Overview

Navan (rhymes with “baton”) is new boat line from Brunswick Corporation, which also builds Sea Rays, Bayliners, Boston Whalers, Heyday Boats, Princecrafts and others, along with Mercury Marine outboards and sterndrives. Bucking the trend of similar boats imported from the Nordic countries, the S30 was designed at the state-of-the-art Brunswick Boat Group Technology Center, located at Boston Whaler’s compound in Edgewater, Florida, and is built in Merritt Island,  Florida, where the largest Sea Rays are built. (Navan boats sold in Europe are built in Poland.) Navan makes two models: the C30, which has an enclosed pilothouse and has proved to be more popular in northern climes for those seeking to stretch short boating seasons. The model we tested was the S30, which features an open design that will be more popular as a dayboat for those buyers seeking less weather protection and more open space topside.

Interior and Accessories

Navan designers created the ability to board the boat from either side thanks to extra-long swim platformettes, which wrapped around the optional twin Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8 outboards that powered our test boat. For better grip and comfort, the entire deck surface on our boat was clad in optional GatorStep. Adding an optional ski-tow arch gives those boarding an extra handhold for added safety, and it ups its fun quotient. On many boats of this type, fun-in-the-sun space is limited, but on the S30, those sitting on the quad-wide rear bench seat can enjoy the great outdoors. A generous amount of deck space between the rear bench and the one in front of it is ideal for cocktail party mingling.

Brunswick boats are known for their clever seating arrangements, and this boat is no outlier. The amidships bench can face toward the bow to create a total of eight to 10 forward-facing seats, which is the preferred arrangement for cruising. Both bench seats have tall armrests for comfort and security. But something magical happens when the amidships bench is tumbled aft to face the transom bench and create a social zone. This is enhanced by adding an optional bifold teak table in between. In addition, it reveals an entertainment area complete with a sink, a drink bin and plenty of counter space, along with an electric grill for creating hot appetizers. Below on our test boat was an optional pair of Isotherm drawer-style refrigerators.

At the helm is a pair of captain’s chairs with armrests for comfort. A bit unusual is the placement of the helm on the port side of the boat instead of the more-normal starboard-side helm found on most American boats. Despite being confined under a hardtop, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic thanks to the four smoked acrylic sun panels above. The windshield is sportboat-low, but it offers a surprising amount of coverage because the helm seats are low enough for average-height people to peer through it when sitting. A thoughtful option would be adjustable-height pedestals to accommodate drivers of varying heights. There’s plenty of room to stand and to look above the windshield for an uncluttered view.

Below is a well-appointed cabin with most of the space given over to the berth, which comfortably sleeps two adults. Thanks to the side windows and shaded acrylic hatch, it has plenty of ambient light. The large box on the starboard side contains the 12-volt Mabru climate-control system and makes a handy place to store luggage when weekending. Although there’s not enough room for an enclosed shower, there’s a handheld showerhead for bathing and an electric-flush toilet.

For those looking to work on their tans, there’s a large sun lounge on the foredeck with backrests for added comfort and cup holders for parking beverages. Our test boat had the optional windlass—a no-brainer on a luxurious boat like this.

The S30’s T-Hull is Brunswick’s first-ever with a vented stepped design. This design introduces air underneath the hull to reduce friction for better fuel economy and unreal turning ability. We tested the Navan on the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, not far from the Boston Whaler campus where it was designed. The channel is relatively narrow here, but there was plenty of room to whip it into a G-force-generating 360-degree turn. Its hull features 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a fairly narrow-for-its-length beam of 9 feet, 10 inches to help it slice through the waves. And despite being 33-plus feet long with a weight of more than 4 tons, its performance was impressive. Reaching plane in 4 seconds, it accelerated to 30 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieved a top speed of 57.1 mph.

Our test boat was especially easy to drive thanks to Mercury’s Trim Assist, which automatically keeps the boat at the proper running attitude. It was also equipped with the ZipWake system, which uses blade-like interceptors instead of plate-like tabs. These automatically keep the boat running level. 

Comparison shoppers should trial the Nimbus T-9, starting at $191,496 with a single 250 Mercury V-8 and a bow thruster. Pricing for the Navan S30 with a 400 hp Mercury V-10 Verado starts at $216,496. 

