Limited-time offer: Subscribe and save with our Labor Day sale! One-year subscriptions to Boating, Cruising World, Marlin, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman, and Yachting available for $10 each through Monday, September 4.

I remember when a run to the offshore fishing grounds went something like this: Get to the boat the night before to load up gear, bait and tackle. Once we cleared the breakwater, we’d settle in for a long, slow chug through the inky darkness. If there was any weather, the inability to see approaching waves meant slowing down even more. After eight or 10 hours of creeping along and taking turns at the helm, a faint horizon would materialize along the hem of the purple-gray sky, and our fishing day would officially begin.

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

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

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

However, there’s a lot more to this new class of boats than just size and speed. Boatbuilders are competing to introduce more comfortable and capable offshore machines, adding new features, ­interior comfort and amenities without compromising on the open layout and unfettered fishing access that define the breed. Owners are attracted by these vessels’ versatility as well. These boats can be supersize (with corresponding price tags well over $1 million), but a center-console is still a center-console. If the mood strikes, owners want the ability to pull up on a sandbar with everybody else, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the party with their smaller cousins.

When you first see one of these sleek and stylish boats, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the gleaming engine ­cowlings seemingly filling every inch of transom space. It’s clear that the entire class of vessels couldn’t exist without quantum leaps in outboard motor power and ­technology from builders like Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha. There are different theories about which came first, this growing number of high-powered outboards from 350 to 600 hp, or the ever-­larger hulls designed for outboard power. Conventional wisdom is that the evolution of more-powerful outboards led to the development of wider, longer and more-advanced hulls. However, there are also those who believe that evolving consumer demand for simplicity and ease of use was simultaneously pushing builders to redefine the center-console and walkaround fishing-boat classes. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scout raised eyebrows across the industry when it first previewed its 670 LXF, a 67-foot LOA cross between a center-­console and a superyacht due for launch in 2024. Scout’s 530 LXF (Luxury Fish) is a 53-footer built almost entirely of lightweight yet strong carbon fiber and epoxy resin, and it’s packed with amenities like dual hydraulic beach platforms that lower for family water play, heated helm seats, a standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer and luxurious interior options.

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

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

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

Outboard Muscle

Powerful and efficient outboards are helping drive the trend for larger boats. Here are the top dogs in horsepower from three manufacturers.

Mercury: The Mercury V-12 600 hp and Mercury Racing 450R and new 500R are popular choices for twin, triple, quad and even quintuple installations.

Suzuki: Suzuki’s V-6 DF350 pioneered twin contra-rotating propellers for the added torque to push heavy loads, making this 350 a solid and efficient choice for catamarans in quad applications.

Yamaha: Yamaha’s new V-8 450 XTO Offshore outboard is a popular power option for the new breed of XL-size open fishing boats.

The post Supersize Center-Consoles Expand Angling Horizons appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

When one world-traveling angler tired of experiencing boats that weren’t tough enough, fast enough or smooth enough for serious anglers, he decided to build one himself. 

Invincible enlisted the expertise of renowned naval architect Michael Peters, and became the first to employ the Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull, which has become famous for high performance, smooth ride and reliable handling. 

In the exciting decades since, in single-hull and in catamaran designs created in partnership with world-authority naval architects Morrelli & Melvin, Invincible has become synonymous with rugged, athletic and hard-fishing boats.

Invincible 43 Open Fisherman

The new 43 Open Fisherman extends the legacy of Invincible monohull boats. On its patented Michael Peters-design hull, it boasts the power and agility of its forebears, but adds additional deckspace that ensures it won’t be a limiting factor on fishing trips. 

The single-level deck provides 360-degree, walk-around fishability. Within it are three in-deck fish-storage boxes—two in the aft cockpit, one in the bow. The boat features three livewells: two of them within the transom and one in the aft deck.

The 43 Open Fisherman’s massive 675-gallon fuel capacity provides (depending on power selection) 600-plus-nautical-mile range from triple- and quad-outboard installations .

