For a boat of its length and beam, the single engine 296 jumps on plane with noteworthy suddenness. With two engines, the word is launch. That said, the ride here is hushed, soothing, and soft, much like the 296's interior, with a layout here that is both custom –from throw pillows to club configuration – and unlike any other bowrider's. A space more limousine than marine. The comfort accumulates astern in all-weather, personalized luxury straight out of your living room. Wraparound conversation is waiting in the bow.

The options list is meaningful – refrigerators and joysticks for docking and touch-screen GPS and arches with lighting. The power options are stout and authoritative. The hull yearns for open water, ready to show off handling at once robust and responsive.

The 296 then, a loving marriage of refinement and raw power. A diamond on an aquamarine sea.