2025 Year in Review - The Midsize Boats of the Year

And so another year has come to pass. As the wise Smashmouth once said, the years start coming and they don't stop coming. As 2025 reaches its zenith, it takes very little twisting of our arm(s) to coax us into our 'Best of 2025' lists.

First up is phase one - The Best Midsize Boats of the Year. The list comprises the best vessels of 2025 in the 30+ category (or thereabouts... as you'll see). The "midsize" range is all the rage in boating these days, and the list proves why, even if we play a little fast and loose with the parameters. You see, boaters have figured out that, generally speaking, the 30-45 foot range represents the nexus of versatility -- where a boat is juuuust small enough to be a dayboat, and juuuust big enough to serve as a weekender or light cruiser. Throw in a funky mix of premium boats, fishing-focused platforms, and value-added layouts, and you get seven boats that cover the gamut from "hey, that's barely a dayboat" to "that has the DNA of a dayboat with some extra perks." As 2025 winds down, we'll be bringing you our list for the biggest stories of the year, the best editorials, the best tips, and what's in the queue for 2026. If you're curious, you can critique our 2025 predictions, too, which are not without their eyebrow raisings. I'd say we fared pretty well, all things considered. As the wise Greek statesman Pericles once noted, "time is the wisest counsellor of all."

Here are the seven best "midsize" boats (trust us, the quotations are important) released in 2025.

1) Regal LX 43

A rock solid start to the list. The new 2025 Regal LX43 made its bold debut as the largest outboard-powered bowrider in Regal’s lineup at the Miami International Boat Show in February. Designed with Regal’s OceanTrac2 hull for serious big-water performance, the LX43 blends luxury and versatility like never before, which is saying something for the forward-thinking Florida brand. A customizable enclosed hardtop lets you switch from open-air cruising to climate-controlled comfort, and a wildly spacious cockpit and massive bow lounge are perfect for entertaining. Stern-mounted fishing features are a surprising but well-considered perk to give anglers, and the inevitable would-be anglers, another avenue for adventure. Premium tech spans impressive triple 22″ displays, while digital switching and over a million customization options give the LX 43 its rightful position on our list. Read more.

2) Tiara 39 LS

Another expected, and well deserved, spot on the list goes to the all-new Tiara 39 LS. The Holland, Michigan boatbuilder one again delivers the look and feel of a small yacht while preserving the freedom and flexibility of a luxury dayboat. That's the Tiara niche, and it's highly effective. With a confident offshore hull, generous beam, and substantial fuel capacity, the 39 LS is built to cruise farther and smoother than most boats in its class. Entertaining takes center stage with expansive cockpit lounges, a fully equipped summer galley, and seating that easily adapts from daytime cruising to sunset gatherings. Below deck, a surprisingly spacious cabin transforms the 39 LS into a capable weekender, complete with comfortable sleeping accommodations and a private head. Twin Mercury V12 600 Verado outboards provide exhilarating performance and hardcore appeal to serious boaters, while joystick control and a Garmin-integrated helm make handling effortless. Designed for boaters upgrading —or smartly downsizing— the Tiara 39 LS is a new benchmark for luxury without sacrificing performance, which is where Tiara shines, and makes it a must-see for anyone shopping this segment. Read more.

3) Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

The Boston Whaler 330 Vantage showcases why the dual-console layout remains one of the most versatile designs on the water, and one of the fastest growing segments in recreational boating. Built on Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull, the 330 Vantage delivers big water confidence with a deep-V ride that stays composed when conditions turn rough. A spacious bow and adaptable portside lounge make it just as comfortable for family cruising and entertaining as it is for long days underway, not to mention that Whaler always includes a fishing-focused sensibility, which is in no short supply. Practical touches like a generous head compartment and an intuitive helm with Mercury controls and Simrad electronics elevate the everyday usability of the 330 Vantage, while her midrange size gives you the option to run has a dayboat, weekender, or even extended cruiser. Whether you’re trolling offshore, pulling water toys, or going for a boys weekend at the fishing grounds, the 330 Vantage adapts effortlessly. For families seeking one boat that can truly do it all, this Whaler is a compelling — and surprisingly luxurious — option worth exploring further. Read more.

