One word describes the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Big! With multiple venues, hundreds of exhibits, and more boats, motors, electronics and accessories than you can imagine, this show can be overwhelming. But if you’re looking to live large, this is the show for you. The 2023 show did not disappoint. Here are some of the big products for boating anglers I saw at FLIBS this year.

Formula 457 FISH

Formula Boats staged a huge announcement at FLIBS. It introduced a big new center-console: the Formula 457 Fish. The company presented a detailed scale model of the new boat, and the real thing will be at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2024.

“Built to your preference, from hardcore fishing to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style,” Formula’s Scott Porter announced. “Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized bait wells, plus the bait station and fully appointed tower command for a fishing battlewagon. We will build a boat to suit your wants and needs.”

At 47 feet, 7 inches in length with a beam of 13 feet, 9 inches, the 457 will boast a 700-gallon fuel capacity and up to three Mercury Verado 600-hp V-12 outboards. Two rows of helm seating will accommodate eight crew members in comfort. Speaking of comfort, a fully appointed cabin will make long cruises and overnighting at the islands a genuine pleasure.

Grady-White Canyon 386

Grady-White Boats always seems to make big news at FLIBS, and this year was even more spectacular with the debut of the Canyon 386 center console. Mirroring the best design elements of the Grady-White flagship model, the Canyon 456, the 386 offers an immense amount of deck space.

“You’ll find no other boats of its class with the magnitude of square footage that we’ve been able to create in our design process,” said Grady-White Product Designer Christian Carraway. “With an eye toward fishability and luxury, we’ve crafted a boat that’s both rugged and refined.”

With a length of 36½ feet and beam of 13 feet, 2 inches, the Canyon 386 features four luxurious helm seats and a spacious, fully appointed cabin accessed from a sliding door on the helm deck. The roomy cockpit has side doors on both sides, dual 35-gallon transom livewells, and a 291-quart insulated refrigerator/freezer fish box with a digitally controlled thermostat. A fold-away transom bench seat offers extra seating, but tucks away quickly when the angling action heats up.

On the forward console is an inviting lounger and posh seating in the bow. The updated engine area eliminates the traditional motor well and supports triple Yamaha XTO Offshore 450-hp outboards, now available in classic white to perfectly match the iconic Grady-White gelcoat.   

Aquila 47 Molokai

The ranks of big offshore-capable power catamarans welcome a new member at FLIBS: the Aquila 47 Molokai. The double-step 45-foot, 8-inch-long cat hull features carbon-fiber forward and aft main bulkheads to create the structural strength required for up to four powerful 400-hp outboards. High tunnel clearance creates an air cushion and reduces hull noise when trolling. The deck level offers 360 degrees of walk-around space, and the forward platform grants elevation when cast-netting for bait to fill the twin 42.5-gallon transom pressurized livewells. There are 180 gallons of in-sole fish-box capacity and two 74-gallon forward coffin boxes.

Port and starboard side doors ease boarding of crew and big fish. A console sliding door at the helm offers access to the cabin boasting a queen berth and an enclosed head with a shower for cruising and overnighting. Expansive hull-side windows provide cabin illumination. The hardtop integrates stylishly with the full-height windshield, protecting two rows of helm seating for up to seven crew members.

Garmin GPSMAP 9000 Series

Talk about big! Garmin’s new GPSMAP 9000 chartplotter series is available with 19-, 22-, 24- or 27-inch touchscreen displays. The multifunction displays (MFDs) boast stunning 4K resolution with edge-to-edge clarity, and are powered by a processor that’s seven-times faster than previous generations. They also feature the new Garmin BlueNet gigabit network for comprehensive, high-speed connectivity throughout the boat with sensors and other networked devices.

Each new MFD can be flat or flush mounted, and offer in-plane switching (IPS) touchscreen displays that can be seen from all viewing angles, even with polarized sunglasses. The GPSMAP 9219, 9222, 9224 and 9227 come preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ mapping that includes Auto Guidance+ technology for faster and more detailed route calculations.

