Who says boat interiors these days need to look like boat interiors of the past? Certainly not the interior designers of the new Hanse 531. The sole is built of light maple squares instead of traditional teak and holly. Bulkheads and the coachroof are white and accented with light cherry rather than the dark stained furniture and bulkheads seen in many traditional interiors. The layout is different as well. Instead of bench seats that run along the sides of the saloon, the 531’s furniture would not be out of place in a trendy Tribeca loft. The Judel/ Vrolijk–designed hull looks to be modern without being radical, and even the retractable mooring cleats are designed with both form and function in mind. The brochure, too, is different. Instead of choosing from several stock layouts, a prospective buyer can mix and match individual cabin configurations with its perforated layout pages. you’ve seen this in children’s books, and it works well here. Hanse Yachts US LLC, , www.hanseyachts.com, 410-626-1493. Bill Springer