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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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Jupiter was founded in the early 1990’s with the release of the Jupiter 31 Open, and later purchased in 1998 by Marine-industry veteran Carl Herndon.

From its inception, the Jupiter 31 quickly drew fans for its uncompromising quality that continues to distinguish the company 30 years later as a premier builder of outboard-powered offshore sport-fishing boats.

Performance is attributed to its Posi-Stern hull-pad design that reduces drag by enhancing lift, and a variable dynamic stern that increases efficiency by providing a perfect running attitude; the results are higher speeds, superior handling, increased fuel economy and a smoother ride—all without a loss of visibility from the helm.

Using infusion and their uni-grid stringer system the boat is so durable that the company offers a transferable limited lifetime warranty for structural integrity.

Jupiter 32

The Jupiter 32, a clear descendent of the original 31, bears the best features of its slip-mates throughout the Jupiter line.

Forward cockpit bench seats top insulated, overboard-draining boxes for gear. Between them are two deck storage bins, both ready to accommodate either the versatile storage needs of family day trips inshore or standing ready to bring home the spoils of a successful tournament.

The console houses a finished stand-up head with electric toilet. A hatch lets in light and fresh air. Up top, the helm’s dash is roomy. The standard leaning post, with its four rod holders, provides tackle storage. Behind it is a 150-gallon in-deck fish box with macerator; behind that, a hatch provides access to mechanicals.

In-deck lockable storage boxes flanking the console can house four 8-foot rods each; 34 percent of respondents said they want such security for their sticks.

Four rod holders are mounted under the gunwale—enough for 30 percent of offshore CC anglers; adding an optional additional pair raises the satisfaction to 68 percent.

Optional features include outriggers, removable stern jump seats, Garmin electronics package, JL Audio stereo package, and Release Marine forward seating backrests.

More impressive are the features that come standard on the 32; Release Marine teak ladder back helm seats (now a standard on the entire Jupiter model line on models 30 feet and up), a fiberglass T-top, tackle storage, sink and head, port side dive door, rod holders (with the option to add additional), and a Pro Curve glass windshield.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Release Marine Teak Ladder Back Helm Seats Standard

⋅Pro Curve Glass Windshield

Owners Say

⋅Rides pretty dry in rough seas

⋅Perfect boat—dry, comfortable and catches fish

Brand Says

⋅Has features that are not found with high-volume competitors

⋅The finest boats, worthy of the brand’s legendary name

⋅Jupiters run at high speeds in big seas while keeping passengers comfortable and dry

More Info: jupitermarine.com

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Test Conditions

Weather: Partly sunny

Location: Sarasota, Florida

Wind: East 12 mph

Sea State: 2- to 4-foot chop

Test Load: Four adults, 170 gallons of fuel, 50 gallons of water

Far from a compromise, the Jupiter 34 LX offers ­top-notch design and construction, along with many of the features anglers expect to find in large express-style fishing boats, but in a smaller platform that is easier to manage with a reduced crew.

The hull, deck and liner are separate pieces, and the liner is bonded directly to the hull sides prior to the deck installation, a procedure that results in a larger cockpit with more toe room under the coaming and, along with Jupiter’s uni-grid stringer system, makes for a more-rigid hull.

While most boat builders opt for stainless and bronze hardware to thwart rust and oxidation, Jupiter takes the fight against corrosion a couple of steps further: All wiring is tin-coated ­copper, and the fuel tanks are high-quality aluminum coated with an epoxy material to guard against exposure to salt water and counteract the corrosive ­effect of ethanol fuel.

Jupiter also offers an automatic battery-management system that supplies maximum power to the boat’s systems while isolating the engine-cranking batteries. And when it comes to comfort and convenience, the 34 LX sure has it going on.

An L-shaped lounge in front of the console offers comfortable seating for three or four, with storage and a centrally located 85-quart drink cooler underneath. On the port side, a large hatch provides entry to an air-conditioned cabin below, complete with LED lighting, a convertible dinette with a high-low teak table, flat-screen TV, microwave oven, refrigerator, sink with hot and cold water, electric head with holding tank, and forward storage compartments. A deck hatch with a sunshade opens forward for ventilation.

Just astern, a wide console provides the real estate for a complete electronics suite, a compass, multifunction gauges, switches, and optional stereo and Helm Master control. Next to it, a flip-up counter hides a freshwater sink. Seating at the helm is a stand-up-height module with fold-down footrests that harbors a bait prep center with ample tackle storage and a 25-gallon livewell.

