296 Avanti Vee

Introduced in 1984, the 296 Avanti Vee is a beamy family cruiser whose 1980s styling is clearly dated by today’s express-boat standards. Like several Cruisers models of her era, she was built on a modified-V, prop-pocket hull with moderate beam and solid fiberglass construction. Her interior is somewhat unusual in that the dinette is placed aft in the salon, beneath the raised helm—almost a mid-cabin layout but not very. An offset double berth is fitted into the forward stateroom (with a draw curtain for privacy), and with the dinette converted the Avanti Vee provides berths for four adults. A distinguishing feature of the 296 is her positive foam flotation—a genuine rarity in a boat this size. Visibility from the elevated helm position is excellent, and the cockpit is large enough for several pieces of deck furniture. There’s a walk-through in the transom, and the radar arch was standard. Additional features include better-than-average storage, a well-arranged galley, and easy access to the engines. Twin 260hp gas engines provide a cruising speed of 19–20 knots and a top speed of around 30 knots. Note that the Cruisers 291 Sea Devil (1984–85) is the same boat in sportfishing trim.