What is the minimum size boat for offshore fishing? The answer depends on who you ask. The challenge and your budget are the two biggest reasons for fishing from a small offshore boat. Many cite the unique satisfaction of taking on the ocean to fish it on their own terms, knowing they have the boat, the knowledge and the ability to get out there, catch some good fish and get back.

“There’s definitely the excitement of being out there in a small boat where you’re in control and doing your own thing,” said Angelo Cuanang, a West Coast offshore fishing writer and expert who regularly fishes off San Francisco Bay. He’s done so for many years — all in a 17-foot Boston Whaler Montauk. Being unsinkable, the Whaler is one of the best small boats for ocean fishing.

One school of thought from skilled mariners actually considers a smaller hull advantageous in large swells. Tom King, once a professional mate in Massachusetts, for years made the 20-plus-mile run to fish Stellwagen Bank aboard his 19-foot Midland (“a Nova Scotia-style hull,” he said, with a very high bow and very low freeboard). “We came home riding on top of the big seas like an eggshell, while much bigger sport-fishing boats were having a tough time rolling in the swells.”

For purposes of this discussion, let’s focus on saltwater fishing boats with a minimum size ranging from 17 to 22 feet in length overall (LOA). A boat this size has an element of responsiveness that much larger hulls lose. In addition to being a criterion for offshore fishing, this size range also offers the best small boats for rough seas. Of course, rough seas are relative, and distance from shore often dictates the decision to go or not go.

Offshore Boating Benefits of Small Fishing Boats

Besides the challenge, downsized boats are less expensive and easy to tow on the road than king-size boats. Small boats can also be easier to handle and dock in tight quarters, though features such as joystick controls on larger boats are making low-speed maneuvers easier for skippers of large boats.

Start comparing costs of purchase, insurance, moorage or storage, maintenance and so on for a 30-foot center-console with those of a 22-footer. Then of course there are fuel costs. At today’s prices, a day fishing a 30-footer with twin 300 hp outboards can cost you in the high hundreds of dollars, if not more than $1,000. But you can run offshore and troll all day in a boat such as the Robalo R222 (21 feet 6 inches LOA) or Sea Chaser 22 HFC (21 feet 9 inches LOA) with a single 200 or 250 hp outboard for a few hundred or less.

Lots of anglers trailer their boats 50 to 100 miles at the drop of a hat. Compare hauling a double- or triple-axle trailer behind a ¾- to 1-ton pickup versus a lighter, single- or double-axle trailer behind a half-ton pickup — and there’s even more economy.

Small-Boat Knowledge, Ability and Common Sense

There’s no federal regulation stating that “Thou shalt not take thy boat and go (offshore),” and in fact the Coast Guard only has authority in a few places to prevent boaters from going where they want, a Coast Guard spokesman said. To go or not to go is not the question. Rather, focus on knowing your small boat, recognizing when to go or not, and with what gear and preparation.

Accident reports often retell scenarios where anglers in small boats perished before the Coast Guard could reach them. Often these are cases where knowing the boat and having the right equipment could have saved lives. Experience often makes a major difference when it comes to safety. Anglers who know what the ocean can dish out and respect that power choose to err on the side of caution, and do not scrimp on safety gear.

Many who skipper such mighty mites far from land tend to be independent by nature. Still, many make it a point to travel offshore with another boat — known as “buddy boating”— when possible, small or large, which in effect offers a second engine.

Whether or not you have a buddy going with you, be sure to file a float plan before you leave. That can be as simple as making sure someone back on land knows when you plan to depart and return, and where — in general — you expect to fish.

The Right Boat: Moderate Vees and Hard Chines

What is the best small boat for offshore fishing? There are plenty of 17- to 22-footers for fishing bays, channels or flats. But if you plan to run offshore, you’ll need to investigate construction, quality and design.

That said, some bay boats such as the Pathfinder 2200 TE (22 feet 2 inches LOA) or Sea Born FX22 Bay Sport (21 foot 9 inches LOA) offer offshore fishing capability, as well as the ability to sneak into shallow inshore waters.

Still, there can be no doubt that with the specialized demands of offshore fishing, not all small hulls are created equal. When it comes to hull design, opinions vary — suggesting competent small hulls might come in more than one style.

A modified V rather than the deep V common on larger center consoles ranks as the top choice among experts looking for the optimal small planing hull for big water. While the steeper deadrise angle of up to 26 degrees at the transom offers the softest ride through waves, an angle in the 17- to 20-degree range proves more stable. That way you still get some damping effect from the V but also get some benefit of lateral stability.

Fuel capacity becomes a serious consideration for any small boat heading offshore. On the minus side: Many small boats have built-in tanks and some provide space only for portables. On the plus side: Light boats with small outboards can go all day on amazingly little fuel. Once you pick a boat, know its range and always allow for at least a 15 percent reserve.

A small but important point: marine battery placement. Batteries should ride forward, beneath the console, rather than at the transom, where they can get wet and add unnecessary weight.

