{"id":22749,"date":"2026-01-03T10:02:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T10:02:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=22749"},"modified":"2026-01-03T10:02:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T10:02:50","slug":"boat-of-the-year-category-winners-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=22749","title":{"rendered":"Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Categories-1.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">This year\u2019s category winners stand out for their innovation, performance and amenities.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Manufacturers<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s Boat of the Year (BOTY) ranks as the most prestigious honor a recreational boatbuilder can be awarded. BOTY is announced annually during an event at February\u2019s Miami International Boat Show, and in our March issue.<\/p>\n<p>From the 100 or so boats tested by each year\u2019s end, we select those that stand out the most in their category. Ongoing debate and discussion keep the contenders list fluid. The boats presented here are the results of all that on-water testing and all that team deliberation. From this select group, Boat of the Year 2025 will be chosen.<\/p>\n<p>Congratulations, Boat of the Year category winners!<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Yamaha CrossWave\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-CrossWave.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The CrossWave delivers impressive capabilities for a nice price.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Yamaha<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fishing\u2014Small: Yamaha CrossWave<\/h2>\n<p>With the CrossWave, Yamaha just may have created a new category of boat. The CrossWave combines the shallow draft, capacity and speed of a fishing skiff while delivering the maneuverability, handling and sporty fun of a personal watercraft such as its WaveRunner cousins. Our team applauded this plunge into new territory, the feature set and also couldn\u2019t ignore the ability to deliver a boat that can do so much for a low price.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2026-yamaha-crosswave-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Tig\u00e9 Ultr\u00e9 23ZX\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Tige-Z3.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The Ultr\u00e9 23ZX combines top-notch wakes and waves with luxurious appointments.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Tig\u00e9<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watersports: Tig\u00e9 Ultr\u00e9 23ZX<\/h2>\n<p>Pronounced \u201cUltra,\u201d this boat is just that according to <em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s Tech Team. Features such as its FastFlip co-captain\u2019s chair, which deploys to face forward or aft, and the built-in Ultr\u00e9Chill upholstered electric cooler raise the luxury bar. Its cockpit is deeper than most tow boats, adding comfort and storage. The wakes and waves? We were blown away. Kudos to Tig\u00e9 for edging-out other boats in a category known for implementing high luxury and top technology.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-tige-ultre-23zx-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Regal 43 SAV\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Regal.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 43 SAV is a versatile boat with an impressive build quality.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Regal Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adventure Boat: Regal 43 SAV<\/h2>\n<p>Many boats claim to be the \u201cSwiss Army Knife of the water,\u201d but Regal\u2019s 43 SAV has an edge on all the others. You can safely wakesurf behind this boat: It\u2019s fitted with the first-ever Twin Forward Drive by Volvo Penta. It is also equipped to fish, offers a great cabin for weekend cruising and its deck expands like that of a superyacht. The \u201cGarm-Rests\u201d (personal MFDs)\u00a0 at the helm impressed us, too, as did the fit, finish and build quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-regal-43-sav-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Scout 670 LXS\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Scout.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 670 LXS offers a layout that is as versatile as it is luxurious. <\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Scout Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sport Yacht: Scout 670 LXS<\/h2>\n<p>Scout pushed the envelope on the 670 LXS, melding the latest in systems, propulsion and design to achieve the world\u2019s largest outboard-powered sport yacht. This boat impresses with features such as screens at multiple seating locations throughout, a retractable rocket launcher, and a layout that is as versatile as it is luxurious. Three staterooms, five mega outboards and 100 reasons to say \u201cwow!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-scout-670-lxs-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Arc Sport\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Arc.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The Arc Sport produces great wakes and waves and provides comfortable amenities at the highest quality. <\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Tom King<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric: Arc Sport<\/h2>\n<p>A boat must do more than simply utilize electric propulsion to earn top honors in this category. It must also stand-out in the growing category of boats it competes against. It happens that the Arc Sport is one of the best watersports boats we tested this year. It delivered excellent wakes and waves\u2014as we recorded on video\u2014utilizes two huge screens for boat and systems control, and it looks great and provides comfortable amenities at the highest quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2026-arc-sport-bbg\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Wellcraft 38 T-top\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Wellcraft.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 38 T-Top mixes a solid build with a plush ride.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Wellcraft<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Center-Console: Wellcraft 38 T-Top<\/h2>\n<p>The 38 T-Top is a boat we had discussed as a team long before we saw it. \u201cWhen,\u201d we pondered, \u201cwill a center-console builder leave behind its fishing roots, keeping the bluewater-capable hull and build, and then fully embracing the comforts and features of a dayboat?