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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

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When anglers opt for hard-core fishing capabilities, Intrepid steps up with pressurized livewells, not just with acrylic hatches, but often with aquarium-like front panels as well. Tuna tubes are available options. Only top-shelf rod holders, outriggers, custom-made hardware, hinges, latches and other features grace these vessels — all combined in a concert of quality and beauty that Intrepid sportfishermen appreciate.

375 Walk Around

The bones of this sleek sport-fishing walkaround are built to carry broad-shouldered power in the form of dual or triple outboards. The bottom is a transverse stepped design giving excellent support for power and stability, whether at speed or while trolling. Forward of the console, Intrepid has designed a beam-to-beam seating area. Step below to find spacious accommodations that include a dinette area convertible to a cozy V-berth. Add the galley and portside head and the vessel is ready for weekends offshore. A standard dive door can double as a tuna door. It’s this sort of versatility that supports anglers’ belief in the quality of Intrepid designs. Add a teak sole if you’re of a mind. Choose from an unlimited array of hull colors and accented upholstery that is designed, cut and stitched in the Intrepid factory. Select livewells and tackle-storage systems to suit your angling style. Durability in the hull is only part of the picture with Intrepid. Systems must be reliable, and that begins with Intrepid’s custom-designed, hand-built electrical harness using watertight connections and only the best tinned copper wire.

MORE INFO: intrepidboats.com

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I met kingfish pro Conrad Lau and Capt. Roger Walker last fall in Mayport, Florida, to test Lau’s new ride, a tricked-out 327. After loading up the tackle and quickly looking for bait off the beach, we ran it against the backdrop of moored Navy warships. The results were as impressive as the nearby firepower.

With triple 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards, half fuel and full livewells, the boat ran at just over 66 mph at wide-open throttle, burning 78.6 gallons of gas per hour in the process. Earlier factory tests with a slightly lighter load saw the boat reach a top speed of 69.5 mph. The boat responds predictably in turns and jumps to a level attitude almost immediately when you hammer the throttles. No surprises here, just smooth, sure performance. Our subsequent run offshore proved it also has the mettle to handle the slop and stay dry, thanks to its hull design and meticulous construction.

The 327 features a stepped hull that is built to punch through the waves rather than ride over them. It is hand-laid and made from PVC foam core and nonwoven multidirec-tional and unidirectional fibers that are vacuum-bagged to reduce weight and ensure an ideal strength-to-weight ratio. With an aggressive 56-degree entry transitioning to 21.5 degrees at the transom and the integrated motor bracket, the 327 feels rock-solid even in confused seas, with no creaks or flexing whatsoever. The standard power configuration is twin outboards, although a third is an option. An auxiliary 70-gallon fuel tank can be ordered to augment the standard 230-gallon capacity for long-distance runs.

Intrepids have always come with impeccable fit and finish. That tradition continues with the 327. Every seam and hatch fits precisely. The lines are smooth and curved. The wiring harnesses and plumbing are neat, organized and labeled. If you’re looking for yacht-like quality, it’s definitely here.

Our test boat had the optional fiberglass hardtop with recessed lights, an electronics box and a rocket launcher. The ergonomic helm was arranged with high-speed performance in mind ­— everything was easily scannable and within reach. The helm display was large enough to accommodate two 12-inch displays with room to spare. A thickly padded leaning post with cutouts provided a comfortable perch.

Since each Tournament Edition model is built to order, you can rig this boat to fit your personal fishing style, picking from a lengthy options list, including numerous livewell and storage choices. Since he typically live-baits for king mackerel, Lau opted for the maximum well capacity. That includes a pressurized stand-up well behind the leaning post that seals tightly to prevent the bait from getting sloshed around while running. The well also has a handy Plexiglas window for keeping an eye on the baits, a cool feature often found on custom blue-water battlewagons. The huge well flush in the cockpit deck is perfect for dumping a cast net into, while a third box in the transom can also be plumbed for bait. The submerged double-pump box in the aft cockpit compartment ensures no air locks and that the baits stay frisky.

If you can’t find room to store all your tackle and gear on this boat, you’ve got too much stuff. A gigantic lift-up hatch in the bow will hold the anchor rode, the anchor ball, bumpers and other bulky items. Lockable boxes in the raised forward deck are accessed by a cabled latch system, so you don’t have to go digging under the cushions to open the lid. These boxes drain overboard and can be insulated to store the day’s catch. A second set of companion rod lockers are located under the bow covering boards, while another deck box in the bow sole offers even more room. If you still have extra rods, horizontal racks in the cockpit and another across the transom will stow a virtual tackle store. Other handy options, like raw-water and freshwater washdowns, cockpit coaming bolsters, outriggers and spreader lights, can be ordered easily as well.

In a concession to comfort, the 327 has a bolstered forward console seat that slides open for access to the stand-up head compartment. Fill-in cushions for the bow can be ordered with electric backrests for serious relaxing, while the removable aft bench seat will accommodate the rest of the crew. For a true individualized statement, opt for custom gelcoat colors or Imron foot or accent stripes.

If you’re in the market for a serious fishing machine that performs extremely well and looks great doing it, give this Intrepid a long look.

Intrepid 327 CC Tournament Edition

LOA……32’7″
Beam……9’6″
Draft……2’4″
Weight……10,000 lbs.
Transom deadrise……21.5 degrees
Fuel……230 gals.
Water……20 gals.
Base price……$220,000 with twin 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards

Intrepid Powerboats: 954-922-7544 • www.intrepidboats.com

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1209br_intrepid

Measuring 40 feet 3 inches, the 400 CC is the largest of Intrepid’s six center console models. A newly designed hull, custom-machined propellers and an innovative engine mounting system all contribute to a dry and comfortable ride. On the fishability side, the 400 boasts an extra-wide bow, giving anglers a roomy and stable platform from which to do battle. Also inside the bow there is walk-around fishing room when the seating for six is slid into a huge sun pad in the center at the touch of a button. Amenities include a 5-foot-2-inch forward in-deck insulated fish box with macerator pumps, 9-foot gunwale rod lockers and a variety of livewell options.

Intrepid Boats • www.intrepidboats.com

LOA……40’3″
**Beam……11’1″
Draft……27″
Weight……16,000 lbs.
Max hp……1,400
Fuel……300 gals.
Price……$286,000
**With triple 350 hp Yamahas

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