ICOM IC-M510BB Black-Box VHF

ICOM’s new IC-M510BB represents the latest in VHF technology, letting you expand your VHF accessibility throughout the boat. All operations, including DSC, can be made from the CommandMic allowing the VHF radio unit to be installed in an out-of-sight place and as far as 60 feet from the CommandMic. Up to three of the CommandMics can be connected to the IC-M510BB, which allows it to double as an onboard intercom system on large boats. NMEA 2000 networking capabilities provide plug-and-play data communication with other electronics such as an MFDs. The radio can also share GNSS (GPS) position, AIS, and DSC calls with other onboard equipment. The unit has a last-call voice recording function that automatically saves up to two minutes of a recent incoming call. A built-in 15-watt amplifier increases the audio output to an external hailer speaker, and there’s built-in hailer function that also sounds foghorn patterns.

The post What Caught Our Eye at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

The 2022 Miami International Boat Show marked the public debut of some cool new technology and marine electronics. We took our video camera to the show and captured footage of six products, including the new user interfaces from Garmin and Simrad, Airmar’s SmartBoat, Raymarine’s YachtSense Ecosystem, Harman’s tower speakers and Roswell’s telescoping helm.

Read Next: Bonnier Best Electronics Awards 2022

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The Miami International Boat Show, cancelled last year due to COVID, successfully reemerged last week — Feb. 16-20 — at its original Miami Beach Convention Center location. And while the overall number of brand-new boats might have slid due to global supply and demand issues, we found eight fishing-boat models debuting and dozens of new gear products.

The boat show, which included the Miami Yacht Show, spanned six locations, including three on-water facilities. Here are videos we captured of the new fishing boats, listed alphabetically.

Boston Whaler 360 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 360 Outrage features Advanced Fathom technology, which is a new boat-electrification system. It also comes with reconfigured bow seating, a personalized cockpit, improved storage and centerline hardtop access. Power options include triple 300 hp Mercury engines, triple 450 Mercury FourStrokes or twin 600 V12 Verados.

Specifications

• LOA: 35 ft. 6 in.
• Beam: 11 ft. 3 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.
• Draft: 2 ft. 6 in.
• Weight: 13,383 lb. (w/o engines)
• Fuel: 415 gal.
• Max HP: 1,350

Lowe Bay 22

Step aboard the welded-aluminum Lowe Bay 22 and you’ll find a broad beam and expansive deck space as well as ample fore and aft casting platforms, a 16-gallon baitwell in the console, and a 30-gallon aft livewell.

Specifications

• LOA: 21 ft. 9 in.
• Beam: 8 ft.
• Transom Deadrise: 10 deg.
• Draft: 10 in.
• Weight: 2,075 lb. (hull only)
• Fuel: 30 gal.
• Max HP: 200

Sailfish 320 CC

The Sailfish 320 CC features a carbon-fiber and Kevlar-reinforced deck and hull and a variable-deadrise stepped hull. Fishing features include an in-deck insulated fish box, twin bow fish boxes, a 35-gallon leaning-post livewell and a 30 gal. livewell in the starboard aft corner.

Specifications

• LOA: 31 ft. 6 in.
• Beam: 10 ft.
• Transom Deadrise: 22 to 24 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 10 in.
• Weight (rigged): 10,500 lb.
• Fuel: 285 gal.
• Max HP: 700

Scout 400 LXF

Scout unveiled its newest luxury sportfishing boat, joining seven other LXF models from the 255 to the 530. The double-stepped hull employs Scout’s epoxy-fusion with carbon fiber/e-glass construction. Fishing amenities include port and starboard transom doors, twin fish boxes with overboard diaphragm discharge, a tackle station, and two 33-gallon livewells.

Specifications

• LOA: 39 ft. 5 in.
• Beam: 12 ft. 1 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
• Draft: 2 ft. 3 in.
• Weight: 14,940 lb. (w/o engines)
• Fuel: 405 gal.
• Max HP: 1,600

Solace 32 CS

Solace’s new 32 CS, for now the smallest in the company’s model line until a 29 debuts later this year, is reinforced by carbon-fiber epoxy composite. Anglers will appreciate the twin 30-gallon livewells, rod and gaff storage in the head compartment, three fish boxes from 35 to 44 gallons, and workstation tackle storage, tool holders and sink.