The deluxe console has a fully lined cabin belowdecks equipped with berth, head, sink, and generous access to the helm electronics. On-deck seating options are plentiful , including dual-row helm seating and foldaway cockpit seating.

Options up top include hardtop, folding tower with dual station, hardtop crow’s-nest and ladder, LED spreader lights, cockpit and windshield enclosures, outriggers, rod holders and racks. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

We are always striving to be at the forefront of what benefits sport-fishermen both on their way to the bite and when they have their lines in the water. 

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Mercury 600 hp Outboards
• Test Props: 35″ props on outer engines, 37″ on center engine
• Test Load: 200 gal. fuel, 550 lb. passengers 
• Test Speed: 75.5 mph at 6,300 rpm   
• Max Range: 443 Miles @ 45.7 MPH @ 4000 RPM

Specs

Editor Says

Every Invincible model I have tested is designed and built with premium components, superior ­fit-and-finish, and hull designs that optimize cruising comfort and uncompromising fishability. -Randy Vance, Editor-at-Large, Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 43 Open Fisherman: 2023 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

When one world-traveling angler tired of experiencing boats that weren’t tough enough, fast enough or smooth enough for serious anglers, he decided to build one himself. 

Invincible enlisted the expertise of renowned naval architect Michael Peters, and became the first to employ the Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull, which has become famous for high performance, smooth ride and reliable handling. 

In the exciting decades since, in single-hull and in catamaran designs created in partnership with world-authority naval architects Morrelli & Melvin, Invincible has become synonymous with rugged, athletic and hard-fishing boats.

Invincible 46 Pilothouse

Invincible made big-cat news when it introduced its 46 Catamaran center-console in 2020. Now those patented-design catamaran hulls comprise the base of the first-ever production pilothouse catamaran, the 46 Pilothouse. 

Designed by Invincible senior vice president of design Scott Wood, the new boat provides an exciting ride on a patented Morrelli & Melvin hybrid semi-asymmetrical catamaran design that offers the softest ride in chop, and turns crisply—without awkward heeling. It offers the range, performance and 360-degree fishability of its CC sibling, plus sport-fisher-level sleeping space and weather-defying comfort within its -innovative two-berth pilothouse.

The climate-controlled interior houses a roomy head compartment and full-feature helm station. A power window at the rear of the pilothouse raises and lowers as desired for air movement or communication.

Fishing options include outriggers, rod holders in several configurations, livewell sea-chest pumps, clear lid for the in-floor livewell, electric-reel outlets, and built-in tuna tube. 

Other options include cockpit prep station, leaning-post chill plate, foldout storage lockers, and full coaming bolsters. Battery-system upgrades are available, as is a battery charger with galvanic isolator. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

We are always striving to be at the forefront of what benefits sport-fishermen both on their way to the bite and when they have their lines in the water. 

Performance Data

• Test Power: Quad Mercury 450 R outboards
• Test Props: 22” Eco
• Test Load: 600 gal. fuel, 100 gal. water, 550 lb. passengers    
• Test Speed: 71.2 mph at 6,300 rpm
• Max Range: 516 Miles @ 40.7 MPH @ 4000 RPM 

Specs

Editor Says

The new 46 Pilothouse features one sleeping berth located forward and another that can be converted from the U-shaped settee. There’s also a roomy head compartment and a well-appointed helm station—all climate-controlled for the protection and comfort of the crew on multiday trips. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 46 Pilothouse: 2023 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Limited-time offer: Subscribe and save with our Labor Day sale! One-year subscriptions to Boating, Cruising World, Marlin, Sailing World, Salt Water Sportsman, and Yachting available for $10 each through Monday, September 4.

Invincible Boats has finally released its long-awaited model, expanding the boundaries of a big catamaran ­fishing boat with a pilothouse layout. In the 46 Pilothouse, the feel of a Morrelli & Melvin hybrid semi-asymmetrical catamaran design brings forward the best attributes a multihull running surface can offer. This includes a steady, smooth ride in rough seas, comfortable and confident maneuvering in turns, fuel efficiency and stability. We experienced all this during our recent test. 

