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Longtime readers of boat tests will remember when deep-V hulls were the norm and too many evalu-ations included the phrase “cut through the water like a hot knife through butter.” Today computer-aided design and lighter, stronger materials have significantly changed boater expectations. Overall performance and fishability top the most desired characteristics among the serious angling set. And you certainly don’t hear mention of a boat cleaving the brine like warm cutlery through dairy spread, at least not around the marinas I frequent.

That’s why Pro-Line Boats decided to change things a bit. After 40 years, the company had earned a reputation for building solid, fishing-friendly craft. But they were also kind of like your dad’s Buick. Slow, safe and dependable, but not flashy. Times have changed, however: Pro-Line’s new 35 Super Sport center console is pure performance and eye candy. Goodbye bland, hello zip!

“This model is based on the double-stepped hull first developed by Donzi, our sister company,” says Nick Miller, Pro-Line’s vice president of sales and marketing, as we idled along Florida’s Crystal River to the open Gulf of Mexico. “We wanted to add that rough-water performance capability to our lineup for tournament anglers. But the running surface is the only similarity. We designed a whole new deck to cater to serious anglers. That’s where Pro-Line’s focus has always been, and it definitely continues with this new center console.”

A confused chop greeted us once we cleared the no-wake zone, providing ideal test conditions. We throttled up the twin 300 hp Mercury Verados and quickly got on top of the waves. The stepped hull ventilates the running surface to reduce drag and friction and increase speed. During our runs, I recorded a top GPS reading of nearly 60 mph. Unlike conventional hulls, however, stepped hulls require finesse to achieve optimum performance ­- think of a Corvette compared to a lumbering Buick. But once you do dial in that sweet spot of tab, trim and throttle adjustment, it’s all exhilaration. Miller told me they had nudged into the low 60-mph range during extended factory tests. He added that Evinrude E-TEC or Suzuki four-stroke power packages can be ordered in place of the Verados. If you’re really into speed, triple outboards are another option.

Despite being a thoroughbred, the 35 responds well to various real-world conditions. In sharp turns, it tracked favorably without squatting or the stern getting loose. We stayed dry running in quartering, windblown chop. Stability was a nonissue when drifting in beam-to seas, even with the aggressive 22-degree transom deadrise.

The 35 also features impressive construction and workmanship. The integrated pan system stringers come filled with foam and get glassed in by hand. The vacuum-bagged transom provides additional strength and offers integrated powder-coated brackets to handle the weight of the bigger outboards and the rigors of offshore operation. The insulated fish boxes all drain overboard. The hatches have collapsible hinges that won’t bind or crack. Heat-shrink wiring harnesses, 316L stainless-steel hardware and through-bolted backing plates give even more examples of attention to detail and durability.

As you’d expect on a serious fishing machine, the spacious console has good sightlines and plenty of room to mount all the necessary electronics, and a Taylor Made Systems glass windshield comes as standard equipment. Pro-Line offers several factory electronics packages with Garmin and Icom components. A port entry gives access to the finished head compartment with a sink and porta-potty. The helm includes a flip-back, bolster-style leaning post that snugly holds you in place when the going gets rough, and hydraulic tilt steering, trim tabs and a windlass with rope and chain all come standard. A fiberglass T-top with a storage box and rocket launcher is one of those can’t-miss options. Trollers will probably want to add the outrigger package too.

The level cockpit deck and helm give way to the easy to transition raised forward casting deck in the bow. The sole contains three large macerated fish boxes. Just beyond the forward console seat, a shallow deck box provides a perfect spot to stow mooring lines. You can never have enough dedicated storage on a fish boat.

On the transom centerline, a large round livewell underneath the stern seat will hold lots of bait, but serious live-bait enthusiasts can add another well to the leaning post. Pumps are accessible in the service compartment, and both raw-water and freshwater washdowns are within easy reach for cleaning up after rigging or gaffing duties. Horizontal racks below for six rods augment the pair of rod holders in the gunwales. Thick, padded wraparound bolsters give comfort during long fights, while toe rails keep anglers firmly grounded.

