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?

Updated Sep. 25

The protected-helm comparison set is getting stronger

The Sep. 25 live list confirms the Saxdor 400 GTC and Navan C30, while Nimbus now has T9, W9, T11 and W11 models listed. Nord Star remains absent from the official boat list, so the show is especially useful for comparing the alternatives a 36+ buyer would otherwise cross-shop.

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 400 GTC — Dock B. Larger all-season version with terrace-style deck design.
  4. Nimbus T11 — Dock B. A larger Nordic walkaround/outboard reference that broadens the Nimbus comparison set.
  5. Nimbus W11 — listed by Crusader Yacht Sales. A premium Nordic walkaround/outboard reference that is useful for testing how much open-air deck space matters versus a fully enclosed wheelhouse.
  6. Navan C30 — Dock C. A U.S.-market enclosed-cabin alternative with more mainstream distribution.
  7. Jeanneau NC 895 Weekender — Dock E2. Family-first cabin cruiser with protected helm and strong interior utility.
  8. Jeanneau NC 1295 Coupe — Dock E2. Larger protected family cruiser for buyers prioritizing interior volume.
  9. Cutwater C308 and C-32 — Dock F2. American owner-operator cruisers with protected helm and efficient packaging.
  10. Back Cove 372 and 39O — Dock F2. Downeast-style enclosed cruising at a higher price/finish tier.
  11. 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. 29, 2026. Always verify final parking, dock locations and schedule immediately before traveling.