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The V-55 from Valhalla literally stretches the definition of an outboard-­powered center-console fishing boat, merging the genre with what genuinely qualifies as a yacht. That’s not surprising given that Valhalla’s sister brand is Viking Yachts. Quad V-12 600 hp Mercury outboards provide the get-up- and-go for the Michael Peters-patented Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel running surface. And oh, does it go, achieving a top speed of 62.8 mph, even while rigged with a tuna tower, a second control station and a molded fiberglass hardtop. An electrically operated fuel-­management system enables each engine to draw from a designated fuel tank. The V-55 is also available with five 600-hp Mercury Verados for a top speed of 70-plus mph.

A large standard equipment list complements an exhaustive option sheet to build this 55-foot-7-inch fishing machine with total customization. Stepping aboard through the port or starboard dive doors, the 15 1/2-foot beam creates an immense ­cockpit ideal for offshore fishing. Dual ­65-gallon pressurized livewells with glass fronts are built into the transom and flanked with fold-down seats. Overboard discharge drains in the transom corners accommodate additional on-deck livewells. Twin insulated 110-gallon fishwells with refrigeration were set up in the cockpit on my test boat, with an Eskimo ice-dump receptacle to starboard. Gunwale rod holders line the coaming, and 12-volt electric reel outlets are a popular option. 

For service, a large lazarette hatch provides access to a seven-­position manifold and twin Hooker sea chests, one for the ­air-conditioning system and one for the livewells. A second Hooker ­livewell pump in place serves as an ­instant standby. Raw-water intake and circulating lines are protected with an ElectroSea ClearLine system. The gelcoated lazarette is easy to maintain and delivers safe and swift ­access to ­fuel filters, water separators, two Rule 2000 bilge pumps with Ultimate float switches, and a Reverso auto outboard flush system. Wiring and plumbing are neat, secure and well-labeled. 

Forward of the lazarette hatch is a second watertight hatch and home for the Seakeeper 9 ­gyrostabilizer. This hatch also supports a Release Marine eight-rod rocket launcher. Aft-facing mezzanine seating features molded armrests, ­tackle stowage, eight more rod ­holders and seven drink holders. Beneath the mezzanine cushions are more compartments that can be ordered as chill boxes. Forward of the mezzanine in the second-row seat module are stowage compartments. Aboard the test boat, these included an electric grill, a sink and a flat-screen TV. Below the mezzanine, reached from the second row, is still more stowage, and a place to carry a helium tank or two for kite-fishing. 

Amidships are side lockers for stowing four outfits per side and the dive-door ladder. Anglers will enjoy the 24-inch-wide walkways, 41 inches of freeboard, a recessed bow rail and a ­186-gallon fish box. Built into the center lounge is a 40-gallon livewell. Both the port and starboard forward lounges, each with stowage below, end before reaching the bow, so there are no cushions to step on. The 10-inch-tall teak step provides good footing while still retaining 30 inches of freeboard. 

To make sure everyone is comfortable, the first row of seating at the air-conditioned helm features four 19-inch Release Marine teak helm chairs with armrests, electric slides and flip-up bolsters. But the comfort does not stop there; you can ­order a second row of seating in ­either a four- or five-chair arrangement. With the latter, you can seat a party of nine. A second version of the V-55 trades the second-row seating for a U-shaped lounge with a power-­actuated teak table that converts to a two-person berth.

A ProCurve glass windshield with a custom one-piece wraparound fiberglass frame provides undistorted visibility. The raised black dash accommodates three 22-inch Garmin 8622 multifunction displays. A Mercury MFD monitors the engines directly in front of the wheel. Single-lever Mercury controls are to starboard, along with the Mercury joystick and a SidePower electric bow-thruster joystick. Two banks of Bocatech 12-volt switches operate accessories. 

Read Next: Valhalla V-46

A sliding door that disappears into a pocket starboard of the helm leads below to reveal posh overnight accommodations that include a private stateroom with a walk-around queen bed, a 24-inch flat-screen TV, a Bomar overhead hatch, side windows, an enclosed head, and a separate fiberglass shower stall. A full-featured galley, a dinette that converts to a single bunk, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, and a pair of bunks aft make excellent use of the space. 

The aft machinery room contains a Fischer Panda 15 kW generator, a Kuuma water heater, batteries and a pair of ProNautic charging systems, a Parker Pro Mini ­watermaker, and a Spot Zero water purifier. 

From design to construction to performance to accommodations and fishability, Viking broke new ground with its Valhalla V-55. Coupled with outfitting from Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics, the V-55 sets a new standard for supersize center-console fishing ­machines. 

Specifications

Valhalla Boatworks – Egg Harbor City, New Jersey; valhallaboatworks.com

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The field of 40-something center-console offshore fishing boats has boomed in the past few years. While an outboard-powered 40-foot center-console proved ­nearly unthinkable a decade ­earlier, more than a dozen major boat brands now compete fiercely in this size category. Forty feet represents a magic size, one that can traverse the gnarliest inlets, continue fishing when sea conditions have chased lesser boats to port, and reach distant angling destinations such as the Bahamas, Northeast Canyons or West Coast seamounts, with console interiors big enough for overnighting. Thanks to equipment such as joystick systems and thrusters, they handle and dock easily in crowded ­marinas and tight slips.

Jupiter Marine’s 40 stands out as not only one of the latest entries, but also one of the category’s most impressive. This new 40 dovetails ­nicely between Jupiter’s 38 and 43 center-­consoles (not to mention the Jupiter 41 SB enclosed-­bridge model). Jupiter has not jumped on the step-hull bandwagon, instead relying on a deep-V running surface for the 39-foot-11-inch hull that features 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a Posi-Stern hull-pad design. 