4) Navan S30

Brunswick’s European-styled Navan S30 blends sleek continental design with the practical versatility American boaters expect from a dayboat. Built as a true all-day platform, the S30 (and C30) is just as comfortable fishing in the morning as it is hosting sandbar gatherings or dock-and-dine runs. Deep freeboard, secure bow seating, and refined helm ergonomics give the boat a premium, confidence-inspiring feel that goes beyond its size. Although it wears a “30” badge, the S30 plays feels much larger, stretching over 33 feet with platforms and offering impressive cockpit space in the competitive 30–34-foot range. Powered by Mercury’s latest outboards, it delivers smooth mid-range performance and optional joystick control for stress-free docking. While there's no denying the ongoing European styling trend in North American boats, leave it to Brunswick's substantial resources to immediately set the bar high. Read more.

5) Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider

You knew a Formula would be on this list. We are boaters, after all. The all-new Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider is the Decatur, Indiana's self-professed evolution in dayboating, and suffice to say they're the team for the job. Marrying Formula’s high-performance heritage with next-generation design and luxury amenities, the 360 CBR might be the quintessential "one boat to rule them all" in its size range. At 36 feet long with an extended swim platform and roomy beam, it reimagines the classic open-bow layout with a flush cockpit and stylish glass-sunroof hardtop. Inside, Formula blends entertainment and comfort with premium tech, versatile seating, a wet bar, and upscale finishes that can easily tread water next to the luxury-reputed Tiaras and Regals mentioned above. Up top, the 360 CBR's helm boasts innovative sit/stand/lean seating and advanced electronics with intuitive control — and that fabled Formula performance — literally at your fingertips. Down below, a surprisingly spacious cabin with a full galley, private head, and optional sleeping area means overnight adventures aren’t just possible, they’re easy. With multiple power options (it is a Formula, after all...) and thoughtful design touches throughout, the 360 CBR is indeed the future of serious dayboating. Read more.

6) Scout 670 LXS

Yes, a 67-foot boat is a bit more than "midsize," but it should come as no surprise that the world's largest outboard-powered yacht is on this list -- especially when the builder is part of the core of midsize recreational boating. The Scout 670 LXS is a bold leap for the South Carolina stalwart. Designed in partnership with renowned superyacht studio Harrison Eidsgaard, the 66’9″ luxury sport model blends high-end style with serious performance that tops 60 mph and offers roughly 500 mile cruising range thanks to quint (!) Mercury V-12 600 HP outboards. Unveiled at an exclusive VIP event and debuted publicly at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show, the 670 LXS drew the hype, and rightfully so. Below deck, guests will find three ample staterooms, plentiful lounge space, multiple interior color choices, and features like retractable windows, a sunroof, and dual hydraulic beach platforms. The 67 LX Series also includes a luxury fishing–oriented LXF variant, broadening its appeal to both cruising and angling enthusiasts. For anyone curious about how a primarily sport-fishing brand just redefined the outboard yacht category, look no further than the 670 LXS. Read more.

7) Yamaha 295 Series Jet Boats

The odd duck of this list, but a worthy addition nonetheless -- perhaps as much for what it could be than for what it is thus far. Everyone loves a good underdog story. Lost amidst the hubbub surrounding the launch of the Yamaha Crosswave PWC launch (that's their new mega-sized 13-foot long fishing PWC) was the concurrent unveiling of the 295 Series of jet boats. What's a 29-foot jet boat doing on this list? Glad you asked. For one, it marks Yamaha's first yacht-certified vessel, and their largest boat ever. That places it at the heels of several of the boats mentioned above, and an exciting entry into the premium dayboating category -- the current fad of recreational boating. It's also Yamaha's most luxury-laden offering to date with a wide 9'1" beam and yacht-certified layout create a remarkably open, stable platform designed for entertaining big groups. The luxury approach takes a clear step forward with a fully enclosed head, refined cockpit galley, reimagined transom lounge, and thoughtful touches throughout. At the helm, an ample15" Connext touchscreen and available Helm Master EX joystick control bring intuitive operation and stress-free docking to the jet-boat world. Smart tech like as the Siren Marine Connected Boat System also adds remote monitoring and peace of mind, whether the boat is at the dock or in storage. Offered in cruising, premium, and wake-focused versions, the 295 Series is Yamaha’s boldest move in boating ever by our estimation. Read more. #products #regal #yamaha #tiara #bostonwhaler #formula #navan #scout