Here are five boats that are small, trailerable, practical and value-packed.

1. Beneteau Antares 6: my favorite and the most beautiful boat I've seen under 25 feet long.
2. Jenneau Merry Fisher 6: a little bit square, but has similar features to the Beneteau.
3. Bella Oceania 21C: the nicest-looking trailer boat to come out of China.
4. Arvor Weekender: great seakeeping abilities with the niceties needed to keep the missues happy and make cruising more enjoyable.
5. Rodman 747: another import more common in the UK. More square in design but with qualities similar to the Arvor.

These little boats pack a lot of features in and have some specific benefits, namely:

• Walk-around decks: allowing easy access forward to bow for the anchor, docking cleats, fenders and mooring lines;
• Fully-enclosed cabins: add to the appearance and appeal of the vessels, but also eliminate the need for expensive and often untimely maintenance or replacement of bimini covers and storm covers.
• Trailerable: so they can be taken anywhere. This is great considering the growth in the 4WD industry and suits people's lifestyle choices.
• Practical but also stylish: in line with modern boat design, with clean lines and have some modern conveniences thrown in to make the overall boat package appealing to the avid fisherman, boating wife and full family.
• Small and compact: ideal if you are downsizing or looking for something packed in terms of inventory yet economical to run.

The Beneteau Antares 6 is my absolute favorite. Unfortunately they are no longer making them in the 6. This little ripper was offered with either an outboard motor or 110HP turbo diesel Volvo.  This is a really classy little boat with great looks. It reminds me of a miniature Riviera Sports Yacht...hey, did I just say that? I wonder if Riviera would take a look at it - hint, hint! But I love it. It has an enclosed head, vee berth forward for sleeping space, generous sunroof in the fully-enclosed cabin, opening side windows, refrigerator, sink, enough storage space and room generally. The good news is that the Beneteau Antares 8 is available and what a beaut boat!

When I first saw the Arvor 20 years ago, I said to myself "If only they made a larger boat if a longer cabin big enough for a dinette and small galley space." Someone in heaven heard me and whoa! The Arvor Weekender is born! It is a beautiful-looking boat; as all boats ought to be! But it brings a bit-better finishing and longer inventory targeted towards those who want to sleep aboard. A popular boat for fisherman, it now gives you more reasons to stay out on the water longer. And price-wise? About $115,000 new, which for Australian pricing and a 150hp inboard diesel donk and shaft-drive, is pretty damn good.

Rodman? Who has ever heard of Rodman? I would assumed you're talking about the nutty US basketballer Dennis Rodman! But alas, there is a well-known brand in the UK which makes some real sturdy-looking boats in both big and small sizes and with a range of engine options for cruising or serious fishing. The Rodman 747 is a 24-footer with high gunwales and foredeck similar to an Arvor, but has more traditional square lines. Check it out on Google, because boaties love it and recommend it. A shame it seems they have not yet reached our market.

Beneteau's Antares 6

The Jenneau Merry Fisher is also a nice little toy to take out fishing.

Above: The Bella 21C...yes, made in China!

Below: The Rodman 747

Below: the Arvor Weekender. It has to be a winner!

And yes, there's others. I recently found another one called Sea Goddess. But I can't find anything about them on the net! More on that later.