At speed, the 16,000-pound (with engines) boat rode and handled like a dream in the 2- to 3-foot seas we encountered on test day. Triple Yamaha XTO 450s propelled us to a top speed of 57.3 mph with three crewmembers and a full tank of fuel (500 gallons). At rest and trolling speeds, the nearly 12-foot beam provides remarkable lateral stability for fishing securely, even in cross-sea conditions.

Jupiter builds in durability with composite PVC coring (that means no wood to rot), a fiberglass and foam-filled uni-grid stringer system and vacuum-­infused vinylester construction. The inner liner is mechanically bonded to the hull. Separating the transom bulkhead from the motors is a transom platform that lets you easily walk from one side of the boat to the other, a handy trait if you’re trying to fight a big tuna across the transom.  

The teak-accents option adorning the gunwale tops on our test boat gave the Jupiter 40 an added touch of class. For comfort while fishing, coaming pads encircle the interior. Anglers will love the ­60-gallon pressurized transom livewell with a viewing window (and a seating pad and a backrest), twin ­100-gallon insulated fish boxes under the aft cockpit sole, a 126-gallon forward insulated fish box, and a portside door that lets you slide aboard a big tuna or swordfish. There was also a 48-gallon cooler/bait freezer under the aft-facing bench abaft the three-across helm seats on our test boat. 

Life afloat is not always about chasing and catching fish. The marine industry in general and Jupiter in particular arrived at this conclusion much sooner than I did, and that’s why the new 40 features an inviting lounger for two atop the forward console. Creature comforts don’t end there. The bow area is adorned with a pair of lounges with integral backrests, so the 40 is as much at home on an evening harbor cruise as it is fishing kites for sails or trolling the edge of an offshore rip for ­tuna and marlin.

Sometimes you need a handy place to get out of the weather or catch some sleep while in a remote marina or on the anchor in a quiet bay. The Jupiter 40 has you covered (literally) with a roomy console interior, accessed from a companionway on the port side. It offers over 6 ½ feet of headroom, a 7-foot-long berth, a mini galley, a hanging ­locker, and a separate head compartment with a ­shower, vanity, sink and ­electric ­marine toilet.

A full-height curved ­acrylic windshield complements the hardtop, and the dash on our test boat featured three Garmin multifunction displays—a 24-inch MFD in the middle and 16-inch MFDs on each side. There was also a special compartment to starboard that lifts open to reveal the Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick and the bow-­thruster control. It’s mirrored by a handy glove box on the port side of the helm. 

The helm deck itself is elevated about 10 inches to provide a better point of view over the console for the captain and crew, and air-conditioning vents cool the helm area on sultry days. To rock the tunes, our test boat came with a deluxe JL Audio marine system with four 10-inch subwoofers, eight 8-inch speakers and two 6.5-inch speakers.

Read Next: Jupiter 32

As mentioned earlier, my test boat featured the ­upgraded Yamaha XTO 450 V-8 outboard, which replaces the XTO 425. The extra 25 ponies come in part thanks to an increase in intake and exhaust volume, but the 450 is also ­quieter, shifts more ­smoothly, and boasts more charging power and faster, easier engine tilting. I also liked the new styling of the 450. Aesthetically, it is a significant improvement over the 425. 

Ultimately, even in a crowded field of 40-something offshore fishing machines, the Jupiter 40 is hard to ignore, especially when powered by three of the new Yamaha XTO 450 outboards.

Editor’s Note: While the photos in this story depict twin Mercury Verado 600 hp V-12 outboards, our test took place with triple Yamaha XTO 450 V-8 outboards. Photos of the Jupiter 40 with the Yamaha 450s were not ­available at press time. 

Specifications

Jupiter Marine – jupitermarine.com

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The newest model in Pursuit’s lineup serves as a refreshing change of pace from the trend toward super­size, high-dollar, multi-­outboard center-consoles. The moderate price tag of the S 248 means it is relatively affordable for many anglers. But this doesn’t subtract from the center-­console’s superb seakeeping, spirited performance, fishing range, and abundant fishing features.

The S 248 has an LOA of 25 feet, 8 inches—16 inches longer than it predecessor, the C 238, increasing room in the cockpit and at the helm. A thoughtfully designed stern bench seat converts from a combing pad to a comfortable perch for taking a load off ­between fishing spots.

Pursuit has transformed the swim platform into a wholly usable area, thanks to a few innovations. Pursuit rigs this model with only Yamaha F300 DES engines, which have electric steering that eliminates hydraulic hoses. A single rigging tube routes underneath a hinged hatch cover that sits atop the splashwell, eliminating any tripping hazard so crewmembers can traverse its width with ease. Other touches simplify the boarding process, like a transom door that stays open with magnets.

Some anglers disdain bow seating because it leaves less room for fighting a fish at the bow. Pursuit left the center open so an angler can walk all the way forward. Usually, when companies have a windlass option, as with the S 248 ($1,475), it precludes the ­ability to add a bow boarding ladder. However, Pursuit designers found a way to make room for both features by setting the ladder off to the side.  

A 24-gallon recirculating livewell resides in the transom’s port quarter. A clear lid lets you keep track of the baits. A large drawer sits beneath the helm seats for easy tackle access, and just beneath this lies a 45-quart Yeti cooler that slides out on tracks to ease access to cold beverages. Overhead are four rocket-launcher rod holders at the rear of the standard hardtop. And there are four more rod holders ­located at the transom, in addition to four set into the gunwales alongside four ­jumbo cup holders.

