Yamaha has released a new 350-hp outboard that promises big power in a lightweight container. To get even more ponies out of the company’s popular V6 block, Yamaha engineers harnessed a variety of technologies that make the new powerplant more powerful, efficient, and easy to use.

The F350 has a slightly longer stroke than the F300, squeezing 4.3 liters of displacement out of the block. Yamaha designed a new camshaft to get the extra travel out of the pistons, which provides more torque at lower speeds. One takeaway here is greater hole shot potential. Despite the added power, the compression ratio is 11:1 which should allow the motor live a long life.

Larger intake and exhaust valves contribute to the added power, letting the motor breath more freely. Yamaha says the intake manifolds offer 40 percent larger surge tanks than the F300, and the electronic throttle valve is 8 percent larger, which enhances airflow through the motor. Iridium spark plugs were utilized for more efficient spark, adding to the power equation. New fuel injection control mapping, which produces a longer injector duration than the F300, completes the air + fuel + spark equation and results in more power.

Yamaha’s sleeveless, plasma-fused cylinder technology reduces friction and enhances heat distribution. Oil cooler capacity was increased from the F300 to keep everything running smoothly. To protect the outboard, Yamaha incorporated the same water sensor found on the XTO 450 for overheat control.

A redesigned cowling includes an air duct designed to drain any water that might make its way in. Plus, the new cowling exhaust port, combined with a new stator fan, keeps everything under the hood cool. Speaking of stators, Yamaha says the electrical power output on the F350 is also enhanced. This should allow anglers to recharge batteries even at lower RPMs, so accessories and trolling motors should stay strong all day long.

Added power was necessary in the lower unit, so Yamaha came up with a beefier model that can handle the added torque. Despite the stronger internals, they were able to keep the exterior dimensions the same as others in the company’s line. Of note is the new Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust that provides more response when backing down. In this system, the exhaust is directed away from the prop to provide clean water so the blades get more bite.

Control of the motor is effortless, thanks to Yamaha’s Digital Electric Steering (DES). Used in concert with Helm Master EX boat control system, the F350’s DES provides cleaner rigging and more room in the bilge, according to Yamaha. The F350 also incorporates the same TotalTilt technology used throughout Helm Master EX capable DEC outboards.

The F350 is available in 25-, 30- and 35-inch shaft lengths. The 25-inch shaft version of the F350 weighs 629 pounds; 642 pounds for the 30-inch; and 653 pounds for the 35-inch model. The bigger gear case uses the same propellers as the F300. The new outboard is offered in Yamaha’s pearlescent white, traditional gray, or the new classic white.

“Boaters asked for it, and we delivered,” said Ben Speciale, president of the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The F350 is the perfect big power, light-weight option for a wide variety of applications.”

The Yamaha F350 will be available in Spring of 2024. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.

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My first experience with electric-powered boats came on a six-grade trip to our nation’s capital. Though we were there to visit the Smithsonian, the trip involved a detour to Baltimore Harbor for reasons that are lost to time. While there, we were permitted to pilot small, two-seat vessels that moved about at a couple knots via electric motors. I remember the novelty of zipping through the harbor silently, racing my classmates within the confines of the buoys laid out by the attraction as a course.

I had all but forgotten about electricity as a power source for boats since then, aside from the ever-present trolling motor. But recent advances in battery power have made electricity a viable source of primary propulsion for vessels large and small. Now, you can find a variety of electric outboards on the market, from manufacturers like Newport, Torqeedo, Elco (which was founded way back in 1890), and even Mercury. While most of these are smaller motors, some are comparable to 80-hp gas engines. I recently had the opportunity to test out the Newport NT300, a 3 horsepower equivalent, and found it to be an excellent substitute for a gas motor, with many of its own benefits.

History of Electric Propulsion

Electric-powered boats aren’t exactly new, with the earliest models debuting over a century ago. A 24-foot boat capable of carrying 14 passengers was supposedly demonstrated on the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1839. Brainchild of German inventor Moritz von Jacobi, the vessel was reported to have achieved speeds of 3 miles per hour.

A small electric motor was patented by French electrical engineer Gustave Trouvé in 1880, and ushered in an era of electric power. By 1882, commercial launches were taking passengers up and down England’s Thames River. And in 1893, a fleet of 55 electric-powered launches ferried attendees at the Chicago World’s Fair, putting the technology on display on the world’s stage. Some estimates state that the vessels moved as many as one million passengers during the fair.

Electric power was much easier to harness than steam, so it dominated the water until the proliferation of the gasoline outboard around 1920. The storage capacity of onboard fuel tanks exceeded what the batteries of the time were capable of, so it made sense that gas engines took over. But electric power never completely went away on the water, with a handful of commercial electric boats in service, mostly scattered throughout Europe.

What is an Electric Outboard?

Trolling motors are all but standard equipment on fishing boats fresh and salt these days, but electric outboards are different. While trolling motors are designed as a secondary propulsion system to sneak anglers through and around structure or hold them in place over a productive piece of bottom, electric outboards are intended as primary propulsion to get boats from Point A to Point B. To do so, electric outboards typically have larger, more efficient motors. This lets them zoom to distant spots at a more rapid pace, and typically provides longer battery life.

Some credit Morton Ray, founder of Ray Electric Outboards, with producing the first electric outboard in 1973. This unit was similar in appearance to conventional gas outboards, housing the direct current powerhead in a cowling on top and transferring the energy through a midsection and out through a “lower unit” to a propeller.

That configuration is the exception to the rule, with most manufacturers placing the electric motor where the lower unit would be in a conventional outboard. These designs are much simpler, with a waterproof housing holding the motor and a direct-drive shaft turning the prop.

Powering an Electric Outboard

Electric outboards are fairly power hungry, and typically require at least 36 volts to operate, though some need more and some less. Typically, more volts translate to more power at the prop. To achieve a 22-horsepower equivalent, Ray Electric Outboards’ System 700 motor needs 72 volts.