The cockpit, the heart of any game boat, is spacious and boasts coaming bolsters throughout. There’s a side door, a transom door with a retractable boarding ladder and twin in-deck 54-gallon fish boxes with macerator drains placed near the port and starboard gunwales where they won’t interfere with crew members rigging baits or tending rods and lines. There are also fresh- and saltwater washdowns with molded hose-coil holders, a rod storage locker and three in-deck compartments offering a combined 22 cubic feet of dry storage. Our test boat donned the optional hardtop with recessed LED lighting, which keeps the lounging area and the helm shaded — also dry with the available clear bridge enclosures — and makes a perfect base for a second helm station up top. Buyers, however, can choose a custom tower instead.

Four rod holders on the gunwales come standard, but additional flush-mount holders, a rocket launcher on the hardtop and vertical tubes on the hardtop frame are among the available add-ons, which also include a transom-mounted livewell, a bait prep center with a 45-gallon livewell, double helm seats with a flip-up bolster, a stern-recessed seat, bow thruster, lighting in all storage compartments, underwater lights, and windlass with anchor and line.

For superior performance, Jupiter gave the 34 LX a 60-degree entry and incorporated its exclusive Posi-Stern hull-pad design that produces a variable dynamic stern lift to provide the ideal running angle at all times, resulting in higher speeds, sharper turns, better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

The ride of the Jupiter was quickly put to the test by the 3- to 4-footers encountered during our 30-mile run offshore. Despite the bumpy seas, the 34 LX remained both comfortable and maneuverable, and easily took on the chop without any jolts. Spray began aft of the centerline, slightly past the helm, with little of it blowing into the cockpit despite the moderate wind.

Powered by triple Yamaha F300s, the test boat was fast out of the hole, going from 0 to 30 mph in eight seconds before we throttled down to 4,200 rpm, a setting that pushed us at a comfortable but speedy 39.4 mph while burning 37.9 gph. That combination translated into 1.1 mpg and a considerable range of 380 miles.

Back in bay waters, I put the 34 LX through an extensive slalom test and later high-tailed it in reverse, zigzagging to simulate backing down on a billfish. The Jupiter earned high marks in both instances, adding to an excellent overall experience that included several hours of actual fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether chasing big game far from shore or island hopping with the family, the 34 LX fits the bill. Anyone looking for a premium boat with the feel and functionality of a large sport-fisher, but at a more manageable size and more affordable price, should take the Jupiter 34 LX for a spin.

Specs

Livewell

The Console

Seating

The Cabin

Solid Performer

The post Boat Review: JUPITER 34 LX appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Jupiter Marine’s line of outboard-powered sport-fishing yachts drew raves in our survey from owners and others with experience fishing them, placing in the top four in fishability, construction, performance and value.

Hand-laid hulls are made from fiberglass woven multidirectionally into sheets and rolls in thicknesses to match applications. A solid fiberglass hull bottom and uni-grid stringer system, liner bonded to the hull, provide the basis for Jupiter’s confidence- and resale-boosting, transferable lifetime structural warranty.

Jupiter’s “Posi-Stern” hull pad provides a perfect running angle at all times, for higher speeds, sharper turns, increased fuel economy and smoother ride, with no loss of visibility from the helm.

For lasting style, boats bear Awlgrip or Imron paint, not colored gelcoat.

Lay-up to launch, the semi-custom Jupiter boatbuilding process takes eight to 12 weeks — painstaking care that pays dividends in decades of -boating pride and pleasure.

38 HFS

You become a boatbuilder — or you join the team, at least — when you commission a Jupiter boat like the 38 HFS. You make key choices: dual or triple 300 hp or 350 hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards; head appointments; lighting in cockpit and storage boxes, plus underwater LEDs; additional 76- or 160-gallon fuel tanks to augment the standard 320 gallons; seating, upholstery and more.

The 38 HFS was designed to please boaters who wanted a larger boat with the -performance, features and comforts of the popular Jupiter 31 FS. The 38 draws from that inspiration but achieves it with a new design.

Standard features include a bait-prep center with 53–gallon livewell, tackle -storage, sink and shower; a pair of 104-gallon fish boxes with macerator drains; twin 38-gallon transom wells; lockable rod storage lockers; oversize console with stand-up head; electronics compartment; indirect LED cockpit lighting and more. (Hybrid Forward Seating — the HFS in the name — denotes a pair of -abbreviated benches facing each other in the bow.)

Then come the options: comfort appointments, T-top and fishing rigging, such as outriggers and electric reel outlets, style touches such as hull color and extending even to engine repainting — you truly make this boat your own.