One other essential element of small boat construction that becomes particularly important offshore is flotation. Positive flotation is required for certification by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in boats less than 20 feet, but the best hulls are fully filled with foam, and the reasons should be obvious. In an emergency, water can force air out of a hull or sides but not out of foam. A light hull gains little weight (always a factor) but considerable strength and rigidity from foam.

Water In, Water Out

A small boat easily takes on spray and, on rough days, some green water as well. That’s when scuppers become critical. (This assumes that no angler without a death wish would be offshore in a boat that’s not self-bailing.) The scuppers must be able to drain water as fast as it comes into the hull — if not, you’ll soon be playing submarine.

Transom height and design also play key roles in keeping water out of small boats. A small outboard-powered boat faces trouble fast once enough ocean water enters and runs to one side or the other in heavy seas. To help avoid that, look for small offshore boats with a full transom. A cut-out transom might work with a really good, generous motorwell. Worst case for offshore: a low, cut-out transom with no well. If that describes your boat, stick to the bay.

The Right Offshore Boating Equipment

No small boat, however seaworthy and stable, belongs offshore — ever — if it’s not properly equipped. The most major piece of equipment to consider is your outboard engine. A traditional preference among blue-water anglers has been twin or even triple outboards for safety. However, adding a second engine for the small boater might be either cost-, design- or weight-prohibitive. Fortunately, today’s outboard engines are more reliable than ever.

When feasible, a small auxiliary engine (aka kicker) is a great addition since it can get you home in a pinch — but, again, it may not be worth the additional weight on the stern of a 17- to 22-footer.

Additional key safety equipment to carry when fishing offshore includes the following:

Fixed-Mount VHF Radio — Fundamental and essential. Fixed-mount radios offer a range of 15 to 20 miles while handhelds only reach out 3 to 8 miles. All new VHFs, by law, come with Digital Selective Calling, which instantly sends a distress call to authorities anywhere in the world. Be sure that you set up your DSC calling feature before leaving port. Cell phones are popular everywhere, including offshore, and offer some backup. But these can’t substitute for a VHF in a pinch since users might not find coverage in all areas offshore, and a phone call does not immediately summon on-water help. Mate your VHF radio to a tall (8-foot) VHF antenna for the range necessary when fishing offshore.

GPS Plotter/Sounder — As critical for navigation as for fishing. Separate units are fine, but a single unit (capable of showing both chart plotter and sounder reading on screen simultaneously) maximizes limited space on small consoles.

Compass — With a good nautical chart, a compass will keep you headed in the right direction if your GPS fails. Amazingly, some small boaters venture far offshore with neither radio nor compass, according to the Coast Guard.

Extra Battery — Any boat fishing offshore should have a dual-battery system with a selector switch. This allows you to keep one battery in reserve in case one goes dead.

Emergency Beacons — An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon) and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) are good ideas for any boat fishing offshore. Once activated, an encoded digital message is received by satellites, and is then transmitted back to ground-based search and rescue authorities. This signal provides information to assist in the search. Assuming you have properly registered the EPIRB or PLB, it tells rescuers who you are, your boat type and size, where you are, and other important data, including emergency contact information. An EPIRB is registered to the boat and is usually mounted on deck, while a PLB is registered to an individual and is carried by that person.

Life Jackets — Going offshore without them would not only be illegal but insane. Make sure your jackets are Coast Guard rated for offshore use (Type I). It is a good idea to wear a life jacket at all times, especially if fishing alone.

Emergency Kit — including flare gun and flares, cyalume sticks and waterproof strobe lights. (I also make sure my boat’s running lights are in good working order.) Don’t forget a good flashlight and extra sunscreen.

Emergency Food and Water — At least a half-gallon of water, some granola bars and beef jerky or canned meat can get you through a day or two.

Anchor and Lots of Line — Even if you don’t anchor to fish, you might find an anchor valuable, and plenty of heavy line is a must if you need to be towed.

Sea Anchor — Space might preclude stowing a small sea anchor, but make sure you have at least a bucket or, in a pinch, even a spare life jacket. Most boats tend to drift stern-to — the worst situation in a building sea. Your odds of staying afloat when broken down and adrift go up by a big chunk if you can keep the bow into the waves, and any sort of sea anchor will help accomplish this.

Pick the Right Fishing Weather

Given a seaworthy boat, properly equipped, everything else comes down to common sense. And nowhere can the small boater better demonstrate that than by reading the weather before and during a trip.

Starting out the morning in a 3-foot sea is a mere irritant to a 30-footer, but for the mini-boater who has his head screwed on right, it means a canceled trip. Many mornings I’ve arisen to find the weather service data revised from the previous evening’s 5- to 10-knot wind forecast to one of 10 to 20 knots. Anyone hoping to go offshore in a 17- to 22-footer has to realize his fishing days will be limited.

Look for periods between frontal systems, particularly in fall, winter and spring when dead-calm days sneak in between blows. During the summer, high pressure systems often bring many successive days of calm weather, particularly in the morning. The run home in many regions might mean a moderate but manageable chop, thanks to afternoon sea breezes.

