridge on the water, forward sundeck and furnished cockpit then conclude the spaces, offering equal comfort outside. Finally, in terms of propulsion, the standard version includes 2 Yanmar 320-horsepower 8LV320 inline drives, but inboard and outboard systems are also available.
- Learn about the Rustler 41 in our in-depth article, you can find it HERE!
Weekenders: Galeon 435 GT – (12.5 m) | Let’s dance!
With the Galeon 435 GT we enter the world of fast coupes with a modern edge, hulls that are perhaps more “flashy,” but just as agile and powerful. A hybrid of balances, in short, where comfort meets sporty attitudes. One need only look aft, in fact, where three 600-hp outboards each occupy space, remedied, however, by a beach area moved farther forward, where fold-down murals and a central sofa that can be moved and folded down create a nicely sized sea-side lounge terrace.
Taking advantage of the entire beam, the Galeon 435 GT then offers ample saloon space on the main deck, which is wide open to the outdoors thanks to an aft window. A lounge area, galley and wheelhouse are located here, while a walkway in the windshield provides access to the forward lounge. Finally, below deck we find space for 5, with a rather voluminous master cabin and a triple cabin aft with a double bed and single berth to starboard.
- Learn about the Galeon 435 GT in our in-depth article, you can find it HERE!
Fjord 41 XP – 13.2 m | Mediterranean
For lovers of sporty walkarounds, Fjord has a new answer on the 41-foot front. Measuring 13.27 meters in length overall, it is the Fjord 41 XP, a reinterpretation of the previous 41 XL, but now with outboard motorization (consisting of a pair of V12s of 600 horsepower each) and on a different size. However, the layouts to choose from also change, with more than 20 customization options available, both above and below deck-including the number of cabins and berths. A fact, the latter, not to be underestimated.
Details aside, the new Fjord 41 XP is a hull that looks very much at outdoor living, a key component and, here, rich in customization. The aft area, in fact, is available completely cleared or equipped with a double sundeck and convivial area, consisting of double facing sofas and a central table. Under the T-top, there are then three options related to seating and furniture. Here, although each configuration includes an outdoor kitchen, arrangements and supplies vary, with options intended to provide 3 or 4 seats and, depending on the layout, the presence of fridges, storage spaces and, even, additional BBQ space. In the bow, however, a large sundeck. Looking at performance, finally, the top speed exceeds 40 knots.
- Learn about the Fjord 41 XP in our in-depth article, you can find it HERE!
Weekenders: Targa 41 – 13.7 m – The boat for four seasons
For those looking for a more “adventurous,” year-round usable hull with good all-weather capabilities, Finnish Targa Boats has a good ace up its sleeve, the Targa 41. Pilothouse cabin, high freeboard, sleek lines and all the air of a boat that knows its stuff when it comes to seaworthiness: the Targa 41 is a bit of this, a hull that can inspire confidence even at a glance and that, on 13.7 meters in length, knows how to offer comfortable volumes, including five berths in the two cabins below deck.
In a nutshell, this 41-footer is a hull designed to best combine versatility and seaworthiness, but without forgetting comfort and open spaces, which here see the addition of, in addition to the interior cabins, a small flybridge, a furnished cockpit, and a main-deck salon, complete with lounge area, galley, and command post. Finally,not to be outdone, performance also comes into its own: up to 42 knots maximum speed and 35 knots cruising speed.
- Learn about Targa 41 in our in-depth article, you can find it HERE!
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