MORE INFO: jupitermarine.com

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Yet, that wasn’t quite good enough for the folks at Islamorada-based Caribee Boat Sales, a leading Jupiter dealer. They wanted their own special version of the 38, with greater live-bait capacity and a few more creature comforts. Jupiter Marine agreed to build this, the Caribee edition.

As I boarded with Caribee’s Bill Gilbert on a drizzly January morning, my attention was drawn immediately to the transom bulkhead design. The Caribee edition features a pair of 38-gallon livewells built into the stern. Interestingly, the bottom of each livewell does not extend all the way to the deck, stopping a few inches short and offering a bit of toe room under each.

“We believe you can never have too much live bait,” Gilbert said, “so we asked Jupiter to add these livewells in the transom.”

In between the livewells is an alcove of sorts where an angler can brace himself while fishing astern. A beefy side door on the port side of the aft cockpit offers easy boarding. Coaming bolsters encircle the interior to cushion your thighs and knees while fighting fish.

The Caribee edition also features an expanded seating module that includes a pair of comfortable aft-facing seats. Underneath these seats resides a third, 40-gallon livewell (with an aft-facing aquarium-style window to check on baits) and tackle-storage behind the backrest.

A pair of forward-facing helm seats feature fold-down armrests and flip-up bolsters. Fold-out footrests below each add a measure of comfort. The seating console includes cabinets along both sides with room for 10 plastic tackle boxes in each.

Our test boat featured a hardtop with a pair of outriggers, a Garmin open-array radar, a rack for storing six rods, and a second station, accessible via a hatch and integral ladder on the portside of the top.

The center console extends forward with a hatch that lifts to reveal additional dry storage inside. With the hatch closed, the console extension becomes an inviting lounge.

Inside the console resides a permanent toilet, sink with a freshwater faucet, and access from behind to the ­immaculate helm rigging and batteries. I also discovered a shelf and bungee-cord system for conveniently storing fishing kites.

The foredeck of the Caribee edition offers a pair of elevated pods on either side of the foredeck. Not only do these ­offer storage inside, but with the addition of snap-on cushions and ­slide-in backrests, you also get a pair of lounges.

Two additional storage compartments integrated into the inwales forward include special racks for hanging dock lines. A pair of in-sole lockers flank the center console with racks for storing four rods in each.

To keep the bow free of snag points, the Lewmar ProFish windlass sits inside the bow hatch, and the anchor line feeds through a roller integrated into the bow stem. A fold-down step on the forward bulkhead eases access to the bow deck, with pair of pop-up stainless cleats for tying off.

The 38 features a pair of big-boat style hawse pipes in the stern quarters and again amidships, leading to heavy-duty cleats underneath. No less than eight gunwale rod holders punctuate each side of the Caribee edition.

The helm of the our test boat featured a pair of flush-mounted Garmin 8215 multifunction displays with networked sonar, GPS/chart plotters and radar; a Garmin autopilot control head; and Yamaha’s Helm Master System with power steering, digital throttle and shift, joystick low-speed steering control; and Command Link Plus engine monitor. We found the joystick particularly useful as we pulled away from the dock during the blustery conditions on test day.

Our test boat was powered by a trio of Yamaha F300 ­outboards, which idled down to about 550 rpm in gear, nudging the Caribee along at about 1.2 mph — perfect for slow-trolling live baits for sailfish.

When it came time to throttle up, the triple 300s brought the 38-footer to plane in 5.5 seconds and to 30 mph in 7.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 58 mph. Best fuel economy occurred at 3,500 rpm and 29 mph, where the of F300s collectively burned 28.4 gph, achieving 1.02 mpg, which equates to a range of nearly 500 miles with the Caribee’s 485-gallon fuel tank.

The 38’s deep-V hull sliced with ease and confidence through the 3-foot waves on test day, with nary a rattle or creak, telling me that it could take on much bigger seas. Cornering was precise and predictable. The clear polycarbonate enclosure that wrapped around the helm protected us from the wind and rain.

The Jupiter 38 stands as one of the most admired fishing machines on the market today. The new Caribee ­edition will enhance that reputation.

Jupiter Marine • 941-729-5000

jupitermarine.com

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Once you have a winning formula, it’s easy to improve it and continually raise the bar. This is what I notice every time I get on a Jupiter. The folks at Jupiter build good-running, quality, customer-friendly boats from 26 to 39 feet because they start with a good, clean-running hull design and quality components and apply common sense to build boats that their customers desire.

The Jupiter 32 is a perfect example of the company’s commitment to building practical boats. I recently tested it out of Bradenton, Florida, and was impressed with the improvements, execution of the build and attention to detail.

