The True World puts safety and function at the top of the priority list—and its workboat looks grow on you.

The True World TE288 caught our eye three years ago at the Norwalk (CT) Boat Show. With its tall bowrail, super-wide sidedecks, and pilothouse, it stuck out among the dime-a-dozen center consoles and Clorox-bottle-shaped cruisers.

The rail is not only tall but strong and sturdy, with an additional rail that intersects the railing posts. And we’ve never seen sidedecks this wide on a boat in this size range. Wow, we thought. A boatbuilder has finally put safety ahead of aesthetics. And the best part: the True World ain’t an ugly boat. In fact, the rails, the pilothouse, and its long-and-narrow hull shape give it a serious, get-out-of-my-way look. …