One fishing feature missing on the S 248 is a place to cut and rig bait, which could be alleviated by adding an aftermarket rod-holder-anchored cutting board. 

I put the S 248 Sport through its paces by running out of the Fort Pierce Inlet in ­3-footers. Thanks to its 21 degrees of deadrise and hefty 6,050-pound displacement, it handled the seas easily without pounding. The three-sided tempered glass windshield reaches to the top of the standard hardtop, protecting crew at the helm from wind blast or spray, which it can clear with a quick wipe of the optional windshield wiper ($470). 

The helm on our test boat had an optional dual-seat configuration, with flip-up bolsters and two sets of armrests. The dash offers room for dual Garmin 12-inch displays. For rigging, you can access the wiring harnesses by releasing and tilting the entire dash panel rearward. 

A doublewide throne with armrests sits on the forward console, and the tall backrest features the perfect amount of recline. On center-­console boats of this size, entering the head compartment from the side can be downright comical for large folks. But the S 248 features a wide companionway at the front to make access easy. The interior can be equipped with an electric VacuFlush toilet ($3,050) with a 6-gallon holding tank, or leave it bare to maximize storage. 

We set up a drift as I cast a paddle-tail jig toward the rock jetty, hoping to tie into a snook. I moved freely from the stern to the bow thanks to the wide walkway past the center console. I appreciated the tall gunwales that allowed me to lock my thighs under the combing pads by taking a wide stance. After several passes, I declared the area a snook-free zone, so we headed inland to work the mangrove shorelines. With the engine down, the S 248 drafts 3 feet. But with the engine up, that number reduces to 1 foot, 10 inches, so it can fish in fairly skinny inshore ­waters by adding an aftermarket trolling motor.

Read Next: Pursuit S 428

Remove the cushions from the bow seats, and you can install a pedestal table that transforms the foredeck into a casting platform with enough height to throw a cast net, sight-fish, skip casts under branches, or cast a fly rod. (The port and starboard undergunwale rod racks each provide storage for fly rods up to 9 ½ feet long, with concealed tip tubes for protection.) When you’re not fishing, the combing pads pivot inward to form bowrider seatbacks.

The S 248 Sport is the ­only Pursuit in the ­company’s sportboat lineup with an 8-foot-6-inch beam, making it ideal for those who like to hook up their boats and trailer them to the hottest action without having to abide by wide-load restrictions. 

Specifications

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com

The post Pursuit S 248 Sport appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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Dawn and dusk are ­often the best times to fish, but the logistics of being in position when the sun is on the horizon involves a slog through the dark. A better scenario is to emerge from the cabin after spending a restful night on the water and immediately get to work, which is possible on a boat like Intrepid’s new 41 Valor. It can also accommodate Mercury’s Verado 600 hp V-12 outboards.

The Valor also includes a swim platform with plenty of room to walk behind the transom. This will be useful for a fisherman who needs to guide the line around the tall V-12s. 

A thrilling run through a nasty Port Everglades Inlet in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, gave us a chance to put the stepped hull with 22.5 degrees of deadrise at the transom to a stress test, which it passed with ease. By keeping the speed in the low 30s on the ride out to the color change, the Intrepid 41 Valor’s hull handled the 3- to 4-foot seas without drama. Despite a confused sea state, the hull tracked straight with minimal helm input. 

But the question remained: Can this multitasker fish? We were a little early for the annual winter sailfish bite off the South Florida coast, so we targeted late-season mahi instead. Deploying the optional outriggers, we trolled along the ragged sargassum weeds beat up by the rough seas and chased the plentiful birds that ultimately led us nowhere.

Live-bait anglers will appreciate the twin 25-gallon livewells set into each corner of the transom, each with their own pump. A worthy option is the Hooker sea chest with variable-speed pumps that ensure bait stays lively in any sea condition. There are 15 Gemlux rod holders, with 10 of them doing double ­duty as cup holders. The standard hardtop also comes with a SureShade retractable awning system that provided a welcome respite from the midday Florida sun. For more rod storage, owners can add rocket launchers. An in-deck fish box has a macerator.

Intrepid preserved all its cockpit space for fishing, thanks to features like a folding stern bench seat that retracts flush to the transom. A Frigid Rigid cooler is tucked under the doublewide helm seats and can slide out for refilling or to provide extra cockpit seating. You can still grab a drink when it’s slid forward and out of the way. To starboard, there’s a rear-facing jump seat positioned in front of the helm seats that can raise electronically to reveal storage underneath. A dive door to port makes access to the water easy and can also be used to help land large fish.  

The layout of the 41 Valor is unconventional, with an amidships social seating ­area that can accommodate up to eight people. The console is similar to those on center-­consoles, and part of the change from its predecessor model is a larger dash that can accept 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays. It’s pretty tall, though, and can hinder visibility for a couple of seconds upon launch when combined with the concave, enclosed bow section and slight bow rise. I’m 6 feet tall and found myself channeling my inner ballerina to keep the horizon in view during hole shots. But Intrepid mitigates this issue with a helm deck that can electronically rise 4 inches.

Unlike mega-center-­consoles with abbreviated cabins, the one on the 41 Valor is large enough to handle a week in the Bahamas without feeling like you’re deployed on a submarine. It also helps that it’s extremely well-lit with 10 windows and hatches. A yacht-style head includes a stand-up shower with a door, a porcelain toilet, and a sink with a vanity. An abbreviated galley includes a refrigerator-­freezer combo, a microwave, a Kenyon stovetop burner, a sink, and a working surface. The V-berth has a teak dining table that electronically lowers to become a ­filler ­sectional. And to increase its sleeping capacity to four, there’s an amidships berth with a queen-size bed.