Just be sure you know the marine forecast for the day, before you head out. When the forecast calls for light breezes all day and into the night, boating anglers with small boats can usually venture forth into offshore ocean waters with peace of mind. Otherwise, the best rule of thumb is a simple one: When in doubt, don’t go out.

The post Small Boats for Offshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

What’s good fuel economy for a fishing boat? That’s a loaded question, because just what constitutes “good” is open to debate. If you’re talking about a 65-foot sportfish that weighs 100,000 pounds and blasts across the ocean at 30 knots with 4,000 diesel horses churning in the engine room, a third of a mile to the gallon isn’t bad. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a jon boat with a 15 hp four-stroke outboard and a light load can top 10 mpg. Or you could go even farther afield and note that there are plenty of kayaks that qualify as fishing boats and make three or four mph while burning only calories.

Comparison Standards

When judging a boat’s fuel economy, the best way to go about it is to compare boats of the same size. This is no easy feat. Boats aren’t standardized. For example, if two models have an identical length, they may well have different beams, and different horsepower with different brand engines. Then, there are environmental factors to consider. Was a boat’s fuel efficiency measured on flat calm waters, choppy seas, or in a maelstrom? How strong a current was running, and was the boat going with, against, or across it? The difference in that very same boat’s fuel economy can vary dramatically from one day to the next.

Usage Factors

Now let’s talk about just what all these boats are doing. Efficiency at idle is very different from efficiency at cruise, which is yet again different from efficiency at wide-open throttle. Some boats offer great economy while going slow, but poor economy while going fast. Others are the diametric opposite. So, where in the rpm range and speed band do you plan to compare them? This depends on how you use and run your boat the bulk of the time.

Considering all these factors, it’s clear that we have to recognize from the outset that assessing a boat’s fuel efficiency is often comparing apples to oranges with a few bananas and maybe a plum or two in the mix. Still, we can look at a broad swath of boats and make a few basic assertions.

Category Examples

A comparison of five 18-foot center consoles rigged with 115 hp outboards and running at approximately 30 mph is illuminating. At the top of the cruising efficiency range, one gets 5.7 mpg, and at the bottom, another gets 4.2 mpg. The average for all of these rigs is 5.0 mpg. However, is that gas-hog getting 0.8 mpg below average? Not necessarily, because it also has the most efficient slow pace, getting 8.8 mpg at around five mph while the other boats averaged 7.7 mpg. So, which of those boats gets good fuel economy? Well, are you cruising or are you trolling?

Now let’s jump up the scale to 25-footers running at 30 mph on a single 300 hp outboard. The range tightens, with the best economy checking in at 3.5 mpg and the lowest at 3.0; the average sits at 3.2. Once again, for whatever reason the boat with the lowest cruising mpg scores the highest slow speed efficiency, but by a much lower margin (4.6 mpg versus an average of 4.5).

Running With the Big Dogs

Up we go again, this time to 30-foot twin-engine rigs with pairs of 300 hp outboards. The spread shrinks even more at 30 mph, from 1.5 to 1.8 mpg with a 1.7 average. Idling along at trolling speed, fuel economy is no more than 0.3 mpg apart. And at wide-open, no more than 0.2 mpg apart.

So, what can we tell from these results? The bigger the boat gets, the less of a difference you’ll see in fuel economy between different rigs. If you’re shopping for an 18-footer, fuel economy is worth some consideration, but if you’re shopping for a 30-plus footer, less so.

Notable Exceptions

Except that there are exceptions. What happens when we introduce a multi-hull boat (aka power cat) into the mix of 30-footers? The cat ekes out a win over the top V-hull, with 1.9 mpg. What about throwing in a twin-stepped hull into the mix? Best efficiency at 30 mph jumps up to 2.1 mpg.

Of course, power cats and stepped hulls have their own quirks and peculiarities. Remember: apples, oranges, bananas, and plums. When it comes to fishing boats, it’s pretty darn tough to determine exactly what “good fuel economy” means. Which brings us back to those fishing kayaks. Because considering how poor the fuel economy of boats in general can be, we’re thinking you just can’t beat five miles to the turkey-and-cheese sandwich.

The post What’s Good Fuel Economy for a Fishing Boat? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

I remember when a run to the offshore fishing grounds went something like this: Get to the boat the night before to load up. Then settle in for a long, slow chug through the inky darkness. After eight or 10 hours of creeping along and taking turns at the helm, a faint horizon would materialize along the hem of the purple-gray sky, and our fishing day would officially begin.

Today, a new breed of high-speed fishing boat has created a new paradigm for serious offshore anglers. Owners of these powerful machines are likely to hop on board in the morning, fire up the four or five high-performance outboards sitting across the ample transom, and motor out of the harbor to the oohs and aahs of onlookers and envious anglers.