Some electric outboards use proprietary battery packs that are inserted into the assembly, and others hook up to batteries in a much more conventional manner. Because they need to pack a lot of power into a small space, the integrated battery packs utilize lithium ion technology. Batteries that can be hooked up using wires can be of any chemistry, as long as they are capable of producing the correct voltage.

You can wire three lead acid 12-volt batteries in series to achieve 36 volts, which lets you use cheaper batteries at the expense of weight. Or, you can grab one of the increasingly common 36-volt lithium ion batteries on the market. These are very light in weight and can be hooked directly to 36-volt motors. Unfortunately, they are currently more expensive than legacy battery types and require specific chargers. But many find the weight and simplified rigging to be worth the cost.

Benefits of Electric Outboards

Electric outboards offer many benefits over their internal combustion counterparts, with the most noticeable being the lack of noise that accompanies their use. While modern four stroke gas engines are much quieter than their predecessors, they still produce a fair amount of noise—particularly if you pour the coals on. With no explosions taking place, electric outboards are just about silent.

The lack of maintenance required is another high point of owning an electric outboard. Unlike a gas outboard, you don’t need to change the oil every 100 hours. You don’t need to change lower unit oil either, or worry about water pumps.

No gas means there’s no potential for spills, and no exhaust fumes. It also means no trips to the filling station either, which saves some money. Industry estimates put the cost of a typical charge for a 36-volt battery somewhere in the neighborhood of a buck, which is much less than you’ll pay for a gallon of gas.

Disadvantages of Electric Outboards

There’s no getting around it: You need to charge batteries for them to continue to power a motor. This takes much longer than filling a gas tank, from a couple of hours to overnight depending on the size of the battery and the state of discharge. And this requires being on the power grid, or at least a portable generator. So if you’re really out there in the woods, it’s probably easier to bring a gas motor and a few jerry cans.

Temperature is another factor that can negatively affect electric outboards, or should I say their batteries. Anyone that’s had a hard time starting their car during a tough northern winter knows that battery performance can suffer, losing as much as 30 percent of its stated capacity. Lithium ion batteries tend to fare better when the mercury plummets, with only about 2 to 5 percent reduction. There are concerns about charging lithium ion batteries in below freezing temperatures, but that’s probably not something any boater needs to be concerned with.

A Week with the Newport NT300

I recently had the chance to test out Newport’s NT300 3 horsepower equivalent electric outboard and 36V 30AH Lithium Battery on a week-long trip to a lake in New Hampshire’s White Mountain region. I typically outfit my square stern canoe with an aged eggbeater of a motor that propels the boat well, but wakes everyone on the lake up with its two-stroke scream. Equipping the same canoe with Newport’s NT300 only produced the sound of rushing water being pushed by the prop. The whole experience was so silent that a pair of inquisitive loons swam alongside me several times over the week of testing.

The motor attaches in much the same way as every other small outboard I’ve used, by tightening a couple clamps on to the transom. These never worked themselves loose in the way that they sometimes do with gas outboards, probably because the NT300 didn’t seem to vibrate as much. There is a pin to set the motor attitude, and has a fairly wide range of adjustment so this should work on a variety of vessels. I used an extension to place the battery up at the bow of the canoe, but with it only weighing 24 pounds this might have been unnecessary.

The motor functions in a similar fashion to a transom-mount trolling motor; twist the throttle one way and it goes forward, the other way and it goes backward. There was a reverse lock to keep it from going skyward when you back up, which is much needed because that torque will lift it right out of the water. The kill switch is magnetic, and shuts the motor off instantly when removed. Overall, it was just like running any other tiller outboard I’ve used.

I was a bit surprised by the throttle response, though I suppose I shouldn’t have been. The high torque created by electric motors translates into near instant acceleration. I’m used to twisting the throttle, waiting for the engine’s RPMs to increase, and then waiting even longer for that to make it to the propeller. With the NT300, there’s a half a second or less pause between actuating the throttle and full acceleration. There were a couple of times that I surprised myself, and found the canoe’s seat rather quickly.

There is one similarity between a gas outboard and the NT300, and that’s “fuel” consumption. On a typical gas outboard, there’s a sweet spot where the engine is most efficient. Go beyond that, and you blow through fuel at an exponential rate. On the NT300, running wide open depleted the battery in short order, but even reducing the throttle to 80 percent increased range by a large margin with little reduction in speed.

The motor’s LCD display made it easy to know throttle position, and the amount of power that was being utilized. At wide open throttle, I got a little over an hour run time. At 60 percent throttle, I was able to run around for most of the day. Using the throttle sparingly, I could go from dawn to dusk, juicing it when I wanted to cover distance quickly. I initially dismissed the battery’s app as a gimmick, but it allowed me to track energy consumption in real time, seeing the amount of current being drawn.

Speed was about what I would expect with a gas motor, if not a little more. A GPS app on my phone stated I was moving along at about 7 miles per hour, which seems right to my calibrated eyeball. Though the NT300 isn’t designed as a trolling motor, the infinitely variable throttle let me crank the output down as low as 1 percent, allowing me to creep along. I was even able to set the throttle to counteract a particularly annoying tailwind, holding the canoe in place so I could stand and fish with ease.

You might be wondering what happens to the motor if you hit a rock. Unfortunately, I can answer that after contacting a submerged boulder at speed. There was a minor nick on the skeg and some slight damage to the prop, but the motor’s function didn’t seem to be affected. The NT300 continued unbothered.

The Verdict

A few years ago, I probably would have laughed at the idea of an electric outboard. But after using one for a week, I believe that battery-powered outboards have a place in both fresh and saltwater fishing. I have only just begun to experiment with mine, but my initial experiences suggest this is perfect for sneaking up on spooky fish in skinny water, exploring quiet backwaters or equipping a dingy for launch duty. I think we will see more electric vessels in the near future.

The post Intro to Electric Outboards appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

YELLOWFIN 26 HYBRID

The Yellowfin 26 Hybrid represents one of the smallest bay boats available with twin outboards. This highly customizable, offshore capable model can handle a pair of outboards up to 500 hp total. For inshore fishing, it drafts just 1 feet, 4 inches, striking a practical compromise between the shallows and bluewater. The 26 Hybrid carries 118 gallons of fuel, and there are hardtop and tower options to customize this model for the way you fish. You can also order the forward seating option or choose an insulated coffin box for the forward deck. An upright livewell resides in the leaning post module abaft the helm seating.

