Outboard engines now ratchet up to more than 600 hp — more than enough oomph to propel a fairly large center console. However, it appears that anglers still prefer to double up with twin engines on boats larger than 25 or 26 feet.

We wanted to know if that trend might be changing in the future, though, so we asked five boatbuilders to talk about the power‑versus-LOA curve and name their largest single-engine model. They also told us why building bigger boats for single ­outboards likely wouldn’t be optimal. Boats are listed alphabetically.

Contender 28S

The 26-foot LOA seems to be a cutoff for single-engine power because “customers always want more speed and more reliability,” says Jordan DeLong, Contender’s director of sales and marketing. “It used to be cruising at 30 knots was fast. Now it’s 50-plus. The 28, although available with a single 350, is most popular with twin 300s — which is a huge disparity in performance.”

One of the most important ­concerns when designing a larger single-outboard boat involves prop torque making the boat lean while underway, DeLong says. “Although you can remedy that with trim tabs, we at Contender have placed the livewell on the port side to combat this issue and help naturally balance the boat.”

Everglades 273CC

The Everglades 273cc represents a hybrid inshore/offshore design, meaning it can run offshore on a decent day but also fish like a bay boat nearshore. That dual purpose allows it to function respectably with a single outboard or twins.

“The largest boats on my list are between 25 and 27-plus feet in length,” says Shane Kwaterski, Everglades director of dealer development. “Once you go above 27 feet, people are more likely to be taking longer runs. They want the redundancy of multiple engines. The single-engine platform on a 27-foot boat gives you big-boat feel when the majority of your cruising might be closer to home.”

When creating a large single-­outboard boat, builders must balance planing and displacement to ensure the boat has enough power to climb onto plane with a single engine and enough displacement for a comfortable ride. That can become a tricky design-and-weight-distribution formula.

Thankfully, Everglades built the smaller and hugely popular 243cc before moving up to its 27-footer. But will the company tackle an even larger single-engine project? “As technology continues to improve and products become more dependable, there will definitely be larger single-engine boats,” Kwaterski says. “You want to use technology to your benefit and to advance the boating industry, so why not?”

Pursuit DC 265

“Even though there are high-­horsepower engines in the 600 hp range, weight-to-performance and engineering constraints make them unreasonable for boats much over 27 feet,” says David Glenn, Pursuit marketing director. “Single-engine outboards have a limit with length, in my opinion.”

For Pursuit, that limit is currently the 25-foot-10-inch DC 265, a dual-console fishing boat that can handle up to 400 hp.

Pursuit builds its transoms ­specifically for single-, double- or ­triple-engine installations, Glenn says. “Our engineering team builds laminate schedules and other support systems into the hull, transom and stringers that support certain propulsion at all levels. And Pursuit is one of a very few manufacturers that has a patent on that build.”

Historically, Glenn says, single-­powered-vessel owners often added kicker engines to enhance their boat’s safety. Redundancy counts in offshore fishing, and that’s often the determining factor when buyers ­consider single versus twin power and overall vessel size.

SeaVee 270Z

“The biggest impediment to big boats running with singles is getting on plane,” says John Caballero, SeaVee marketing director. “Unfortunately, internal-combustion engines don’t produce lots of torque until they are turning at relatively high rpm. The time it takes for an engine to turn up to its max torque is directly added to the time it takes to plane.”

With fixed torque and power, he says, engineers can calculate a maximum amount of drag that must be overcome by a single engine. That drag requirement corresponds to a boat of about 27 feet and 8,000 pounds.

Simply put, with multiple engines, each engine carries much less load, so they can reach max torque sooner.

At that straddling line of 27 feet, SeaVee does all it can to reduce the total weight of the boat with resin infusion and other advanced composite-­fabrication methods. “We also reduce the deadrise at the transom somewhat to reduce resistance, as well as design the center of gravity to be more forward to reduce hump trim angles,” Caballero says.

The SeaVee 270Z, which the ­company labels a bay boat, can be powered by a single or twin outboards. “When we offer twins, we have a redesigned fuel system to provide for greater fuel capacity and also to locate the fuel load-center more forward,” he says. “It takes a great deal of computational effort and involves designing the boat twice, in many regards.”

Caballero says if engine makers can design outboards that produce very high torque very quickly — through the use of electric-drive motors, ­variable gear ratios, variable-pitch props or high-compression blowers — “that’s when we will see bigger boats with singles.”

Yellowfin 26 Hybrid

One main factor in designing a larger single-outboard boat is how the vessel carries weight such as fuel, ice, people and gear, says Heath Daughtry, vice president of Yellowfin. “Where does the center of gravity fall, and is the boat designed for multiuse function?

“For the nearshore or bay ­fisherman, the boat can be equipped with a single motor,” he says. “The angler has the ability to carry an abundant amount of weight and still achieve a highly acceptable mpg return at cruise and an acceptable wide-open-throttle speed without any deficiency in hull performance.”

The 26 Hybrid operates with a ­single outboard in the 300 to 400 hp class. When powered by twins, Yellowfin restricts the max horsepower to 400 and limits the option to twin four-cylinder outboards. “The twin setup is primarily beneficial for the angler who plans to venture a little more offshore,” Daughtry says. “The safety and redundancy of two motors is largely the decision factor for this setup.”

The post Five Large Single-Outboard Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Savvy boat buyers seek value. So when builders design a package — a boat plus select options, or a specific model-and-power combination — they create the bundle effect. And that often translates to better prices.

The most popular fishing-boat packages seem to involve smaller, single-outboard center consoles, for which pricing can be a key factor. For a closer look, I asked four boatbuilders to identify their customer favorites. The models are listed below by boat length. (Read more about popular boat styles.)

Pioneer 202 SportFish

“We feel what drives the sales of this boat is that it’s one of the best layouts and most economical-to-operate hulls on the market — in a 20-foot package,” says Henry Sikes, sales and marketing director for Pioneer. Sikes points out that the 33-gallon livewell and leaning-post setup moves the weight forward. Coupled with a variable-degree deadrise hull, that gives the 202 a better attack angle when cutting through waves.

“That provides a smoother ride, and the boat also can carry enough live bait to get you through a day of fishing. With a draft of only 13 inches, the hull is very versatile,” he says.

The 202 SportFish with a Suzuki DF150 and a factory T-top retails in the mid- to upper 40-thousands. “The buyer most attracted to this package is looking for a very capable offshore boat that can be used inshore and a package that can be easily towed with smaller vehicles,” Sikes says.

Pioneer leaves the pricing ­structure intact year-round as opposed to rolling out the bargains for boat shows or other high-­volume sales periods.

Pioneer 202 SportFish Specs:

• LOA: 19 ft. 10 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 2 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 18 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 1 in.
• Dry Weight: 1,900 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 175 hp
• Package Price: $44,650 (w/ Suzuki DF150, T-top)

Scout 215 XSF Sport

Scout’s nationally advertised Get on the Water promotion for its 215 XSF Sport package includes a Yamaha F150 outboard; a T-top with an aft spreader light, an overhead T-bag for life-jacket stowage, and a rocket launcher; forward-seating backrests and a stern seat. The promotion extends to several other models, but the 215 XSF Sport comes with more equipment for anglers and families.

“The buyers get a deeper discount when they choose this entire package,” says Alan Lang, Scout’s director of sales and marketing. “The packages are usually centered on a certain type of boating. In this case, every option included in this package adds more appeal to a family.”

Scout’s legacy as a family-owned business keeps the brand in tune with the needs of adults and kids. “We pay close attention to how the boats are used,” Lang says. “We researched historical data on similar Scout models and determined that this package would be very popular.”

Lang says promotions on popular models usually have a long shelf life. “We usually keep them running year-round on models like this,” he says.

Scout 215 XSF Sport Specs:

• LOA: 21 ft. 6 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.
• Draft: 15.75 in.
• Dry Weight: 2,776 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 250 hp
• Promotional Price: $53,866 (w/ Yamaha F150, Sport package). Approximate; pricing was changing at press time.

Sea Born FX-22 Bay Tournament/LE

Sea Born says the Tournament and LE packages available for the FX22-Bay rank as its top sellers. “The reason for this popularity is based on the boat’s size, features and price,” says Sean McCoy, Sea Born director of marketing. “For starters, the FX22 is not too small but not too large, with respect to footage, and it seems to fall right in the sweet spot of our core buyers.”

The Tournament package includes 12 features beyond what’s standard for the model, including a console-front tackle center, aft-cockpit coaming cushions, raw-water washdown, aerated console well and two-position leaning post. The LE version adds nine features, including a hardtop, LED lighting, a two-tone hull and a Simrad NSS7 evo2 multifunction display.

“To decide how to package our features, we consistently review what options and third-party additions are the most commonly sold in our boats. Additionally, we receive and incorporate buyer and dealer feedback to make sure we’re building the absolute best boats possible with respect to features, quality and price,” McCoy says.

FX22-Bay buyers vary in age and boating experience, though they’re generally concentrated in coastal areas of the United States. McCoy also notes that about 80 percent of FX22-Bays are sold and shipped with either a canvas T-top or hardtop, which comes on the LE package. However, hardcore bay anglers often choose a standard model without a top.

“In the end, package selection really comes down to how and where the boat will be used,” he says.

Sea Born FX-22 Bay Tournament/LE Specs:

• LOA: 21 ft. 9 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 17 deg
• Draft: 11 in.
• Dry Weight: 2,000 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 250 hp
• MSRP: $58,119 (w/ Yamaha F150)

Everglades 243CC Fishing

“When you offer packages, you can generally save customers hundreds of dollars,” says Shane Kwaterski, Everglades Boats director of dealer development. “The items cost more when purchased individually rather than together.”

Everglades’ most popular ­combos include the 243cc Fishing and the 243cc Upper-Station packages. The fishing package includes an Atlas jack plate, a 10-foot Power-Pole Blade ­shallow-water anchor, and a Minn Kota trolling motor with iPilot and charger. The Upper-Station package comes with a T-top station, a sliding fiberglass sunroof/helm seat, four cup holders, a stereo remote, a footrest, a fiberglass box for standing, trim-tab indicators and upper helm space for electronics.