When the captain reaches open water and opens the throttles on up to 3,000 hp of outboard power, the true appeal of these speed machines becomes apparent. With a jaw-dropping amount of power, high-tech hulls rocket to offshore destinations in a fraction of the time required in yesteryears. Now running 100 miles or more, catching a load of fish, and returning home on the same day is not only possible but common. 

Fishing-boat brands such as Contender, Invincible, Regulator, Scout, SeaVee, Yellowfin and others have broken the mold on what a center-console outboard-powered fishing boat can achieve, blasting through size and performance barriers. This new crop of boats offers the dimensions and seaworthiness of old-fashioned sport-fishing yachts but can also reach 60 mph and cruise all day at 40 to 50 mph without breaking a sweat. And they do this with surprisingly good fuel economy, providing the range to go long and fish hard all day.

However, there’s a lot more to this new class of boats than just size and speed. Boatbuilders are competing to introduce more-comfortable and -capable offshore machines, adding new features, interior comfort, and amenities without compromising the open layout and unfettered fishing access that define the breed. Owners are attracted by these vessels’ versatility as well. Though supersize, a center-console is still a center-console. If the mood strikes, owners can still pull up on a sandbar with everybody else, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the party with their smaller cousins.

When you first see one of these sleek and stylish boats, your eyes are drawn to the gleaming engine cowlings that seemingly fill every inch of transom space. It’s clear that the entire class of vessels couldn’t exist without quantum leaps in outboard-motor power and technology from builders such as Yamaha. There are different theories about which came first, the growing number of high-­powered outboards or the ever-larger hulls designed for outboard power. Conventional wisdom is that the evolution of more-powerful outboards led to the development of wider, longer and more-advanced hulls. However, there are also those who believe that evolving consumer demand for simplicity and ease of use was simultaneously pushing builders to redefine the center-console and walkaround fishing-boat classes. 

Perhaps we should call it a tie. “The evolution of outboard motors has resulted in even more powerful, reliable and feature-rich powerplants, enabling boat sizes in this popular segment to grow to overall lengths of 40 feet and beyond,” says John Caballero, sales and marketing director for SeaVee Boats. At the same time, he acknowledges an existing preference for simpler boats. “The market discovered long ago how practical a center-­console boat is in terms of its utility and generally lower maintenance requirements.” He highlights the company’s 42-foot 420Z and 45-foot 450Z as ideal models for meeting this need, providing the amenities to enhance the fishing experience and the safety and comfort for all on board. Additionally, both models can be highly customized to suit the owner’s needs and preferences.

“While supersize center-­consoles are by no means simple machines, they are undoubtedly less complex than multi­stateroom sport-fishing yachts,” says Rob Sabin, southeast sales manager for Contender Boats. “This typically translates to lower maintenance bills and less time in the yard. It also gives owners the ability to run and maintain their own vessel.”

Contender considers its 44-foot 44FA (Fisharound) the perfect fishing platform for extended adventures. Built on the center-console 44ST hull, the 44FA features a large berth, enclosed head, and kitchenette. It carries 575 gallons of fuel along with 70 gallons of water, and can be equipped with a generator, AC, ice makers, water heaters and gyrostabilization.

“Boats are getting ­bigger and more powerful, but that’s not all,” says Matt Arnholt, marketing manager for ­Yellowfin Yachts. They have been able to maximize efficiency and fishability while incorporating various features, electronics in particular, ­Arnholt points out. 

While the 36 Offshore continues as Yellowfin’s most popular model, anglers are also turning to the 39 Offshore, 42 Offshore and 54 Offshore, Arnholt observes. The 54 delivers the brand’s styling, stepped hull, fuel efficiency, and construction with features such as a fully equipped galley, queen berth, and diesel generator. Its long list of available options includes a bow thruster, a Quick dynamic stabilizer, and a variety of hardtop and tower possibilities.

“Many of our customers used to own large sport-­fishermen,” says Alan Lang, ­director of sales and ­marketing for Scout Boats, which raised eyebrows across the industry when it previewed its 670 LXF: a 67-foot LOA cross between a center-console and a superyacht due for launch in 2024. “They are ready to move to a center-console for the ease of operation, and the ability to drive it themselves and take care of it themselves. Outboard power not only makes our boats fast and agile, but it also makes maintenance much easier.” Multiple high-horsepower engines also provide owners with peace of mind. According to Lang, Scout’s current flagship—the 530 LXF—will easily get on plane and get you home at 50 mph, even with one engine down. 

“The biggest things driving these supersize center-consoles are high ­horsepower, along with the great weight-to-horsepower ratio,” says Dan Freer, senior director of engineering for Invincible, which offers both monohull and catamaran models. 

Invincible’s 46-foot cat is offered in both a center-­console and pilothouse configuration. Even with the added comforts of two sleeping berths, interior seating, air conditioning and a generator, the 46 Pilothouse stays true to the brand with 360-degree fishability. The new flagship of Invincible’s monohull fleet is the 43 Open Fisherman. While the cockpit layout emphasizes all-around fishing room, the design includes a cabin with a full sleeping berth, a vanity sink and a head for extended angling journeys.   