The double hulls are double-­stepped and laid up using a sophisticated vacuum-­infusion technique that ensures even impregnation of resin in fiberglass and brings consistent structural integrity and weight from boat to boat. 

We enjoyed skippering from the Release Marine bucket seat within the protection of the roomy central pilothouse. This helm chair is fully adjustable and set at a comfortable height for controlling the beastly quad Mercury Racing 450R outboards. The ­electronic throttle and shift, digital steering and joystick were all easy and comfortable to reach. Adjust the seat aft for stand-up driving. This is a 27,000-pound boat, but with digital controls, it handles like a big sports car.

The 46 carries 1,000 gallons of fuel in dual tanks. Unfortunately, on our test day, most of our 600-gallon test-fuel load was inadvertently pumped into the starboard tank, requiring heavy trimming to level the load and diminishing our maximum range, which Invincible estimates to be 700 miles. With that kind of range, anglers can overnight in the Gulf, travel to the canyons, or fish the other side of the Stream and return with six fish boxes of iced tuna. 

Dual 60-gallon livewells, one in-floor livewell at 70 gallons, and a sea chest with six pumps keep ample bait alive. Our tester deleted the optional tuna tubes that flank the livewells in exchange for dual jump seats on the transom. A rigging station folds out of the mezzanine seatback so cleverly that we might have missed it in our initial inspection if it hadn’t been pointed out. Drawers and tackle-box slots keep gear, tools and leader spools organized. 

Rod holders around the gunwales are well-placed. Six shotgun rod holders on the transom will prove ideal for storage and rigging. There’s lockable rod storage under the gunwales too. The ­transom ­arrangement eschews a transom door, but Invincible has an inward-opening portside door for hauling fish to the deck.  

Our favorite thing about this boat is how Invincible kept the fishing hardcore and made the recreation qualities so fun and comfortable. 

For instance, after a long day or overnight on the water, anglers can dock in fresh clothes after a hot shower in the roomy head compartment within the pilothouse. With sleeping for four in one double berth and a convertible salon lounge, the crew can remain rested and ready to fight, no matter the distance. An ­abbreviated galley is equipped with a standard microwave. Options for an ice maker and refrigerator are available. The cooler beneath the mezzanine seat is fitted with a chill plate that froze our water bottles in short order. 

The pilothouse brings a ton of features inside. In addition to the helm seating and the aft U-shaped lounge, there is an aft row of captain’s chairs. However, you can delete the second-row seating and extend the lounge for a roomier feel. We ran the air conditioning on our tester, but the pilothouse opens up nicely with port and starboard sliding doors, helm and passenger sliding windows, and a power-sliding window on the aft bulkhead that opens the cockpit to the cabin. 

A pilothouse naturally encroaches a bit on cockpit fighting space, but we didn’t mind that with the aft cabin window open, allowing anglers to be seated, engaged with the cockpit through the large open window, and ready to do battle after waiting out the bite in comfort. A few short steps from either the port or starboard sliding cabin doors get you there.

Read Next: Invincible 43 Open Fisherman

The forward berth compartment has an array of windows spanning its width, which are hidden beneath the sun-lounge extension topside. Once raised, the sun lounge is longer than 6 feet, and the windows beneath can be opened for a breeze. The topside bow area is ideal for lounging, or bottomfishing easily with the Skyhook feature of the Mercury engines engaged.

Standard equipment includes, surprisingly, a genset and air conditioning.

We loved the Merc 450Rs, but subsequent to our test, Mercury introduced new V-10 outboards, and we can hardly wait to get our hands on this rig equipped with four of them. Yamaha’s 425 XTO V-8s with electronic steering and joystick controls can also be fitted, which let the skipper set a drift while maintaining directional orientation, hold steady over a hole with a particular heading, or let the boat find a natural heading while holding stationary. 