The 243cc already comes standard with a fiberglass hardtop sporting an aluminum powder-coated frame and featuring Everglades’ patented sliding windshield. Aft, it features a 36-gallon lighted livewell topped by an acrylic lid with friction hinges. The ­67-gallon fish box lies forward; lockable rod storage, under-gunwale mounts and vertical flush-mount holders ­accommodate loads of tackle.

Everglades’ packages are offered year-round. “It gives you the opportunity to bundle deals and build the boat to how you’ll specifically use it,” Kwaterski says. “Some prefer to cater their boat more toward fishing, while others might want it more for ­cruising purposes.”

Everglades 243CC Fishing Specs:

• LOA: 24 ft. 3 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 2 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 19 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 4 in. (hull only)
• Dry Weight: 4,000 lb. (w/o engine)
• Max Power: 300 hp
• MSRP: $119,860 (w/ Yamaha F300 and Fishing package)

The post Four Most Popular Center Console Boat Packages appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Technology: Love it. Fear it. Despise it. Regardless of your attitude toward all things innovative and occasionally extreme, we have to agree about one characteristic of today’s explosive technological progress: You’d better expect it.

High-end semicustom fishing boats, like luxury automobiles, surprise us each year with their fresh capabilities. To get a feel for the features — some standard, others optional — now trickling into the fish-boat market, we talked with six builders who are known for their leading-edge advancements. (Boats are listed alphabetically by builder.)

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage

SPECS

Whaler’s Outrage flagship 420 ­represents a clean-sheet-of-paper design and incorporates the Lenco Auto Glide dynamic trim-tab system, says Wil Rogers, director of large boat business. The system automatically helps the hole shot, creates extra lift during acceleration and optimizes trim on plane.

The vessel also offers a fully ­integrated electrical platform: The Mercury outboards, Raymarine electronics and other electrical systems share a common network. The company’s Whaler Watch comes standard and allows for full remote monitoring of the boat with regard to both boat position (theft monitoring) and key functions.

Electronics and Control

“The demand for integrated ­vessel management will only grow in the future,” Rogers says. “Our owners value the time they spend on the water, and eliminating the worry of systems issues will contribute to their enjoyment.”

Other standout features include a motorized vent at the top of the front windshield panel to usher in fresh air on hot days; a tablet device with an app to customize CZone digital switching; a motorized shade extending aft; hot and cold freshwater faucets, plus a retractable hose with hot and cold water for washing down the deck; a switch-activated teak bow table; and a freshwater washdown hose inside the anchor locker.

Tech Conveniences

“The boat also has multiple air ­conditioners at the helm deck and in the cabin. Numerous refrigeration options, from fish boxes to cockpit refrigerator-freezers, should satisfy the most serious fishermen or pleasure cruisers,” Rogers says.

Everglades 435CC

SPECS

Everglades was among the first boatbuilders to introduce cutting-edge features such as a patented hydraulic windshield. “There is no such thing as a perfect boat, and as long as technology can help us improve our product, we will continue to use it,” says Shane Kwaterski, director of dealer development.

In its ­construction, Everglades uses what it calls RAMCAP, building its hulls around pre-molded closed-cell structural foam. The center console and hardtop are constructed as a single unit, with the footing for the frame anchored to stringers belowdecks.

Boat Customizing

The company also looms all its ­wiring in-house, using tinned wire, Deutsch connectors, shrink tubing and circuit protection. The process allows buyers to customize onboard systems.

Everglades designed the 435’s helm to accommodate three flush-mount 16-inch displays to match yacht-style wheelhouses. The boat’s windshield raises and lowers electronically to allow airflow and eliminate early-morning glare.

Big-Boat Features

Other design details speak to ­further customization, though they could be considered lower-tech: trays for cellphones behind the second-row helm seating, a slide-out Yeti cooler beneath the forward module, a telescoping SureShade canopy and an electrically converting interior-console berth.

“Our customers wanted a boat that they could move up to, with big-boat features, but still have the convenience and ease of use of a center console,” Kwaterski says. “Also, customers stepping down from larger sport-fish boats and custom sport-fishers wanted the same fit and finish and technology as their large boats in a smaller center console.”

HydraSports Custom 53 Sueños

SPECS

HydraSports Custom went to naval experts to find the custom techniques necessary to build this 53-foot, outboard-powered center console. In fact, the vessel is one of the first commercial deployments of Structural Composites’ Navy SBIR advanced combatant craft technology.

The single-skin transom and hull provide the durability and ease of maintenance of solid-laminate ­construction but at a weight equal to or less than sandwich construction, says Terri Nuechterlein, HSC’s marketing and public relations director. In addition, the company developed a new Megaform preform stringer system, which appears to resemble a skeleton with a vertebral column. Foam stringers, ribs and bulkheads blanket the hull surface, leaving no open space measuring greater than 11 inches, including overlay.

Abovedecks, the 5300 bears every new ­owner’s unique desires. “The stringer grid’s small panel sizes allow us to quickly make any change we need to accommodate customer tweaks, without any tooling changes or major surgery to the hull,” Nuechterlein says.

Another unusual attribute: All boxes and lids are Frigid Rigid coolers built into the deck; all livewells are totally insulated from the top. The twin 200-gallon fish boxes flanking the aft cockpit feature 12-volt chiller plates that minimize the need for ice.

Helm and Bow Seating

Swiveling suspension-seat ­pedestals at the helm create the ultimate cushioned ride. In the cockpit, dual inward-opening docking doors — one on either side of the cockpit — make it easy to land fish, carry gear aboard or disembark to snorkel, dive or wade-fish.

From the deck, between bow loungers, a platform rises electronically on twin pedestals to form a huge forward sun pad or casting deck. Raise the platform higher to create a dining space. HSC has also customized several 53s with solar power.

“Since the successful launch of the 53 Sueños, we have already unveiled a new model built in the same vein — the 39 Speciale,” Nuechterlein says. We also have two new models we’re launching in 2018, a 65-footer and a 35-footer. Both of these models will utilize Mil Tough construction.”

Pursuit S 368

SPECS

Pursuit’s S 368 is the newest in the company’s Sport lineup and only slightly smaller than the flagship S 408. “The Sport series of luxury center consoles from Pursuit is a combination of offshore performance, fishing-friendly features and comfortable seating within all social zones on the boat,” says David Glenn, marketing manager. “At the technology level, it’s all the things you don’t see — lamination, design and build — that give customers an exceptional product.”

Pursuit uses a single one-piece, vacuum-infused stringer system that’s bonded to the hull prior to decking. Infusion delivers a reliable part with consistent high quality, Glenn says.

The S 368 also comes with a fully integrated fiberglass hardtop and windshield assembly. “The tempered-glass panels are bonded forward, port and starboard to a specific flat similar to automobile construction,” he says.

Design and Construction

A passive drainage system for the decks funnels unwanted water toward a gutter, then overboard, without the use of hoses belowdecks. “We also use a combination of foams and coring materials within the lamination and assembly to limit both the transfer of water noise and exterior sounds in the cabin experience.”

At the helm, Pursuit installs Garmin electronics, which are paired to the Yamaha engine controls, including the Helm Master joystick system. “Captains can monitor all engine and navigation functions simultaneously and control the JL marine audio system through the touch screens,” Glenn says.

Scout 380 LXF

SPECS

In both its construction and its features, Scout’s 380 LXF demonstrates some of the best technology available. Hand laid and epoxy infused, the hull is chemically bonded with methacrylate, which is stronger than fiberglass and expensive to use, says director of sales and marketing Alan Lang. The 380 is also specially designed to house a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer.

The transom bracket aft is also part of the hull’s stringer system, and its structure runs all the way to the bow. “You can feel the difference in all of these high-tech build features,” Lang says.

Digital Control and Monitoring

What you see abovedecks includes the integration of CZone technology, which is a digital control and monitoring network. All ship’s ­systems, security and electronics funnel through the helm’s multifunction display. CZone enables remote start and accommodates remote monitoring on a smartphone or tablet.

Scout also can program the CZone system to a customer’s needs. For instance, one buyer wanted a forward spreader light to turn on if the bilge pump engaged.

The 380 also comes with Scout’s patented retractable rocket-launcher system at the back edge of the standard hardtop. With the press of a button, the rocket launcher cants aft, tilting its load of fishing rods to a horizontal position before allowing the hardtop’s SureShade to deploy over the cockpit. That innovation won an award at this year’s Miami International Boat Show.

Extra Options

In addition, the leaning post ­converts electrically from an aft-facing seat to a summer kitchen with grill, sink and cutting board.

“We realize that customers want to do more than fish on a boat this size; they want to entertain, in style,” Lang says. “Our larger LXF models offer some features that are pretty complex; therefore, they aren’t cheap. They’re built to the highest level of quality. It’s important that we build them to last. Our ­reputation is on the line with every boat.”

SeaVee 430FA

SPECS

Though the use of 3D modeling and simulation now enjoys more widespread use, at least in semicustom boatbuilding, SeaVee takes it to the highest level, with tools that allow architects to “crawl inside” the boat. That permits them to examine spaces that might have previously been inaccessible in order to open up their deck designs. The software also theoretically floats the boat for optimal waterline and trim angles.

Fishing Features

The 430FA also features a host of bells and whistles, such as an electrically operated actuator lift for the bridge deck (on the inboard version), air-actuated trim tabs that create less turbulence, specially molded twin aft livewells made from complex multipiece molds, and a side-door system with custom-made Soss hinges and a hidden in-deck retractable boarding ladder.

“After the introduction of our 430 Express, many of our customers requested the same hull but with even more fishability,” says SeaVee marketing director John Caballero. “We knew that the only way to create a design that could meet the requirements for a flush and fishable walkaround deck and a well-appointed yachtlike interior was to use some very high technology and different design methodology.”

Hull Design

SeaVee designed the entire boat ­virtually before any tooling started “to capture all of the interior space so we could dedicate sufficient exterior space to the fishability.”

Since this groundbreaking process, SeaVee has employed the same techniques to innovate with its 370Z and 270Z hulls. “We look forward to continuing to use computer simulation to create ever-higher-technology designs that are more functional, easier to maintain, lighter, faster and more ­reliable,” Caballero says.