Builders agree that the trend will continue, even if the overall size of the boats eventually tops out. Consumer demand and outboard-engine development will continue to drive future innovation. What this future will look like is anyone’s guess, but it will certainly be one hell of a ride.

The post Supersize Center-Consoles Expand Angling Horizons appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

If you’re planning to shop—and possibly plunk down hard-earned money—for a ­­center-console fishing machine this year, consider the following. Here is my must-have list of five features you cannot do without on your new pride and joy.

Enough Power

Whenever I write a ­review for a center-­console with an advertised price that includes a power package that’s inadequate, I add the advice: Don’t do it! Underpowering a center-console is the worst mistake a boat buyer can make. Not only will it struggle to get on plane, but the helmsman will also have a hard time maintaining a safe speed in rough water. You also will get hammered when you trade it in or try to resell it. Go online and find a review of a boat with the engine package you are considering or ask the ­dealer. If the top speed is around 40 mph, it’s a dog. In my experience, the magic minimum top-speed number for most center-consoles today is around 50 mph.

Tall Gunwales

I used to fish with a friend of mine in the Florida Keys who had a popular 25-foot offshore boat that had a rear interior gunwale height of only 22 inches. In seas above 2 feet, my knees were sore as hell by the end of the day from bumping against the side of the boat. And at least once, I felt like I might fall in. For safety and comfort, there should be a minimum height of 26 inches, with more toward the bow. Toe rails increase safety when stretching to gaff or net a fish. Padded bolsters are a big bonus because they give you something to lean into when you’re battling big pelagics.

A Real-Deal Livewell

Tiny livewells serve as a dead giveaway that a boat wasn’t designed by someone who fishes. The primary livewell on an offshore vessel should hold a minimum of 20 gallons, and 30-plus gallons would be even better. Secondary baitwells can be smaller because they are used as a convenience to cut the distance for anglers at the opposite end of the boat. Livewells should be round or oval, and with strong recirculating pumps. Pumps that reside within a sea chest are the gold standard for offshore center-consoles to prevent air from entering the line when running. The lids should be clear and have a hydraulic dam or friction hinges to prevent banging shut. ­Aquarium-style livewells with clear sides for bait monitoring are also a plus. Consider supplemental aeration systems; these can help keep even the most delicate baitfish lively on long runs.

360 Degrees of Fishability

One of the primary reasons for owning a center-console instead of a dual-console or express boat is the ability to fight a fish or cast from any location around the boat. Any obstruction such as fixed seating on the perimeter can hinder an angler. Fold-down stern benches or flip-up jump seats add seating without taking up space. Large consoles are currently the rage to offer enough real estate for large electronics displays and roomy head compartments, but when they limit walkaround space, it becomes a problem. There should be at least 20 inches in between the gunwale and the console for comfortable transit fore and aft.

Adequate Rod Storage

A good indicator if a center-console is designed as a serious fishing machine is its number of rod holders. If a boat has more cup holders than rod holders, it’s a dayboat. On smaller center-consoles, there should be a minimum of three gunwale holders per side and at least four in the stern, with storage racks under the gunwale. T-tops should have at least four rocket launchers, and if they are high above the deck, there should be some sort of step up to help access them. Some of the better-designed boats can safely stash as many as 60 rods out of the way and ready.

The post 5 Features Every Center-Console Should Have appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Since 2006, Invincible has carried serious sport fishermen in pursuit of trophy fish and tournament wins in boats boasting intuitive designs, solid construction and thrilling performance. 

Invincible is proud of its semicustom, owner-designed boats with innovative hull designs. These include the original Michael Peters-designed and patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) single hull of its powerful tournament boats, and the partnered Morrelli & Melvin patented, hybrid, semi-asymmetrical hulls of its catamarans.

Invincible launched with the SVVT single hull in 2006, after its founder was unable to find a boat tough enough, fast enough and smooth-­riding enough to meet his demands as a serious angler and decided to build his own instead. Enlisting naval architect Peters’ design, he created a new standard in Invincible.

Invincible uses innovative and practical techniques such as vacuum-bagged infusion and diamond-patterned nonskid decks. It pays attention to console design and footrest angle, with hardtop frame sightlines providing better navigation. Invincibles have smooth hole shots and quick on-plane times.

When Invincible ­decided to get into the center-­console catamaran segment, it brought to market a cat superbly adept at high-speed turns, agile without need for trim tabs or tanked ballast. 

In single hull or cat, the company says, “No one builds a more athletic fishing machine.”

Invincible 43 Open Fisherman

Invincible’s legendary monohull boats now count the 43-foot Open Fisherman among their number, a new a center-console built on the patented Michael Peters Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull. 

The new boat, featuring plenty of power and even more room, replaces both the 42 Open Fisherman and the Center Cabin in Invincible’s lineup. Dual-row seating means big crews are welcome; says the company, “Never let capacity be the deciding factor again.”

