Boats

New Fishing Boats from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Though FLIBS had to downsize this year, many builders debuted brand-new boats and displayed their most popular 2020 models.

By Chris Woodward

Updated: November 2, 2020

This year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat show had to downsize and sanitize, but organizers say it was a success, with lots of qualified buyers on site. Courtesy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Although this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show looked and felt significantly different, due to the pandemic, nothing could stop the parade of new fiberglass aimed at a flourishing boating market.

Our staff members who attended noticed reduced crowds, at least during the week, and masks were mandatory. With fewer exhibitors, show managers dropped the Broward County Convention Center as a venue. Many of the fish-boat builders were moved to the main show location at Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

Despite the obstacles, many builders debuted brand-new boats. Others brought still-new-for-2020 models. Here are 13 great center- and dual-consoles and fisharounds we saw at the docks and under the tents. (Boats are listed alphabetically by builder.)

Boston Whaler 280 Vantage

Whaler’s most recent Vantage model features a family-friendly dual-console layout with dedicated fishing features such as fishboxes, a transom livewell and multiple rod holders as well as a portside boarding door. It carries 185 gallons of fuel and can handle up to 800 hp. The LOA measures 29 feet 1 inch with platforms, and it features a 9-foot-6-inch beam. Scott Salyers

Dual consoles are known for their open cockpit design, which allows plenty of room to fish while your other family members lounge. Scott Salyers

Caymas 401 CC

Caymas says this model was designed for serious saltwater tournament anglers as well as weekend fishing families. The leaning post offers loads of rod and tackle storage, and the transom comes with twin 45-gallon livewells plumbed with Hooker Electric pumps and a sea chest. At 39 feet 8 inches, the vessel carries an 11-foot-6-inch beam and handles 1,800 hp (triples or quads). Fuel capacity is 559 gallons. The hardtop features a pass-through hatch allowing access to an optional second station. Scott Salyers

The elevated helm station comes with three-across seating, and the dash accommodates three 17-inch displays or two 22-inchers. Scott Salyers

Contender 44FA

Built from the same stepped-hull mold as the 44ST, the 44FA (Fish Around) comes with a cabin suitable for multi-day trips as well as all the features bluewater anglers want (twin 55-gallon transom livewells and an optional 80- or 100-gallon in-deck well). Its 12-foot beam makes it plenty spacious. It carries 575 gallons of fuel with a max hp of 2,000. Scott Salyers

The companionway on the port side of the helm leads belowdecks. Cabin amenities include a queen-size V-berth, galley, refrigerator/freezer, electric cooktop, an enclosed head with a vanity, electric marine toilet and standup shower. Scott Salyers

Everglades 235cc

The smallest model in the Everglades lineup, the 235cc is filled with patented features, including this swivel helm seat (pictured), and a hardtop grab rail/rain gutter. Scott Salyers

At the helm, Everglades installed its patented sliding windshield. Scott Salyers

Invincible 46 Catamaran

Invincible’s new flagship is a 45-foot-11-inch multihull with a 12-foot beam and quad power. It features two rows of helm seating, a spacious cockpit and wide walkways. Scott Salyers

Invincible 46 Catamaran transom livewells

The transom holds twin livewells and tuna tubes port and starboard. Scott Salyers

Jupiter 32

Jupiter’s 32 actually marks the return of the company’s iconic 31. It features 24 degrees of deadrise aft and carries 300 gallons of fuel. Scott Salyers

The sleek helm features a Garmin electronics package. Anglers can opt for a 35-gallon livewell in the transom, and a bait prep station aft of the helm unit. Scott Salyers

Pursuit S 428

A new flagship for Pursuit, the S 428 center console comes with three fish boxes, dual 36-gallon livewells, tackle storage, bait-prep areas, twin hull-side doors and an oversize cockpit. Scott Salyers

A companionway to port of the helm leads to the cabin with a forward berth, galley and private head compartment. Cabin windows match hull-side windows so when below, passengers can see out to the horizon. Scott Salyers

Robalo R360

Robalo’s largest build yet, the R360 measures 36 feet 6 inches with a beam of 11 feet 4 inches, and it features a Michael Peters stepped-hull design. The triple-outboard-powered boat carries 350 gallons of fuel. Scott Salyers

The spacious cockpit comes with a tuna door and twin side dive doors as well as twin livewells. Scott Salyers

Scout 425 LXF

Scout’s new 425 LXF replaces the current 420 LXF and adds more than just a few updates. The cabin includes a redesigned galley, head and living space. The transom features twin oval livewells, a pullout transom seat and twin tuna doors. Scott Salyers

At the helm, Scout built three-wide helm seating and a second row of seating for two or three. Scott Salyers

SeaVee 450Z

The largest Z model yet, the 450 is set up so bow and stern can be fished independently of each other, with separate livewells, rod storage, fish boxes and rod holders. At the transom, the boat comes with twin 40-gallon wells and two 200-gallon fish boxes. Side doors flank the cockpit. Scott Salyers

The Z’s maxi console is resin infused in one piece and includes an integrated, molded safety-glass windshield system. The dash can accommodate up to three 22-inch displays. Scott Salyers

Solace 41CS

Solace jostled the center-console boat market in 2019 with its innovative 345. Its big sister — the twin-stepped 41CS — expands on that figuratively and literally. The 41-footer features a one-piece dive door, an electric windshield, and a cockpit fighting chair/rocket launcher. It also has magnets embedded throughout the fiberglass to position cupholders or seating cushions and accessories. Scott Salyers

Solace 41CS looking forward from the helm

The helm panel holds twin 22-inch displays, and it comes with an electrically actuated outward-opening windshield. Scott Salyers

Yellowfin 54 Offshore

Yellowfin’s new flagship — a 54-footer — includes 150 gallons of livewell capacity, a 200-gallon transverse fish box in the cockpit sole and a cabin belowdecks with a queen berth, fully equipped kitchenette, wraparound seating and a head. Scott Salyers