The 42-foot Excess 13 slices through the water with asymmetrical hulls and a responsive, lightweight structure designed for bluewater cruising. Courtesy Excess Boat-show season is back with a boom.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Assn. (NMMA), approximately 300,000 small powerboats were produced in the U.S. in 2003, with a total value of about $9 billion (USD). The vast majority ...