\u201d Wellcraft answered our question with the 38 T-Top, the aft cockpit of which could be dropped into a luxury bowrider. With an overnighting cabin below, multiple outboards, and Nordic lines, it is hot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2025-wellcraft-38-t-top-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Everglades 367CX\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Everglades.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 367CX is built to fish and entertain with ease.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Everglades Boats<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dayboat: Everglades 367CX<\/h2>\n<p>This boat caused a stir at its Palm Beach Boat Show debut in March 2025, drawing such a crowd that shooting our preliminary video proved hard to arrange. With its rotating cockpit module, the 367CX goes from all-out angling to all-out socializing without missing a beat. Head belowdecks and the comforts rival a cruiser. Head to the bow, via a unique portside door, and the sun lounge rivals a sport yacht. Throughout Everglades\u2019 first-ever crossover model, excellence is evident.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\" id=\"regalTestBOTY\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/2026-everglades-367cx-boat-test\/\" style=\"border-radius:5px;background-color:#007ca7\"><strong>Read Our Boat Test<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Boat of the Year Category Winner: Sanpan 2500 ULW\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/BTG126-BOTY-Godfrey.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">The 2500 ULW is an all-around performer with a comfortable ride.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Courtesy Godfrey Marine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pontoon: Godfrey Sanpan 2500 ULW<\/h2>\n<p>This Sanpan\u2019s unique design delivers demonstrably better response to engine trim than other pontoons we\u2019ve tested, enhancing comfort, efficiency and the driving experience. Also, the outboard tilts clear of the water, an advantage for coastal boaters most pontoons do not provide. It boasts a special outer rail to which SUP boards, BBQ grills, flags and more can be carried. Its windshield and UltraLounge are so much icing on this pontoon\u2019s cake.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why <em>Boating<\/em> Awards the Boat of the Year<\/h2>\n<p><em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s Boat of the Year (BOTY) honors the most remarkable new vessel introduced to the market. This boat excels in design, innovation, performance, and value, chosen from all models tested by <em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s Tech Team in a calendar year.<\/p>\n<p>The guiding principle for selecting Boat of the Year\u2014indeed an important element of every boat test\u2014is the comparison to other boats with the same mission. A flats boat can\u2019t compare to a wakeboat and a cruiser has little in common with a PWC. For this reason, Boat of the Year is the boat that excels in its category more than any other boat excels in any other category.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This judgement is made by our editorial staff who are boat owners with over 200 years of combined\u00a0 boating experience, plus nearly 100 combined years professionally employed in evaluating boats of all types.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/boat-of-the-year-category-winners-2024\/\">Boat of the Year Category Winners 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<p>First and foremost, the award celebrates excellence in marine design by acknowledging builders who push design, engineering, and construction-quality boundaries. These vessels are not just products; they are advancements in safety, handling, efficiency, and user experience.<\/p>\n<p>The BOTY award also serves as a valuable guide for consumers, particularly boat buyers, by highlighting boats that genuinely deliver on their promises. Rigorous testing ensures that each winner has been objectively assessed and verified for real-world performance, providing an authoritative signal to the market.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the award seeks to foster innovation within the industry. It encourages boatbuilders to refine their boats and embrace new technologies. This progress spans propulsion, materials, ergonomics, and environmental efficiency\u2014helping, we believe, to drive the industry forward.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial integrity and leadership are cornerstones of BOTY. As a respected authority in marine journalism, <em>Boating<\/em> leverages the award to cement its role as an independent leader and consumer advocate, one committed to expert testing backed by honest, data-driven evaluations.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the award announcement itself is a catalyst for public interest and engagement. It sparks excitement and conversation while showcasing the best of the best.<\/p>\n<p><em>Boating<\/em>\u2019s Boat of the Year celebrates excellence, guiding buyers, and spurring boatbuilding innovation. These are things worth championing and we are honored\u00a0 to bestow this eminent award.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/boat-of-the-year-category-winners-2025\/\">Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    Boating Tech Team<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/boat-of-the-year-category-winners-2025\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boat of the Year Category Winners 2025 This year\u2019s category winners stand out for their innovation, performance and amenities. Courtesy Manufacturers Boating\u2019s Boat of the Year (BOTY) ranks as the most prestigious honor a recreational boatbuilder can be awarded. BOTY is announced annually during an event at February\u2019s Miami International Boat Show, and in our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2632,126,148,7299],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-22749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boat-of-the-year","category-boatingmag","category-boats","category-february-2026","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22749"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22749"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22749\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}