The Want List: Runabout Boats
A Riva Aquarama at dock on Italy’s Lake Garda.
Though the mega-yachts may command the oohs and aahs, there’s a particular freedom to boating that doesn’t involve crew lists, transatlantic itineraries, or the logistics of provisioning for a week. Enter the runabout, a class of vessel that favors flexibility over excess.
The term ‘runabout’ typically describes an open-cockpit launch under 40 feet, usually between 16 and 30 — designed not for crossing oceans, but skimming across lakes, rivers, and bays with grace and ease. They’re the boats you take when the plan is no plan at all: a last-minute dock-and-dine lunch, the spontaneous urge to waterski, or a casual sunset cruise with friends.
Whether you’re cruising the Hudson River or the Sacramento River, Long Island Sound or Puget Sound, Lake Garda or Lake Muskoka, these six stylish speedboats are perfect for those who prefer their nautical leisure with a touch of polish.
Chris-Craft Launch 27
Founded in 1874, Chris-Craft helped shape American boating culture with its mahogany-hulled runabouts, which became synonymous with lakeside prestige everywhere from Lake Tahoe to the Adirondacks. The Launch 27 carries the torch on today’s terms, built on a hand-laid fiberglass deep-V hull for confident offshore handling and powered by up to 430 horsepower. Its bowrider layout offers generous seating, while the teak swim platform and concealed stainless-steel ladder keep water access seamless. With custom hardware, wide beam stability, and signature styling, it delivers heritage, performance, and comfort in equal measure.
Hinckley Talaria 29R
Smaller than Hinckley’s Picnic Boats but every bit as classy, the Talaria 29R distills the quintessential New England motor yacht into a compact, jet-powered package. Its propeller-free propulsion allows for ideal shallow-water maneuvering, meaning you can drop anchor beachside and unload your wares with ease. A modest but practical cabin offers just enough room for an afternoon nap or respite from white-capped waters. Though not currently in production, you’ll find plenty of these on the water from Rhode Island to Fisher Island — and for sale.
Riva Aquarama
Few speedboats evoke the timeless glamour of Riva‘s legendary Aquarama. This mid-century maritime icon instantly conjures images of Slim Aarons and Sophia Loren — she famously owned the third ever built. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Aquarama became an international symbol of la dolce vita, with its varnished mahogany hull, chrome accents, and roaring twin V8s. Today, it remains one of the most collectible boats ever built, coveted not just for its craftsmanship but for the lifestyle it so effortlessly evokes. Owning one is less about convenience and more about joining a legacy, one steeped in cinematic beauty and Riviera charm.
“Shooting Star,” one of two Shelter Island Runabouts in the fleet at Cape Cod’s Chatham Bars Inn. Anyone — guest or not — can charter the boats for a voyage to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, or prime whale-watching spots. Photo: Chatham Bars Inn
CH Marine Shelter Island Runabout
True to its name, the 38-foot Shelter Island Runabout is built on New York’s Shelter Island — the “CH” in CH Marine stands for Coecles Harbor, which separates the wilds of the island’s East Side with Little Ram and Ram Islands. Conceived by Zurn Yacht Design with influence from a certain piano-playing captain (hint: he docks a downeaster in Sag Harbor), its head-turning early 20th century look is rivaled only by its high-performance spec sheet. Pertinent particulars: a Kevlar composite hull, joystick docking system, and twin Yanmar diesels capable of throttling to 45 knots. Below deck, you’ll find a cherry-trimmed cabin, full galley, and a convertible V-berth, all comfortable accommodations for cruising through Block Island Sound (even if tonight you’re Nantucket-bound).
Boesch 970 St. Tropez
Boesch builds boats with the precision you’d expect from a Swiss vessel, and not only do they operate like a watch: they’re fun to watch. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, and handcrafted mahogany hull, the 32-foot 970 St. Tropez is a legendary combination of French Riviera form and alpine-engineered function. It’s powered by twin MerCruiser V8s, offering a smooth, quiet ride thanks to Boesch’s proprietary Horizon Gliding hull design. The interior is understated yet elegant, with thoughtful details that speak to the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship. Though Boesch boats are relatively uncommon in the U.S., select importers can help bring one stateside.
Frauscher 1017 GT
Looking for a distinctly European classic that’s available brand new? Frauscher has been building boats on Austria’s Lake Traunsee since 1927, and the 1017 GT is a testament to that longevity. Angular and minimal, its design is perhaps best described as timelessly futuristic, commanding a sense of wonder — and getting attention — no matter where it goes. The deck layout is well-suited for lounging, entertaining, or swimming, while the surprisingly spacious cabin welcomes with warm woods and clean lines. Rare in American waters, it’s a choice for those who want something distinctive and European.