• LOA: 26’0”
• Beam: 8’8”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
• Weight: 5,000 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 118 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 500

SHEARWATER 270 CAROLINA OPEN

The 270 Carolina Open from ShearWater represents one of the first bay boats to confer this genre with available twin outboards, making it a bit of a curiosity about a decade ago, but now it is one among the mainstream in twin-outboard bay boat category. At 26 feet, 10 inches in length, it carries a maximum horsepower rating a 600. The HPI (High Pressure Injection) system results in a high-strength, lightweight hull, which sports an 8-foot, 8-inch beam. The 270 Carolina Open drafts 1 foot, 4 inches with the engines up and provides a fuel capacity of 129 gallons. It is available with twin Mercury or Yamaha outboards, including Merc 225 V-6s and Yamaha F300 V-6s.

• LOA: 26’10”
• Beam: 8’8”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: NA
• Weight: 4,800 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 129 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SEAVEE 270Z

SeaVee Boats 270Z Bay is available with twin outboards up to 600 hp total. The 27-footer boasts a 9-foot-1-inch beam and reflects a traditional bay-boat interior, with forward and aft casting platforms that sit high and spacious, 1-inch-high toe kicks all around, and a recessed cockpit amidships. The vacuum-resin-infusion process used to build the hull and deck translates into lighter weight and a shallower draft. With 17 degrees of transom deadrise, the double-stepped hull drafts just 1 foot, 3 inches of water at rest. Multiple lifting bodies of the double-stepped Z-hull optimize the trim angle to help smooth the ride. A 116-gallon fuel tank provides ability to fish far and wide. Inside, twin insulated 6-foot-long 75-gallon fish boxes and a stowage space for a 5-gallon bucket and eight life jackets are built into the forward casting platform and drain overboard. A 25-gallon livewell is integrated into the forward cockpit, and a 30-gallon pressurized livewell resides under the aft deck. There’s also a foldout bench seat concealed under the aft deck. The center console has room for flush-mounting a MFD as large as 16 inches. It also features forward seating and a 68-quart cooler underneath. An optional hardtop is available, and it’s engineered to accommodate a second station aloft.

• LOA: 27’0”
• Beam: 9’1”
• Draft: 1’3” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 17 degrees
• Weight: 3,500 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 116 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

EVERGLADES 273CC

The Everglades 273CC sports twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards, and there’s an option to add the Yamaha Helm Master EX system. Drafting just 1½ feet, the 273CC boasts a wave-slicing variable-deadrise V-hull with 20 degrees transom deadrise, generous freeboard and Everglades RAMCAP construction. A spacious forward casting platform is made possible by a filler placed between the bow seating/lounge modules. Remove the filler for unobstructed access to the bow. The aft platform is abbreviated, but has a pair of jump seats. A 31-gallon livewell resides in the leaning post abaft the deluxe helm seats, along with tackle-storage and bait-prep center, and a sink with a pullout freshwater washdown hose. An insulated 82-gallon fish box resides below the forward deck. The standard hardtop features an aluminum powder-coating frame, LED lighting, an electronics box, four rod holders, and a ski pylon for days when watersports supplant fishing. Everglades equips the 273CC with a tempered-glass windshield that slides downward at the push of button to usher in a breeze on sultry days. A variety of optional marine electronics packages is available from Garmin.

• LOA: 27’3”
• Beam: 9’3”
• Draft: 1’6” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees
• Weight: 7,500 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 157 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

GRADY-WHITE 281 CE

The Grady-White 281 CE is available with twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards. The Yamaha Helm Master EX with the optional Full Maneuverability package is a great option with the twin-outboard setup. The Grady SeaV2 hull on this boat features 16 degrees of transom deadrise that artfully sharpens at cutwater. The sheer sweeps gracefully upward and incorporates a classic Carolina flare for a smooth, dry ride. For fishing inshore, the 281 CE drafts 1 foot, 7 inches. The layout includes a wide-open forward casting platform formed by using the forward snack tabletop and a crescent-shaped insert as fillers. Remove both to create unfettered access to the bow between the forward loungers. The aft platform doubles as a comfy bench seat, but remove the middle backrest and swing the two outer backrests 90 degrees to serve as elevated coamings while standing. The 281 sports a 38-gallon livewell in the leaning post and an integral hardtop with a wraparound, full-height windshield. The 281 CE is also the only bay boat to feature a fully electric-powered side door. This standard feature is called the Sport Deck, and it pivots downward to serve as a cool swim platform or haul a big offshore fish aboard.

• LOA: 27’7”
• Beam: 9’4”
• Draft: 1’7” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 16 degrees
• Weight: 5,650 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 160 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

BOSTON WHALER 280 DAUNTLESS

The 280 Dauntless is available with twin Mercury 250 or 300 outboards. With a 27-foot-9-inch length overall, 9-foot beam and a transom deadrise of 18 degrees, the 280 can float in 1½ feet of water with the outboards trimmed up. A big bow casting platform converts to bow seats and lounges. There’s a 19-gallon livewell and a large forward fish box with a pump-out. A swim patio deploys from the port side of the aft cockpit for convenient access to the water. An optional gyrostabilizer (a rare feature on a bay boat) minimizes roll. A full-height three-sided glass windshield (with a vent atop the center panel) protects the helm, and the console dash includes Simrad navigation electronics, a JL Audio system and digital switching. The doublewide helm seat has flip-down armrests and flip-up bolsters so you can sit or stand while driving. The helm seat also can electrically convert to a simple leaning post for the captain at the helm while creating two aft-facing seats for crew.

