Why this category matters

Annapolis is becoming a better place to compare protected-helm boats

The live 2026 list includes a meaningful group of enclosed or substantially protected boats: Targa, Axopar, Saxdor, Navan, Jeanneau NC, Cutwater, Back Cove, Beneteau Antares, Aquador and more. That lets buyers compare very different answers to the same question: how much of the boating season do you want to protect from weather?

ABG's pilothouse shortlist

  1. Targa 37 — Dock A1. Traditional full-pilothouse, walkaround Nordic benchmark and one of the most relevant boats for a serious all-weather buyer.
  2. Axopar 38 — Dock A1. Modern outboard crossover with a convertible cabin philosophy rather than a traditional heavy-duty pilothouse.
  3. Saxdor 340 GTWA — Dock B. A smaller enclosed Scandinavian crossover with a performance/social bias.
  4. Saxdor 400 GTC — Dock B. Larger all-season version with terrace-style deck design.
  5. Navan C30 — Dock C. A U.S.-market enclosed-cabin alternative with more mainstream distribution.
  6. Jeanneau NC 895 Weekender — Dock E2. Family-first cabin cruiser with protected helm and strong interior utility.
  7. Jeanneau NC 1295 Coupe — Dock E2. Larger protected family cruiser for buyers prioritizing interior volume.
  8. Cutwater C308 and C-32 — Dock F2. American owner-operator cruisers with protected helm and efficient packaging.
  9. Back Cove 372 and 39O — Dock F2. Downeast-style enclosed cruising at a higher price/finish tier.
  10. Beneteau Antares 11 Coupe — Dock F2. European cabin-cruiser alternative in the mid-30-foot range.

The missing boat ABG would like to see: Nord Star 36+

The 36+ combines a true enclosed wheelhouse, walkaround side decks, family cruising accommodations and a premium low-volume Finnish ownership proposition. That makes it particularly relevant to buyers who like the Targa 37 but want a more family-luxury orientation, or who like the Axopar/Saxdor idea but want a more traditional all-weather cruiser.

Would you board a Nord Star 36+ at the show?

ABG is collecting a simple YES/NO demand signal and optional prospective-buyer contact information.

Vote on the 36+ →

What to inspect on every pilothouse boat

  • Visibility while seated and standing at the helm.
  • Door placement and how quickly you can get to a spring line.
  • Side-deck width and handhold placement.
  • Ventilation with the cabin fully closed.
  • Noise at cruise speed.
  • Heating/air-conditioning availability and real airflow.
  • Engine-room or outboard service access.
  • How many adults can actually sit facing forward underway.

Primary sources

ABG checked these sources Aug. 25, 2026. Always verify final parking, dock locations and schedule immediately before traveling.