The 41 Valor comes ­loaded with standard features like the Seakeeper 5 gyrostabilizer (DC only), windlass, SureShade, 9 kW diesel generator and air conditioning. Our test boat replaced the generator with a bank of four lithium-­iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, a growing trend. The standard power setup of triple Mercury Verado 400 hp V-10 outboards pushed the 41 Valor to a top speed of 57.8 mph with a 290-gallon ­fuel load. At its best cruise speed of 35 mph, it achieved 0.89 mpg. With a fuel ­capacity of 468 gallons, its range is a respectable 375 miles, factoring in a 10 percent reserve.

Another option is the twin Mercury Verado V-12 engine package, which adds $50,000 to the $1,247,000 price tag. According to Intrepid, the performance and fuel ­economy of the two Mercury power packages are similar. 

Yet another option is three of the new Yamaha 5.6L V-8 450 hp XTO Offshore V-8 outboards, which replace the 425 XTOs. More than just adding 25 hp, these new Yamahas are far quieter and have a pleasing, deep-throated note at ­higher rpm rather than the previous 425 XTO’s more abrasive tone. Shifting is also smoother and quieter, especially noticeable when using the boat’s Helm Master EX FishPoint suite of precision maneuvering tools. 

Specifications

Intrepid Powerboats – intrepidpowerboats.com

The post Intrepid 41 Valor appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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Angler enthusiasm for boats designed for both inshore and offshore fishing is growing like Georgia cotton, and Grady-White’s new 281 Coastal Explorer is feeding the frenzy. It checks every box for serious angling and family fun.  

The 281 CE boasts a center line length of 27 feet, 7 inches, with a beam of 9 feet, 4 inches. It is designed to run ­nicely on a single Yamaha 450 XTO or dual F300s. Our test boat sported the latter, offering ­zero-to-30 mph acceleration under 5 seconds, impressive for a 6,500-pound boat. It posted a top speed in excess of 57 mph at 5,950 rpm. 

I like the dual engines because you get better joystick response and all the Yamaha Helm Master EX capabilities. Yamaha’s optional Full Maneuverability package is another worthwhile option that works best with multi-­engine setups. 

The 281’s SeaV2 hull sports a 16-degree deadrise at the transom that provides outstanding at-rest stability and a smooth ride. Running into southeast winds, we found a comfortable speed at about 35 mph. The 281 CE drafts 19 inches, making backcountry fishing easy to accomplish. 

Anglers will appreciate the dual shotgun rod holders and dual gunwale rod holders port and starboard. There is also a pair of rod holders forward. Our boat wasn’t equipped with optional outriggers, but the hardtop is built with sturdy receptacles for them. Four rocket launchers in the hardtop and four in the back of the optional Elite leaning post keep other rods handy. Two rod hangers below the starboard gunwale stow rods, gaffs and boat hooks. We found tackle compartments below the rigging sink on the back of the leaning post, storage in the sides of it, and two more compartments on the front. 

The 281 sports a 38-gallon livewell in the leaning post. Like all Grady tanks, this one has a unique water manifold molded into the side that distributes seawater from bottom to top, surrounding bait with a protective current that eliminates dead spots in the tank. A second 18-gallon well can double as another fish box, but we see tarpon anglers using it for crabs or shrimp. 

The fish boxes are in the forward seating pods, and they drain overboard. But if you plan to fish for tuna (and there’s no good reason you shouldn’t in this high-bow vessel), there’s a double forward lounge with an insulated box underneath that drains overboard. 

To slide a big fish aboard, an electrically operated portside door hinges downward and low enough to slide a beast into the cockpit. The aft cockpit offers a roomy casting deck. It also provides seating with a removable center seatback posted in shotgun rod holders, and convertible port and starboard cushions that swivel into a comfortable beam-to-beam position for riding. These convertible seatbacks also swing outward to create leaning bolsters and add stability when casting at the transom. The center seat cushion can be removed and stowed. 

The foredeck provides a vast casting space by joining the forward console lounge with an optional forward casting deck using a half-moon-shaped removable deck insert. 

Successful boatbuilders like Grady-White know that today’s boating family won’t confine itself to fishing. In fact, on some days, they might decide they don’t want to fish at all. Grady-White kept this in mind when it designed the 281 CE. Sure, the 281 ramps up your range and offshore confidence while keeping tarpon, snook and redfish easily approachable, but the family-­fun platform can’t be beat.

All these casting platforms double as luxury seating through a well-designed, ­lushly upholstered, ­thickly padded series of cushions. On the forward deck, two seatbacks raise with the touch of an electric switch. And the electrically operated portside boarding door mentioned earlier doubles as a swim platform, with reboarding made easy thanks to a stowable ladder. 

With the cocktail table flat in the casting deck, the cushions complete a sun pad. An optional cushion on the half-moon-shaped insert joins the forward console lounge to make this cushion more expansive. Getting up to the deck is easy thanks to molded-in steps to port and starboard. 

The helm included two optional Elite captain’s chairs with armrests and bolsters, adjustable to put the controls in easy reach. Roomy access below the console (with a porcelain toilet and sink) ­accommodates
linebacker-size anglers. 

Grady optionally pre-rigs the 281 CE for a bow trolling motor with a swivel bracket, a motor-shaft support, and three 12-volt batteries for a 36-volt motor. Your ­dealer will add the Minn Kota or Rhodan trolling motor and dual 10-foot Power-Poles—get those, you’ll want them in the backcountry and bays.