It’s great to see an industry stalwart like Pro-Line back, especially with a splash like the 35 Super Sport. If you’re in the market for a sleek ride, take one out for a spin. Trust me, this is no butter knife: It’s a finely honed stiletto.

Pro-Line Boats 35 SS

LOA……33’4″
Beam……9’2″
Draft……2’11”
Deadrise……22 degrees
Weight……8,000 lbs.
Fuel……305 gals.
Max hp……900
Price……$167,908

Pro-Line Boats / 352-795-4111 / www.prolineboats.com

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Professional guides and tournament anglers typically tweak their boats to match their fishing styles. With Pro-Line’s Pro 24, they’ll be able to customize their craft from the start. Sold factory-direct, this bay model begins with the hull, and customers add options from there. Among the many choices are livewell configurations, fish boxes and dry storage, seating, battery-management systems and extra fuel capacity. Consoles range from the traditional helm to a raised control tower with leaning post. When we tested the latter version during its spring show debut, it rode soft and dry.

Pro-Line Boats ? www.prolineboats.com

LOA: 23’11”  
**BEAM: **8’6″ 
DRAFT: 11″
WEIGHT: 2,700 lbs. 
MAX. HP:** 250 hp**
 FUEL:** 58 gals.  
 PRICE: **Per Quote
w/numerous power options

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Pro-Line is back. After a brief hiatus, the company has returned as a serious player in competitive sport fishing following the launch of its twin-engine 29 Super Sport last fall. The reincarnation is sure to please the hardcore set.

“Our newest center console gets us back in the high-performance fishing market that we’ve been out of for a few years,” explains Pro-Line president Dan Atwood. “This is a great boat for anglers fishing the Southern Kingfish Association events, as well as sailfish tournaments, because of its 22-degree deadrise. It will handle rough water at good speeds, and that’s what serious fishermen are looking for.”

To see for myself, I joined Atwood and two of his test engineers, Joe Bertine and Dan Clymer, on a wave-cleaving run to search for shallow-water grouper off Crystal River, Florida. A passing cold front had left the Gulf of Mexico choppy, but the conditions proved no match for the boat’s sharp entry and nine-foot beam. The ride was smooth, and we stayed dry at all headings. Our test boat was rigged with a pair of 225-hp Mercury Optimax outboards, and the resulting numbers were definitely tournament-caliber. Top speed was 61.3 mph, while at a 4000 rpm cruise the GPS read 44 mph. The range is equally impressive; with its 195-gallon fuel capacity, at that same cruising speed, the Super Sport can travel 298 nautical miles with a ten-percent safety reserve.

Besides being fast, the 29 is quick and fun to drive. When I pushed the throttles forward, the boat jumped on plane quicker than a smoker king can wolf down a stunned pogy. Hydraulic steering is standard and the hull responds immediately to the slightest trim adjustment. The large console (with enclosed head) comes with an extra-tall Plexiglas windshield that deflects the wind and eliminates the need for ducking to maintain a clear line of sight. The console top is finished with a non-reflective coating to minimize glare, and the instrument panel is thoughtfully arranged for quick access and easy scanning. The standard helm leaning post holds a four-drawer tackle station, along with extra rod holders.

Pro-Line built this boat to withstand the grueling conditions of the tournament circuit. Premium gelcoats and heavy-duty, UV-protected vinyl upholstery are standard, and the 316L marine-grade, stainless-steel hardware is through-bolted and backed by locking nuts. There’s no wood on the 29, either. The beefy, patented F.I.S.T. (Fiberglass Integrated Structural Technology) bonded stringer system allows Pro-Line to offer a non-prorated, ten-year transferable hull warranty.