Specifications

• LOA: 32 ft. 7 in.
• Beam: 10 ft. 3 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 21 deg.
• Draft: 2 ft.; (Operating)
• Weight: 10,500 lb.
• Fuel: 304 gal.
• Max HP: 900

Stingray 173CC

Stingray made this 17-footer feel like a bigger boat with substantial gunwale height and room to easily move around the console. An aerated livewell aft as well as a livewell in the forward console seat provide plenty of bait storage. The boat also comes with rod holders and below-gunwale rod storage.

Specifications

• LOA: 17 ft. 3 in.
• Beam: 7 ft. 6 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 18 deg.
• Draft: 11.5 in.
• Weight: 2,100 lb (w/ 90 hp engine)
• Fuel: 30 gal.
• Max HP: 90

Stingray 273CC

Although the 273CC made its debut at the Miami show, production is not set to start until July. This will be Stingray’s flagship model, and it will feature a 20-gallon livewell and fish boxes as well as optional outriggers and additional livewells.

Specifications

• LOA: 27 ft. 11 in.
• Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 21 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 6 in.
• Weight: 7,000 lb. (w/ twin 300s)
• Fuel: 177 gal.
• Max HP: 600

Read Next: 10 New Boats from the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

Tidewater 292 CC Adventure

This new Tidewater starts with wrap-around bow seating, an electric high-low table, and a large console lounge seat. Its helm station comes with two footrests and space for twin 16-inch displays. For anglers, Tidewater added two macerated 30-gallon floor fish boxes, a side tuna door, and twin 28-gallon livewells.

Specifications

• LOA: 29 ft. 2 in.
• Beam: 10 ft. 2 in.
• Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
• Draft: 1 ft. 6 in.
• Weight: 6,200 lb.
• Fuel: 220 gal.
• Max HP: 700

The post 8 New Fishing Boats from the 2022 Miami International Boat Show appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

We definitely saw a continuation of several trends such as dual consoles and catamarans. All builders, whether creating small 18-footers or giant, quad- and quint-powered luxury fish boats, also have kept an eye on family comforts while remembering the hardcore anglers. We rarely see a center console these days without forward seating, even loungers, and a fold-out transom bench.

We noticed too that many boats in the 30-foot-and-up range displayed a trend toward minimalism at the helm. Glass-bridge displays, once only characteristic on big sport-fishers, are now common as electronics network with all onboard systems, eliminating the need for multiple switches and controls.

All of this makes for great boat shopping whether in-person or online. Enjoy!

Albemarle 31 DC

Boston Whaler 325 Conquest

Carolina Skiff 21 LS

Caymas 341CC

Cobia 330 DC

Contender 44 FA

Crevalle 33 CSF

EdgeWater 340 CC

Everglades 340 DC

Fountain 34TE

Grady-White Canyon 336

Hatteras GT65 Carolina

Invincible 35 Cat

Jupiter 32

NauticStar 191 Hybrid

Pursuit S 378

Regulator 24XO

Scout 305 LXF

SeaVee 390Z

Stamas 31T Aventura

World Cat 325CC

Yellowfin 34 Offshore

The post Cool New Boats from This Year’s Miami Boat Show appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Raymarine ClearCruise AR

Raymarine’s new ClearCruise Augmented Reality technology delivers enhanced on-water awareness to the company’s Axiom multifunction displays. The system overlays navigational information onto stabilized video from a CAM210 HD marine camera. Nav markers, AIS traffic, objects and waypoints appear in text blocks over the moving video. The camera costs $699.99 and is generally mounted facing forward on a hard-top; the AR200 stabilization module costs $499.99.

Simrad Information Display

Navico, parent company of Simrad, Lowrance and B&G brands, has launched what it calls a brand new category of marine technology — the information display (ID). IDs combine a sleek design with a configurable interface to simplify monitoring and control of onboard systems. Pre-defined modes include System Checks, Cruising, Anchoring and Water Sports. Custom modes can also be easily configured to builder specifications to best accentuate the utility of an individual vessel or to complement any boater’s passions such as tournament or sport fishing.