Starting with the proven hull of the 31, with its solid glass bottom and Klegecell-cored sides, Jupiter developed the 32, integrating the best features from all its models, right down to the nonskid pattern on the decks.

The 32 is smartly laid out. A large anchor locker lies forward, with on-deck access and plenty of room for ground tackle and rode. The forward cockpit seating features large bench seats on each side, with insulated boxes underneath that can be used as storage or fish boxes, as they drain overboard. There are drink holders and handrails here as well. A deep and wide storage bin sits in-deck between the forward bench seats. Aft of that compartment is a huge 250-quart storage bin that can be plumbed as a livewell.

The console on the 32 is also well executed. It is engineered beautifully and bonded to the stringer system for added strength, and you cannot see any fasteners anywhere, which adds a super clean and custom look to the boat. The front end has a forward seat with an 80-quart insulated drink box. There are two in-deck storage boxes on either side of the console that can each house four 8-foot rods.

A large entrance on the port side of the console opens to a completely finished stand-up compartment with a standard electric head and holding tank. There is also a Bomar hatch on top that allows light in, as well as fresh air. On the aft bulkhead, there is a panel up high for access to the backside of the electronics and a clear door over the breaker panel. The latter panel is mounted to the access door that opens to reveal the batteries and battery switches. This is just another area where Jupiter excels with a clean setup, with every wire combed, color-coded and numbered.

The control end of the console is also well thought out and offers common-sense features such as a molded-in shelf with retainers on the top to house the standard compass and a couple of drink holders. The electronics dash holds a pair of 12-inch screens; two multifunction speed, depth and temperature instruments; and a systems control panel with 18 labeled waterproof rocker switches.

The helm is set to port, with the binnacle next to it to starboard. The Yamaha Command Link Plus LCD screen is mounted on the helm dash just above the steering wheel for easy viewing. Our test boat also had an autopilot on the helm dash above the trim-tab switch. The molded glove box to starboard of the helm is actually large enough to hold things like cell phones, wallets and sunscreen. There is also a molded footrest.

Our test boat had the custom molded fiberglass T-top that was designed for it. The top is well done and an integral part of the boat, and I couldn’t see having the boat without it. It has an unobtrusive molded-in radio box and mounting capability for radar, as well as wire chases and lights. You cannot see any fasteners mounting it to the oversize-pipe frame, which makes for a clean, custom look. There are five rod holders across the back of the top for additional storage.

The standard leaning post on our test boat offered ample tackle storage, a lift-up seat for more storage and room for side storage bins. It had a permanent backrest with four rod holders and three drink holders. Aft of the leaning post on the centerline is a large 525-quart in-deck insulated fish box with macerator pump. Just aft of the fish box is another large hatch offering access to the lazarette, with its nicely finished bilge, livewell pumps and pair of Rule 2000 automatic bilge pumps.

The deck of the 32 features a fully guttered drainage system like other Jupiter models, with 2-inch deck-drain scuppers in each aft corner. All deck hatches are fully molded and double-sided and have gaskets and GEM positive-latching hardware to seal them. A 50-gallon oval livewell on the centerline of the transom is fed by a Rule 1,500 gallons-per-hour pump on a through-hull in the lazarette.

Our test boat came rigged with twin 300 hp Yamaha four-strokes. The 32 slips onto plane with little bow rise and takes off effortlessly. I found the sweet spot right at 4,400 to 4,500 rpm, with the boat making right around 41 mph, burning 31 gallons per hour.

We carried on a conversation and easily roamed around to get a drink or move a rod. I shut it down, and we trolled along with a clean bubble trail and the boat laid to for a drift just fine.

It’s hard not to like what the folks at Jupiter do. Their boats are thorough in execution and practical in design, with a running surface that offers a comfortable, safe ride in all conditions. What more could you want from a center console?

Jupiter 32

LOA: 33’2″
Beam: 9’6″
Draft: 33″
Deadrise: 24 degrees at the transom
Fuel: 260 gals., 50 gals. optional
Water: 50 gals.
Max hp: 600
Weight: 8,360 lbs. (dry, with engines)
Base price: $199,990 with twin Yamaha F250 four-strokes

Jupiter Marine / 941-729-5000 / www.jupitermarine.com

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As I walked down the dock and saw Jupiter Marine’s new 39 Express, I knew I was not going to be disappointed. It has a sleek, unbroken sheer and a rakish stem with a nicely styled trunk cabin that is hardly noticeable due to its softly rounded edges. The optional hardtop fits the boat beautifully and is styled to match it.