• LOA: 27’9”
• Beam: 9’0”
• Draft: 1’6” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees
• Weight: 5,495 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 160 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

CAYMAS 281 HB

The Caymas 281 HB hybrid bay boat is available with twin Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha outboards up to 600 hp total. A 200-gallon fuel capacity results in superb cruising range. A Michael Peters double SVVT (Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel) hull delivers speed, a smooth ride, and fuel efficiency. With 18.5 degrees of transom deadrise, the 281 HB drafts 1 foot, 4 inches at rest with the outboard(s) tilted up. Roomy bay-boat-style casting decks lie fore and aft, with a cockpit in between providing 26 inches of gunwale height. Amenities include a pair of 35-gallon livewells, foldout seating under the stern deck, a 45-gallon forward fish box, and roomy stowage lockers for tackle and gear. A tempered-glass windshield with a powder-coated aluminum frame protects the helm that includes a fiberglass leaning post with flip-up bolster seats and a backrest, four rod holders, a pair of stainless-steel drink holders, and a rigging station on the backside. The dash will accommodate a pair of 12-inch multifunction displays. Hardtop options with and without second stations aloft boast powder-coated aluminum pipework.

• LOA: 27’11”
• Beam: 9’1”
• Draft: 1’4” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 18.5 degrees
• Weight: 4,300 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 200 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SCOUT 281 XSS

Scout’s 281 XSS is available with twin Mercury 225 DTS V-6s or 300 Pro XS V-8s. Advanced epoxy-infused carbon-fiber and E-glass construction minimizes weight, ensures durability and maximizes performance. With 15.5 degrees of transom deadrise, 281 XSS drafts just 1 foot, 2 inches. Yet the double-stepped hull has a sharp entry to slice through choppy seas. Big casting platforms fore and aft give anglers plenty of elevation. A fuel capacity of 126 gallons offers great fishing range. An 18-gallon livewell integrates into the leaning post, as is a slide-out 65-quart cooler, four rod holders, and lockers for fishing tackle. Under the aft casting deck is a pair of voluminous fish boxes that can be optionally plumbed as livewells. There’s also dedicated fender stowage and a foldout bench seat. A pair of helm chairs cradle the captain and co-pilot, and the helm features a pair of Garmin 10-inch multifunction displays. There’s an additional switch panel in the intricately crafted hardtop, which also includes four Fusion stereo speakers. A three-sided glass windshield shelters the helm area. An inviting forward console lounge features backrests and fold-down armrests. In the bow you’ll find wraparound seating with backrests to create a pair of forward-facing lounges. Classic Scout styling and optional colors add to the pride of ownership.

• LOA: 28’1”
• Beam: 9’4”
• Draft: 1’2” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 15.5 degrees
• Weight: 5,457 lb. (without power)
• Fuel Capacity: 126 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

SOLACE 30 HCS

Solace Boats’ 30 HCS (Hybrid Center Step) is powered by twin Mercury Verado 400 V-10 outboards. The hull has a twin-step, variable-deadrise ventilated hull with a high-density PVC composite transom that offers 21 degrees of deadrise. Vacuum-infused carbon-fiber and epoxy laminate construction ensure strength and minimizes weight. The interior layout does away almost entirely with elevated casting platforms to maintain a consistent cockpit depth throughout. A pair of chairs sit atop the cover of the two 30-gallon transom livewells. The backrest of the cushioned seats pivot to let crewmembers face fore or aft. There are walk-throughs on both sides of the transom to access the swim platform, and you’ll find two 35-gallon in-deck fish boxes flanking the cockpit. The console features a seamless integrated three-sided glass windshield with electric rams to fully open the front panel, and a pair of deluxe helm seats cradle captain and co-pilot. The back of the leaning post has a rigging center with a sink, faucet and cutting boards, and a cooler underneath. The forward console has a lounge, and wraparound seating adorns the bow. Entrance to the console lies to port, and the interior provides more than 6 feet of headroom, a vanity with a Corian countertop, a stainless-steel sink, and an electric macerated freshwater toilet. An optional stand-through upper station is available.

• LOA: 29’10”
• Beam: 9’10”
• Draft: 1’7” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
• Weight: 10,000 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 187 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

REGULATOR 30XO

Regulator’s 30XO features include twin Yamaha F300 DES outboards, and Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick control is an available option. You can also order an optional half-tower station, and a convertible tackle and entertainment station. A forward casting platform with deep gunwales enhances safety. The aft casting platform offers jump seats that fold out from underneath. Anglers will love the combined 341 gallons of fish box, livewell and storage space, the 10 rocket launchers on the helm station, and optional under-gunwale locking rod storage. The 30XO offers plenty of seating, with the option to upgrade to diamond-quilted upholstery and add teak accents for a rich, classic look. The standard forward console settee delivers 218 quarts of cooler space, while the flush-folding rear cockpit seats house integrated dual bucket holders, an oversize bilge and a mechanical access center. The dash can accommodate two 16-inch Garmin 8616xsv multifunction displays. Regulator’s proprietary user interface called MyHelm offers easy-to-use functions on the touchscreen. The system even has its own key fob for controlling the Power-Poles, jack plate, spreader lights, light bar and deck lights. With 15 degrees of transom deadrise and a draft of 1 foot, 9 inches, the 30XO can ply inshore waters, but the hull also has the forward-V and heft to safely head offshore.

• LOA: 30”7”
• Beam: 10”2”
• Draft: 1’9” (engines up)
• Transom Deadrise: 15 degrees
• Weight: 9,525 lb. (with power)
• Fuel Capacity: 222 gal.
• Max Horsepower: 600

The post Next Generation High Performance Bay Boats appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Sailfish Boats has added its largest dual-console model yet—the 316 DC—bringing to three the number of models in this series for the brand. “Based on the positive response to our other DC models, we wanted to offer a larger option for boaters seeking the all-around versatility and stability of a dual console model,” says Rob Parmentier, company president and CEO.

Offshore Capable

The 316 DC offers an offshore-capable hull featuring the company’s Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) design with three step angles. The deepest of the three steps features a 24-degree angle designed to slice through the water, with a second surface of 23 degrees enabling air to flow efficiently under the hull for less friction and greater fuel economy. The third and outermost step measures 22 degrees to enhance stability at rest. Power choices include twin Yamaha or Mercury outboards up to 700 total horsepower. The Sailtech construction of the 316 DC incorporates materials including Kevlar, quad axial fiberglass mat, spray core and Trevira to ensure reliability, strength and durability in rough conditions.

