A NEW ERA BEGINS In the largest buyout in US marine history, Safe Harbor, the largest U.S. marina owner, has purchased MarineMax, the world's largest boat dealership. Given that boat builders can produce an infinite amount of boats, but only a finite number of slips will be available in the future, little wonder that Blackstone, the world's largest private equity fund, saw an offer it couldn't refuse. 

HELM WITH A VIEW The Formula 387 CCF pairs a tournament-ready cockpit with something rare on a center console: a raised tower. Formula calls it a mini flybridge, seating three up top for a clearer view over the water, handy for spotting fish or reading a channel. Triple 425-hp Mercurys get her to 59.1 mph.

CABIN OR COCKPIT Axopar gives the aft section several jobs. It can remain open, carry a wet bar, or house a cabin beneath a large sunpad. Forward, the bow converts for dining or lounging, while twin 200-hp Mercurys pushed the test boat just past 50 mph.

800 GALLONS Stored under cover in Grand Isle, LA, this 2023 Freeman 42 LR pairs quad Mercury 300 V8s with an 800-gallon fuel capacity and a serious electronics package. She also carries Release Marine seating, carbon-fiber outriggers and a new sport trailer.

CHECK THE DRAW A battery can test fine at the dock and still be dead by next weekend. This walkthrough shows how a multi-battery monitor and shunt reveal hidden current draw, track individual battery banks and even log bilge pump activity before small electrical problems become expensive ones.

NOT JUST TENDERS RIBs have long been associated with yacht tenders, but that picture is changing. This walkthrough finds more than 60 inflatable-hull models at one U.S. boat show, from compact runabouts to twin-outboard family boats, and looks at why more builders are adding RIBs to their line-up.