The post Six Super-High-Tech Fish Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Enter the hybrid bay boat. A few boat manufacturers stretched their models to 25 feet, and then 27 and now, at least one bay boat on the market tapes out at almost 28 feet LOA, and several can be powered by twin outboards. But it’s not just length that sets this breed apart. Some hybrid bay boats offer a full transom while preserving a forward casting deck; some builders have added interior gunwale height, still others have opted for full-height helm enclosures.

Anglers now have an ever-widening range of options. In your search, it might be tempting to simply seek out the best bay boat for the money, but we can all agree that cost is not the only parameter. Most importantly, buy a boat based on your fishing needs. Here are 15 of the best hybrid bay boats that transition from inshore to offshore fishing. They’re listed from the shortest to the longest LOA.

• Grady-White 251 Coastal Explorer
• Scout 251 XSS
• Contender 25 Bay
• Barker 26 Open
• Sea Cat 260
• Yellowfin 26 Hybrid
• Jupiter 25 Bay
• Parker 26 SH
• Regulator 26XO
• Pathfinder 2700 Open
• Sea Vee 270Z
• Tidewater 2700 Carolina Bay
• Everglades 273cc
• Caymas 28 HB
• Blue Wave 2800 Makaira

Grady-White 251 Coastal Explorer

When Grady introduced the 251 Coastal Explorer in 2014, it kept the sharp entry and continuously variable-V hull characteristic of the company’s offshore boats. It also features 20 inches of aft cockpit depth, which is greater than most traditional bay boats. On the other hand, the 251 offers casting platforms fore and aft that convert to seating, and it floats in 14 inches of water.

Scout 251 XSS

Scout redesigned the bottom of the original 251 XS to make it a dual-stepped hull versus single-stepped. The current XSS version also features a proud bow, glass-enclosed helm, and a slightly deeper deadrise than many traditional bay boats. For inshore fishing, Scout offers a casting-deck extension that can convert to a table. The well-appointed 251 also floats in just 13 inches of water.

Contender 25 Bay

Standout standard features on Contender’s bay boat include spacious casting platforms fore and aft, covering boards and bolster pads surrounding the cockpit, two livewells — 40- and 12-gallon capacity — and twin rod lockers. Drawing just 12 inches of water, the 25 Bay floats shallower than most, but its twin-stepped hull makes the boat efficient and fast offshore.

Barker 26 Open

This Michael Peters-designed and patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull has the lowest drag coefficient of any monohull, which makes it faster with better handling, improved fuel economy and a better ride, Barker says. The 26 Open features a deeper cockpit with a minimal aft casting deck and 60 gallons of livewell capacity. Opt for a full second station for spotting redfish or tuna birds.

Sea Cat 260

With its multihull design, the Sea Cat 260 naturally handles twin outboards and features higher gunwales for offshore capability. But it also offers a large forward casting platform (trolling motor optional) and it floats in 14 inches of water. The twin 25-gallon transom livewells offer plenty of bait storage for offshore adventures.

Yellowfin 26 Hybrid

Yellowfin’s 26 Hybrid offers 21 inches of aft cockpit depth and a sharp 60-degree entry with 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom. Drawing 15 inches of water with a single outboard and 18 with twins, it can drift deeper flats inshore or post up on shallow canals and ledges. Fishing features include large livewells, oversize insulated fish boxes and a second station option.

Jupiter 25 Bay

Jupiter says it applied the lines of its bigger offshore boats to this bay boat to give it the design and functionality to handle challenging seas. The company eliminated fore and aft casting decks, which become unsuitable in any kind of sea. Aft cockpit depth measures 22 inches. At the bow, the deck lies 25 inches below the gunwale. A 40-gallon livewell and 110 gallons of insulated fish boxes top the list of angling features.

Parker 26 SH

Parker says it spent two years creating this hybrid bay boat, giving it ample inshore fishing space fore and aft with broad platforms, yet creating enough beam and gunwale height for added safety when venturing offshore. The 26 SH also features twin 30-gallon recirculating livewells, lockable storage and a large fish box.

Regulator 26XO

The Regulator 26XO features a standard fiberglass hardtop with an integrated windshield, reminiscent of Regulator’s 41-footer. It offers a broad forward casting deck and smaller aft deck with an elevated lip. Cockpit depth aft measures 19 ¼ inches. The 26XO measures more than 26 feet in length and sports 9 feet 3 inches of beam, making it a stable platform and one that’s still capable of floating in under 16 inches of water.

Pathfinder 2700 Open

The double-stepped hull Pathfinder 2700 Open features a true hybrid deck layout, the company says. The aft cockpit remains open like an offshore center console but there’s a raised foredeck for casting and castnetting. Fishing features include a 42-gallon leaning-post livewell and a 22-galllon aft well, plus three fish boxes. Pathfinder’s VARIS vacuum-infusion technology keeps the 27-footer relatively light at 4,934 pounds with engine.

Sea Vee 270Z

In 2014, the 270Z — at 27 feet LOA — emerged as the largest bay boat to date. With its award-winning stepped-hull design, the boat handles open water well; it easily fishes five anglers and remains stable at rest. The broad foredeck rises more than 20 inches above the main deck. The aft casting platform measures 98 inches wide and 42 inches along the centerline. The jack plate and 15-inch draft allow this boat to motor across shallow flats.

Tidewater 2700 Carolina Bay

Tidewater says its stepped-hull 2700 Carolina Bay combines the capabilities of a full-featured center console with shallow-water fishability and the amenities of a deck boat. It features fore and aft casting platforms and an aquarium-style livewell aft of the leaning post. The 2700 can be powered with a single outboard or twins and offers 141 gallons of fuel capacity.

Everglades 273cc

The Everglades 273cc features an 18-inch draft that creates a compromise between smaller bay boats that float in 12 to 14 inches of water and more aggressive deep-Vs that need 24 inches. The 20 degrees of transom deadrise and proud bow assist in offshore capability, and the expansive aft deck offers height and ease of casting inshore. Power this hybrid with a single outboard or twins up to a max of 600 hp.

Caymas 28 HB

A Michael Peters designed hull, the Caymas 28 HB offers a broad casting deck forward and a fishable aft deck. The 24 ½-inch freeboard and the 9-foot-4-inch beam give it security and stability outside the bay, and the 17-inch draft and jackplate allow it to float over inshore flats. The 28 HB can be rigged with a single outboard up to 450 hp; it carries 120 gallons of fuel.

Blue Wave 2800 Makaira

Blue Wave Boats says its 2800 Makaira features a cockpit that rivals many of the 30- to 33-foot center consoles on the market. At the same time, the near-28-footer still manages an aft platform because the deck design lacks a splashwell. The bow wraparound seating easily transforms into a forward casting platform complete with a pitchwell. Other fishing amenities include lockable rod storage and livewells throughout. The Makaira can carry anything from a single 350 hp outboard to twin 300s.

The post Best Hybrid Bay Boats for Inshore and Offshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

While center console boats under 26 feet in length understandably remain the most common-size vessels on fresh and salt water, boats 26 to 30 feet are also very popular with saltwater anglers. That mid-size vessel can be trailered and launched with relative ease, and its size gives it optimal offshore fishing capability.

Most 26- to 30-foot center console boats carry twin outboards, although with today’s larger outboard options, many can run with a single engine. If you’re in the market to buy a new boat in this category, it helps to start with a trusted list of the best center console boats under 30 feet. In search of something bigger? Check out our best center consoles over 30 feet.

Here are 15-plus (we’ve added a few more) offshore fishing boats that measure 26 to 30 feet that are currently on the market. The boats are listed alphabetically by brand.

Blackfin 272CC

Though Blackfin initially might have built its name crafting inboard sport-fishers, the company has since redefined itself with a full lineup of outboard powered center and dual consoles. The 272CC features a full composite stringer grid bonded into the hull with carbon-fiber reinforcement for strength and rigidity. At wide-open throttle with twin 300 hp Mercury Verados, it tops out at more than 61 mph. For anglers, its port aft 30-gallon livewell features adjustable Gemlux drains and valves; the helm unit comes with a full bait-prep station and sink.

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

Select features from a Sport Fishing review of the 280: Twin chairs coddle the helmsman and co-pilot with lumbar and thigh support. Fully padded fold-down armrests offer lateral support, while footrests at the base of the helm let you prop up your feet. Flip-up bolsters offer backside bracing while standing.

A tempered-glass windshield, integrated seamlessly with the ­powder-coated aluminum frame for the optional hardtop, quells wind noise enough to allow for conversations at the helm without shouting. A motorized vent atop the front panel ushers in fresh air on sultry days.

A pressurized 30-gallon baitwell lies abaft the helm seats and features an adjacent tackle-prep station. A second livewell in the port quarter adds another 17 ­gallons of bait capacity. Twin 54-gallon lockers with pump-outs flank the cockpit, and anglers will find lockable rod storage within the garage — the spacious compartment beneath the forward-console lounge.

Calcutta 263

From an SF Fishing Machines column: Calcutta’s 263 features a transom that disappears into a recess in the deck when lowered; the company calls it a sea gate. “It’s not just a splash board; it’s a sealed door,” says Steve Ellis, president of Calcutta Boats in Palmetto, Florida. “There’s also nonskid on the side of the door.”

With the sea gate lowered, the entire aft deck of the catamaran is open and flat. Ellis says it measures 6 inches above the waterline. “I’ve got guys who will fight fish onto the deck. Florida State University uses the boat for its shark and grouper research vessels,” he says. “One guy in Venice caught a 104‑pound wahoo. All he had was a 2-inch gaff. He was afraid he’d lose the fish, so he let down the door, grabbed the fish by the tail and slid it in backward.”

Caymas 28 HB

The Caymas 28HB utilizes a Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull, designed by Michael Peters, to deliver speed, fuel efficiency, and dry ride. Fishing features include a non-skid casting deck, massive built-in storage compartments, two 35-gallon aerated livewells, a backlit console display, and a 120-gallon fuel tank. Family and friends will feel at home with cushioned seating at the bow and stern, and will appreciate the extra elbow room afforded by the boat’s nearly 10-foot beam. High freeboard and deep gunwales also provide extra safety and security. The Caymas 28HB is rigged with a single Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, or Evinrude outboard up to 425 horsepower.