The ID comprises bonded-glass displays and a powerful integration hub, which will be available with a choice of Simrad, Lowrance, or B&G electronics. Each solution includes one or multiple displays bridged together to function as one integrated system. The centralized hub uses Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity along with Sonar, USB, CAN and NMEA 2000 ports to connect to all onboard systems. The pictured ID shows a remote control element on the vessel’s steering wheel. IDs will be available to boat builders in 2019.

Fusion ARX70 ANT Wireless Stereo Remote

Fusion’s ARX70 ANT Wireless Stereo Remote gives anglers the freedom to control their ANT-enabled marine entertainment system from anywhere on the boat. The compact, low-profile design, IPX7 water-resistant design allows it to be installed on any flat surface, without cutting holes or running wires. Simply place, pair and play. The ARX70 features a 1-year battery life. Available in January, the remote will cost $59.99.

Fusion XS Series Speakers

Available in three sizes (4-, 6.5- and 7.7-inch), the new Fusion XS Series speakers combine optimized drivers with separate tweeters to produce a full range of audio reproduction that consistently delivers high quality audio at all volume levels. The new aesthetic design features an innovative translucent cone to provide bright LED illumination on board in a range of colors. The low-profile grilles offer a sleeker design in Sports style (pictured) or Classic style that let users match the look of their vessel.

SiOnyx Aurora Night Vision Camera

SiOnyx, an infrared-imaging-technology company, has launched the Aurora HD action video camera with day and night color imaging. SiOnyx Aurora weighs just under 8 ounces and fits comfortably in one hand. SiOnyx has developed a new semiconductor process that dramatically enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based imaging. Its ultra low-light technology enables richly-defined color images and video during the day and twilight, combined with unmatched high-resolution viewing in near total darkness. Through the free companion apps on iOS and Android systems, you can review your experiences in real-time or control the Aurora directly from your phone. Aurora also carries an IP67 waterproof rating. The camera costs $799.

Furuno TZtouch2 Black Box

Furuno’s TZtouch2 black-box module (TZT2BB) can drive two separate touchscreen displays such as Furuno’s 17-, 19- or 24-inch multitouch screens. It supports full-HD-video input in HDMI format, easily interfacing with high-resolution cameras, sonars or entertainment systems. The TZT2BB networks with Furuno radar, instruments and other sensors. It offers a built-in, dual-frequency fish finder with RezBoost. Add-on options include the DFF3D multibeam sonar and DFF1-UHD Tru-Echo chirp fish finder. The unit costs $5,595.

Garmin 8600xsv 10-, 12- and 16-inch MFDs

Garmin has announced the GPSMAP 8600/8600xsv series, an extension of its flagship GPSMAP 8600 series, bringing premium features like built-in sonar and new BlueChart g3 coastal cartography with Navionics integration, and built-in Auto Guidance to smaller, more affordable display options. Available in 10-, 12- and 16-inch units that feature full HD in-plane switching (IPS) screens with multitouch control, the GPSMAP 8600/8600xsv series is Wi-Fi enabled and offers full connectivity and networkability so mariners can completely customize their marine electronics system based on their needs and preferences. Available in 2019, prices range from $2,499.99 to $5,999.99.

Garmin Reactor Autopilot Remote

The water-resistant Garmin Reactor Autopilot Remote boasts a sunlight-readable color display, a comfortable ergonomic design and programmable presets for quick access to favorite functions. The remote lets users control steering with gesture controls for heading hold and course corrections: Simply point the remote in the desired course direction. Because of the unit’s 45-foot range, the captain is free to move about the deck. The remote, which floats if dropped overboard, comes with a cradle and wrist and neck lanyards and is expected to be available late this year. It costs $249.99.

