MJM 40z Downeast
Downeast-style yachts strive for a certain aesthetic—that of an upscale lobster boat, with traditional lines and inboard propulsion. The 40z Downeast from Boston’s MJM Yachts is a prime example: It offers stability with its deep-V planing hull, as well as style and comfort created by its classic exterior and spacious entertainment deck, reminiscent of that of a 1920s commuter yacht. The boat is powered by twin inboard motors, though multiple engine options are available. The beefiest uses dual 370 hp Volvo diesel engines. The 40z Downeast offers a number of spaces that are easily convertible into additional sleeping quarters, including the above-deck pilothouse and the below-deck stateroom beside the galley. When cocktail hour’s over, the yacht—which is capable of speeds up to 39 knots—can keep pace with the fast boats on the way back to the dock. Downeast boats are rooted in practicality, but with the 40z, comfort and luxury come standard. Prices start at $786,500.
MJM Yachts, www.mjmyachts.com

MasterCraft 300
MasterCraft is known for ski and wakeboarding boats, but the new 300 is the company’s first creation that doesn’t include wakeboarding and waterskiing on its mission statement. To forge into this uncharted territory, the company hired engineers with big-boat experience at companies like Cobalt, Hatteras, and Hinckley. The result is a day yacht that is optimized for entertaining rather than overnighting. Freed from the need to cram in as many berths as possible, the 300 has a sleek profile instead of the bloated lines that are common to cruisers in this size range. The boat’s silhouette is defined by an arched tinted-glass hard top that shades the cockpit, and built-in misters that help take the edge off on hot days. Buyers can order their boats as part of a luxury retail program that includes a stay at the Blackberry Farm resort in Tennessee, a sea trial, and a meeting with the MasterCraft team to personally spec out the boat. Optional indulgences include port and starboard wet bars, an ice maker, and a 26-inch waterproof LCD. Prices start at $289,000.
MasterCraft, www.mastercraft.com

Deep Impact 36 Open Quad
With its standard four 300 hp Mercury Verado engines, the Deep Impact 36 Open Quad can hit 85 mph, which is fast even for some offshore powerboats. But the boatbuilder has topped that: Mercury also makes a 350 hp Verado, and Deep Impact has managed to fit four of those on a 36 (the boat is also available with three 350 hp Yamahas). An output of over 1,000 hp exerts tremendous stress on the hull, so two layers of Kevlar provide reinforcement. Deep Impact produces only about 15 to 20 boats per year, because the company dedicates much of its time to accommodating fanciful custom jobs—buyers frequently request that the interior and exterior stylings match those of their cars or yachts. Base price with quad 300s: starting at about $350,000.
Deep Impact, www.deepimpactboats.com

Midnight Express 34 Pied-a-Mer
The company’s newest boat is the 34 Pied-a-Mer, which, as the name implies, is intended for a short-term stay. The hull is the same monocoque, twin-step design used in other models; the boat’s forward console includes a stand-up head, shower, and sink, as well as a salon that can be converted into sleeping quarters. The aft portion of the cockpit is open, and passengers can walk around the center console for flexibility in fighting fish. The angle of the V-hull (known as the transom deadrise when measured at the stern) is fairly steep at 22 degrees, which helps the 34 Pied-a-Mer maintain stability and achieve its top speed even in rough water. Numerous engine options are available, though the boat comes standard with twin 350 hp outboard engines. When equipped with triple 350s it will reach 75 mph—which isn’t terribly fast for a speedboat, but is pretty rapid for an apartment. Base price: $285,000.
Midnight Express, www.midnightboats.com