Angling Amenities

Fishing features include a spacious aft cockpit made possible by a 9-foot 9-inch beam. A 30-gallon livewell is nestled into the port quarter; a transom door resides on the starboard quarter, and there are two in-sole fish boxes with overboard pumpouts, in addition to a pair of insulated fish lockers, in the bow. The 316 DC boasts a total of 14 rod holders, and an inward opening door on the port side aft cockpit lets you haul aboard a big tuna or swordfish.

Coaming pads encircle the cockpit to cushion legs while fishing. The integrated hardtop boasts a full-height windshield, and a unique sliding center panel for the walk-through blocks the wind when closed and eliminates the need to flip over a heavy pane of glass to access the bow. The 316 DC is equipped with an in-stem anchor roller.

Read Next: Sailfish 320 CC Boat Review

Creature Comforts

The dual-console layout enhances family cruising opportunities, as do a trio of fold-out bench seats in the aft cockpit, aft-facing seats abaft the port and starboard deluxe helm chairs with flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests, and wraparound loungers in the bow. You can also order the 316 DC with an optional wet bar and summer galley that fits behind the captain’s seat and includes a refrigerator, wine rack cooler, countertop and freshwater sink.

The dash on the starboard console is large enough to accommodate a pair of 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays. The port console houses a spacious step-down head compartment with an electronic marine toilet, vanity, freshwater sink and teak-framed mirror.

Specifications

Sailfish Boats – Cairo, Georgia; 229-377-2125

The post Sailfish 316 DC First Glance appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Most boats seem to shrink once they’re off the trailer and on the water. Yet as I launched the Robalo 266 Cayman in California’s sprawling San Diego Bay with the help local Robalo rep Tim Walters, the size of this bay boat still impressed me.

As well it should. The 266 represents the largest model to date in Robalo’s popular five-boat Cayman series with a length overall of 26 ½ feet (with swim platforms) and a beam of 9 feet, 4 inches. That translates to the expanse and stability of a micro aircraft carrier. Walters and I both stood on the aft port gunwale, and the 266 barely listed.

Robalo makes good use of all that space with a layout that includes a deep mid-cockpit nestled between bow and stern elevated casting platforms. Leading to the 6-foot wide bow casting deck, elevated pods wrap around the forward cockpit. I found that these serve as convenient steps up to the bow area, but they also house abundant stowage that includes a rod locker under the port side, a fish box below the starboard side, and additional stowage and a battery compartment in the middle.

Luxury Touches

On those days when fishing is not the first priority, upholstered pads and removable backrests transform this area into a relaxing lounge. You can also add a dining table to maximize the social factor. When not in use, the table stows inside the center console, which is accessed via a forward companionway that also serves as the forward console seat.

I found that the console interior offers 5 feet of headroom, plenty of space to stow gear and access the rigging behind the dash. My test boat also came with an optional electric marine toilet inside (with an 8-gallon holding tank).

Let’s get back to fishing. The bow casting platform features a 20-gallon pitch well and anchor locker below the deck. An optional 36-volt Minn Kota Terrova Riptide trolling motor adorned the bow of my test boat.

I loved the 7-foot-5-inch wide stern deck, which is flanked by a pair of insole 30-gallon livewells, each with clear acrylic dividers to keep different species of live bait separated. Abaft each well lie compartments designed to hold 5-gallon buckets for equipment such as cast nets.

The stern deck on my boat featured an optional powder-coated rail with a central tow point for watersports just ahead of the splashwell. Since I’m not big on watersports, I viewed it as an obstruction until we headed offshore. That’s when I realized that it serves as a great way to brace yourself while fishing aft, especially when battling fish in rough seas.

Maximum Power

A couple of crew members can take a seat by folding out a padded bench from the aft deck. The entire seat assembly also lifts up for easy access to the starting batteries, battery charger and other bilge rigging. On days when you want to take a dip, there are swim platforms on either side of the outboard motor with a fold-out, telescoping boarding ladder on the starboard platform.

Speaking of the outboard motor, a Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore V-8 outboard power package propelled my 266. It’s the most powerful outboard available for this boat, and it was mounted on a standard Atlas jackplate to optimize the boat’s shallow-water capabilities. The jackplate bolted to the super-thick, heavy-duty poured ceramic transom. Optional Lenco trim tabs on my test boat helped compensate for any heel while underway. I observed that this boat features a motorwell versus an integrated outboard bracket; the well minimizes the chance of following seas slopping onto the deck, according to Robalo.

Curious about the performance? So was I. The Yamaha came with a 20-inch-pitch XTO three-blade stainless-steel propeller. The 266 jumped on plane in 5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 9.5 seconds. With 53 gallons of fuel onboard and two crew members, the big bay boat reached a top speed of 52.3 mph at 5,800 rpm in my test, burning 37.5 gallons per hour for 1.4 mpg at wide-open throttle. In previous testing by Yamaha under different conditions, the 266 reached a top speed of 55 mph.

To see what kind of range the Cayman offers, I throttled back to 3,500 rpm and 28.5 mph, where the 425 XTO achieved an optimum burn of 11.1 gph for 2.57 mpg. How far will that take you? About 254 miles, based on 90 percent of usable capacity within the 266’s 110-gallon fuel tank.

Deluxe Helm

The 425’s all-electric steering made for easy handling during my test. While the tilt-and-lock wheel is in the center of the helm area, and the digital throttle-and-shift binnacle control resides on the far starboard side, this design leaves plenty of room for both the helmsman and companion perched in the leaning-post style helm seats with flip-up bolsters. The helm seat comes with a 70-quart cooler below and a backrest with integral rod holders. A two-tiered footrest at the base of the console let me brace my feet while seated or perched on the flip-up bolster.

Both Tim and I stood nicely protected behind three-sided bonded glass windows within the hardtop’s powder-coated aluminum frame. A vent at the top of the windshield opens to usher in fresh air on sultry days.