A new extended console, helm and cabin have been moved forward to preserve fishing room while accommodating the dual-row captain’s-chair seating, with shock absorbers an option for the front row. The redesigned dash area has space for two 24-inch Garmin screens. Additional electronics such as audio, Seakeeper control, Mercury VesselView and a third MFD (so anglers in the cockpit can eye the latest info) nest in the hardtop.

Designed with tournament and master anglers in mind, the new semicustom 43 Open can be built with a full sleeping berth, a head compartment and a vanity sink. Two large windows bring in sunlight, while air ­conditioning keeps it comfortable, with two AC ducts on the helm dash. 

The standard extended console lounge houses the boat’s largest fish box, or with dividers in place, its three sections can be used for storage. Five more fish boxes are located within the floor.

Besides electronics, the hardtop can support outriggers and/or a folding tower rear-entry second station. A second livewell with aquarium windows at the transom complements an optional in-floor well. Full coaming bolsters around the boat provide 360-degree fishing comfort. Rod holders can total a stunning 60, and electric-reel outlets are available.

A flat-back tackle center flanks the second row of seats. From it a cooler is ­electrically withdrawn. Four sets of washdowns, fresh and saltwater, are ready for cleanup.

Editor’s Tip 

Invincible’s Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull with twin steps rides remarkably flat. Even during acceleration from a standing start, there’s virtually no bow rise, offering excellent ­forward visibility. Its monohulls offer one of the lowest drag coefficients of any boat. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Boating and Fishing Group

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha 450 XTO
• Test Props: PowerTech XLF
• Test Load: 2 people, 90 gal. fuel, 40 gal. water
• Test Speed: 39 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 631 mi.

Specifications

Invincible Boats – Opa-Locka, Florida; 305-685-2704; invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 43 Open Fisherman: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yellowfin entered the premium center-console category in 1998 and remains among the most recognized and coveted brands in that segment. The make consistently draws customer praise for performance handling, fishability, comfort, speed and fuel efficiency.

Yellowfin Yachts bears the undeniable imprint of its founder and president, Wylie Nagler, who became known for his pledge of personal responsibility for the standout quality of every boat his company ships. Florida-built Yellowfin is now part of Warbird Marine Holdings.

Yellowfin creates offshore models that display classic Carolina Outer Banks-style influences in wide, flared, high bows. Their distinctive sheerline combines classic flair and modern functionality—a singular and immediately ­recognizable look that pays off in beauty, dry ride and superior seakeeping abilities. They pop onto plane on stepped hulls, and are noted for their strong, lightweight construction. 

The company says that its stepped-surface hulls reflect the study of laminar flow on planing surfaces to create an efficient running surface that enables its boats to plane faster, trim better and deliver more-efficient performance in almost any conditions.

Yellowfin offers semi-custom platforms upon which customers can create the boat of their dreams, drawing from a deep list of options. These include power from several brands, top style and amenities, and even the type and placement of rod holders one’s fishing style calls for. 

Today the line stretches from a 24 CE Bay Boat to a 54 Offshore center-console, each a high-performance fishing platform custom-built of the highest-grade materials and products, and skillfully assembled.

Yellowfin 39 Offshore

Yellowfin describes its 39 ­Offshore as an offshore-­fishing beast that can “run with the big dogs,” running smooth and dry in conditions that send many other boats back to the dock, and easily outperforming much larger boats on the rip. 

The key is its brawny, wide-beamed design, but its stepped hull helps it perform in a fast, dry and efficient manner too.

The 39 Offshore can be configured with triple or quad outboards, up to 1,800 hp total. It offers wide-open space, massive storage and a wide variety of customization options. Abundant power, matched to a generous 564-gallon fuel capacity, puts far-off fishing within range.

Standard on the 39 Offshore is a hardtop with rear legs (optional until this year; a canvas top was previously standard) and spreader lights. Other top and tower options are available, as is forward seating, a coffin box, hydraulic steering, a leaning post and an insulated fish box with a gulper pump.

Fourteen Gemlux ­titanium rod holders are distributed about the boat, as are titanium cleats and through-hulls that minimize the possibility of corrosion. There’s a plumbed livewell in the transom, with a second in the leaning post. A saltwater washdown speeds cleanup after the catch. Hydraulic steering is guided by a Gemlux Belloca stainless-steel steering wheel. Livorsi trim tabs made adjustments easy.

Several console options are available, as are additional livewells and a livewell pump box, and upgrades to the head within the console.

Editor’s Tip

Center-consoles seem to be getting bigger, and for good reason. Offshore anglers have embraced the versatility of the open layouts. As a bonus, these are often faster than the sport-fishers and downeasters they replace, greatly shortening runs to distant fishing grounds. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

• Test Power: Quad Mercury 400 hp V-10
• Test Props: 27 Rev X
• Test Load: 3 people, 150 gallons of fuel
• Test Speed: 75 mph top speed, 48 mph cruise
• Max Range: 550 mi.