For many boat owners, bigger is better. But with Invincible, big isn’t good enough. It insists the boat fishes competitively, comfortably and decisively. And the new 46 Pilothouse does just that. 

Specifications

Invincible Boats – invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 46 Pilothouse appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Invincible, one of the top boatbuilders leading the charge in high-performance fishing catamarans, recently added another model to its cat lineup, a 33-footer that tucks easily into private moorings and offers many of the same fishing features and comforts of its heralded larger siblings.

How the Invincible 33 Cat Fishes

With a 10-foot-3-inch beam and designed a clean layout around a single-level deck, fishing room abounds. Generous rod storage includes 47 holders strategically located on the gunwales, transom, leaning post and center console. The 33-footer also features dual 65-gallon livewells: one in-deck in the starboard sponson, and an oval well with a clear acrylic lid on the transom, pressurized and fed from a sea chest with four pumps.

To port of the transom livewell rests a pair of forward-facing drawers ideal for stowing extra tackle, lines and other gear, while four large fish boxes (two forward and two amidships) offer plenty of fish storage, and the pump-out incorporates durable gulper pumps instead of the often-temperamental macerators. To starboard, a transom door provides direct access to the dual integrated swim platforms doubling as outboard brackets.

The foredeck affords nearly 40 square feet of standing room, an elevated perch ideal for netting bait.

Invincible 33 Cat Amenities

The console seats three at the helm and mezzanine while preserving wide walkways to transit fore and aft. There is ample room inside for a plumbed head, storage, and ready access to systems. A forward-console lounge sits atop a storage box, insulated to keep food or the catch chilled.

The triple helm and mezzanine seating module sits over a sizable, with a tackle center behind the backrest. Drawers, utility-box slots, and tool and leader holders stash a considerable arsenal, organized for access and efficiency.

Handling and Running the Invincible 33

The 33-foot catamaran boat rides smoothly in rough water, is stable at trolling speeds and at anchor, and resists rolling in beam seas thanks to the Morrelli and Melvin “hybrid semi-asymmetrical” hull design that combines the characteristics of symmetrical and asymmetrical sponsons.

On the water, the 33-foot catamaran displayed superb maneuverability and response. With twin Mercury Verado 400s, the Invincible posted a 6.5-second hole shot, took just 11 seconds to reach 30 mph, and hit nearly 62 mph at WOT.

With a maximum power rating of 900 horses, a pair of Mercury Racing 450Rs or Yamaha 425 XTOs make an appealing option for anglers looking for more speed and acceleration.

Invincible 33 Cat Performance

With the hybrid hull styles, the Invincible boasts turn-hugging inboard sponson sidewalls and wave-deflecting outboard sidewalls, so it makes sharp turns without heeling. Even in quartering seas, its sponsons hold firm in the slop. The hybrid hull runs great in a chop and with the addition of double steps to break surface tension and release the hull from the water as bubble streams are introduced under the hull, the 33 Cat offers superb performance in a wide range of sea conditions.

Test Conditions

• Weather: Sunny, 85 degrees
• Location: Miami
• Wind: Southeast 12 mph Sea State: Light chop Test Load: Three adults, 50 gallons of fuel, 100 pounds of gear

Specifications

Invincible – invincibleboats.com | More Invincible boat reviews

The post Invincible 33 Catamaran Boat Review appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

There are many ways to describe a boat, but Invincible has settled upon one word that embodies grace, strength, agility and more: athletic. 

“The fact is,” the company says proudly, “no one today builds a more athletic fishing machine.”

Invincible introduced its now-classic center-console Invincible 36 in 2006, built on the patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel design from naval architect Michael Peters. Invincible’s monohull boats still ride on that distinctive hull design.

Next, Invincible partnered with multihull specialist Morrelli & Melvin Design to create a center-console catamaran line whose patented hybrid, semi-asymmetrical design leads the industry in ride, handling and speed. The boat’s fishability is enriched by its single-level deck and ability to gaff a fish from the bow.

