For more than 30 years, the Powerboat test team has conducted its annual Performance Trials, testing approximately 50 new boats, from family bow riders and cuddy cabins to potent offshore machines.

This year, Powerboat tested 51 boats and published the results in six issues, December 2002 through May 2003. These performance reports are the most respected in the marine industry and the most trusted among performance-boating enthusiasts.

As a culmination of the months of testing, Powerboat recognized the best-of-the-best at the 2003 Awards for Product Excellence banquet held at Lake Las Vegas, Nev., on May 3. Awards were presented for Performance, Workmanship, and Value, as well as "Boat of the Year."

2003 Awards for Product Excellence

Award CategoryWinner
Tow Boat of the YearMalibu Wakesetter 21 XTi
Outstanding Tow Boat ValueMoomba Outback
Runabout of the YearCobalt 220
Outstanding Runabout WorkmanshipEbbtide Mystique 2300 Bow Rider
Outstanding Runabout ValueChaparral 210 SS
Sport Cruiser of the YearDonzi 39ZSC
Outstanding Sport Cruiser ValueFormula 330 Sun Sport
Sport Catamaran of the YearLavey Craft 27 Sabre
Outstanding Sport Catamaran PerformanceMagic 28 Deck Boat
Outstanding Sport Catamaran WorkmanshipCougar 27 MTR
Sport Boat of the YearHoward 28 Bullet
Outstanding Sport Boat PerformanceNordic 21 Blaze
Outstanding Sport Boat WorkmanshipFountain 29 Fever
Outstanding Sport Boat ValueCobra 27 Razor
Offshore Boat of the Year—CatamaranDouglas Skater 40
Outstanding Offshore Boat Performance—CatamaranSpectre 36
Outstanding Offshore Boat Workmanship—CatamaranMarine Technology Inc. 44
Offshore Boat of the Year—V-BottomDonzi 38ZR
Outstanding Offshore Boat Performance—V-BottomVelocity 390
Outstanding Offshore Boat Workmanship—V-BottomFormula 353 FAS3Tech
Outstanding Offshore Boat Value—V-BottomKachina Matrix 34
Custom Boat of the YearOuterlimits 51 Quad Step Sport Yacht
Publishers Award Fred Kiekhaefer Mercury Racing