Cobia 301 CC

Cobia’s 301CC uses the same proven running surface as the 296CC but with a redesigned deck that maximizes cockpit space, comfort and fishability. The new console integrates the hardtop frame, creating more spacious walkways. Fishing features include a pair of 28-gallon pressurized transom livewells, an inward-opening tuna door, twin overboard-draining fish lockers under the forward seating and another pair of macerated lockers under the aft deck. With twin Yamaha F300s, the 301CC tops out near 60 mph; it reaches 30 mph in just 6 seconds.

Contender 30ST

As with every Contender, you can order the 30ST equipped the way you want it. The stepped-hull offers efficiency and speed, as well as a smooth, dry ride. Twin 40-gallon pressurized livewells keep you well supplied with bait. There’s an insulated 130-gallon in-sole fish box forward, and another 70-gallon fish box, which can be converted to a livewell, under the aft deck. With available twin Yamaha F300 outboards, the 30ST offers 265 gallons of fuel capacity. Raise the forward console seat for walk-in access to the head compartment. An oversize electronics panel offers plenty of room to flush-mount displays.

EdgeWater 280CC

EdgeWater first created the 280cc to fill a market gap. The 28-footer features EdgeWater’s Single-Piece Infusion lamination process, which involves encasing the hull inside a plastic bag, vacuum sealing the bag, and then pushing resin into the hull. Fishing features include a walk-through transom door, two 100-gallon in-floor fish boxes, vertical rod holders fore and aft, and a 28-gallon transom livewell. An additional 30-gallon leaning-post livewell is an option. Powered by a Yamaha F250 outboard, it tops out at 53.8 mph.

Everglades 295cc

The 295cc reflects Everglades’ penchant for impeccable fit and finish in a mid-size center console designed for anglers and cruisers alike. The console, hardtop and full-height three-sided glass windshield are incorporated into a single structure. The dash accommodates a pair of Garmin GPSMap 8616xsv displays. A work station abaft the twin helm seats includes countertop, sink and pullout freshwater sprayer. Everglades placed a 34-gallon livewell with a clear acrylic lid in the port quarter. There’s a 66-gallon fish box forward and 44-gallon fish box aft. Power comes in the form of twin Yamaha F300 outboards, and the boat carries 184 gallons of fuel.

Grady-White Canyon 271

From an SF review of the 271: With 100 gallons of fuel, full livewells and three adults on board, and turning Yamaha Saltwater Series II 19-inch-pitch, stainless-steel three-blade propellers, the Canyon 271 jumped on plane in 3.5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 6.4 seconds. I found a top speed of 56.2 mph at 6,000 rpm, where the twin Yamaha F300 outboards burned 51.9 gallons per hour for 1.08 mpg.

The most efficient speed came at 25.6 mph and 3,000 rpm, where the twin 300s consumed 12.4 gallons per hour for 2.06 mpg, translating to a cruising range of more than 380 miles based on the 186-gallon fuel capacity.

Regulator 28

From an SF Fishing Machines column: Introduced in 2011, the 28 quickly became the brand’s top seller. As Regulator does across its model line, it added more standard equipment and options each year to the 28. Upgrades have included white-painted engines and a vanity sink in the head. For 2016, Regulator added options such as Taco Grand Slam 380 outrigger bases with 18-foot telescoping poles, removable forward-seating backrests, and ­factory-installed Garmin or Raymarine electronics.

“The 28 displays the signature Regulator features that have wowed customers and fans since the beginning, and the standout favorites that have built the brand’s reputation as a serious offshore sport-fisher,” Maxwell says.

Robalo R302

From an SF First Glance column: Livewells behind the helm unit and in the transom offer plenty of bait storage, while 245 gallons of insulated fish-box space lets you store quite a catch. The transom bench seat flips down out of the way to open up the cockpit.

Standard features include a powder-coated hardtop with rod holders, electronics box, LED spreader lights and dual-color map lights; trim tabs with indicator lights; power-assisted hydraulic steering; and a walk-through transom door. The helm’s custom-bonded windshield comes with an overhead vent.

Scout 277 LXF

Scout’s LXF—luxury sportfish—models blend the features of a plush fish boat with a top-of-the-line cruiser. This near-28-footer comes with a transom door and a portside swing-in boarding door, an aft recirculating livewell, and twin in-floor fish boxes. An expansive cockpit provides anglers plenty of room to work rods and fight fish. The standard powder-coated hardtop with its integrated frameless windshield and aft rocket launcher provides protection and additional rod storage. A self-contained head below the console and a walkable swim platform, among other features, make the 277 LXF family friendly.

Sea Born LX26

The largest in Sea Born’s line of LX vessels, the LX26 serves multiple roles for anglers and families. Standard features include a side boarding door, multiple charging ports, an interior console head, LED lighting, a hardtop, and a two-position leaning post. LX models provide greater interior cockpit height compared with Sea Born’s bay boats, creating a more secure big-boat feel. The boat comes with a standard 20-gallon livewell aft, but two optional livewells can be added—one under the starboard cockpit seat and one under the forward console seat.

Sea Chaser 27 HFC

The 9½-foot beam of Sea Chaser’s 27 HFC creates notable stability while fishing. Twenty-five-inch walkways aside the console, a level deck and 360-degree coaming pads make fish-fighting easy and comfortable. Key features include a 40-gallon livewell in the leaning post and a 30-gallon tank in the port quarter, so you can separate bait species. At a cruising speed of 27 mph, powered by a Suzuki DF350A, the 27 HFC gets 2.46 mpg for a range of more than 400 miles, based on the 181-gallon fuel capacity.

Sea Hunt Gamefish 30

The Sea Hunt Gamefish 30 is a fishing and family boat with two interior layouts to choose from — one model features a coffin box ahead of the console with a sun pad on top, and the other features full bow seating. Popular standard features include a fiberglass T-Top with a full tempered-glass enclosure, Optimus power steering, an anchor windlass, a 60-gallon transom fishbox, and three insulated livewells. Options include dual 12-inch Garmin displays and a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. For the family, the 30 offers amenities such as plush seating and a side-entry door.

Southport 30 FE

Southport set up the 30 FE (family edition) for cruising and fishing. Its wide beam and bow flare create a dry ride; they also provide a stable platform for throwing a cast net. The increased cockpit space for fishing and entertaining also means more room for features including a 35-gallon livewell, an insulated transom fish box (as well as in-deck fish boxes), newly designed mezzanine seating, aft swim decks and a comfortable console interior. With 232-gallon fuel capacity, the twin-outboard-powered 30 FE offers plenty of cruising range.

World Cat 280CC-X

From an SF First Glance column: World Cat’s first X-design catamaran, the 280CC-X, features aggressive new styling that includes a graceful sheer line terminating in a soft tumblehome aft, a swept-back glass dashboard at the console, and a surfboard-edge hardtop.

The 280 represents a completely new computer-assisted design from the waterline up, says World Cat president Andrew Brown. “The 280CC-X also offers advanced technology, including a fully customizable digital dash (including CZone digital switching), and a host of functional, comfort and convenience features.”

The post Best Center Console Boats 26 to 30 Feet appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Not so long ago, many new and used boats sported canvas T-tops. But over the past two decades, fiberglass hardtops began to dominate, and then to evolve.

The once block-shaped shades now feature sexier designs and sophisticated detailing. Many builders even offer their tops as a standard feature.

“Since our first surfboard-style hardtop [in the mid-’90s], our tops have evolved the same way our boats have: They’ve gotten bigger and bigger and bigger,” says SeaVee marketing director John Caballero. “We design them using 3-D CAD technology and model them in the computer at the same time we design the boats to specifically suit each model.”

To understand this now essential feature for an offshore-fishing boat, we talked to five boatbuilders that have innovated when it comes to hardtop design. The companies are listed alphabetically.

Everglades Boats

“Hardtops are standard on every boat we build,” says Bryan Harris, vice president of sales and marketing. “We first offered hardtops in 2002, when the company started. R.J. Dougherty Associates was first founded to build hardtops for other manufacturers, and the tops carried over into the Everglades line.”

In fact, late founder Bob Dougherty’s patented rapid molded-core assembly process, or RAMCAP, evolved as a hardtop-building system, Harris says, and it later carried over into the boatbuilding side.

Harris says Everglades was the first builder in the industry to take two separate fiberglass pieces, place a core material in between them and then vacuum the pieces together. Everglades molds high-density foam to custom-fit this center area.

“This created a lighter one-piece top with recessed cavities for speakers, lights and other accessories,” he adds.

Today, Everglades still uses the RAMCAP process to build tops, and only makes them for its own boats. The company also does all of its own ­metalwork for framing in-house.

The hardtops vary as far as their features; larger tops come with underhanging rod storage, and smaller tops feature recessed lighting and flush-mount options for gauges and stereos.

“Every center console we build comes standard with a hardtop, patented sliding adjustable windshield [an Everglades hallmark] and a powder-coated aluminum frame,” Harris says. “Our hardtops have evolved to become these complete, integrated packages.”

Grady-White Boats

Twenty-three of Grady‘s 26 current boat models come with standard (14) or optional (9) fiberglass hardtops. The company’s hardtop designs date back all the way to the early ’80s, when boat and outboard technologies were making it safer to go farther offshore and spend longer days on the water.

“The need to stay out of the sun and rain was a driving factor,” says Shelley Tubaugh, Grady’s vice president of marketing. “Many of the early designs were lightweight fiberglass shells that we elevated on simple aluminum frames onto which we bolted a radio box and some rod holders.”

With feedback from customers, the company designed a strong, durable top for its cabin boats — a prime factor for anglers taking longer trips. “By adding built-in storage nets for life jackets and other safety equipment, molding in the electronics boxes and adding more rod-holder storage — horizontal and vertical — we made the new generation of hardtops a key component for that terrific day offshore,” she says.

As boats began trending toward ­multipurpose fishing, family and functional vessels, tops for both dual and center consoles became more intricate. Grady designed molded-in cavities that allow for extendable sunshades, lighting, wire routing, sunroofs and even flat-screen TV storage.