I met Todd Albrecht, Jupiter’s vice president of sales in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to put the 39 through its paces. Several things kept occurring to me during our time on the water, the first being that Jupiter planned wisely, so this boat can be laid out to suit the owner’s needs, with different helm-deck and cabin configurations. In addition, I appreciated the use of upscale yacht-grade components, quality soft goods, and fine woodwork and engineering, all combined with outboard performance.

Building a true express boat can be a challenge. The temptation to overdo some things and underdo others compromises some boats, but the Jupiter 39 is well thought out. It features wide gunwales, with good handholds to get to the forward deck for docking and anchoring, and an oversize hatch to access the anchor locker. These things make this express boat easily workable.

On the helm deck, you first notice the good visibility through the windshield. With one piece of glass for the front, without the typical three sections and accompanying mullions that obstruct visibility, the 39 offers excellent line of sight ahead, abeam and astern. Even on acceleration, the bow lift is minimal, so you never have that moment when you can’t see ahead of or all around you. The helm-deck elevation, combined with the helm layout to starboard, gives the helmsman enough room to operate with excellent situational awareness.

The large helm dash has plenty of space for two large screens; all switches are on another panel under the electronics dash; and the binnacle, steering wheel, anchor-windlass control and bow-thruster control are on the angled horizontal surface of the helm. There are three seating options for the helm: a single swivel with a slide seat and a lift-up bolster for standing when driving, a double with the same configuration, and a single custom Release Marine ladder-back chair.

Aft of the helm on the starboard side, a cabinet contains an ice maker and offers dry storage. With the way Jupiter builds the components for the helm deck, you have a lot of flexibility as to how you would like it set up. Even the shape and layout of the portside settee can be built to your liking, with either a full L settee, as our test boat had, or a more angled settee, either with or without a table. Here again, Jupiter’s flexibility is great. The 39 also has a standard Fischer Panda 8 kw diesel generator to power the boat when at sea and offers 50-amp dockside service.

Aft of the helm deck, the spacious cockpit features a tackle/bait-prep center with a freshwater sink and shower, a 45-gallon stand-up livewell, a dockside TV inlet, a saltwater washdown, undergunwale rod racks, coaming cushions, a boarding ladder and a walk-through transom door and gate. There’s also an optional fold-down rear seat on the transom. Two large in-deck 90-gallon fish/storage boxes will hold a huge number of fish, and an insulated top-loading freezer makes this outboard express every bit as fishy as a twin-diesel express of similar size. And Jupiter offers a mezzanine seating option with a livewell underneath — yet another big-boat feature.

You enter the cabin from the helm deck through a sliding acrylic door. There’s rich-toned custom wood cabinetry and Corian countertops to starboard in a galley large enough to actually cook a meal in, plus a glass two-burner cooktop, a microwave, a stainless sink and an Isotherm stainless-steel double-drawer refrigerator and freezer. There’s plenty of storage too, with overhead and undercounter cabinets. Jupiter will install honeycomb stone countertops at the owner’s request. To port lies a half-moon-shaped dinette with storage underneath, custom wood cabinets overhead and an adjustable custom wood table. This main salon has a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, an AM/FM/CD stereo, a cedar-lined hanging locker to port, teak and maple flooring, and an open, comfortable yachty feel. Aft of the galley and dinette, under the helm deck, is a midberth with reading lights.

Fully forward is the main berth, with drawers below, cabinets overhead, reading lights, accent lights, a flat-screen TV and custom soft goods. The owner has full play in selecting the hardware and interior soft goods. The folks at Jupiter give you the books, and you choose what you want: sinks, fixtures, you name it — just like with a custom yacht.

Rigged with triple Yamaha F350 four-stroke outboards, the 39 Express performs well. Even at 24,000 pounds when fully loaded, the 39 gets on plane fast and reaches a 40 mph cruise speed in less than nine seconds. It lopes along at 4,000 rpm, making 34 mph at .90 miles per gallon. Holding 480 gallons of fuel, with perhaps 460 usable, the 39 has a cruising range of somewhere near 430 miles in good sea conditions at that speed. That’s a pretty good run or several offshore trips. It’ll top out at almost 55 mph if you’re into speed.

The 39 is a solid, stable and comfortable-riding boat. It’s easy to have a conversation on the helm deck, even at speed, with the quiet outboards. The boat trolls nicely, with a great lure-speed wake, and when it’s slowed down, the bubble trail dissipates quickly at the third wave, providing a clean trolling pattern. It is stable at rest too, drifting and lying in the trough for kite-fishing with no problem. The Teleflex Tournament steering is super smooth, allowing the 39 to carve turns and be maneuvered easily, and the bow thruster makes close-quarters maneuvering a cinch.

