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Alex Smith tests one of the most exciting new compact cruisers money can buy
Back in January 2022, when we caught our first glimpse of Aquador’s new 300 HT, we were seriously impressed. By combining elevated hull sides and raised side decks with a relatively low-slung wheelhouse, it seemed to ramp up both the volume and the style in a way that marked it out as a clear leader in the sector. Fastforward five months and we found ourselves among the lakes of Nauvo in Western Finland, full of expectation that the test boat would validate our impressions and take its rightful place at the pinnacle of the pocket cruiser pile. But when we stepped on board for our sea trial, what we saw was not so much a decisive conclusion as the start of a campaign to hone and perfect what this promising new boat could become...
THE GOOD STUFF
First thing’s first. This is a really fine-looking cruiser. The staggered hull windows, angular aft vents, low-level roofline and contrasting black details do a great job of counterbalancing the relative bulk of the design. And it’s clear that Aquador has worked hard on space management too. To increase cockpit volume, for instance, the side decks are distinctly narrow and the aft steps to access them are no wider than your fist. But such is the intelligence of the superstructure, guardrail and grab handle arrangement that movement around this boat, even on open water, is easy and secure on both sides.
Inside the cockpit itself, those volume gains are really well used. A big starboard dinette and port galley are set behind a set of three raised helm seats. The companionway runs past the tapered back end of the galley to the port side of the swim platform, where an intimate two-man dinette folds out from the mouldings behind the stern bench. Though the mechanism for rigging it could be slicker, it’s delightful to find a proper beach-club-style seating zone like this on such a compact platform. It means you and a loved one can separate yourselves from the main day space and face aft across the table or simply perch in comfort to keep an eye on the kids while they play with the water toys.
Step down below and the cabins are also more accommodating than you would expect from a 30-footer. The primary bow cabin makes great use of the bulbous forward bow shape with a huge elevated bed. That enables the port changing bench to extend a little way beneath the raised mattress, creating the ideal space for a child to sleep if necessary. There’s a huge amount of easy-access storage beneath the bed too and the bulkheads are lined on all sides with slimline cushions, creating a comfy lounging space and a handy buffer, should you roll over at night.
Whil