“All of this has added weight, so the structures that support the tops have become more robust,” Tubaugh says. “Aesthetic expectations are now at a much higher level on the tops and structures. Tops are more shapely and aerodynamic. Often the underside of the top is painted to match the hull color. Frames are also painted and are using more interesting shapes than simple round pipe to achieve a more architectural look.”

The embodiment of those trends and innovations came together in Grady’s AV2 hardtop, first displayed on the Freedom 375 model. The AV2 comes with a sunroof (and a sliding screen), TV and horizontal rod storage in a molded overhead cavity.

“We also are developing full-height windshields for all of the center console models 20 feet and longer, and now offer the AV2 on the Express 330 and 370,” she says.

Invincible Boats

All of Invincible‘s center consoles — which range from 33 to 42 feet — can be equipped with an optional hardtop. “In the past six years, we have only built one boat with a soft top,” says Bill Cordes, director of sales and marketing. “We have offered hardtops from the beginning [10 years].”

Initially, Invincible built traditional rectangular and popular Key West-style tops — which taper inward or narrow ahead of the console to accommodate vertical rod storage. “We are on our third generation of hardtops. We’ve changed the shape of our tops to make them more appealing. They’re also 20 percent bigger than our closest competitors’,” Cordes says.

The newest tops feature a more exaggerated rounded front radius and a tapered transition on the front brow, he says. “We do not offer an overhead box [for electronics] as it is not needed with our ample console faces. All of our tops have conduit runs for all the flush-mount overhead LEDs and ­ electronics components.”

Structurally, Invincible beefs up its support systems. “We have high-density foam placed where all of the support pads land. We support all of our tops with aluminum legs that are schedule-80 2-inch piping to ensure they’re stronger than they need to be.”

Scout Boats

Eight of Scout‘s models, including the center console LXFs and the 275 Dorado, come with standard hardtops. Customers can order optional ­fiberglass tops for the XS and XSF models, and for the 255 Dorado and 195 Sportfish. The 225 Dorado and 177 series only offer a Bimini option.

The company’s first hardtop designs debuted in the late 1990s as a simple replacement for the canvas top, using a similar ring frame, says Scout CEO and founder Steve Potts. “These designs gave a cleaner look and were far more durable than fabric, which was prone to leaking over time,” he says. “Our hardtop designs soon evolved, eliminating the aluminum canopy framework. We accomplished this by creating molded gussets and ribs for the two-part ­composite top design.”

In 2006, Scout broke new ground with a patented powder-coated ­hardtop with a curved-glass enclosure. “This happens to be a trendsetting industry design widely used today,” Potts says. “This is a hardtop supported by an aluminum framework that has far fewer welded gussets, creating a much cleaner look with improved visibility.”

Since then, Scout has modified its design on larger LXF models to include a SureShade electronically retractable awning and the company’s National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award-winning articulating rocket launcher. The rocket launcher — a row of rod holders aft of the hardtop — moves from vertical to horizontal as the SureShade extends, shifting the overhead rods out of the way. Dropping the launcher also helps shorter anglers, who might have to stand on a cooler or the gunwale to retrieve an overhead rod, by lowering the tackle within reach.

SeaVee Boats

Although a fiberglass or canvas T-top is an option for all models, hardtops are specified on practically every boat order, SeaVee’s Caballero says.

When SeaVee started designing its first hardtops, they were meant to fix the shortfalls of the canvas version: “Canvas was a light and simple solution but didn’t last very long in the Florida sun, and they’d flap. It was difficult to add equipment to the frame later, and it was also difficult to get a clean, sophisticated look,” he says. “It also didn’t always keep its waterproofing and sometimes dripped on your head.”

A key innovation for hardtops came with the Key West version, with its ­narrow forward taper to allow rod storage. “This innovation enables the South Florida style of fishing, which is embodied in the idea that we carry many rods, all rigged for a specific type of fishing and ready at a moment’s notice,” he says.

As boats and hardtops have grown, integration has become a byword. “The customer wants more and better shade, and integrated features such as light bars and speakers,” Caballero says. “We’ve developed optional speaker pods and spreader lights that can be molded onto the hardtop bottom in an elegant and seamless way.”

SeaVee also now offers remote-controlled aft sunshades with molded fiberglass covers that integrate into the top. Several more new designs are on the drawing board for the company’s larger Express and Fish-Around ­models.

The post 5 Center Console Boat Brands with High-Tech Hardtops appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

While anglers buying boats often focus on deck layouts and brand reputations — important considerations for sure — a fishing vessel’s hull design and indeed its transom can also speak volumes about its fishability and comfort.

Consider that most fishermen spend a great deal of time at the aft end of the cockpit, and it’s easy to realize how integral a transom design can be: Does it allow easy passage of a rod over the outboards? Does it permit easy boating or releasing of fish? Does it create more usable fishing space? Does it properly counterbalance heavy outboards? And in today’s world, where ­family fishing and boating has started to outweigh hardcore angling on the minds of more and more buyers: What does the transom design offer the nonanglers aboard?

To take a look at a variety of fairly unique designs, we identified six builders offering different kinds of aft aesthetics. Here’s what they told us about transoms. (Boats are randomly ordered.)

Calcutta 263

Calcutta’s 263 features a transom that disappears into a recess in the deck when lowered; the company calls it a sea gate. “It’s not just a splash board; it’s a sealed door,” says Steve Ellis, president of Calcutta Boats in Palmetto, Florida. “There’s also nonskid on the side of the door.”

With the sea gate lowered, the entire aft deck of the catamaran is open and flat. Ellis says it measures 6 inches above the waterline. “I’ve got guys who will fight fish onto the deck. Florida State University uses the boat for its shark and grouper research vessels,” he says. “One guy in Venice caught a 104‑pound wahoo. All he had was a 2-inch gaff. He was afraid he’d lose the fish, so he let down the door, grabbed the fish by the tail and slid it in backward.”

While the 263 is the only Calcutta model that features this transom, Ellis has been building it since 1998. The original idea came from Dr. Ernst Peebles, an associate professor of biological oceanography at the University of South Florida, and husband to marine artist Diane Rome Peebles.

“He and I used to fish together,” Ellis says. “He’d call me and tell me his great ideas. He said the back of the boat ought to open up like a pickup truck.”

The design caught on with anglers, scuba divers and marine scientists. Occasionally, when people question the safety of a boat without a transom, Ellis tells them that the U.S. Coast Guard inspected the vessel and told him it’s the only recreational boat that would pass the agency standards for an ­offshore commercial boat.

“One-and-a-half-inch scuppers are not big enough to drain the volume of water that could fill a boat,” he says. “If we were ever in such a position, we could drop the door and have the world’s largest scupper.”

Calcutta 263 Specifications:

LOA: 26 ft. 3 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: N/A (catamaran)
Draft: 1 ft. 1 in.
Dry Weight: 3,200 lb. (w/o engines)
Max Power: 300 hp
MSRP: $121,900 (w/ twin 150 hp OBs)

Sea Born LX22

As of the 2017 model year, Sea Born says all of its boats feature a “modern” transom similar to the one at the aft end of the Sea Born LX22. “The old-school Euro transom gave up far too much of the boat for engine mounting and splashwells,”

says Sean McCoy, Sea Born marketing director. “On a 22-footer, we estimated 10 percent of the boat was lost, which is excessive and inefficient.”

The center console LX22 features a reverse ­tumblehome, integrated swim platform and an 8-inch setback bracket for the outboard. Sea Born took the extra space and created a 60/40 aft bench seat nestled beside a livewell to port and featuring a transom door as part of the starboard backrest.

The cushioned seat bottoms lift up to expose a bilge hatch and insulated drink box. Opt for the tournament package, and the bench’s backrest becomes removable.

“A few other benefits of moving the engine back are cleaner water and flat swim platforms without tripping hazards via the splashwell; it also puts the angler closer to the stern,” McCoy says.

The new transom style has gained a quick following, he says, “which is why most of our center consoles, bay and offshore boats utilize modern-style transoms with stepped hulls. On our flats boats, we use similar logic, installing jack plates and a model-specific molded bracket on the FX25.”

Sea Born LX22 Specifications

LOA: 22 ft. 5 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: 18 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 1 in.
Dry Weight: 2,300 lb. (w/o engine)
Max Power: 250 hp
MSRP: $58,788 (w/ Yamaha F250)

World Cat 230CC

Unlike all other World Cat models, the 230CC and its sister hulls, the 230DC and 230SD, do not come with a transom door that opens onto a bracket and swim platform. Rather, they offer an elevated aft deck that integrates two fold-down jump seats, a livewell and a nonskid platform extending aft between the engines.

The twin outboards bolt to the ­transom on either side of the platform; they’re centered above each of the catamaran’s sponsons. Each engine has its own splashwell.

As an option, World Cat can add an extension to the nonskid platform, and then top the whole thing with a railing and dive ladder. “This unique design extends the fishing platform aft,” says Dave Tuchler, vice president of marketing. “World Cats already enjoy the advantage of a broad bow area; with cushions removed, that makes for a ­significant fishing area.”

While the 230CC was built to fish offshore, Tuchler says it also draws a scant 9 inches due to the displacement of the sponsons along the waterline. The unique transom/platform design allows anglers to spread out for unencumbered casting toward shorelines and channels.

The 230 also features an ample 30-gallon livewell and 89 gallons of fuel capacity. Typical wide-open throttle speed is 42 mph, according to World Cat performance specifications. At a cruising speed of 22 mph, it achieves 3.3 mpg.

World Cat 230CC Specifications

LOA: 22 ft. 7 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: N/A (catamaran)
Draft: 9 in.
Dry Weight: 4,000 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 230 hp
MSRP: $81,292 (w/ twin Yamaha F115s)

Mag Bay 33

The way Mag Bay’s Phil Bourque describes the 33 perfectly matches the vessel’s classic looks. It’s as if he couldn’t explain it any other way: “The sheer line on the Mag Bay 33 blends into the tumblehome, which extends into the transom, featuring curves that straddle the splashwell,” says Bourque, vice president of sales and marketing. “This design did require some extensive tooling (three-piece hull mold plus deck), but it was well worth it.”