My test boat featured an upgraded electronics package that included a pair of 12-inch Simrad multifunction displays for monitor and control of the chart plotter, sonar, Halo radar and engine instrumentation. Both displays flush-mounted into the 30-inch-wide dash panel, which was flanked by push-button two- and three-way accessory switches. The helm also featured a Yamaha multifunction engine display and an audio controller feeding six coaxial speakers throughout the interior.

Utility Player

In relatively flat sea conditions, Robalo’s 266 Cayman can venture offshore, and that’s exactly what we did on test day. We shot out onto the blue Pacific for several miles, and I marveled at the seakeeping and stability of this big bay boat. It sliced smoothly through waves and carved turns with predictable ease. I think the 266 would be great for chasing bluewater species such as mahi, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and more. You can also take it to out wrecks and reefs to fish for cobia, grouper and snapper. It will also serve West Coast anglers who want to fish offshore islands for calico bass, rockfish and yellowtail.

Robalo designed the 266 with 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom using a Hydro-Lift multi-angle running surface and a Kevlar-reinforced hull that tapers to a sharp cutwater at the bow to slice through waves. It also created a deeper mid-cockpit with padded coaming bolsters to improve crew safety and comfort, especially when fishing offshore. With this in mind, the 266 falls clearly in the category that many boating anglers know as a hybrid.

Read Next: Robalo R272

Offshore aside, the 266 retains the features that make it an effective inshore fishing machine. Drawing 17 inches with the outboard raised, this bay boat can sneak into shallow bays, coastal rivers and creeks to target bluefish, redfish, snook, striped bass, tarpon and more.

Ultimately, Robalo’s 266 Cayman is a brawny bay boat that does not seem to shrink once you’re on the water, and that translates to great versatility—a superb inshore angling platform that also allows you to venture offshore to fish the blue water and wrecks when conditions permit. On top of this, it provides creature comforts that beckon the anglers and non-anglers alike to get out and enjoy adventures afloat.

Performance

Hull

Robalo Boats – Nashville, Georgia

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When it comes to multihull fishing boats, the 40-foot-plus models seem to dominate new-boat introductions these days. Yet at least one multihull builder—World Cat—continues to deliver mid-size models. The latest example is the new 260CC-X, a 25½-footer that combines serious angling features with amenities that allow this center console to double as a comfortable family day cruiser.

This smooth-riding cat can handle up to 400 hp in the form of twin Yamaha F200 or Mercury 200 FourStroke outboards. Twin Yamaha F150s are also available as an engine package. A pair of 90-gallon fuel tanks keep the motors well fed while cruising to the offshore grounds. A covered 30-gallon livewell resides in the starboard quarter, and in the port quarter, you’ll find a 30-gallon insulated fishbox. Fresh- and raw-water washdown systems help keep this cat clean.

A wraparound glass windshield with a manual front vent is integrated into the aluminum hardtop frame to protect the helm, which features a Garmin 12-inch multifunction display, Garmin VHF, and Fusion Apollo 670 stereo feeding six JL Audio 6 ½-inch speakers through the interior—all as standard equipment. A second 12-inch Garmin MFD and other electronic upgrades are available as options.

A stitched brow over the dash helps reduces glare. Standard helm seating comes in the form of a powder-coated aluminum leaning post with four rod holders in the backrest and a Yeti Tundra 65 slide-out cooler beneath. Standard equipment includes a 31-series deep-cycle battery to serve house 12-volt DC electrical needs, while a pair of 27-series cranking batteries provide redundant engine-cranking capabilities.

Hydraulic steering also comes standard, but World Cat offers an optional Dometic Optimus 360 power steering/joystick system for the Yamaha outboards or Mercury’s DTS engine package with the Merc FourStroke engines. 

Read Next: World Cat 280CC-X Review

One of the most unique elements is a 50-inch-wide transom bench seat that folds down electrically to create a slightly elevated aft casting deck. The deck extends aft between the twin outboards, which enables anglers to work a fish around the transom. The platform includes a hand railing for safety and a fold-down boarding ladder for those days when swimming and diving are on the agenda.

A standard wraparound lounge (optional removable backrests) in the bow converts to a forward casting platform. Abundant dry storage resides under the elevated seating pods. The forward console features seating, and behind it is a door providing access inside the console. An electric marine head with an 8-gallon holding tank and overboard discharge is optional.

Specifications

World Cat – Tarboro, North Carolina; 866-485-8899

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The newest model in the Solace Boats lineup to date, the new 32 CS combines hardcore fishing features and luxurious touches that every member of the family will love. This 32-foot 7-inch center console features a vacuum-infused carbon fiber and vinyl ester-epoxy resin laminate construction to ensure strength and durability while minimizing weight. It sports an iconic, Dougherty shearline and an in-stem anchor that preserves the stylish aesthetics and minimizes snagged lines and cast nets.

The variable-deadrise, double-stepped V-hull features 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom for an efficient, smooth ride. Twin-outboard power choices range from a pair of Yamaha F300s to a pair of Mercury 450R V-8s. Buyers can also opt for a Yamaha Helm Master EX system or Mercury Joystick Piloting.

Twin 30-gallon livewells reside in each of the stern quarters, and both are pressurized and feature tempered glass lids. There are three insulated fish lockers—a 176-quart box in the transom, as well as 140- and 220-quart lockers under the sole of the aft cockpit. The level, self-bailing deck features a diamond nonskid sole for excellent fishability. An inward-opening side-entry door on the port side of the aft cockpit eases boarding and hauling aboard big tuna or swordfish.

A workstation abaft the helm seating includes a countertop with Corian cutting boards, freshwater sink and faucet, built-in tool holders, tackle drawers and drink station. A custom Frigid Rigid 105-quart fiberglass cooler tucks away and slides out from underneath the station. When pulled out and fitted with the upholstered cooler top, it doubles as an aft-facing seat.