Engines

When owners choose the twin Mercury 300 hp outboard option that we tested, the Navan S30 comes standard with Joystick Piloting for Outboards, which helps ease docking and offers other features such as Skyhook, a virtual anchor. Owners can select a bow thruster for docking assistance if they order the boat with twin Mercury V-6 225 outboards or with a single Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verado outboard. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury V-8 4.6L 300 hp Verado outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Rev 4 14.6″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• Visibility at the helm is excellent in all ­directions.
• We found this boat to be efficient, achieving an impressive 1.8 mph at 30 mph when ­running at 3,500 rpm.
• The rocket-launcher rod-holder option is a plus for those who fish.

Low Points

• Even with the bow pulpit, the straight bow means you need to be careful when raising or lowering the anchor. Consider adding a scuff plate. 
• There’s no hardtop-rack option for securing items such as paddleboards and kayaks.    
• There’s no grab rail along the hardtop to help ease walking to and from the bow.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Navan S30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

One of the emerging trends in the US is the popularity of ­European explorer-type boats, such as Axopar. Brunswick, maker of ­Mercury outboards, is all in with a new boat brand called Navan. Built to be an all-purpose adventure boat, the S30 model we tested is the more-open model of its two-boat lineup. Unlike its counterpart, the C30, which has an enclosed pilothouse that will be right at home in places like ­Sweden, Finland, and in the US ­Northwest and Great Lakes, the S30, with its more open design, is made for fun-in-the-sun places such as the South of France and Miami Beach. The ­cockpit layout features twin forward-facing, high-back bench seats with a large expanse of open area between them. A ­clever innovation is that the forward bench tumbles rearward to reveal the Exterior Preparation Center, aka the alfresco galley, complete with a 12-volt electric grill with an inverter system, a tub for ice, and a sink with a ­spigot. In this position, the forward bench now faces the rear one to form a social zone for guests waiting to be served their shish ­kabobs.

Our test boat was loaded with ­options, like the hardtop with four overhead smoked-glass windows and rocket-­launcher rod holders. It also had a RELiON lithium-ion battery bank that replaces the generator for duties like air-conditioning the cabin, which has a berth for overnighting. A yacht-style stand-up head compartment also includes a ­shower, sink and vanity. Up front, there’s a raised doublewide sun lounger with twin flip-up backrests for comfort.

The Navan S30 features Brunswick’s first patented twin-step T-Step Hull, which helps it attain impressive handling and outstanding performance when paired with twin Mercury 4.6L V-8 300 hp Verado outboards, this boat’s maximum power option. Despite being more than 33 feet length overall with a 9-foot-10-inch beam and weighing 8,010 pounds, it shot on plane in 4 seconds, reached 30 mph in 7.1 seconds, and had a top speed of 57.1 mph. Maybe even more impressive was its fuel economy of 1.6 mpg at a cruise speed of 30 mph.

High Points

• Extra-long swim platformettes on the stern provide easy entrances into the cockpit.
• CZone digital switching makes controlling systems easy.
• No fumes; a RELiON battery system is in lieu of a generator.
• Fast, efficient twin-step T-Step Hull design. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury V-8 4.6L 300 hp Verado outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Rev 4 14.6″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Navan S30 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Here’s a baker’s dozen of boats we think rate “must-see” status at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. From fishing boats to luxury boats to deck boats, these craft all share one thing in common: they possess some new, different or interesting design, construction or layout characteristics that we think boat buyers who consider themselves true fans of powerboats will be interested in learning about.

We’ve included the location of each of these must-see boats at either the Bahia Mar Marina or the Broward County Convention Center. Download the FLIBS app (available on both Google Play and the Apple Store). Map your route, hit the show and get your boat geek on!

Read Next: Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Axopar 29 CCX

What: Termed a “hybrid center console” it is said to meld full on fishing with a refined experience underway.

Why: Modular cockpit offers four different layouts.

Where: Bahia Mar F/G Dock 49 (Nautical Ventures Dock)

Beneteau Antares 9

What: Termed, “The Ultimate Weekender,” this 30 footer offers two private cabins, a full galley and a head with shower.

Why: Truly private stateroom with solid bulkhead not a curtain.

Where: Bahia Mar, G/H Dock 29

Monterey Elite 30 OB

What: Honored as a Boating Magazine Boat of the Year category winner: Best Small Dayboat.

Why: The center helm is a true wow!

Where: Convention Center 2027

Phenom 43 Center Console

What: A no-holds barred CC said to offer performance, luxury and fishability. Fathom E-Power battery system extends the adventure without the need for a generator’s noise and fumes.

