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Stern drives—you either love 'em or hate 'em. It seems there's no middle ground. Those who love 'em cite the I/O's superior handling, performance, and space-efficiency compared to straight inboards. Those who hate 'em deride all that machinery housed in aluminum hanging off the transom. Stern drives are fine for small boats that are trailered, they say, or if they can be tilted clear of the water. But for saltwater cruising boats, give them a bronze-and-stainless steel inboard any day.
Such opinions are so ingrained, probably no single boat will change many minds. But if one can, it's the Island Pilot 395. I'm prejudiced against I/Os on larger saltwater boats, but after a day aboard this 39'6" cruiser, I had to reconsider. Powered by twin 350-hp Volvo Penta diesel DuoProps, she hit 39 mph while managing about 1 mpg or better throughout the operating range. Moreover, sound levels were moderate, and the amount of stowage space was what I'd expect on a 60-footer, both thanks to stern drives.
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If those numbers don't impress you, try this one: Base price is $439,500. So is price as tested. That's right, there are no options because anything you'd want is standard, including two Raymarine E120s (one for each helm station), satellite TV, Bose home theater system, three LCD TVs, bow thruster, AGM batteries, washer/dryer, genset, inverter, air conditioning, RIB with outboard, crane, and watermaker. If there's any 40-footer that can compete with that list at that price, I don't know about it.
How do they do it? Mainly by building in mainland China where labor is cheap. What's the downside? Beats me. Our boat's build quality was not only good, it was better than the average Hull No. 1. The laminate appeared to be well executed, with generous mat overlaps in high-stress areas and no exposed raw edges, and the cherry joinery was well crafted and well finished. Both plumbing (fuel lines are solid copper) and electrical systems seemed to be thoughtfully engineered and executed—equal to most domestic boats and superior to some. The quality of the exterior gelcoat was good—not a flaw in the standard blue hull—although I didn't care for the mild nonskid pattern.
But as impressive as all this is, it won't mean a thing if boaters don't like the looks of the 395. Her profile is different, purportedly inspired by pilot boats that must go out in all weather. I don't quite get the resemblance, except for her high foredeck. And where pilot boats typically have low centers of gravity, the Island Pilot looks tall, surprising since tenderness is often cited as an argument against stern drives. (She's not tender.) She is practical, however. Her foredeck is flat and easily accessed by wide side decks, and high, sturdy rails surround her. Add port and starboard bridge doors, and you've got a cruiser that can be easily and safely worked by a couple. They'll appreciate a cockpit long enough (5'10") to hold a small dining set and protected by either a hard or soft top. There's no full-beam swim platform, just two large, molded-in centerline steps.
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