If you like quality and a tight fit and finish, and you’re looking for a good-running, good-looking, well-appointed boat, or just need a bit more interior space for the kids, look at the 39 Jupiter before you jump into a diesel boat.

Jupiter Marine 39 Express

Length: 38’7″
Beam: 12’6″
Weight: 24,000 lbs.
Max hp: 1,050
Fuel: 480 gals.
Water: 80 gals.
Base price: $531,760 with triple F350 Yamaha outboards

Jupiter Marine / 941-729-5000 / www.jupitermarine.com

The post Jupiter Marine 39 Express appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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Jupiter Marine has built customized, niche center consoles for quite some time. Its full line of boats ranges from 26 to 39 feet, is designed with features that meet fishing and cruising requirements, and gives a flexible platform from which to create boats that suit customers’ needs. For everything from serious fishing boats to family cruisers to yacht tenders, Jupiter offers a wide range of options and layouts to help owners get the most out of their boats.

The new 26 FS is no exception. It’s available in a variety of packages such as the Cape Cod, Mid-Atlantic or Palm Beach editions among others, each with features relative to the namesake area. By combining information from previous sales with dealer and customer input, Jupiter created editions that are set up from the factory to accommodate the more popular features that customers from different regions typically request. Add in the flexibility of customizing certain things for your needs, and you get a boat that truly does the job you want.

I spent a spring day chasing tarpon on Florida’s west coast in a 26 FS and came to appreciate its clean and well-executed layout, its gentle ride and the fine fit and finish for which Jupiter has become known. Starting on the foredeck, with its windlass option, pop-up cleats, pop-up navigational lights, finished on-deck anchor locker and recessed handrail, you immediately get the sense that the boat is set up right.

The cushioned forward seats along either side offer fish boxes that drain overboard, with no macerator necessary, which reduces cost and maintenance issues. There are even drink holders tucked behind the seats and under the gunwale to hold your favorite beverage while you’re drifting for fluke or hanging at the sandbar. In-deck between the seats, there’s a huge 23-cubic-foot storage bin. Full 360-degree coaming cushions are standard and nice as forward-seating backrests and for leaning against when you’re hooked up to a big fish.

A fully functional console with an insulated drink box cooler under the forward seat features a completely finished interior with a stand-up head that is accessed from the port side of the console via a step down. Jupiter did a great job of finishing off the inside of the console while making large opening panels for access to batteries and the backside of the electronics panel. These openings make it easy to get to the back of not only your electronics but also your steering, binnacle, switch and gauge panels. It is such a plus to have a boat that you can work on both when you have time and when you need to get to things quickly.

On the business end of the console, the 26 FS offers a comfortable, ergonomic layout with dash space for mounting the offset helm to port, with a centerline binnacle and an angled face to house the engine gauges, Lenco electric trim-tab actuator and switch panel. The electronics face is large enough to take two 12-inch units or a single 15-inch multifunction display. Our test boat had a hardtop that was mounted to the console so it didn’t eat up deck space. There were four rod holders across the back of the T-top, along with spreader lights and general helm lighting.

Jupiter has several options for leaning posts: Our test boat had a very comfortable leaning post with a tackle center and a wraparound backrest, which gave the unit a bolster feeling, so you could really lock into the seat. It had four rod holders across the back and a handrail to hold on to if you’re standing behind or alongside. Jupiter also offers a more generic leaning post, as well as one with a livewell and tackle center built in.

The well-designed console allows for a large cockpit, which features under-gunwale storage and a 102-gallon in-deck fish box behind the leaning post, along with excellent access to the lazarette so you can service your bilge pumps and stow your gear in the bilge. Along the transom lies a walk-through door to starboard, an oval 35-gallon livewell along the centerline, and a sink and a pullout shower to port for rinsing off after a dive on a reef.

The 26 FS came rigged with twin Yamaha F150s, but you can also opt for a single Yamaha F300 or F350. As we cruised out the river and pushed the boat up, it slipped onto plane quickly, without excessive bow rise. As we cruised along with four of us aboard, we made 23.7 mph while burning 10.7 gph at 3,500 rpm. Pushing it up to 4,500 rpm, we made 34.6 mph, with a very reasonable and comfortable ride. Wide-open, the boat neared 50 mph even though we were full of fuel and had four people with a heap of gear on board. As we made it out to the mouth of the bay, we didn’t encounter many waves, but the boat proved smooth as we jumped major wakes from ships leaving the port of Tampa. The boat turned well and certainly fished beautifully while drifting or stalking the bait schools and the tarpon following them.