Invincible 33 Catamaran

Invincible’s smallest cat—with siblings to 46 feet—takes the performance, versatility and amenities of those larger boats and packages them in a powerful, agile and nimble new one: what the company calls “a whole new size of serious.”

Atop the patented catamaran hull, a single-level deck offers 360-degree walk-around fishability. Within the deck is generous storage and insulated fish boxes and livewells; another livewell is in the transom, among other options. 

A high-speed pickup is ready to serve an optional sea chest. The deluxe console has ample space for battlewagon-style electronics, and is lined and lighted within to offer space for a full-size head. Match your fishing style with a custom top: a hardtop or folding tower with a dual station, plus a buggy-style hardtop and/or crow’s-nest. Rupp or Gem outriggers are options, as are additional rod holders, electric-reel outlets, LED spreader lights, and seating additions and upgrades including custom Llebroc helm chairs.

For power, choose from twin Yamaha 300s or Mercury Verado or Racing outboards.

Manufacturer’s Remark

With the size making it easy to trailer, this was purpose-built for customers interested in big-cat performance to align with their size needs.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin 400 Mercury Verado
• Test Props: Mercury Eco Enertia, 19”
• Test Load: 11,000 lb. boat and power, plus 50 gal. fuel, one passenger
• Test Speed: 65.5 mph @ 6,800 rpm
• Max Range: 525 mi., 41 mph @ 4,500 rpm

Specs

Editor Says

Invincible’s exclusive catamaran hull design makes it one of the most stable, easy-handling and efficient offshore boats on the water. Each hull is built to order and designed for serious anglers. – Randy Vance, Editor-at-Large, Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 33 Catamaran: 2022 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

There are many ways to describe a boat, but Invincible has settled upon one word that embodies grace, strength, agility and more: athletic. 

“The fact is,” the company says proudly, “no one today builds a more athletic fishing machine.”

Invincible introduced its now-classic center-console Invincible 36 in 2006, built on the patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel design from naval architect Michael Peters. Invincible’s monohull boats still ride on that distinctive hull design.

Next, Invincible partnered with multihull specialist Morrelli & Melvin Design to create a -center-console catamaran line whose patented hybrid, semi-asymmetrical design leads the industry in ride, handling and speed. The boat’s fishability is enriched by its single-level deck and ability to gaff a fish from the bow.

Invincible 39 Open Fisherman

Invincible calls its 39 Open Fisherman—its most popular monohull—“a serious boat for -serious anglers.” The semicustom boat’s single-level deck enables Invincible’s trademark 360-degree fishability. Its 550-gallon fuel capacity provides for a range of more than 500 nautical miles, the company says.

Options include a hardtop—with a crow’s-nest available—or a folding tower with dual station, Rupp or Gem outriggers, hardtop rod holders, and a polycarbonate enclosure or wings. 

Rod holders are available at gunwales and in the console; you can add heavy-duty swivel rod holders and electric-reel outlets too. Besides four standard in-floor fish boxes, an optional livewell sea chest is available in several sizes. 

Seating includes triple custom Llebroc helm chairs, a deluxe leaning post with a built-in seat/cooler, removable rear lounge seats, and forward U-shaped seating. Among convenience and comfort options are a bow thruster and a deluxe console electric head. 

For power, select from triple 300 Yamahas, 350 or 400 Mercury Verados, or 450R Mercury Racing outboards. Or take it up a notch with quad 300, 350 or 400 Verados or 450R Racing outboards.