He continues: “The deck is ­actually bonded and faired in at the round portion of our transom, so — in theory — there is no hull-to-deck joint aft, and the boat is stronger in this area. As such, one could argue our transom construction integrity is superior to the traditional approach of a sandwich and fastened hull joint.”

Mag Bay’s co-founder Mike Howarth was an original partner in Cabo Yachts. Howarth’s son and Mag Bay’s other co-founder — Barrett — helped build Cabo boats from an early age. Bourque says the team’s quality approach comes from these roots.

“With our execution of quality and the unique design, we feel Mag Bay is positioned to bridge the gap between the upper end of the volume-­production boats and the custom guys,” he says.

The transom design speaks volumes to many potential customers, Bourque reports. He expects it to be featured in the team’s next build. “Additionally, the aft tumblehome extension makes for great storage that runs deep into the transom. It’s great for fenders and lines so those items don’t crowd valuable fish box or other storage.”

Mag Bay 33 Specifications

LOA: 33 ft. 6 in.
Beam: 10 ft.
Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
Draft: 2 ft.
Dry Weight: 10,200 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 700 hp
MSRP: $294,000 (w/ twin Yamaha F300s)

Regulator 31

All seven of Regulator’s models feature a full transom and an Armstrong bracket. “Customers love it. This was the hallmark of our original 26 design, and part of the reason for its popularity over the past 30 years,” says ­Regulator president Joan Maxwell. “With a full transom and bracket, you’re maximizing running surface and deck space, giving you the ride you’ve come to expect from a Regulator, and the comfort to roam as you fish and enjoy the boat with family and friends.”

Regulator lists many of the reasons for this design:

• It protects those on the boat, making it easy to stay dry and comfortable.

• Coaming pads line the entire boat, including the transom.

• The full transom also acts as a sound barrier, making the ride quieter.

• The design provides plenty of space at the proper height for compartments such as fish boxes, livewells, ice chests and storage.

• The full transom/bracket plays a crucial role in the boat’s balance. With the weight farther back, the console can be farther aft as well, creating more overall deck space.

“The bracket acts as a lever for the boat, giving superior performance by distancing the prop from the center of gravity,” says Regulator manufacturing engineer Don Seal. “The bracket also provides flotation, keeping the center of gravity the same in static and dynamic situations.”

The Regulator 31‘s LOA, which includes the bracket and outboards, is 36 feet 5 inches long, which creates a longer running surface, contributing to a ­better ride.

The bracket allows the engines to tilt forward completely, keeping the props out of the water when needed and allowing for easy maintenance.

Regulator 31 Specifications

LOA: 36 ft. 5 in.
Beam: 10 ft. 4 in.
Transom Deadrise: 24 deg.
Draft: 2 ft. 1 in.
Dry Weight: 10,500 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 600 hp
MSRP: $242,995 (w/ twin Yamaha F300s)

Barker Calibogue Bay

Anglers may have noticed that many bay-boat and small-offshore-boat builders today have eliminated the splashwell from their transom designs and added a jack plate to assist with engine clearance. On bay boats in particular, that alteration extends the aft deck, providing more casting space.

Kevin Barker, who makes both a bay-boat design and a 26-foot hybrid vessel at Barker Boatworks, explains it this way: “All outboard-powered boats that have the motors mounted traditionally on the transom require a splashwell to allow the steering and rigging hardware to clear the deck when the motor is tilted. Over time, as the transom flexes with use, it can develop gelcoat cracks in the corners of the well.

“Although this is not necessarily a structural problem, it is a cosmetic one. Our boats come standard with a jack plate so there are no issues with the hardware hitting the deck. This allowed us to remove the splashwell from the transom design, giving the boat a much cleaner look.”

Customers say they appreciate the broader, flatter deck and compliment the styling of the setback, Barker says. “We don’t plan on making any changes to our design.”

Barker Calibogue Bay Specifications

LOA: 25 ft. 6 in.
Beam: 9 ft. 3 in.
Transom Deadrise: 18 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 4 in.
Dry Weight: 4,250 lb. (w/ engine)
Max Power: 627 hp
MSRP: $130,000 w/ Mercury 300 Verado Pro and Amera Trail trailer

The post Center Console Boats with Clever Transom Designs appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

For the sake of sea grasses and benthic organisms, as well as the desires of competitive anglers, boatbuilders consider the hole shot when designing many of their new center console boats. Accelerating quickly to plane matters in a wide variety of applications when fishing shallow water, of course, but also offshore.

Out of curiosity, we decided to unscientifically scour performance numbers for many popular boatbuilders to identify their quickest hulls. We soon saw that finding boat models capable of accelerating to 30 mph in 6 seconds or less proved fairly difficult.

Here are five that did just that — in testing (trim tabs up, engines trimmed in) by outboard manufacturers and in archived tests by Sport Fishing editors — whose builders agreed to answer our questions. Most are bay boats or hybrids, though Contender’s tournament-edition 25-foot center console proved to be the top sprinter in that company’s lineup.

To find out how they built these speedsters, I asked each manufacturer to explain the design. (Boats are listed alphabetically.)

Contender 25 T

Contender’s tournament-edition 25-footer tops 30 mph in a ­blistering 5.2 seconds when powered by twin Yamaha F200s. Its 24½-degree deadrise allows the boat to cut through water with less drag than a flatter-bottom boat, says Nick Miller, Contender spokesman. “This hull also features intense reverse chines that act as lifting strakes to get the boat on plane incredibly fast.”

Strong but lightweight materials, the center of gravity, the outboard height and the hull-bottom design must all combine to create the proper setup for acceleration. With 32 years as a fishing-tournament competitor, Contender founder Joe Neber has seen what works, Miller says.

“Years ago, most boat companies, captains and owners would change props to get on plane quicker. Or if they wanted to cruise at a faster speed, they’d use a different pitch prop. Therefore the trade-off was tremendous,” he says. “But with our years of building tournament-winning hulls, we constantly honed and perfected them so the consumer can purchase a water-ready Contender and doesn’t have to be concerned with adjusting anything or giving up anything in exchange for the quick hole shot along with some better overall performance.”

With twin Yamaha F150s, the 25 T still takes a mere 6.64 seconds to reach 30. That configuration also produces a top speed of 52.2 mph at 6,000 rpm for 1.58 mpg. The boat cruises at 26.4 mph, turning 3,500 rpm and achieving 2.47 mpg.

Feature highlights include a 50-­gallon livewell aft, a 140-­gallon insulated forward fish box, a 76-­gallon insulated aft fish box, and a walk‑through transom door.

Contender 25 T Specifications

LOA: 25 ft. 3 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: 24.5 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 6 in.
Dry Weight: 4,200 lb. (w/o engines)
Max Power: 400 hp
MSRP: $94,690 (w/ Yamaha F250)

Everglades 273cc

A Sport Fishing trial of this new hybrid boat in 2016 yielded a 5.7-second sprint to 30 mph with twin Yamaha F250s. “A combination of the variable-deadrise hull and the amount of horsepower aboard” makes this model jump out of the hole, says Shane Kwaterski, Everglades marketing specialist. “With more planing surface aft, she pops up and gets on plane quickly.”

The 273CC features 20 degrees of deadrise aft, which enhances that planing surface and provides more stability at rest than a sharper-angled boat, in general. Lesser deadrise, though, can mean a slightly rougher ride in big seas.

Clearly Everglades built this boat for inshore and offshore fishing. In a nod to bay anglers, Everglades lowered the gunwale height. But the boat features a proud bow with adequate flare to deflect waves, and it can be powered with twin outboards. The 18-inch draft represents a compromise between heavier offshore hulls that require 24 inches to float and bay boats that typically feature 12- to 16-inch drafts.

With the twin 250s, the 273CC hit a top speed of 54 mph at 5,800 rpm. Everglades says that substituting a ­single F350 outboard drops WOT speed by 7 mph and adds 2.3 seconds to the hole shot, but it also eliminates nearly 500 pounds, improving fuel efficiency.

Everglades 273cc Specs

LOA: 29 ft.
Beam: 9 ft. 3 in.
Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 6 in.
Dry Weight: 7,980 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 500 hp
MSRP: $208,000 (w/ twin Yamaha F250s)

Hell’s Bay Estero 24 Bay

A quick hole shot relies on a lot of design aspects, says Hell’s Bay director of sales and marketing Todd Fuller. “The weight itself first and foremost, as well as the balance of the weight,” he says. “The amount of planing surface aft is important. The Estero has a pad and a pocket.”

Hell’s Bay’s new bay boat cranked out a 5.83-second zero-to-30 time with a single 300 hp four-stroke, according to Yamaha testing. “What we try to do is optimize the hole shot and the top-end speed,” Fuller says. “The hole shot is important when you have a full livewell and all the gear and four or five guys. So we try to optimize prop selection.

“The height of the engine is really important; it’s on the jack plate. So finding the optimum height of the engine helps you find that sweet spot for zero to 30.”

Still, variables exist, and it usually takes months of tweaking an experimental hull plug to get everything just right. “The hole shot has a lot to do with the pocket (aft): the shape, the depth, how the water comes up and meets the prop and the lower unit,” he says. “There’s a lot of black magic to it.”

Yamaha took the Estero up to 57.4 mph at 5,900 rpm, achieving 2.24 mpg. The F300 was turning a three-blade Saltwater Series II 15‑by‑21-inch stainless-steel prop.

Hell’s Bay Estero 24 Bay Boat Specifications

LOA: 24 ft. 10 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: 15 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 1 in.
Dry Weight: 3,100 lb. (w/ engine)
Max Power: 400 hp
MSRP: $110,000 (base boat w/ 300 hp outboard and trailer)

Pathfinder 2200 TE

The smallest of the rocket ships we found, Pathfinder’s 2200 TE features a number of design aspects that give it a 6-second zero-to-30 time, powered by a four-stroke 250. Pathfinder’s marketing director Charlie Johnson listed those attributes:

• The boat’s ability to carry a larger outboard engine such as a Yamaha VF250 SHO that has a lot of torque to spin up a four-blade propeller.

• The standard jack plate puts the engine farther aft, which ensures cleaner water to the prop.

• The pocket in the hull allows the water to reach the prop even with the jack plate raised, so a good hole shot is still achievable in shallow water.

