The hunt begins The Seattle show was our first experience evaluating motor boats. We quickly realised that most of the boats that looked promising online would not work for us. There were three main problems: Saloon layout: We would be spending most of our time in the saloon at the marina. We needed a saloon where we could be comfortable for hours on end, and where we could enjoy the view and entertain friends. Yet most of the saloons we saw felt sunken with humungous helm seats towering over them, and a table that would be good for a meal but not for relaxing for extended periods of time. We realised there were two aspects of the saloon that were crucial for us: opposing seating and a raised lounging area.