Manufacturer’s Remark

With the size making it easy to trailer, this was purpose-built for customers interested in big-cat performance to align with their size needs.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha 300s
• Test Props: Mercury Rev. 4  
• Test Load: 12,000 lb. boat plus power, 120 gal. fuel, 40 gal. water, two people
• Test Speed: 65.3 mph @ 6,800 rpm
• Max Range: 41 mph @ 4,500 rpm

Specs

Editor Says

The running attitude of Invincible’s 39 Open Fisherman remains virtually flat all the way from hole shot to full throttle, thanks to the lifting qualities of the Invincible step hull. This optimizes both visibility and efficiency. – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group

More Info

invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 39 Open Fisherman: 2022 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

A definite eye-catcher, Invincible’s new 46 Cat boasts a new hull design that combines a superb ride and top handling characteristics with impressive speed and acceleration, plus a smart layout affording ample room and a host of fishing features for the demanding offshore angler and amenities for the entire family. For construction, Invincible stuck with the premium components and materials, and vacuum-bagged-infusion process used on its deep-V boats, incorporating a grid stringer system on each hull for maximum strength and integrity.

We put the boatbuilder’s new flagship through its paces and experienced its fishability while targeting sailfish out of Miami on a December day with a northerly wind blowing at 15 knots, perfect conditions for the mission at hand.

An obvious benefit of catamarans is the amount of deck space they afford. That was true of the latest Invincible. Despite having seven on board, it was easy to move about the boat—or gather in groups—without feeling crowded. The inherent design of the cat offers a lot of room forward, where a large, cushioned lounge attached to the front of the console also provides cavernous, coffin-box-type storage underneath. There’s extra in-deck stowage to both sides of the lounge, a dedicated anchor locker—with optional windlass—on the foredeck centerline, plus two deep compartments to port and starboard.

The spacious cockpit, abundant rod holders, and location of the livewells made setting out the kites and deploying a spread of six baits a breeze. We caught three sails during the half-day outing, confirming that hooked fish can easily be followed around the boat without minding any obstacles or squeezing past the console, which houses a head compartment with access to the main breaker panel, battery switches and the back of the electronics panel. The business end of the console is well laid out, with everything at arm’s reach of the helmsman, and the center-mounted helm allows for steering adjustments from either side of the boat, if fishing short-handed.

The binnacle and joystick controls are to the right of the wheel; a Mercury digital gauge, tuna-tube and anchor-lift controls, and autopilot interface are to the port of the wheel on the helm surface. Our test boat had a full complement of Garmin gear, including two large 24-inch screens on the dash. There are two drink holders, and all equipment switches are under the helm on a beveled face with a Plexiglas cover to keep them dry and easy to see.

Our test boat had a total of 75 rod holders. There were seven vertical holders on each side of the console, eight bookending the forward console lounge, 13 on the hardtop, another eight on the transom, plus 32 flush-mounted on the gunwales. Meanwhile, four deep, in-deck fish boxes, two on each side of the console and seating area, offer 1,334 gallons of capacity, ideal for extended trips.

The dual-row seating features three large helm chairs in each row. Three mezzanine-style seats butt against the back side of the second row and feature a huge, molded cooler underneath, complete with chill plates. There’s also a tackle organizer and storage lockers on each side of the aft seating row, with a drawer and slots for 3700-size tackle boxes. A molded hardtop with aluminum frame shelters the console and surrounding seating.

Our test boat also had a portside dive door, with the locking latch and large hinges typically seen on the tuna doors of large sport-fishers, two in-deck livewells offering 72 gallons of bait capacity each, four tuna tubes, and dual 60-gallon livewells on the transom.

The folks at Invincible hang their hat on the success of the company’s relentless pursuit of speed, and the 46 Cat is another great example. With seven adults with fishing and camera gear on board, 500 gallons of fuel, nearly a full tank of water, and two full 60-gallon livewells, the quad Mercury 450 hp racing motors on the transom had the Invincible skipping along at 50 mph at 4,000 rpm while burning 62.5 gph. On the way home, we hit a blistering 78 mph at wide-open throttle in the bay, with a fuel burn of 177 gph.

The stability and high performance of its dual hull, roomy platform, numerous comforts, and excellent fishability make the Invincible 46 Cat a fun boat to fish on and, in the right hands, a menace on the tournament circuit.