In addition, he says, balance and weight distribution are very important: A stern-heavy boat won’t jump on plane as quickly as a better-balanced hull.

Are there any trade-offs when designing a boat for the quickest hole shot? “If hole shot is the primary goal, then a four-blade prop is the best way to achieve that. The trade-off with a four-blade is that top-end speed is going to be compromised simply because the engine will not likely reach the same rpm level as with a three-blade prop,” he says.

And an acceleration tip? When the boat’s loaded, keep extra gear weight out of the stern and lower the trim tabs slightly for an even quicker time to plane, he says.

Pathfinder 2200 TE Specifications

LOA: 22 ft. 2 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: 15 deg.
Draft: 11 in.
Dry Weight: 2,850 lb. (w/ VF250)
Max Power: 250 hp
MSRP: $55,520 (w/ Yamaha F200)

Yellowfin 24CE

While a specific zero-to-30 time measurement for the Yellowfin 24CE proved unavailable, the company says this carbon-Kevlar-Eglass bay boat planes in under 4 seconds with a medium load and a Yamaha 300 or 350; it reaches 60 mph in less than 16 seconds.

“The 24CE has incredible draft ­ability,” says Heath Daughtry, Yellowfin vice president. “That allows for the hull to have access to plane in less-desirable water depths.”

The hull design also inhibits bow rise and enhances vertical lift so the boat doesn’t squat when accelerating, Daughtry says. Other design elements that contribute to a quick hole shot include “a properly displaced hull in the water, creating a hull to run without trim tabs and to use its entire running surface as lift,” he says.

Yellowfin says this boat tops 70 mph with a Mercury 400R outboard. It weighs only 2,400 pounds and can float in 12 inches of water. Fishing features include an incredible 150 gallons of livewell capacity and a 72-gallon fish box.

The Carbon Elite version weighs 20 percent less and is 17 percent stronger than its sister ship, the standard 24. That original version — powered by a 300 hp Verado — hit 30 mph in 6.42 ­seconds and reached 64.3 mph on the top end, according to Mercury tests.

Yellowfin 24CE Specifications

LOA: 24 ft. 10 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: 15 deg.
Draft: 1 ft.
Dry Weight: 2,400 lb. (w/o engine)
Max Power: 400 hp
MSRP: $85,536 (w/ Mercury Verado 300)

The post Five Top Hole-Shot Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Like many of you, most likely, I can admit to a history of dismissiveness when it comes to the topic of dual consoles as fishing boats. I’m a Floridian by birth, and so my admiration focuses on center consoles. But during the past four years, I’ve been amazed, and actually smitten, by the giant duals now on the market.

I doubt many of you could step foot aboard the Grady-White Freedom 375 and not be impressed by its overall design and comfort, particularly if you’re “of a certain age.” It’s an express boat without the superstructure.

For instance, the 375 — and the three other vessels over 30 feet listed here that I’ve looked at — offer tremendous beam and cockpit space. With their ample LOAs and reasonable deadrise, they perform well offshore.

Yes, they come with a design that limits fishing mobility fore and aft, so they’re not going to displace CCs for hardcore anglers. But unless you’re into competition or chasing records, why not enjoy the luxury aspects of these family-friendly designs?

To share more details about these boats, I asked all four manufacturers to help explain the best features of their DC giants. The boats are listed by LOA.

World Cat 320DC

Introduced in 2015, this 32-foot ­catamaran dual console — the largest in a line of four — gave World Cat a chance to leverage the inherent advantages of its multihulls (space, storage and stability) in a “do-it-all” boat, says Dave Tuchler, vice president of marketing.

“The 32-foot length and broad 10-foot-6-inch beam, combined with a catamaran’s rectangular deck footprint, make for a huge amount of space, which allows room for a generous entertainment center and lends itself extremely well to hosting a decent-size crowd without any feeling of crowding,” he says.

For fishing, the 320DC comes with a 35-gallon livewell, cutting board and knife-and-pliers holder; in-deck 63-­gallon fish box; gunwale flush-mount rod holders; side and transom doors; and storage for additional rods above the double berth in the portside console.

Notable Gear

Other notable standard ­equipment includes: hot and cold shower; two flat-screen TVs; cushioned seating throughout the vessel, including a six-way portside lounger that transforms into a dining area with a gunwale-inset table or an aft-facing bench to watch lines; an anchor windlass; fiberglass hardtop; Fusion stereo; power-assist steering; air conditioning and heat for the portside berth, starboard-side head and the cockpit.

Yamaha performance testing showed the 320DC with twin F300s and four people aboard reached 30 mph in an impressive 6.69 seconds and topped out at 44.8 mph turning 6,100 rpm. At cruise — 3,500 rpm and 24.2 mph — the 320 achieved 1.49 mpg.

Bigger and Roomier

“We don’t see a limit to the size of DCs other than what will fit out the door of our factory,” Tuchler said when asked about the potential for larger models. “We hear consistently that boaters increasingly are looking for versatile boats that can fish one day and cruise the next, and the DC format is a great platform for versatility.”

World Cat 320DC Specifications

LOA: 32 ft. 2 in.
Beam: 10 ft. 6 in.
Transom Deadrise: N/A (catamaran)
Draft: 1 ft. 4 in.
Dry Weight: 12,500 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 600 hp
MSRP: $346,391 (w/ twin Yamaha F300s)

Boston Whaler 320 Vantage

The 320 Vantage followed on the heels of Whaler‘s successful 2012 introduction of 230 and 270 dual consoles. When the 32 was officially presented at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show, it took home the industry’s Innovation Award in the deck-boats category.

“What we have witnessed, coming out of the great recession, is a change in boating style. We’ve seen a migration to what we call ‘day boating’; every inch of a dual console can be utilized during the day,” says Jeff Vaughn, Whaler’s vice president of sales. “People want better weather protection, and it’s more of a comfort boat for people who are not necessarily using it for fishing as a ­primary purpose.”

An express boat with similar ­amenities is dominated by a cabin that’s often used only sporadically, he says. Dual consoles feature a cozy berth generally beneath the portside console, and a well-appointed head and shower beneath the starboard console. In fact, says Vaughn, many customers buying the 320 Vantage are indeed coming from bigger boats or trading from a similar-size vessel.

Well Appointed

The 320 comes with a standard 18-gallon livewell and rod holders in the standard hardtop as well as rod storage in the portside console. Option up for the deluxe prep center, and it comes with a 40-gallon well, a convertible forward-seat backrest, and a portside fishing-prep station. An optional fishing package also includes additional rod holders in the transom, raw-water washdown, and toe rails with undergunwale storage.

Other notable standard features include an anchor windlass, starboard dive door, transom door and multiple convertible seating arrangements from bow to stern.

Mercury performance testing shows the 320 with twin 350 XL Verados reached 30 mph in 9.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 51 mph at 6,350 rpm. The boat achieved its best cruising fuel economy — 1.22 mpg — at 4,500 rpm and 33.7 mph.

Bow Details

Asked if 32 feet might be the ­maximum-size limit for Vantage, Vaughn said Whaler is not looking at a bigger boat of this style. “Once you get past this size, the marketplace will be limited,” he says.

Boston Whaler 320 Vantage Specifications

LOA: 33 ft. 6 in.
Beam: 10 ft. 4 in.
Transom Deadrise: 21 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 10 in.
Dry Weight: 9,800 lb. (w/o engines)
Max Power: 700 hp
MSRP: $285,000 (w/ twin Mercury 250 Verados)

Pursuit DC 325

Talk about popularity. “The DC 325 has been the most successful retail introduction for Pursuit in the past few years,” Pursuit marketing manager David Glenn says. “The demand for a larger dual console from our first DC 265 owners and the shift in product usage in the market are both driving factors for the larger dual console introduction.”

Glenn says the 325 features a ­wide-open cockpit that allows anything from offshore trolling to nearshore redfishing, and includes a 24-gallon recirculating livewell and insulated fish boxes. When you want to entertain, that space quickly converts by opening the undergunwale seating on the port side and at the transom, and adding the cockpit table.

The 325 comes with a few vertical rod holders but does also feature undergunwale storage and rod hangers in the portside console. Option up to the Sportfish group for extra holders on the fiberglass hardtop, Rupp outriggers and a center transom rod holder.

Multiple Options

As with all of these DCs, the Pursuit offers numerous seating options throughout the layout. Among its many other comfort and convenience features, this model also comes with a handy 3-horsepower bow thruster, windlass, stereo, head, hot/cold shower and countless cup holders.

Equipped with twin Yamaha F300s, the 325 reached 30 mph in 9.62 seconds and set a top speed of 51 mph at 5,800 rpm. At 4,000 rpm and 33.8 mph, the 325 achieved 1.38 mpg.

On the Upsize

“Pursuit expects to expand this model into larger platforms in the near future,” Glenn says. “The stronger overnight features in the offshore/express style boats will allow them to settle into and grow in their respective markets.”

Pursuit DC 325 Specifications

LOA: 34 ft. 6 in.
Beam: 10 ft. 10 in.
Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.
Draft: 1 ft. 10 in.
Dry Weight: 11,775 lb. (w/ engines)
Max Power: 600 hp
MSRP: $272,250 (w/ twin Yamaha F300s)

Grady-White Freedom 375

The largest and actually the first of these 30-plus-foot DCs to appear on the market, the Freedom 375 demonstrates all of the possibilities of this format. In fact, Grady introduced this 36-plus-footer at the Miami boat show in 2013, a year after it debuted a 33-footer. Grady also builds eight other dual console models, including a 30-footer.

“The Freedom 335 had been very successful, and we had customers and dealers telling us they were ready for an even bigger dual console, taking the terrific features of the 335 and building on them,” says Shelley Tubaugh, Grady vice president of marketing. In fact, Grady-White has called the 375 the “ultimate transformer.”

A few of the top features include an optional large refrigerator/freezer box on the transom, which appeals to anglers and pleasure boaters; a cockpit galley and wet bar; lush bow seating with its own zonal stereo speakers; and an aft-facing seat in the cockpit to watch the lines.

State of the Art

The vessel offers 32 cubic feet of storage for all kinds of tackle, gear and water toys in the floor below the companion-area seating. Its AV2 hardtop enclosure comes with a sunroof, and the boat is offered standard with a Sureshade retractable cover for those summer days in the cockpit.