ICOM IC-M85

ICOM’s tiny IC-M85 measures 2.2-by-3.6-by-1.1 inches and weighs 8.7 ounces. In addition to VHF marine channels, the IC-M85 covers 136 to 174 MHz land mobile channels. It delivers 700 mW of loud audio and has a built-in Voice Scrambler, providing private communication between stations. The IC-M85 features three emergency-related functions: the MOB Alarm, Man Down and Lone Worker functions. If one of these functions is activated, the radio automatically makes an emergency alarm. The radio costs $299.99.

ICOM IC-M330

With its palm-sized compact body — 6.2-by-2.6-by-4.3 inches — the IC-M330 can be installed in tight locations. A new speaker design delivers dynamic and clear sound over a wide bass and treble range. The radio monitors channel 70 continuously, even while you’re receiving another channel. DSC functions include distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling request and DSC test calls. A combination of the directional keypad and soft keys provides simple. Most-used functions are assigned to soft keys for quick one-push function access. The radio costs $159.99; an available built-in-GPS model costs $179.95.

Lowrance HDS Live

Lowrance has announced its new HDS Live real-time sonar/chart plotters with Active Imaging, available with chirp, side- and down-imaging technologies. The new system enhances FishReveal with higher-level clarity and target separation. The units deliver LiveSight sonar for extra-detailed views in real time. Mount the transducer facing forward to cast toward fish or mount it facing down for vertical jigging. HDS Live also comes with Genesis Live Charting for creating real-time custom maps and LiveCast smartphone integration so anglers can display fishing information and entertainment from their smartphones on Live’s 12- or 16-inch displays (7- and 9-inch screen sizes are also available). HDS Live ranges in price from $949 to $4,499. Active Imaging can be purchased with HDS Live or as an accessory for $299. The LiveSight transducer will cost $999 (available in 2019).

Raymarine LightHouse Apps

Available as part of Raymarine’s LightHouse 3 Operating System, LightHouse Apps brings select Android-compatible mobile apps and third-party marine apps to Raymarine’s Axiom multifunction displays. Raymarine users can now use Axiom to stream onboard entertainment from popular movie and music streaming services. LightHouse Apps also brings access to the Theyr GRIB global weather forecast and tide apps. With this launch, Raymarine is making it easy for marine manufacturers, app developers and technology providers to integrate with Axiom and the LightHouse 3 OS. Current available apps include mazu, Seakeeper, Theyr, Netflix, Spotify and Lumishore.

Simrad Halo24 Radar

Simrad’s Halo24 combines the company’s proven performance and reliability with the advantages of cutting-edge pulse-compression technology, a new profile and lightweight design. Boasting 60 rpm high-speed rotation at distances up to 2 nautical miles, an industry first, this 24-inch dome radar improves safety and performance. The fast refresh rate complements high-speed and short-range tracking. Capable of high-quality short-, mid-, and long-range detection up to 48 nautical miles, Halo24 processes multiple ranges simultaneously. The radar also features Simrad VelocityTrack Doppler technology, which provides visual feedback on the motion of radar targets, color-coding approaching vessels that might become a threat while de-emphasizing diverging targets. Price is $2,699.

FLIR M232

FLIR’s M232 pan-and-tilt camera is one of the company’s smallest and most affordable marine thermal cameras. Featuring a resolution of 320-by-240 pixels, the M232 reveals vessels and obstacles at night. Combine the M232 with a Raymarine Axiom MFD and take advantage of FLIR ClearCruise intelligent thermal analytics. ClearCruise provides audible and visual alerts when “non-water” objects, such as boats, obstacles, or navigation markers, appear in the scene. This enhances boaters’ overall situational awareness, both day and night. The camera costs $3,499.

SiriusXM Marine InfoLink for Furuno TZtouch and TZtouch2

SIriusXM’s fourth-generation BBWX4 weather receiver for Furuno NavNet TZtouch/TZtouch2 units overlays graphical information onto charts so anglers can see weather and information relative to their location. Boaters can also access more than 150 channels of SiriusXM radio with the unit. Coastal and offshore service packages cost $29.99/month or $54.99/month. The weather receiver costs $379; a $100 rebate is available through the end of the year.

