By Zuzana Prochazka

While the Chris-Craft 42 Commander has been stealing most of the headlines about this boat-builder lately, also new for 2017 is the Calypso 30. This boat works well as a family cruiser, handles casual fishing with aplomb, and tops out over 50 MPH—all the while looking good from every angle. Take a peek at the boat for yourself, in this First Look Video we shot at the Fort Lauderdale boat show.

Up to 15 people can be seated aboard this boat at once. Aft are four flip-up benches along the perimeter of the cockpit. Here, you also have a galley module with a sink, a grill, and a refrigerator. At the bow, a triangular table can seat five for cocktails. In between, there are three forward-facing bucket seats, two to starboard for the driver and a companion, and another to port.

But like a Swiss Army knife, the Calypso 30 has lots of tricks up its sleeve. The bow seat/lounge to starboard lifts up, revealing a small sink and a head compartment inside the helm console. The bow table lowers and with added cushions, forms a playpen. A thru-stem anchor and an electric windlass are all the way forward. The T-top over the helm has a sunshade that extends aft, providing more cover for the cockpit. A boarding gate is to starboard. It opens inward and the sole lifts up to provide access to a recessed swim ladder.

When it’s time to fish, simply flip the seats down, close the lid on the galley, push on the retractable cleats, and tuck some rods in the built-in holders. You can move freely about the aft cockpit where there are few things to snag a line. Whatever you catch may be grilled on the spot and served with cold beverages without ever having to return to the dock.

Twin Yamaha F300 outboards give the new model plenty of power. At full throttle she’ll rip along at 53 MPH and at a cruising speed of 30 she’s fairly economical, burning just about 17 GPH. Joystick control makes the twin engines dance at the dock and there’s a choice of two systems: the Optimus 360 or the Yamaha Helm Master.

With this much power and versatility, the Calypso 30 is a crossover with zip that will appeal to a wide variety of boaters.