I’ve always appreciated the finish work and execution of Jupiter boats, and the new 26 FS fits right in the family and offers a great opportunity to own a Jupiter. Be sure to do a sea trial and check out the boat’s fit and finish, and you’ll know why a Jupiter boat is such a popular option for the fisherman who likes his family to be comfortable.

Jupiter 26 FS

LOA……26’5″
Beam……8’8″
Fuel……160 gals.
Max hp……400
Deadrise aft……22 degrees
Weight……5,460 lbs.
Draft……20″
Base Price……$110,880

Jupiter Marine: 941-729-5000 • www.jupitermarine.com

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It seems like every time I go fishing, I’m always hoping for good weather. But not this trip. In anticipation of putting Jupiter’s new 39 Express through its paces chasing yellowfin and blackfin tuna on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, I settled into bed hoping the weather would freshen a little. Unfortunately, we got a little more than I bargained for. Our crew awoke the next morning to an unpredicted 15- to 20-knot wind buffeting the trees and shutters of our condo at Pirate’s Cove Marina.

In the predawn hours, Carolina skipper Chris Pope navigated the intricate web of channels and oyster bars leading to the Atlantic Ocean through one of the East Coast’s most challenging passes, Oregon Inlet. With wind stacked against an incoming tide, we were greeted with just the type of conditions necessary to find out what this boat would do.
 
Once on plane, all it took was a little downward adjustment of the trim tabs and a little lift on the engines, and Pope had the boat cruising smoothly through 3- to 5-footers. Our crew – Jupiter’s Todd Albrecht, SWS publisher Dave Morel, Peter Harper and myself – settled in for what proved to be a comfortable 55-mile ride thanks to the 39’s 38-foot-7-inch overall length, 18-degree deadrise and 18,500-pound hull weight. Contrary to what one might think of such a solidly built boat, the 39 remains very responsive to trim adjustments, handling like a fine sports car.

One of the hallmarks of the 39 Express – and the whole Jupiter family – is a solid foundation from the keel up. Wood-free composite construction, a solid fiberglass bottom, ceramic core transom and uni-grid fiberglass stringer system give the 39EX enough muscle to bend just about any sea state to its will for open-water crossings. Added hull rigidity is the result of a mechanically fastened and chemically bonded connection between deck, liner and hull.

Our test boat was rigged with triple Yamaha F350 outboards and held 400 gallons of fuel. The production version now holds 420 gallons of fuel with an optional extra 80 gallons available – putting just about any weekend destination within reach. Fully loaded for a day of tuna fishing, the boat cruised at 40 mph at 4,500 rpm burning 48.6 gallons per hour. At 6,000 rpm, the boat hit 55 mph with a burn rate of 101.2 gph.

For serious offshore fishermen, the heart of the Jupiter 39 is in the working area – the cockpit. Standard features include a pair of 120-gallon insulated fish boxes with macerators. The top-loading cooler/freezer is perfect for keeping frozen ballyhoo, chum or other fishy offerings on extended trips. It’s within easy reach of a spacious rigging station, saltwater wash down, tackle cabinet and cockpit sink complete with a hot and cold freshwater shower. If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, or you need to bring a big fish aboard, a large transom door and gate on the port side makes for easy access. A wide and roomy integrated transom serves as a comfortable jumping-off point, with a boarding ladder and grab rail.

While you have everything abovedecks for fishing, day cruising or diving, heading to the bridge deck you really start appreciating Jupiter’s attention to detail and comfort – starting with a U-shaped lounge that houses a rod or storage locker and could easily double as a berth in warmer climes. You’ll also find a bar unit and ice maker and bottle/glass storage just behind the power-sliding helm seat. An integrated nonskid footrest at the helm ensures the captain is as comfortable as the crew. The ergonomic design is well thought out, with plenty of room for a pair of large, flat-screen electronics suites, gauges and other instruments.

Jupiter has a well-earned reputation for producing solid fishing products with yacht-quality finish work and interiors; the 39 Express builds on that tradition of excellence. Down below, the interior cabin and galley are outfitted with custom exotic-wood cabinets and feature a dinette seating area, designer galley cook top, microwave oven, sink, refrigerator and freezer. For longer trips, the cabin features forward and mid berths, an AM/FM/CD system and flat-panel TV with a DVD player. The climate belowdecks is controlled by a self-contained 110V/16,000 BTU air conditioner featuring reverse cycle heat. Heating and cooling may be expanded to the bridge deck – an option that was well received in the early sub-40-degree morning of our adventure. The test boat had a 7.3 kW gas generator to power all the creature comforts and an optional 8 kW diesel model is available. With more than 1,000 hp on the transom, anglers will appreciate the ease of control afforded by the standard hydraulic power-assist steering, electronic binnacle controls and bow thruster.