Specifications

Yellowfin Yachts – Sarasota, Florida; yellowfin.com

The post Yellowfin 39 Offshore: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yamaha, pioneer in jet-propelled watercraft, has introduced a flagship 25-foot center-console series. The 252 and 255 center-­console models combine power, versatility and performance in Sport, Sport E and Sport H configurations.

Yamaha’s patented jet propulsion system uses an internal impeller rather than an external propeller, enabling shallow-water operation, enhanced maneuverability, reduced maintenance, and the peace of mind that results from no lower unit or propeller to avoid at the stern.

New is a more powerful 1.9L HO Yamaha Marine engine in the 252 FSH Sport that produces quicker and smoother acceleration and a higher top speed.

Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H 

Yamaha’s new, fishing-­focused 255 FSH Sport H is powered by a pair of supercharged and intercooled 1.8L SVHO engines, which combine for 500 hp to drive Yamaha’s renowned jet propulsion system. 

An industry first, the 255 FSH Sport H offers Helm Master EX, which allows the driver to control the twin engines to move the boat forward, in reverse, laterally and rotationally with just one hand on the joystick—a boon at dock or while fighting and boating a big fish. 

E-Series Electronic Throttle Control features push-button start and stop, rpm engine sync and single-throttle pairing.

The comfortable leaning post seats two, and the fiberglass hardtop has integrated stereo speakers and LED lighting.

Angling features include an insulated bow fish box; a transparent 18-gallon livewell; a 30-gallon stern livewell; and console, gunwale and hard-top storage for 25 rods. The hardtop is outrigger-ready. A slip-resistant floor cleans easily after the catch. 

The 255 FSH Sport H’s bow seating has snap-in cushions, storage bins (the boat has 543 gallons of storage in all!) and a filler platform/table. The boat also features a front console seat, jump seats, snap-in teak-style marine mat flooring and Quiet Cruise technology. 

It also has the company’s signature swim platform with beverage holders, backrest cushions and access to the Yamaha-exclusive pump clean-out ports. 

Editor’s Tip 

You probably haven’t considered a jet drive, but if you ever have to cross shallow expanses, you should—river anglers have been using this tech for years. With no propeller or outdrive to hit the bottom, you can get through some really skinny water without damage. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Yamaha 1.8L supercharged SVHO
• Test Props: Jet-pump impeller
• Test Load: Fuel 40 lb., crew 250 lb.
• Test Speed: 25 mph at 4,500 rpm
• Max Range: 225 mi.

Specifications

Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com

The post Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Solace Boats is proud of what it calls the “Dougherty difference.” Bob Dougherty, head of Boston Whaler, moved its plant from Massachusetts to Florida in 1982. He raised his son Stephen “with resin on his hands,” and the pair launched Edgewater Boats in 1992, and Everglades Boats a decade later.

Stephen and Sarah ­Dougherty founded Dougherty Manufacturing in 2012 and by 2021 had launched three Solace boat models. The line now includes five boats from 30 to 41 feet in length.

Engineered to harness the heightened horsepower of today’s high-performance outboard engines, Solace’s center-console boat line offers options including either diesel or Mercury or Yamaha gasoline engines. 

Solace produces its boats and most components at its 200,000-square-foot ­campus in Edgewater, Florida.

Solace 30 HCS

The smallest in the Solace line, the 30 HCS (hybrid center step) is nonetheless the industry’s largest hybrid bay boat, designed for both offshore fishing adventures and island days.

The 30 HCS’ gunwale height is medium, good for both inshore and offshore boating. The boat has a unique back-to-back transom seat and port and starboard doors that open to a large swim platform. Total cockpit area is a generous 34 square feet. Its full cabin has a bunk to welcome overnight stays and horizontal rod storage for nine rods. Cushions on the boat are secured with magnets, and the console windshield opens fully.

The stepped hull with its carbon-fiber construction and twin Mercury Verados (up to 400 hp V-10s) produce impressive speed, agility and efficiency.

The 30 HCS boasts two 35-gallon in-floor fish boxes, a pair of 30-gallon livewells and transom-mounted rod holders. Angler-pleasing options include Gemlux outriggers with 18-foot ­carbon-fiber poles, dual ­Power-Poles, a trolling motor and jack plates. A second station cobia tower is available to provide breathtaking views and fishing efficiency.  

Other features include underwater lights and wraparound and cockpit front lounge seating.

Editor’s Tip 

Solace made good use of what is typically wasted space with a thoughtfully designed transom bench that sits atop the stern livewells. It features two cushioned seats with armrests and an innovative backrest that pivots to let crewmembers face fore or aft. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Mercury 400 hp
• Test Props: Rev4 14 5⁄8 x 19
• Test Load: (w/632 lb. fuel, 80 gal. water, 600 people and gear, second station) 10,312 lb.
• Test Speed: 35 mph at 4,000 rpm
• Max Range: 260 mi.

Specifications

SŌLACE – Edgewater, Florida; solaceboats.com

The post Solace 30 HCS: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Robalo is in its sixth decade of crafting center-console, dual-console and Cayman saltwater-fishing boats, building on its tradition of heavy-duty construction, sea-taming ride, and consistent presence on the cutting edge of design and ­construction innovation. 