The 281 Coastal Explorer brings all of Grady-White’s best attributes together in a boat that opens doors to blue water without shutting doors to bays and backwaters. And it does so with impeccable construction, beautiful lines, and a track record of winning every ­customer-satisfaction award ever offered in the ­marine industry. 

Specifications

Grady-White – gradywhite.com

The post Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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The beauty of Pathfinder’s new 2400 Open is that it’s great for inshore fishing, but also big and secure enough to head offshore even when the waves kick up. More than a hybrid, it features a deep, open aft cockpit that does away with the rear casting deck, making it more like a center-console layout from amidships to the stern. The 2400 Open has gunwale heights that measure between 22 and 25 inches, high enough for me to lock my knees under the full-cockpit combing pads.

For stability, the 2400 Open sports a 9-foot beam. Its 15-degree transom deadrise also enhances lateral stability. The model floats in 14 inches of water, so traversing shallow areas is not an issue. Our test boat had the optional 36-volt Rhodan trolling bow motor, which allowed us to stealthily work mangrove-lined banks, skipping lures under the limbs from the roomy forward deck.

For those into live-bait fishing, the 2400 Open punches above its weight with two mega-size livewells. The aquarium-style 40-gallon bait spa behind the helm seats wouldn’t look out of place on a 30-foot offshore center-console. It has a clear lid with friction hinges, two livewell pumps, and three drains in case one gets clogged. At the stern is a 25-gallon livewell that comes standard with a livewell pump, and is available with an optional recirculating pump.

Our 2400 Open had an amazing 27 rod holders, with some pulling double duty as drink holders. There were optional holders on the T-top, which also featured two rocket-launcher rod holders pointing outward to create a mini trolling spread, if you don’t order the optional outriggers. Our boat had an upper helm station with a pair of rod holders that allow the captain to quickly grab a rod. There’s plenty of room to ice fish in the three fish boxes, which can be optioned with macerators.

Last year, Pathfinder unveiled the 2400 TRS, a sister boat to the 2400 Open. It has the same single-step hull that shares the identical deadrise and dimensions. Where they differ is at the bow and stern. The 2400 TRS (Third Row Seat) has a family-friendlier seating layout consisting of a U-shaped lounge in the bow with flip-up forward-facing backrests, and a bench seat at the stern that has a flip-down backrest that forms a rear casting deck. To preserve cockpit space, there’s no livewell behind the helm seats. The 2400 Open is a more serious fishing boat with a bow section that features a raised casting deck. It has a smaller step-up just abaft that has lockable storage. You can order optional jump seats in the corners of the transom with seat bottoms that fold up and out of the way to preserve fishing space.

Just in front of the medium-size center console is a seat that could be large enough for two smaller anglers, but the seatback has side bolsters that make it more comfortable for just one person. The seat bottom is the lid of a padded 80-quart Engel cooler. The console is finished inside and has room for an optional marine toilet with an in-deck pump-out fitting.

If you are the kind of angler who likes to crank up the pre-fishing adrenaline with some loud rock, Pathfinder offers a premium JL Audio system. Owners can customize their boat with a choice of five optional colors, or even order a boat with a custom color of their choosing. In addition to storage in the console, there’s a compartment on the foredeck, one under the step-up to the forward deck, and another just behind set into the deck and deep enough for a 5-gallon bucket.

At the helm, a two-person crew sits atop comfortable Llebroc seats with flip-up bolsters that also allow occupants to stand in comfort. The upper footrest even houses a watertight compartment perfect for stashing phones and wallets. For electronics, the console’s dash is large enough to accommodate a 16-inch Garmin display. To provide shade over the center console of the 2400 Open boat, you can order an optional fiberglass hardtop. As mentioned earlier, our Pathfinder 2400 Open test boat featured the second-station tower option for an elevated perspective. The tower also integrates a canvas shade over the main helm area below.

Powering our test boat was a Yamaha F300, which Pathfinder mounts on a 6-inch jack plate that eliminates the need for a splashwell and allows full use of the swim platform. Even with no trim tabs deployed, the 2400 Open got on plane quickly in 3.6 seconds with little bow rise. At 29.2 mph, it burned 8.3 gph, which netted 3.5 mpg, and provides plenty of range with an 88-gallon fuel tank. Even at its top speed of 54.9 mph, it got better than 2 mpg. It’s rated for up to a 350 hp outboard, but the only way to add that much power is to choose the Mercury option, which also includes a 300 hp choice. Yamaha outboard choices are the F250 and F300 models.

The addition of the 2400 Open to Pathfinder’s fleet of boats gives more serious anglers a hybrid on steroids that is just as at home trolling weed lines for mahi as it is drifting the flats for trout.

Specifications

Pathfinder Boats – pathfinderboats.com

The post Pathfinder 2400 Open appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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Each Sailfish boat I’ve tested demonstrates one overarching principle: The company’s design team consists of experienced saltwater anglers and accomplished skippers. This wealth of knowledge leads to features and building techniques that favor hardcore fishability, exemplary seakeeping abilities in the roughest waters, and the durability to support an extended warranty and make owners proud for decades to come. Just as important, Sailfish keeps family and crew comfort in mind, making its boats ideal candidates for boaters with diverse views of recreation afloat.

In a sea full of center-­console sport-fishers, finding one that stands out in the fleet requires the builder to pay special attention to making the deck suitable for doing battle against big game. Sailfish knew how to check all those boxes in the design and construction of the new 312 CC. 