The 32 CS helm is decked out with a pair of deluxe captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters and arm rests. The helm face features a pair of Garmin 8616 flush-mount 16-inch multifunction displays and a VHF. An Airmar 500-watt chirp transducer with SideVu and ClearVu capabilities comes as standard equipment. Optional electronic upgrades include a Garmin radar, FLIR thermal imaging camera and a 1,000-watt transducer.

An integrated hardtop with a carbon-fiber support structure includes a full-height tempered-glass windshield and side windows. The windshield is electrically operated to fully open at the touch of a switch. Solace offers an optional cobia (stand-through) station with full controls for greater elevation while searching for fish.  

The step-down console interior provides 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom with teak entry steps, Chilewich cabin flooring, a vanity with a Corian counter, freshwater faucet and stainless-steel sink, wood-veneer cabinetry, and an electric marine toilet with an 18-gallon holding tank. A convertible forward berth offers overnighting comfort, and quickly converts with a flip-up rack to securely stow eight fishing rods.

Optional cabin upgrades include a 2,000-watt inverter, microwave, and two electrical outlets and a 12-volt 5,000 BTU air conditioning system.

On the luxury side, you’ll find an inviting contoured lounger for two atop the forward console and a recessed bow seating nook with built-in backrests. In a unique touch you might expect in a Stephen Dougherty-designed Solace boat, an optional forward-facing seat, with a removeable backrest, armrests and five rod holders, installs atop the transom.

Additional highlights of this Stephen Dougherty-designed boat include innovative features and options like the shade system, under-floor cabin extension that enables lockable rod storage, and designated spaces for many items you might carry onto your boat.

Read Next: Solace 41CS: 2022 Boat Buyers Guide

Specifications

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North Carolina-based Mystique Boatworks will hit the market this fall with its first model—the Mystique 48 CC—a custom outboard-powered luxury sportfisher. Hull No. 1 will incorporate cold-molded wood-boat techniques, with each subsequent model featuring composite materials and technology.

Designed by Jim Luxton, a co-founder of Jarrett Bay Boatworks, the 48 CC will feature 19 degrees of deadrise at the transom and progress to 24 degrees forward to help smooth the ride. The 48-footer will boast a 15-foot beam and a gyro-stabilizer for roll stability in rough seas.

Renderings depict handsome Carolina styling with a broken sweeping shear, wide bow flare, classic tumblehome in the aft quarters and a sculpted integral outboard bracket. Power will take the form of quadruple Mercury 600 hp Verado V-12 outboards with contra-rotating propellers. The company lists standard fuel capacity at 600 gallons with 750-gallon capacity available as an option. There’s also a 75-gallon diesel fuel tank for powering a marine generator. Mystique estimates that the 30,0000-pound boat will achieve a top speed in excess of 60 mph.

Read Next: Jarrett Bay 34 Walkaround Express First Glance

Mystique plans to offer the 48 CC on a bespoke basis, with each boat customized to the buyer’s wishes. Concept rendering shows doors on both sides of the aft cockpit, a pair of 40-gallon transom livewells, and elevated mezzanine seating abaft the helm chairs. A lounge for two adorns the forward console. The center console merges seamlessly with the hardtop, and a three-sided tempered-glass windshield protects the helm area. Within the center console lies ample room for incorporating custom overnighting amenities such as a berth, galley, head and shower. Pricing was unavailable at press time.

In this video from Mystique Boatworks, the company’s design and engineering team members describe the concept of the 48 CC and the thinking that went behind it. Courtesy Mystique Boatworks

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Stiff east winds buffeted the south Florida coast as I stepped aboard the new Sailfish 320 CC at Miami’s Sea Isle Marina. Michael Cohen from Nautical Ventures, the local Sailfish Boats dealership, welcomed me aboard, and the discussion immediately turned to the weather. “Dang wind,” I cursed. “It’ll be rough out there.”

“Yeah, but this gives us an opportunity to put the 320 CC to the test,” Cohen replied, as we cast off the dock. I sighed and nodded in agreement.

Sailfish Boats has a reputation for building wave-taming boats, thanks to an exclusive Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) hull. Now in its sixth generation, VDS features three distinct running surfaces. The transom deadrise, for example, changes in three 1-degree increments from 24 degrees (a true deep-V) at the very bottom to 22 degrees as it ascends to the hull sides.

Occurring along the length of the stepped hull, this multi-angle geometry helps deliver the soft ride of a deep-V in rough offshore waters (which the 320 CC is designed to fish), but also maximizes speed and fuel-efficiency in smooth water. What’s more, triple strakes and hard chines boost lift and toss aside spray to help ensure a dry ride.

Beefy Build

We’ll talk more about ride and handling later, but first let’s look at how Sailfish builds and equips this boat. Construction starts with a hand-laid stringer grid that’s injected with closed-cell foam and reinforced with fiberglass mat for structural integrity and durability. That explains the solid feel of the boat as we traversed the lumpy water.

Sailfish uses Kevlar- and carbon-fiber-reinforced high-load areas, and avoids using wood to eliminate any worries about rot. Sailfish backs it up with a 10-year warranty on the hull. Built-in rigging tubes with pull cords facilitate the addition of accessories that require running wires or hoses from the bilge to the helm. 

This video tour highlights many of the interior elements of the Sailfish 320 CC, including the bow seating, helm area, cockpit, transom design and deck layout. Jim Hendricks

Helm Heaven

Sailfish has enhanced the 40-inch-wide dash with an upholstered brow, which substantially cuts down on reflected glare. A pair of Garmin 16-inch multifunction displays, a Mercury Vessel View display, a Fusion audio source unit (serving Wet Sound speakers), and an accessory switch panel filled the dash of my test boat. A tilt-and-lock steering wheel lies to port.

I relished the convenient storage nooks at the helm, including a shelf and glove box to starboard. At the base of the console, behind the footrest, I discovered another convenient storage locker, and I really appreciated the full-width watertight tackle-organizer storage locker atop the console. There are also two USB charging ports inside.

To complete this offshore center-console fishing machine, nearly all boating anglers will opt for the available Offshore Tournament Pack II hardtop ($18,804), which includes an overhead electronics box, life-jacket stowage and 10 rod holders. Backing plates are integrated into the hardtop for adding antennas and radar.