Specifications

Length: 45′11″ | Beam: 12′ | Draft: 24″ | Fuel: 1,000 gal. | Weight: 20,000 lb. | Max HP: 1,800 | Price: $811,000 | Invincible Boats: invincibleboats.com

Test Conditions

Weather: Sunny, 72 degrees | Location: Miami | Wind: North 15 knots | Sea State: 2- to 4-foot chop | Test Load: Seven adults, 500 gallons of fuel, 80 gallons of water

The post Fishability Test: Invincible 46 Catamaran appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Invincible is coming on strong with both center console deep V bottom and catamaran fishing boats. They tapped the experience of the top designers in their class using Michael Peters’ SVVT hull for their center consoles—they were the first to build on that platform—and Morelli and Melvin for their cats. Every boat is laser focused on serious fishing and wraps the angler in comfortable luxury.

For more on these boats, visit invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible Boats’ 2021 Lineup appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Whether you want your Invincible boat to be a monohull or catamaran, the company pledges, you’ll be stepping aboard the “the fastest, driest and best riding” boat.

Invincible’s original monohull was and remains the patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel design created by naval architect Michael Peters—the tough, fast, smooth-riding boat that company founders desired, possessing what it proudly calls Invincible’s “athleticism.”

Next, Invincible revolutionized the catamaran category with a design created in partnership with Morrelli & Melvin, naval architects expert in computational fluid dynamics. The patented, hybrid, semi-asymmetrical multihull design is noted for ride quality, handling and speed.

Distinctive Invincible features include vacuum-bagged infusion, diamond-patterned nonskid deck, ergonomic console design, and hardtop-frame lines of sight designed for better navigation and fishing.

In either hull format, central to the fishing experience is Invincible’s single-level deck and 360-degree fishability.

Invincible 33 Open Fisherman

Invincible’s 33 Open Fisherman rides and fishes like a big boat but handles as deftly as a small one. It incorporates both the SVVT hull that made its big brother famous, the classic Invincible 36 Open, and twin-engine ease and economy.

Standard features include a transom door, AGM sealed batteries, deluxe console with lined interior for full-size head, high-speed pickup for livewell sea chest, sink with tackle drawers, saltwater washdown, and triple 2,000 gph bilge pumps.

Power options include your choice of twins, either 300 hp Yamahas, Mercury Verados from 300 to 400 hp or Mercury 450HP R (racing) motors. Mercury VesselView upgrades are available.

Pick your top option: hardtop, crow’s-nest for same or folding tower with dual station plus optional outriggers.

Center-console survey respondents differ on gunwale-mounted rod-holder needs —33 percent are happy with four, 35 percent want six, and 32 percent need eight or more. With Invincible, order what your fishing requires. Other fishing-friendly options are livewell sea chests, undergunwale rod racks and gaff holders, and electric-reel outlets.

Forward bench seating will please the 40 percent who consider it of medium to high importance in their CC, while rear bench and rear lounge seats can meet the needs of some buyers; they’re about half as common as foldaway aft seats on respondents’ current boats.

Additional convenience options include a bow thruster, freshwater washdown, deluxe electric head within the console, dive ladder and in-hull windlass.

Survey Says: On Target

• Features are nicely aligned with advanced angler demands
• Single-deck fishability; no steps for stumbling
• Spacious, fishing-friendly design
• Options provide ability to build one’s own boat

Owners Say

• Invincibles ride the sea with superior speeds and comfort at the same time
• Fantastic ride

Brand Says

• No one today builds a more athletic machine
• The best products start with the best materials
• A truly better boat that was purpose-built

Reader Response

• “Superior offshore ride”

Specs

LOA: 33′10″

Beam: 9′7″

Fuel Capacity: 320 gal.

Dry Weight: 8,100 lb. with power

Max HP: 900

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

invincibleboats.com

The post Invincible 33 Open Fisherman: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.