Rod holders abound and are conveniently located, but not overdone like in some vessels. Fourteen rod holders, including six shotgun holders, are arranged around the cockpit. Five are located in the hardtop, and there are two kingfish rod holders, one each to port and starboard. Those are particularly important for kingfish, obviously, but they are also handy when bump-trolling with liveys for pelagics such as mahi or sailfish. Also built into the hardtop are backing plates to receive outriggers, either as factory-installed options or aftermarket accessories.

You’ll find 62 gallons of combined livewell capacity between the portside transom livewell and the leaning-post well. Keep pitch baits in one and pilchards in the other. They are rounded inside to improve bait movement, well-aerated, and covered with acrylic lids for easy observation.

We like the setup of the rigging station in the leaning post, including tackle drawers, slots for utility boxes, and spots to keep tools handy.

The bow deck is ready for anglers too, with rod holders conveniently located and removable lounge cushions to convert the seating area into a casting platform. The ­cockpit itself has stowable seating that, when deployed, gives four to six crewmembers comfortable places to take a load off. When stowed, the seats complete the gunwale and transom bolsters, allowing anglers to brace comfortably while battling fish. We also found the gunwale height was well-balanced ­between providing a safe cockpit depth and the ability to reach the water to release a fish. All boxes checked there.

Hand in hand with fishability is performance. A center-­console needs to be stable at rest under crew movement and comfortable at speed in rough seas. To accomplish this, Sailfish employs a hull design it calls VDS for variable-degree stepped hull. This hull design aligns three separate running surfaces on both sides of the keel. The one nearest the keel has a ­24-degree deadrise to cleave waves at speed. The middle surface is 23 degrees, broadening out to improve stability. The ­surfaces closest to the chine are 22 degrees, ensuring an optimal balance between at-rest stability and a smooth ride.

Building a hull that is comfortable in nasty waves has to pair with construction techniques that allow it to stand up to those rough seas over the long run. Sail Tech is what Sailfish calls its lamination schedule and assembly process. It includes layers of Kevlar, carbon fiber and quad-axial fiberglass to create a rigid hull that can handle re-entries with aplomb, even after cresting large waves.  

Handling in our tests was a blast thanks to twin Yamaha F300 outboards with digital controls and Helm Master EX. Docking the boat was easy. Acceleration was snappy, rising to plane in a little over 3 seconds and hitting 20 mph in under 5 seconds. The 312 CC has a range of 400 miles at 29.4 mph, with 10 percent of its fuel left in reserve. 

The helm station features comfortable bucket seats set a perfect distance from the wheel and throttles. Piloting while seated seemed more natural than most boats I’ve tested, and the footrest in the station was ideally located. With the bolster up, the skipper is easily in control with an outstanding view through the tempered-glass windshield that’s integrated into the hardtop design. On top of the console, where everyone dumps their wallets and phones, Sailfish installed a convenient compartment with dividers and a clear lid to stow passenger valuables, glasses and such. If you choose to add radar, the hardtop is ­reinforced to handle it. 

A side boarding door is becoming mandatory among boat buyers, and Sailfish’s door is well-done. Opening inward, the door boasts solid stainless-steel hinges and battens watertight with a beefy, highly polished latch. 

Conveniences in the bow ­area include an insulated cooler under the center-­console seat and retractable lounge backs. A flip-up center bow seat improves access to the electric windlass when it comes time to man the anchor. Inside the center console is a roomy compartment with more than 6 feet of headroom, housing a sink, toilet, and convenient access to batteries, switches and wiring. 

The Sailfish 312 CC is the latest in the company’s full line of bay and offshore boats. In my experience, it is among the best in its class. 

Specifications

Sailfish Boats – sailfishboats.com

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Contender Boats ­possesses a storied history in the center-console genre. This longtime Florida boatbuilder has thousands of boats on the water, and it continues to introduce new, refined and well-executed boats that meet the demands of today’s skilled boating anglers. Though Contender has forged its reputation with offshore center-consoles, the company is certainly no stranger to developing fishing machines for nearshore waters, as evidenced by the new Contender 26 Bay.

The 26 Bay evolved from the successful 25 Bay and has features that are sure to impress, including a twin-stepped hull and vacuum-infused fiberglass construction for its hull, deck and small parts.  

We tested on a November day with northerly 10- to 15-knot winds on Biscayne Bay, which gave us a great look at the performance in choppy, windblown waters. Our test boat was powered with a single 300 hp Yamaha outboard and loaded with a host of options, including a pair of Power-Pole 8-foot stern anchor blades, a Minn Kota Riptide Ultra 112 60-inch trolling motor with a lithium battery upgrade, underwater lights, and fresh- and raw-­water washdown systems. 

There were two of us aboard for the test, with 45 gallons of fuel in the tank. The 26 easily ran across the chop. I expected a bit of spray as we turned into the waves but felt none. 

As we increased speed, the 26 produced a consistent, stable, easy ride. The sweet spot for best fuel efficiency was 3,000 rpm at 29 mph, burning 6.7 gph, giving us 4.8 mpg. At 4,500 rpm, the 26 achieved 45 mph while consuming 17.8 gph, resulting in 3.7 mpg. With the throttle pegged at 5,600 rpm, the 26 zipped along at 59.5 mph, burning 27 gph for 2.2 mpg—pretty spunky with the 300. 

Our 26 Bay was rigged ­nicely with features such as a fully molded anchor storage locker. Inside the bow casting platform is a 125-gallon dry storage locker with molded-in rings to hold a pair of 5-gallon buckets in place for easy drop in and lift out. 

