Inspections of a dozen or so boats at one of ûthe Northeast's major boat shows reveals some ûdesign flaws, poor quality control and shoddy ûfit & finish.

After another round of inspecting boats with broken locker hatches, cracked steps and improperly protected AC outlets, we’re really starting to think that the title “Boat Show” means merely that these boats “show up” at the intended site, not that they’re in tip-top condition and ready for proud display to the public and press.

Sure, we’re being a little sarcastic, but as you’ll see on these pages, some boats at the Norwalk (CT) International In-Water Boat Show were presented with alarming physical defects and design flaws. Let’s remember the cost of these vessels: The cheapest we looked at equates to what a small SUV goes for, and the largest, well, you…