Day boats have evolved into a beautiful class that maximises boater interaction with the sea

Day boats, or day cruisers, are vessels whose primary reason for existence is recreation while the sun is up. These boats have a fully or partially open cockpit that can fit a fair number of people for a day of boating close to the elements, and usually only a single cabin for overnight accommodation is provided. The simplicity of the craft, the proximity of the elements, and the performance available on these boats makes them highly appealing. What’s more, due to the straightforward purpose of day cruisers, their designs can retain a level of unfussy elegance and simplicity. These 8 are, we think, the cream of the day cruiser crop in recent modern history.

Riva Rivamare

Any vessel from Riva could easily make it onto the list, and then the list would simply be titled ‘look at these Rivas’. Even with a crown full of gorgeous gems, Riva’s Rivamare stands out as one of the yard’s best looking boats. 8 people can enjoy all of her maximum 40 knots together at the same time, with 1 cabin below for a select few to spend a beautiful night out at sea.

AM37

This day cruiser marks the splashing entry of Aston Martin into the nautical world. There are two versions available: AM37 and AM37S. With a marque like Aston Martin, it’s not surprising that the latter can reach 50 knots when maxed out. 6 guests can enjoy this vessel built by Quintessence Yachts, and at 37 feet, she is perfect as a tender for a superyacht.

Chris-Craft 36 Launch

Here’s a name that not many people may be acquainted with. Chris-Craft’s 36 Launch may not be jaw-droppingly gorgeous like the Rivamare, but she is certainly handsome in her own way. Guests are welcomed into an interior with intricate detailing like teak decking and delicate upholstery stitching, as well as a teak console that perfectly ties the entire space together. Versions with outboard and inboard motors were available, but we think the inboard 36 Launch, with its simpler lines, was more the looker.

Wajer Yachts 55

The profile of the Wajer 55 is definitely eye-catching, but the best part of the cruiser is the surrounding deck detailing that seems to fan out when viewed from above. Her classic good looks is matched by the performance available – 38 knots from triple 600 hp Volvo engines. There are 3 different layouts available to suit the needs of pleasure boaters, and she can also be had in ‘tender trim’ which will turn her into an excellent support vessel for superyachts.

Wally 43wallytender X

Perhaps the day cruiser with the most spectacularly outlandish design today is the 43wallytender X. Just her name alone shows that this yacht is not normal. The non-X version of the cruiser has inboard motors, while this one gets triple 450 hp Mercury Verados in top spec for a spine-tingling 50 knots of top speed. The motorized opening bulwarks, T-Top, and push-button anchor system all come as standard, which is pretty generous when the yard could have easily tacked them on as options, as is usually done on vessels of such renown.

 Technohull Omega 45

The marketing materials say she’s super sleek, dynamic, and powerful; there’s no exaggeration here. From the side she seems to sit remarkably low in the water. That’s because unlike the rest of the day cruisers here, she’s actually an RIB. At top spec she has quad 400 hp outboards, with a 74 knot top speed, and she can be specified with extra seating from 6 to 12 people to serve as a pleasure day cruiser or a tender. On this list of beautiful boats, it may be easy to dismiss a rigid inflatable, but modern RIBs are getting so good that in the capacity as a day boat, they will more than suffice.

Silver Arrows ARROW460-Granturismo

“Our aim is not just to set a new standard of motor yacht but to challenge conventions in all areas of yacht building”. Simply looking at the 14 metre cruiser, admirers will agree that it does challenge all known yacht-making conventions, and her connection to Mercedes-Benz is obvious in her design. Builders used smart glass with electronically-adjustable transparency, and  unlike traditional yacht layouts, the helm station is behind the main cockpit, which then frees up the entire area for a living space that the builder calls the loft. This same space can be opened to the outside via a pergola roof too.

Comitti Venezia 28

Let’s end with the smallest and most classic-looking vessel on this list. Comitti’s lovely boats are constantly seen around the canals of Venice or gracing the waters of the surrounding lagoon islands. The main cockpit can seat up to 6 adults, and an optional electric head can be had under the forward V-berth. The Venezia 28 has four versions that bring different decking finishes and trim levels to the vessel, while the dashboard is finished beautifully in teak. Of course, there is a sleeping area below decks with a large hatch for light and ventilation.