Among these innovations is Robalo’s use of upholstery material made from 100 percent SiO silicone, a pure form of silicone which, unlike conventional marine seating, is free of chemical additives. Virtually maintenance-free, its angular resin technology boosts durability, resists scuffing and scratching, and offers one of the softest and most comfortable marine seating surfaces. 

The company calls building world-class fishing boats both its passion and its way of life. All its 2024 models come with a lifetime limited hull warranty.

Robalo R360

With a 36-foot-6-inch length and an 11-foot-4-inch beam, this biggest-ever Robalo comes powered by standard twin Yamahas with joystick steering; triple 300s with Digital Electric Steering are an option.  

The fiberglass hardtop features an overhead skylight, electronics box, map, spreader, and courtesy lighting. Options include a canvas fly, Gemlux outriggers, hardtop enclosure, and Makefast shade system.

Helm seating welcomes three. At the helm are Simrad radar, autopilot, chart plotter/MFD and VHF radio. JL Audio features eight speakers, two subwoofers and an amp. LED underwater lights enhance visibility, mood and/or fish attraction. The console contains front and side windows, as well as a skylight into the cabin. 

Within the cabin is a berth and contained head. Options include air conditioning and heating. Headroom is a ­generous 6 feet, 6 inches.

The floor contains two 80-gallon fish boxes. An aft-facing bench seat houses removable tackle storage and a Yeti cooler. Twenty rod holders line gunwales and the aft cockpit wall, into which a full transom seat folds. Two insulated 30-gallon livewells are in aft corners, and within gunwales are large, lockable rod-storage compartments. 

The R360’s Michael Peters’ stepped hull is Kevlar-reinforced, with encapsulated reserve flotation. Options include a Fischer Panda diesel generator and a SeaKeeper 3 gyroscopic stabilizer. 

Editor’s Tip 

Running-and-gunning for tuna and other pelagics is rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to the rise of the fast offshore center-console. These make casting to breaking fish easy, but consider adding outriggers for the days when visible feeds are few and far between. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha F300 Outboards
• Test Props: Yamaha SWS II 15″ x 20″ stainless-steel 3-blade
• Test Load: Crew Weight – 660 lb., Fuel on board – 170 gal.
• Test Speed: Top Speed 58.1 mph at 5,800 rpm
• Max Range: 365 mi.

Specifications

Robalo – Nashville, Georgia; robalo.com

The post Robalo R360: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Built in Edenton, North Carolina, since 1988, Regulator tests all of its boats, from the Regulator 23 to the Regulator 41, plus the new XO Series of center-­console crossovers, against the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks. 

The company announced new upgrades and features throughout its fleet for the 2024 model year. Several Regulator models are now available with Yamaha XTO Offshore 450s. More rod holders have been added throughout the fleet. New options include a half station tower for the 26XO, with more features throughout the line.

Regulator is one of two center-console builders to offer Siren Trident, which lets Yamaha digital electronic control outboard owners monitor and track multiple critical boat and engine systems, including battery voltage, bilge-pump activity, location, engine run time and maintenance intervals, with push or email notifications sent to the boater. 

Regulator 31

The Regulator 31, fastest in the company’s fleet, is now equipped with twin Yamaha 450s. Optional Yamaha Helm Master EX control provides handling power and flexibility, and the Seakeeper 2 option adds an extra element of stability. Also new is Siren Trident with the Siren 3 Pro monitoring system standard.

The massive cockpit is setup for a serious day of sport fishing and includes an oversize tackle center; huge fish boxes, livewells and storage boxes; and optional outrigger bases with 22-foot carbon-fiber collapsible poles. A half-dozen stainless-steel rod holders line the gunwales, and many more are optional.

Other angler-focused options include transom fish-box refrigeration, additional 228-quart transom livewell, and a deluxe mezzanine tackle-center upgrade for additional seating, storage, and dual-flanking rocket launchers. 

Handy features include a starboard boarding and dive door, flip-up forward seat backrests, and optional forward and rear sunshades.

Other new options include an undergunwale gaff holder, hose coil racks for raw and freshwater washdowns, clear fish-box and livewell lids, eight additional forward gunwale conventional or cup/rod
holders, diamond-quilted upholstery, teak seating accents, and more. 

Editor’s Tip 

Regulator is one of the few boat brands that labels its models based on the hull length versus the length overall. As a result, the 31 boasts a 31-foot, 4-inch hull. Adding in the heavy-duty bracket and motors brings the length overall to 36 feet, 5 inches. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Boating and Fishing Group

Performance Data

• Test Power: Yamaha 450 XTO
• Test Props: XTO Offshore, 16 1/8 x 22
• Test Load: Two people, 150 gal. fuel, three batteries, safety and test equipment
• Test Speed: 33.6 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 370 mi.

Specifications

Regulator Marine – Edenton, North Carolina; regulatormarine.com

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