The post New Electronics at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2018 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Blackfin 332 Center Console (new)

Boston Whaler 380 Realm (new)

Cobia 344CC

Contender 35ST

Grady-White Canyon 376

HCB Center Console Yachts 65 Estrella (new)

Invincible 37 Catamaran (new)

Jupiter 26FS

Pursuit S 288 Sport (new)

Regulator 41

Robalo R272 (new)

Scout 380LXF

SeaVee 322Z (new)

Southport 33FE

Wellcraft 352 Fisherman (new)

World Cat 280 CC-X and DC-X

Yellowfin 34

The post 17 Great Offshore Fishing Boats at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show 2018 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show 2011

The fall boat-show season has kicked off and marks a milestone next week with the opening of the enormous,** 53rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show** (Oct. 25-29). Already, Sport Fishing editors have heard about several new-boat introductions and lots of new gear and electronics.

We’ll be reporting from the show to help you with your shopping list. But, if you’re not looking to buy a new boat or equipment, you might consider refinancing your current vessel.

Interest rates are the lowest they’ve ever been in the marine-finance business, says Tom Smith, president of Sterling Associates, which will exhibit at the Lauderdale show. Those rates hover around 4.5 percent for fixed-rate loans and as low as 3.21 percent for adjustable loans.

To consider refinancing, Smith says anglers first need to know the value of their boats. In fact, used-boat prices, like housing prices, have stabilized and even show some appreciation, Smith says. Refinancing is a valid option for those who have equity. Once you determine your boat’s value, Smith has a few other suggestions:

• Pick a professional to help you. Small lenders won’t understand the transaction, and big banks might be indifferent.
• More lenders have been entering and reentering the market, so you have more choices now.
• When you talk with a lender, assess cost versus value. What are the costs of the loan and how long will you have it? Is it worth it?

Boat refinancing like house refinancing fits certain people in specific circumstances, but if you feel you have equity in your boat and the benefits might outweigh the costs, talk to a lender and find out for sure.

To whet your appetite, see our coverage from last year’s show here.

The post Heading to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Next Week? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

merc blog

Mercury Marine took the wrapper off a totally new 150 four-stroke on the first day of the 2012 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, and unlike the Verado line, this outboard relies on high displacement for its oomph.

It has a relatively large 3.0-liter displacement block, yet it is also the lightest and smallest 150 four-stroke on the market – 20 pounds lighter than the next lightest.

It is also the only 150 with an oil cooler. Its 60-amp alternator is the most powerful for the growing number of electronics on saltwater fishing boats today.

I believe this is a great engine for repower, as it uses cable throttle and shift, yet also easily adapts to SmartCraft gauges.

A 20-step paint process helps protect the engine from corrosion, and the 4.9-inch gear case is extremely rugged.

Simplicity and durability are hallmarks of this outboard. To learn more, visit www.mercurymarine.com.

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No surprise as to the first — Hell’s Bay Boatworks (hellsbayboatworks.com) has been a market leader in skinny-water skiffs for years, but its latest entry may well be the company’s most versatile boat, according to marketing director Todd Fuller.

The new Biscayne is a relatively small craft, stretching 16 feet, 4 inches in length, with a 70-inch beam. But despite its modest size, the skiff was built specifically to tackle rough waters. The hull features a sharp V entry into the water, which parts waves and chop with nary a shudder, Fuller told me.

Capt. Will Benson of the Florida Keys assisted with the Biscayne’s design, and the hull checks in at about 595 pounds. Ideally matched with a 60- to 80-hp outboard, the skiff should draft about 7 inches with a full tank of fuel. Other Hell’s Bays will go shallower — but this one, as Fuller suggested, ought to prove to be an extremely versatile boat.

Hell’s Bay was not the only company sporting a beautiful new skiff at this year’s show, however. Bohemian Boatworks (bohemianboatworks.com), a Sarasota, Florida-based outfit, was displaying its new Bohemian 17, and it looks to be a winner. The Bohemian is 17 feet, 9 inches in length with a 72-inch beam. The hull weighs 550 pounds, company president Robert Helmick told me, and it’ll draft between 7 to 9 inches depending on outboard selection (40- to 70-hp options are available). Bohemian builds their boats custom-ordered, factory-direct, and it all starts with a stepped, V-pad hull that, from the looks of it, ought to produce an incredibly smooth, dry ride. Helmick says that this hull design increases draft slightly, but that the performance benefits far outweigh it.