Why: The trademarked Phenom NextStep 3-Piece Hull Design is innovative and unique.

Where: Convention Center 2084

Sea Pro 225 FLX Sandbar

What: A unique take that offers versatility with an emphasis on those boaters who enjoy hitting the beach or sandbar.

Why: The special table that installs at water level for entertainment while wading and swimming.

Where: Convention Center 2030

Grady-White Freedom 345 DC

What: Grady-White will debut a new Freedom 345 dual console.

Why: This wide-beamed dual console sets high bars for luxury, fishability and quality.

Where: Convention Center 2025

Sōlace 28 HCS

What: This new bay boat is unique from design, to build to layout.

Why: The excellent execution of the convertible transom which transforms from seating to casting platform while concealing two 50-qt coolers.

Where: Convention Center 2021

Sailfish 232 Center Console

What: A category winner for Boating Magazine Boat of the Year 2024; honored as: Best Small Fishing Boat.

Why: Excellent mix of construction and standards for its price.

Where: Convention Center 2081

Regal 38 SAV

What: This boat cruises, fishes and entertains while displaying little compromise regardless of the activities you pursue on the water.

Why: Multi-position captain’s seats. Ever see a chair become a table? See this boat!

Where: Bahia Mar, H-Dock

Robalo R257

What: They say this boat is a leap forward in boat design.

Why: Check out that hardtop!

Where: Convention Center, 2061

Sea Ray SDX 230 Outboard

What: The latest outboard-powered deckboat from Sea Ray, the year 2025 model SDX 230. (*SDX250 shown in picture)

Why: Will it be luxurious, functional, or both?

Where: Bahia Mar, Dock G/H 45

Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

What: They say that this versatile model is the final piece in the evolution of Boston Whaler’s  dual-console lineup.

Why: Boston Whaler always showcases some cool and new features with new models.

Where: Bahia Mar, Dock C 300

NAVAN S30

What: The new NAVAN open-air center console.

Why: Unique T-Step Hulls.

Where: Bahia Mar, GH Dock

The post Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2024: Must-See Boats appeared first on Boating Mag.

It’s no surprise that Brunswick Boat Group (The entity with 18 boat makes in its portfolio, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Harris, Heyday, Princecraft, Sea Ray, Lund and more) is entering the “adventure” or “commuter” segment of boats. The success of straight-stemmed, stepped-hull, walkaround deckhouse models from the likes of Axopar, Nimbus, and Wellcraft proves boaters seek such boats. We at Boating, in fact named the Axopar 28 Cabin Boat of the Year 2020.

And, for good reason.

Fast and efficient, with a layout that lends itself to a variety of activities, such boats are truly intended for the way so many people actually use a boat. That is, these serve as a dayboat one day, an overnighter the next, and as a cruiser now and then. They can be fished from and dived from and make an excellent platform from which to enjoy kayaks or paddleboards. The handling’s good, the ride is soft, and these can be run at enough speed to scratch the performance itch for many boaters. After two days spent aboard them, I am confident in stating that all of the above applies to NAVAN Boats.

The NAVAN C30 offers a walkaround deckhouse and a hardtop with sliding hatches ( “skylights”) and room for carrying SUP or kayaks.

For example, the 9,500-lb, 30-foot x 9’6” NAVAN C30 that I tested just three days ago (Sept 9, 2023), powered to almost 50 knots with nine people aboard and twin 300-hp Mercury outboards providing the go. It kept pace with a 420 Boston Whaler in some significant chop and swell.

I spent two days aboard both the NAVANC30 (cabin model) and NAVAN S30 (an open boat with a cuddy cabin), plying the rough, open waters of the Mediterranean off Cannes, France. Additionally, we operated at slow speeds, drifted and trolled in open water, and even rafted up with other boats. This wide range of experiences left me with positive view of the boats overall.

NAVAN—pronounced, “Naa-“ (as in ‘natural’) “-Van,” ( as in,  ‘Ford Transit’)  by the way—debuted in Europe for the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The boats will make their North American debut at the Discover Boating Miami International  Boat Show February 14-18, 2024.

My full test report on NAVAN will be published in the coming week.  In the meantime, enjoy the pics, peruse the specs and check out the accompanying video. In the video, Brunswick Boat Group President, Aine Denari, speaks a bit about the new boat brand under her charge. There’s footage of both versions of the boat in the video.

NAVAN C30 Specifications

NAVAN S30 Specifications

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