Express cruiser builders have a tough job: cram as many berths, sinks, tables and seats into limited spaces. The best make it all fit—and function properly. Here, the size of the Monterey 302’s forward berth could be larger if the seat backs were removable.

The growing family is busting out of that 25-foot pocket cruiser. People are bumping into each other in the cabin. Dad keeps banging his head in the head. Junior has no place to spread out and become one with his GameBoy. Mom’s expecting. And the boat takes an hour to get up on plane when fully loaded.

Time to move up … to a 30-foot express cruiser that can sleep four, has a full galley, a powerful twin-engine propulsion package, and oodles of room in the cockpit for relaxing or entertaining. …