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.

Downeasters, aka lobsterboats, are renowned for their seakeeping ability and classic, thrifty, Yankee good looks. Bred in Maine a century ago, they serve as cruisers, sport-fishers and workboats of ...