Few boats make the transition well from serious blue-water-fishing machine to comfortable island cruiser. But if you are looking for something that will get you to and from the fishing grounds in comfort and style, but also serve as a home-away-from-home on extended trips, the Jupiter 39 Express is at the top of its class.

Jupiter 39 Express

LOA……38’7″  
BEAM……12’6″  
**DRAFT……28″ 
DEADRISE……18  
WEIGHT……18,600 lbs.  
MAX HP……1,050 hp  
FUEL……420 gals.  
PRICE……$499,990
**w/ triple 350 hp Yamaha four-strokes

_Jupiter Marine ? 941.729.5000 ? _www.jupitermarine.com

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Jupiter Marine’s 27-footer may not attract as much attention as its larger, 31-foot sibling, but the smaller boat offers no less in the way of performance and practical fishing features. It also boasts a very impressive level of fit-and-finish, as well as a few surprises.

The biggest is its unique head compartment. As soon as you lay eyes on the 27, you notice the extra-large console (it’s pretty hard to miss). This creates a lot of interior space, and Jupiter puts it to good use. A portside double hatch leads to a spacious head compartment that is unlike anything we’ve seen on a boat of this size. It houses a full marine head (optional), plus a sink and a mirror.

But the big surprise is that Jupiter adds a berth down below. That’s right, a berth. This space can be used for sleeping, of course, but also creates an incredible amount of storage room. The head compartment is lighted, and there are two hatches that provide excellent access to the wiring, batteries, and the through-hull fittings and pumps.

Above deck, the 27 is pure center console, with a lot of uncluttered fishing room. It has optional coaming pads that run 360 degrees around the boat, and the gunwale height is just right for casting or leaning out to tag a fish. In the bow, Jupiter has installed two pop-up cleats to keep snags to a minimum, and there’s no bow rail. It’s a very clean design.

The bow features an anchor locker forward, with a vertical storage hanger for a Danforth-style anchor that we’re seeing on more and more boats these days. The fresh water fill is also located in the bow, along with an in-deck storage box for loose gear. All of the hatches are finished top and bottom, and come with flush-mounted, stainless-steel hinges.

At the helm you have two large, lockable electronics boxes on either side of a central switch panel. The wheel is mounted in the center, and there’s a footrest below for comfort while steering. Our test boat featured a powder-coated Birdsall T-top and rocket launcher, adding to the overall upscale look of the boat. The rocket launcher held four rods and had storage beneath the seat. Wing boxes in the deck, on either side of the console, provide additional storage.

Jupiter puts an in-deck, 109-gallon insulated fishbox between the rocket launcher and the transom. This box measures five feet long, two feet wide and two feet deep, and will hold a lot of fish and ice. The transom bulkhead itself contains the boat’s 52-gallon live well on the centerline, with a fresh water sink to port. The transom gate, located to starboard, is not a flimsy piece of acrylic material, but a molded fiberglass door that opens on sturdy hinges. The fuel valves and Racor filters are located in the bulkhead, with both salt and fresh water washdown bibbs mounted to port.

Jupiter made a few changes to the boat for the 2002 model year by redistributing weight to make the boat run more level, and extending the running surface all the way aft for more lift. The company also increased the size of the fishbox. Like the large 31, the 27 gets on plane with almost no bow rise due to the “posi-stern” pad molded into the aft end of the hull. We tested the boat courtesy of Stella Marine, the Jupiter dealer in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and quickly discovered that the 27 is just plain fun to drive. It knifes through chop with no problem thanks to the sharp, 60-degree entry. With a pair of 200-hp Yamaha HPDI outboards, the 27 cruised at 38.5 mph at 4000 rpm, and topped out at 51 mph at 5300 rpm. But these speed numbers only give you a partial look at how this boat performs. It’s very agile and responsive, no matter what you ask of it.

It’s also sturdy. Jupiter builds its boats on a solid-fiberglass bottom with a grid stringer system. There’s no wood anywhere in the boat, and all fiberglass is hand-laid with top-quality resins, Armorcote gelcoat and high-density composite coring above the waterline. The fit-and-finish is excellent, and Jupiter backs the boat with a limited lifetime transferable warranty. The quality construction and level of finish, combined with a superb ride, should put the Jupiter 27 on the short list of anyone looking at a boat in this size range.

Jupiter Marine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; (954) 523-8985; www.jupitermarine.com.

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