Just aft of the casting platform is recessed, U-shaped, fully cushioned seating with backrest coaming cushions. These side seats house two wing storage bins on each side, with large gasketed hatches that open from the aft end to reveal compartments for life jackets, tackle boxes and other gear. The center section ­also has a lift-up hatch for more storage. There is a 70-gallon in-deck insulated fish box on the centerline as well. 

Under the cushioned seat on the forward console is a custom-made insulated Contender cooler that is completely removable. Its shape ­allows easy passage to the ­forward area of the boat. 

The front of the console opens up via split upper and lower panels. Manipulating these allows access to the back side of the equipment on the helm, as well as the batteries, breakers, stereo amps, battery distribution switches, and a host of electronic modules to operate the boat. The wiring is neatly loomed and custom-­fitted to the boat, with each wire labeled. Looking in this console is akin to looking at fine artwork.

The user side of the ­console offers the helmsman everything needed within arm’s reach. Our test boat featured a pair of Garmin 7612 multifunction displays on its ample dash, with a push-button switch panel on the centerline, Garmin control box to port, and Fusion stereo control to starboard. The helm is offset to port with a hinged-lid glove-box outboard. The binnacle, Yamaha engine display, start/stop panel, and the Lenco trim-tab controller are all to starboard. There’s also a pair of stainless-steel drink holders just right of the throttles. 

Our test boat had the ­optional hardtop, with polished aluminum piping and a whisper-­gray underside to limit glare. The top housed a pair of stereo speakers, LED lights, fore and aft LED spreader lights, and an integrated overhead electronics box. There were four rod holders along the back edge, and an easily accessible fold-down anchor light on top. The leaning-post pipework was polished aluminum, with a fold-down footrest and a cushioned bolster seat with a backrest, four rod holders and two stainless-steel drink holders along the back. 

The aft casting deck is well laid out, with neatly concealed cushioned jump seats featuring lift-up backrests on each side, facing forward. In the center is a 40-gallon livewell with a sealed, gasketed lid. Our test boat had an additional optional cushioned seat and removable backrest over the livewell hatch. Just aft of that is a 12-gallon baitwell for shrimp and crabs. 

Read Next: Contender 44CB

The 26 has extra length thanks to a new transom bustle. We also discovered outstanding access to the bilge ­areas all across the back. There is a center hatch to access the bilge pump and through-hulls, and two large hatches to access the outboard bilges. This makes working on everything so much easier. 

The folks at Contender are hardcore boating anglers. They have continued to bring new models with evolved designs that improve performance, ease of use, ­fishability and user-friendliness. The 26 Bay is no exception and a great example of how this company over the years has built one of the most vaunted reputations in the industry. 

Specifications

Contender – contenderboats.com

The post Contender 26 Bay appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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The traditional hard-core bay boat with flush decks fore and aft, an abbreviated midcockpit and limited seating has today evolved into many different forms, including one of the most versatile: the new Pathfinder 2400 TRS. 

Pathfinder Boats ranks as one of angling’s most iconic brands, a company that 30 years ago pioneered the development of bay boats and essentially defined the category. Over the years, many other boat companies have followed suit with their own versions. Yet Pathfinder continues to play a dominant role in this market, thanks in large measure to the addition of versatile variations of the bay boat. A case in point: the redesigned 2400 TRS. 

What makes this boat special is a three-prong design approach that includes features to enhance offshore fishing capabilities, retain inshore effectiveness, and integrate creature comforts for more leisurely days on the water. 

TRS stands for third row seat, and that’s a clue to the comfort side. It references the 40-inch-wide bench seat (with a backrest) that folds up out of the aft deck. The boat also features bow cushions with the flip-up backrests on the forward deck. With seating for eight people, a removable bow table, and available shades for both bow and stern, you’ll be set for family cruising. 

For hardcore fishing, the 2400 TRS offers a full complement of features to help anglers succeed. One is a 6-inch-wider beam than its predecessor model for great stability while fishing.

The boat also features 24 inches of gunwale height in the midcockpit, with 9.5 inches of freeboard around the 7-foot-long-by-5-foot-wide forward casting deck for safety when venturing offshore to fish wrecks or blue water when weather permits. 

The hull features a single step and 15 degrees of deadrise at the transom. While test conditions were calm, we were able to self-generate 2- to 3-foot waves, then circle back through them to gauge the ride quality. The 2400 TRS knifed smoothly through the waves at speed and should provide a smooth ride while cruising offshore.

To optimize the 2400 TRS’ shallow-water capabilities, Pathfinder engineered the hull to draft just 15 inches at rest. The standard Atlas jack plate (with 6 inches of setback) lets you elevate the motor to climb on plane quickly and safely in skinny water. A standard 36-volt trolling motor lets you quietly stalk tidal waters.  

The hull provided predictable and confident handling, made easy thanks to the built-in electric steering on the Yamaha F300 that powered our test boat. A deluxe Llebroc helm seat includes armrests and individual flip-up bolsters. Two tiers of angled footrests at the base of the center console let you brace your feet in choppy water while underway. The seat base lets you carry all the tackle you need with a locker full of trays for plastic boxes on the port side, and a tackle cabinet and drawer on the aft side.

There’s rod stowage aplenty, including undergunwale racks for sticks up to 9.5 feet in length. An optional four-rod rack sits abaft the helm seat. Our boat came with an optional hardtop and rod stowage that included four holders on the port side of the console (with special cutouts in the top to accommodate rod tips). Six rod holders lined the aft edge. Four gunwale rod holders make it easy to troll or fish multiple rods on the drift. 

