The Galeon 640 Fly is a yacht for those who like to cruise with a crowd. She has three dedicated entertainment areas — the fly bridge, the cockpit, and salon — and all of them are designed with keeping lots of people happy in mind. Belowdecks, she can be laid out with three or four cabins plus crew quarters that would be more than adequate for more guests. On the water, she’s a capable cruiser that acquitted herself well during our trials.

The Boston Whaler 325 Conquest is a do-it-all boat that can take a family fishing or cruising with a spacious cockpit, convertible seating on the helm deck, and a cabin that can sleep up to four. Power is provided by twin Mercury outboards up to 400-hp total.

The Nimbus 365 Coupe has good all-around qualities that come standard, where socializing and on-board activities can be combined with extended stay cruising capabilities. With high-end features, a well-thought-out and innovative design, she is sure to make for a weekend away with family or friends.

With her moderate 18-degree deadrise V-hull and interior creature comforts, the MAKO 214 CC delivers a good balance of fishing features and family amenities. Bow wrap-around, forward console, and aft bench seating can add comfort for family and friends, and the optional deck filler adds a forward lounge area. Our test boat came with an upgrade to a Mercury 150-hp Pro XS FourStroke.

Aviara is a new brand from parent company MasterCraft boats and the AV36 is the latest and biggest model in the luxury dayboat series. She’s available with sterndrive or outboard power, which is rare, and the focus is on delivering an upscale on-board experience.

The Pursuit DC266 dual console is a premium build and combines the best qualities of an open offshore fishing boat with a family-friendly cruiser. Pursuit has designed her to be a good boat for entertaining by creating two fold-out seats in the cockpit, coupled with the swiveling helm seat and the companion seats that make places for seven people. In the port console is an electric head and there is an adult sitting room, something not found on most boats in class. This specific Pursuit DC266 has been carefully outfitted with a joystick, power steering, forward and aft sun awnings, full electronics, a Siren 24/7 monitoring system, and full cruising canvas that makes the cockpit and bridge deck dry and cozy. Her twin 200-hp Yamaha engines give her a top speed of 49 mph.