A modest acrylic windshield wraps around the console, but I highly recommend the optional, three-piece clear-vinyl enclosure ($3,310) to minimize wind blast while underway.

Bait Up!

I liked the 320 CC’s livewell capacity, which includes a 30-gallon tank in the starboard quarter and a 35-gallon well built into the leaning post abaft the twin high-back adjustable helm seats with flip-up bolsters and fold-down arm rests.

While we did not fish on this blustery test day, I found plenty of room to ice a catch inside twin 65-gallon insulated fish boxes in the bow and an 80-gallon insulated fish locker below the aft deck—all discharge overboard with pumps to evacuate ice melt, blood and slime.

I also discovered built-in rod and tackle storage on both inwales of the aft cockpit. Buyers can also order built-in tackle storage in the leaning post, accessible from the aft side, but this negates the leaning-post livewell, so I don’t recommend this option.

Ride It Out

With the Atlantic festooned with white-capping 7- to 8-foot rollers, we diverted to Biscayne Bay where seas ran 2- to 4-feet to put the 320 CC through its paces. The hull sliced through waves at speed, producing a smooth ride without taking on a drop of spray. Handling proved crisp and predictable, and electric-power-assist hydraulic steering made turns fingertip easy.

In the more sedate waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, the twin Mercury 300 hp Verado V-8 outboards propelled my test boat to a top speed of 51 mph. (In previous testing by Mercury in even calmer seas, the boat reached a top speed of 56 mph.) In my test, the lift generated by the VDS design help vault the 31½-foot hull from zero to 30 mph in six seconds flat.

The 320 CC achieved its best cruising efficiency at 26.4 mph (3,500 rpm), where the outboards burned 16 gallons per hour for 1.65 mpg. Offshore anglers will love the cruising range of 423 miles based on 90 percent of the 285-gallon fuel capacity.

All Decked Out

The 320 CC features a level deck, diamond “dot-matrix” nonskid and a center-console layout with plenty of room to follow a hooked fish while moving between the console and gunwales. With the seating pads removed from the elevated forward area, you can easily step up to battle a fish around the bow or man the anchor.

I found that the optional transom bench ($1,844) quickly tucks against the bulkhead to open up the aft cockpit for fishing, and the standard transom door in the port quarter enables the crew to haul aboard a big tuna or swordfish.

For all of its fishing prowess, the 320 CC can offer a softer side for those who order the optional Comfort Package, which adds an inviting sunpad and lounges in the bow area. There’s also a comfy seat on the forward console with a removable cooler underneath.

Read Next: Sailfish Boats 236 CC

Whether miles offshore or just on a harbor cruise, everyone will appreciate the comforts afforded by the console interior. Accessible via a companionway on the port side, the interior features an electric marine head, vanity with sink and freshwater faucet/pull-out shower fitting, mirror, port light and comfortable SeaDek flooring. I also discovered easy access to the backside of the helm rigging.

I like the style of the 320 CC, particularly the subtle sweep of the shearline and bold Carolina flare. Ultimately, Sailfish Boats’ 320 CC merges a wave-taming hull design, state-of-the-art construction, and a versatile offshore fishing layout in a package that offers superb performance, fuel efficiency and comfort.

Performance

Hull

Sailfish Boats – Cairo, Georgia

The post Sailfish 320 CC Boat Review appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Nor-Tech built this 39-foot fishing platform on a double-stepped performance hull. With 1,800 hp in the form of four Mercury Racing 450 outboards, the 392 Superfish posted a top speed of 81.9 mph in my December test, even with the heavy upper-station superstructure.

The 10-foot-beam hull, equipped with SeaStar all-electric steering and digital throttle and shift, powered around turns like a barrel-racing horse, exhibiting zero side slip—a feat not all step-bottom boats can claim. Even though the flat-running attitude of the Nor-Tech gave us a butter-smooth ride, the design can accept a gyrostabilizer to add even more comfort for the offshore fishing crew.

The aircraft-quality acrylic windscreen at the helm flared out on the sides to deflect wind away from the aft passengers. Carbon-fiber dash panels complement the true carbon-fiber-Kevlar hull construction; they add strength and rigidity to the dash panels to secure dual 22-inch Garmin displays. A 12-inch Garmin display on the upper station delivers data to the captain when he or she goes aloft, and two more 17-inch screens over the rigging station face aft, keeping the anglers engaged.

Belowdecks, a roomy compartment with a double berth and porcelain head also offers service access to the dash and battery switches for the four starting batteries, three trolling-motor batteries for the Rhodan trolling motor—a popular virtual-anchor choice for offshore bottom-fishing—and three more batteries for the electronics and stereo system with nearly three dozen speakers.

On the transom, two 65-gallon oval livewells and two tuna tubes keep baits lively. An enormous sea chest, with pre-installed spare pumps, feeds the pressurized tanks and the onboard raw-water washdown. I counted more than 80 Gemlux rod holders on my test boat as well as a pair of carbon-fiber outriggers with internal lines to reduce tangling and drag.

In the deck I found dual gear lockers with bucket racks and thousands of pounds of fish-box capacity. Interior cockpit height measured 24 inches aft, allowing a mate or angler to reach down to wire a fish.

Nor-Tech’s hulls are laid up in North Fort Myers, Florida, and shipped to St. Augustine, Florida, where the fishing team, led by billfish tournament champion Alden Thornton, rigs them to the exact specifications of a serious tournament angler. When Nor-Tech’s reputation for quality engineering and layup meets the talent of a committed tournament angler, we can be assured the 392 Superfish will live up to its name.

Read Next: More Saltwater Fishing Boat Reviews

Hull Specs

Performance

• Engines: Quad Mercury Racing 450s
• Load: Two crew, 200 gal. fuel, 50 gal. water
• Time to 30 mph: 6.3 sec. Top speed: 81.9 mph @ 6,400 rpm Best MPG:  0.75 mpg @ 43.8 mph (4,000 rpm)

Nor-Tech Boats – Cape Coral, Florida; 239-567-5030

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