The dash panel featured an optional Garmin 16-inch multifunction display, as well as an optional JL Marine Audio display tied to an amplifier and eight JL coaxial 6.5-inch and 7.7-inch speakers, four of them on the underside of the hardtop. The hardtop included two overhead boxes, one in front of the helm area and one abaft. 

The 2400 TRS features a 38-gallon livewell under the aft deck to port, and you can option a 38-gallon release well on the opposite side. An insulated 31-gallon fish box under the fore deck lets you ice your catch. Additional cold storage comes in the form of a standard 80-quart Engel cooler with a cushion and contoured backrest on the forward console. An optional fiberglass console forward seat cooler is offered as well.

A step-down console interior is available with an optional pump-out marine head. The companionway is on the starboard side, and a window on the port side ushers in fresh air and daylight. 

Yamaha’s F300 propelled our test boat to a top speed of 54 mph at 6,000 rpm, though in previous tests Pathfinder was able to push the average top speed to 56 mph.

The 2400 TRS achieved its best efficiency at 35 mph while running at 4,500 rpm, where the F300 drank 13 gph for an average of 2.7 mpg, equating to a range of 214 miles based on 90 percent fuel capacity. 

Test Conditions

• Weather: Sunny
• Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
• Wind: Calm
• Sea State: Calm
• Test Load: Three adults, 22 gallons of fuel

Specifications

Pathfinder Boats – pathfinderboats.com

The post Pathfinder 2400 TRS appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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While some anglers might view anything other than a center-console as a “gentleman’s” boat, Pursuit’s OS 445 powered by triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards is a modern take on an express sport-fisher. Its ability to enclose the bridge deck and sleep six turns it into an all-weather mothership-fishing combo. 

But unlike its diesel-powered inboard counterparts, this 46-footer can romp at nearly 50 mph.

Pursuit’s designers created a boat that puts angler comfort in the forefront. That starts with tamping down noise levels. During our performance test of the OS 445 in Tampa, Florida, it displayed superior noise insulation with the bridge deck’s aft glass door and giant flip-up rear window closed versus open. At a trolling speed of 10 mph, the difference was 8.5 decibels. At an eco-cruise speed of 27 mph, it was a whopping 12 decibels. 

With a 13-foot-10-inch beam and a cockpit free of obstructions, there’s plenty of room to fish. Those who like to troll will appreciate the rear-facing mezzanine bench seat. An optional electric sunshade ($20,320) extends at the touch of a button. Gunwale height is the right size at 27 inches. Anglers will appreciate the standard Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer in rough seas.

A total of 10 rod holders come standard, with an option to add six more on the hardtop ($3,465). Three tackle-storage stations are strategically placed around the cockpit, and the transom has a rigging station with a freshwater sink.

For fish storage, there’s a 75-gallon transom box that’s 52 inches long. Two additional in-sole boxes hold 82 gallons each and up to 54-inch-long fish. The solitary transom livewell holds 50 gallons. 

The driver’s forward vision through the 60-inch-tall glass windshield is impressive. A Stidd helm seat is extra wide and electrically adjustable fore and aft, with 7 inches of height adjustment. For shorter skippers, there’s a flip-down footrest riser. The OS 445 comes standard with twin flush-mount 22-inch Garmin GPSMap 8622 displays, and Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick is within easy reach to the right. Pursuit also adds a standard bow thruster for quick docking corrections.

The triple Yamaha F425 XTO outboards represent the only power package for the OS 445. Our test boat had a load of six people with 520 gallons of fuel. It was surprisingly fast out of the hole, with the 20-degree transom-deadrise hull getting on plane in 6 seconds with minimal bow rise and without using the standard Zipwake interceptors. The zero-to-30 mph time was 14.1 seconds, but we reached 20 mph in only 6.7 seconds. The OS 445 maintained plane at 17 mph, which is useful when it gets rough offshore. Its 600-gallon fuel tank provides a range of 332 miles with a 10 percent reserve when cruising at 27.1 mph. This boat provides a strong blend of lift and sliceability. It was nimble during hard turns, and didn’t have that extreme lean that many larger boats with more deadrise exhibit. 

Those weekending to destinations like the Bahamas will appreciate the yacht-like amenities, including a master cabin with a larger-than-queen hybrid memory-foam-innerspring combo bed that flips up to reveal additional storage. The secondary cabin has a double-wide bed and plenty of headroom. An optional height-adjustable dining table on the bridge deck increases the sleeping capacity to six. A roomy head compartment has two entryways for privacy and includes a clear acrylic-enclosed shower stall. 

Heading to the bow is easy thanks to the 12-inch-wide walkways to port and starboard. This gives access to the giant lounge (with adjustable backrests) and forward bench seat. 

It wouldn’t be a Pursuit without luxurious features, like the flip-down 42-inch smart TV on the bridge and a smart 32-incher in the primary cabin. A cockpit table can be installed, and adding some wow factor is a hullside boarding platform that electronically hinges down for easy access to the water. A flip-down stern bench yields more seating. A cockpit grill is perfect for cooking up the catch, and there’s a full galley on the bridge deck. A tilt-down wine rack taps into the air-conditioning system for chilling. 

The OS 445 sports impressive standards, like a Panda 12 kW diesel generator and Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, which is reflected in its $1.4-plus million price. Don’t like the white hull? You
can choose from five available gelcoat color schemes (starting at $7,975) and carbon-fiber outriggers ($12,080). This is a boat designed for serious saltwater anglers of discerning taste who place equal importance on fishing, cruising and entertaining. 

Test Conditions

• Weather: Sunny
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Wind: Calm Sea State: Calm Test Load: Six adults, 530 gallons of fuel

Performance

Specifications

Pursuit Boats – pursuitboats.com

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