The boat’s finish is beautiful, and its clean lines and design are very pleasing to the eye. Ten under-gunwale rod tubes are standard, as is a baitwell with a clear lid built into the aft casting deck. I really liked this boat’s wet storage compartment in the forward cockpit sole. It can be used for items like an anchor or castnet, while a giant dry stowage bin under the forward deck can house other items that need protecting. In short, it’s a very impressive boat.

Finally, Scout Boats (scoutboats.com) has a new flats model that ought to serve many angling needs. The 177 Sport features a center console design with good-sized casting decks on the forward and rear decks. While not quite the technical flats skiff that either the Hell’s Bay or Bohemian models are, the 177 Sport is more of a family flats boat, offering a nicely upholstered console cushion seat and sport seats with a backrest for the captain and passenger.

Still, the boat’s dry weight with an engine (it can handle up to 115 hp) is about 1,000 pounds, and Scout claims the boat drafts only 8 inches. With 6 vertical rod holders on each side of the helm station, a standard console baitwell and two tackle trays, it’s perfectly capable of some hardcore fishing.

These were just three of the new flats boats I stumbled across walking the halls of the 52nd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. And they all look to be winners — check em out!

The post New Skiffs Introduced in Lauderdale appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Amazing Glass Work

Every year at this boat show, I swing by the booth of Cocoa-based glass artist Chris Channell (channellglass.com) in big tent adjacent to the show entrance. I’m always astounded by the look of his work. This year, I was particularly taken with his backsplash designs, two of which are shown here. Although designed with large yacht galleys in mind, I think one of these would look great in my kitchen. I’ve already started throwing spare change in a jar and figure by March of 2019 I’ll be at least halfway to the $12,000 to $14,000 going price.

**Monsters in the Bahamas **

Places as well as things get play at the boat show. This year, I stopped at the Rum Cay booth with SF senior editor__ Mike Mazur, shown here talking to the resort’s Bobby Little (left). Rum Cay is now one of Guy Harvey’s outposts (guyharveyoutpostclubrumcay.com). Somehow Rum Cay had managed to slip beneath our radar screen; after realizing where it’s located — in the particularly fertile big-game grounds just southwest of San Salvador Cay — we’re already making plans for a visit! Check it out on Google Maps — and be sure to see it in the satellite view. Look at the huge upwelling areas along massive submarine ledges. Hear Bobby tell of losing a wahoo a solid eight feet in length…. Yeah, we’ve got to get over there!

Slashing Snook in Fiberglass

Another of my favorite drive-by booths as I walk the show at the Bahia Mar is always King Sailfish Mounts (kingsailfish.com). This year Ray Douglas and his henchmen have several new species including less glamorous fish such as a black drum (which in the talented hands of the King Sailfish team somehow comes out looking pretty damned cool). I took a shine to this large snook, with a different look than their other snook mounts.

Handful of Life Insurance

I travel to often remote areas and often fish offshore in boats not my own, as well as fish in kayaks off the beaten path. In all such cases, I think it would add to anyone’s peace of mind to have one of these little units on hand. The new ResQLink is the tiniest of its kind yet from ACR (acrelectronics.com), the waterproof, palm-sized unit weighs in at just about 4 ½ ounces. Good insurance for anyone, I think, and particularly the more adventurous angler.

Not Too Cool for School

In addition to the cool stuff, there’s a whole lot of learnin’ going on for those smart enough to take advantage of those smart enough to be up on the stage of the IGFA School of Sport Fishing in the convention center. These are serious skippers and crew members, as evidenced by the expert on stage here, Capt. Ray Rosher (missbritt.com), one of Miami’s premiere and most successful skippers.

The post Some of the Show’s “Other Stuff” appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.