HIDDEN V12s The De Antonio D50 Coupe is built to swap identities. Her aft sunpad conceals the outboards, with space for up to four 400-hp engines, while three optional below-deck layouts move her from day boat to overnight cruiser. On test she reached 50.1 mph with twin 600-hp Mercurys.

9,000 WAYS The 38 XC is built around spaces that change jobs. Inside, the U-sofa converts to forward-facing seating for running, while the bow switches from dinette to sunpad. Drop-down side terraces extend the aft deck using ropes and bungees rather than electric actuators. Axopar says up to 9,000 configurations are possible.

TENDER OR DAYBOAT Windy built its reputation on yacht tenders, and it shows on the SR28 CC. T-top supports mount to the helm seat instead of the deck for legroom, and the rub rail is oversized for laying alongside a larger yacht. Twin 200-hp Yamahas ran her to 42.2 knots on our test, and the helm seats rotate to join the cockpit table.

ASHORE AGAIN The Boomershines leave SeaSHINE tied up in Chattanooga and head home to Atlanta for Thanksgiving, where crowns and fillings become part of the itinerary. Then it’s back aboard, Christmas decorations go up, logs need clearing from the dock and a few local beavers make an appearance before they head south.

PICK THE PLATFORM Trawlers and power cats can burn similar fuel at displacement speeds, but costs diverge at the dock. Cats offer more deck space and natural stability at anchor, while single-engine trawlers simplify the drivetrain and usually need less slip width. The better liveaboard depends on how the boat will be used.