Grady found space at the transom for a 30-gallon livewell and placed a 52-gallon fish box in the deck. The boat also features six flush-mount rod holders, as well as storage for eight rods beneath the hardtop and more beneath the gunwales.

Customer Satisfaction

“Certainly we will keep listening to our customers and how they want to use their boats before deciding on whether to go to the next size in a dual console style,” Tubaugh says. “Honestly, since the boat has been out only three years, we haven’t seen customers moving out of them yet. They tell us the ride and the performance are unsurpassed.”

Grady-White Freedom 375 Specifications

LOA: 36 ft. 7 in.
Beam: 13 ft. 2 in.
Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.
Draft: 2 ft. 5 in.
Dry Weight: 16,250 lb. (w/o engines)
Max Power: 1,050 hp
MSRP: $666,945 (w/ triple Yamaha F300s)

The post Four Giant Dual Console Fishing Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

“Classic” connotes timeless style. Classic means enduring worth. Classic oozes cool.

So when someone mentions “classic boat,” what comes to mind? If you’re like me, you recall the Bertram 31, the Whaler 17 Montauk or the 21 SeaCraft. You might even think of a 1960s wooden Grady-White or a teak-laden Chris-Craft cruiser.

But what will tomorrow’s classics look like? We decided to hazard a guess, based on the popularity of several hulls well‑known to most readers, hulls that have been on the market at least five years. (If you agree with us, or have better suggestions, you can share your thoughts on the Sport Fishing Facebook page this month. Look for the Classic Boats posts.)

Contender 32 ST

Introduced in 2010, the 32 ST gained instant popularity because it replaced the long-beloved 31 Contender, says Jordan Delong, director of sales and marketing for the Homestead, Florida, boatbuilder. For years, 30-ish-footers, such as the 31, dominated the Southern Kingfish Association tournament circuit as the perfect compromise of fishability, affordability and performance.

Standard Features

Standard features of the 32 ST include a one-piece, level deck fore and aft — a major plus for anglers working trophy fish around the boat — twin 40-gallon pressurized livewells, a walk-through transom, four lined and insulated fish boxes, lockable electronics panel, locking rod boxes forward, and K-Plane trim tabs. Notable options include a forward coffin box, a tackle center, customized T-tops, additional livewells and more rod holders than you can count.

In Yamaha performance tests, the stepped-hull 32 with twin F300s topped out at 63.1 mph, turning 5,900 rpm and achieving 1.2 mpg. It took just 4.6 seconds to plane and reached 30 mph in 7.2 seconds. The boat cruises most comfortably and economically at 3,500 rpm, running 38.3 mph and offering 2.09 mpg.

Contender 32 ST Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 32 ft. 8 in. • Beam: 9 ft. 8 in. • Transom Deadrise: 24½ deg. • Draft: 1 ft. 8 in. • Dry Weight: 5,850 lb. (w/o engines) • Max Power: 700 hp • MSRP: N/A

Everglades 243CC

For more than 12 years, the 243cc has grown in popularity, remaining the company’s top-selling model by a wide margin, says Shane Kwaterski, Everglades director of dealer development. “The 243cc should become a classic because of its revolutionary design,” he says. “While 24-foot bay boats did exist when this hull debuted in 2004, none had this kind of hull design. It’s truly two boats in one: an offshore front with cut-down gunwales, and it flattens out at the [19-degree] transom.”

RAMCAP Construction

In addition to its hybrid hull, the 243 also features Everglades’ RAMCAP construction and patented sliding, adjustable windshield, which ties to a hardtop assembly. That was a first at the time, Kwaterski says. The 243 also featured powder coating on the superstructure, which had been a popular big-boat attribute until the mid-2000s.

For anglers, the 243 comes with a 36-gallon livewell standard, a 67-gallon forward fish box, 65-quart Yeti cooler, undergunwale power ports and rod racks, tackle lockers, and lockable rod storage. Power steering also comes standard on the 243, as does a hardtop with rod holders and an electronics box.

Everglades 243cc Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 25 ft. 8 in. • Beam: 8 ft. 2 in. • Transom Deadrise: 19 deg. • Draft: 1 ft. 4 in. (hull only) • Dry Weight: 4,000 lb. (w/o engine) • Max Power: 300 hp • MSRP: $110,986 (w/ Yamaha F300)

Jupiter 38 FS

Jupiter says that in 2004, its 38 FS ushered in the large custom center console trend — a new market showcasing vessels now in the high 30s, 40s and even 50-plus-foot range. Building on its strong debut, the 38 FS has been a top performer ever since, Jupiter says.

What does it have in common with other classics? Its versatile layout makes it a multiuse platform for fishing, diving, cruising and entertaining.

Standard Features

Its standard features include a bait-prep center with a 53-gallon livewell, tackle storage, sink and shower; a pair of 104-gallon fish boxes with macerator drains; twin 38-gallon transom livewells; lockable rod storage forward; an oversize console with stand-up head; electronics compartment; and indirect LED cockpit lighting.

Yamaha performance tests of the 38 FS powered by triple F300 outboards showed a top speed of 61.1 mph at 5,750 rpm, achieving .78 mpg. The boat planed in 4.63 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7.63 seconds. The optimal, most fuel-efficient cruising speed came in at 35.9 mph, with the engine turning 3,500 rpm, offering 1.31 mpg.

Jupiter 38 FS Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 38 ft. 2 in. • Beam: 10 ft. 7 in. • Transom Deadrise: 24 deg. • Draft: 2 ft. • Dry Weight: 11,480 lb. (w/ engines) • Max Power: 1,050 hp • MSRP: $321,590 (w/ twin Yamaha F350s)

Regulator 28

The 28 took over the popularity of its predecessor, the 26, which had been the “boat that redefined the deep-V center console and first earned Regulator a spot among the ‘classic’ sport-fishing boats of all time,” says Carrie Waible, Regulator spokeswoman.

Introduced in 2010 (2011 model year), the 28 became an instant bestseller. “It has set the course for the next generation of Regulator boats, maintaining every asset that made the 26 a classic, while making every feature better, larger, cleaner, faster, smoother and drier,” she says.

Regulator president Joan Maxwell says the 28 debuted just as the industry started creeping out of the recession, so it met some pent-up demand. “We introduced it as the next 26, based on all the things we learned from our owners on what they loved about the 26, and what they wished it had but had been limited by its size.”

Regulator had a 29 in the lineup when the 28 came out, Maxwell says. But the 29 featured a Euro-transom, so with its bracket, the 28 was actually bigger.

Asked what this boat has in common with other classics, Waible suggests its solid build, weight-to-horsepower ratio and predictable handling. Or as Maxwell puts it: “Ride, ride, ride.”

Regulator’s stringer system is bonded to the hull and injected with foam to create a solid unit, Waible says. “The entire process occurs when the stringer and hull are inside the mold, to deliver the extra strength and stability you expect from Regulator.”

In addition, the weight and depth of the hull guarantee a lower center of gravity, which results in better performance.

Regulator 28 Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 32 ft. 6 in. (w/ bracket and engines) • Beam: 9 ft. 5 in. • Transom Deadrise: 24 deg. • Draft: 2 ft. • Dry Weight: 8,260 lb. (w/ engines) • Max Power: 600 hp • MSRP: $199,995*

SeaVee 390

When SeaVee introduced the 390 in 2006, it kicked the large center console up a notch with its four outboards on the transom. In fact, SeaVee says, the 390 was the first boat to feature quad Mercury Verado 300s.

“Its massive aft cockpit and sliding-front-door console were unique in the marketplace,” says John Caballero, SeaVee marketing director. “The 390 is a boat that had great heritage, but it also offered us a platform to innovate and question everything. It featured a from-scratch console that embodied years of experience but was also free from the limits of older geometry.”

SeaVee 390 Features

SeaVee put the 390 to the test, ­running it from Key West, Florida, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico — a 400-mile open-ocean crossing — with popular television personality, the late Jose Wejebe. The crew fished around the island for several weeks, taping Wejebe’s Spanish Fly TV show.

“The 390, for me, is one of my crowning design and engineering achievements, and it changed my life,” says SeaVee designer Rob Kaidy. “I think that it has touched and changed the lives of many others, and will ­continue to do so long into the future.”

SeaVee 390 Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 39 ft. • Beam: 11 ft. • Transom Deadrise: 22½ deg. • Draft: 2 ft. 2 in. • Dry Weight: 10,750 lb. (w/o engines) • Max Power: 1,600 hp • MSRP: $300,700 (w/ triple Mercury Verado 300s)

Yellowfin 36

Back in 2003, offshore tournament circuits still claimed great popularity and participation. [Yellowfin](Back in 2003, offshore tournament circuits still claimed great popularity and participation. Yellowfin introduced the 36 to provide extended range to those competitive fishermen, many of whom ran 200 miles or more to their hot spots. Anglers aboard these boats took many championship wins, crowning the 36 as a go-to tourney choice. Yellowfin says that fishability and performance — tweaked over the years and combined with the 36’s unique lines — places it on par with other classics.) introduced the 36 to provide extended range to those competitive fishermen, many of whom ran 200 miles or more to their hot spots.

Anglers aboard these boats took many championship wins, crowning the 36 as a go-to tourney choice. Yellowfin says that fishability and performance — tweaked over the years and combined with the 36’s unique lines — places it on par with other classics.

Proven Pedigree

Since its debut, the 36 continues to pique angler interest; more than 40 per year leave the Yellowfin factory. The company sells directly to its consumers, so each vessel becomes a custom project.

When Sport Fishing last tested the 36, in 2009, it reached 68.5 mph at 6,100 rpm. With fuel capacity at 477 gallons, the 36 should have plenty of range for any tournament or overnight fishing trip.

Yellowfin 36 Specifications

SPECS: LOA: 36 ft. 8 in. • Beam: 10 ft. • Transom Deadrise: 24 deg. • Draft: 1 ft. 8 in. • Dry Weight: 9,500 lb. (w/o engines) • Max Power: 1,400 hp • MSRP: $308,269*

The post Classic Center Consoles of the Future appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.