As you’d expect from a company staffed by avid anglers, the 29 SS is very fishable. Following a short run offshore, we removed a pair of medium trolling outfits from the horizontal rod racks and dropped diving plugs into the wake. Minutes later, Atwood and I were both straining against the stubborn pull of hefty gag grouper. We had plenty of room to maneuver, thanks to the expansive 101-square-foot cockpit. Twin 15-gallon fishboxes are built in, and a 45-gallon live well is located beneath the transom seat. A sink with pullout fresh water shower is molded into the transom. The raw-water washdown and another tackle center (with downrigger-ball cradles and tool/lure rack) are molded into the sidewalls. In the forward casting platform, twin lockable rod lockers straddle a roomy 113-gallon centerline fishbox.

Notable options on the 29 include an aluminum T-top with electronics box and lifejacket storage, windlass and bow pulpit, drop-down bolstered leaning post, and several electronics/stereo packages.

If you’re in the market for a serious fishing machine capable of handling the rough stuff with ease, check out the weigh scales at the next king mackerel tournament. You may just find a Pro-Line 29 Super Sport in the winner’s circle. Pro-Line Boats, Crystal River, FL; (800) 344-1281; www.prolineboats.com.

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The Pro-Line 25 has hit the market as two new models: the 25 Sport and 25 Walk. We recently tested the former in the Florida Keys and found it to be a surprisingly nimble, comfortable and solid inshore and light offshore fishing platform. Pro-Line has always designed boats that meet a fisherman’s needs, and this design is no exception.

The bow platform holds two huge storage compartments. Both drain overboard, making them ideal for a variety of gear, wet or dry, or they can be used as additional fishboxes. The rear bow hatch runs the width of the casting deck, and is held in place with rubber latches, which are easy on the shins and provide a tight seal. Additional storage is located beneath the cockpit sole, forward of the console, so there’s plenty of space to stow fishing gear, extra clothing and just about anything else you need for a day on the water.

Access to the interior of the console, which houses the porta-potty and provides additional storage, is through a portside door. Inside, a convenient fold-down shelf covers the porta-potty and makes a comfortable seat when servicing or inspecting the underside of the instrument panel.

The console, from the business end, is beefy and generous, instantly recognizable as pure Pro-Line. Two rows of rocker switches on the dash to starboard put all the necessary controls within easy reach. The electronics panel is roomy, with plenty of space for flush-mounts, and protected by a clear, locking cover. The top of the console is finished in a dark, non-glare, non-skid coating. It’s a thoughtful touch that reduces glare and keeps loose items from sliding around. A recessed, molded-in footrest along the bottom of the console allows for a couple of different operator positions. The leaning post is generous, and has four flush-mount rod holders along the rear edge. A large live well molded into the back of the leaning post and topped with a seat cushion is available as an option.

Across the transom, a padded bench seat conceals a 30-gallon fishbox. Access to the transom interior is via a hatch on the port side, beneath a removable storage bin. Batteries and the oil tank are accessed via a hatch in the cockpit sole. Three molded-in rod holders are located under the gunwales on both sides. A tackle locker in the side wall keeps small items organized and close to hand, yet out of the way.

Our test boat was rigged with a single Mercury 250 EFI, but the transom platform easily carries a pair of 150s if you prefer. The 250 was well matched to the hull, which moves smoothly and quickly onto plane with no extreme elevation of the bow. The boat turns as if it’s on rails. The hull is solid. It’s a proven design, and Pro-Line seems to have left well enough alone when it redesigned the interior. Trim-tab response is quick and sure, but the hull runs great with no tabs at all. They are only there to adjust for load or sea conditions

As mentioned, the 25 is also available as the 25 Walk, a walkaround configuration with a cuddy cabin. Belowdecks in this model is a vee-berth, bow storage and a table with cushioned seats. There’s also a galley with a butane stove (standard) and a porta-potty. Interior lighting, two portholes and a cabin hatch in the overhead provide plenty of light and ventilation. Seating at the helm is provided by twin captain’s chairs with a walkway between to the acrylic cabin door for cuddy entry. Pro-Line Boats, Crystal River, FL; (800) 344-1281; www.prolineboats.com.

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The 33 Walk from Pro-Line is the largest outboard-powered boat the company has ever produced. It’s been designed top to bottom as a step up for confirmed Pro-Line fanatics – of which there are many – and for them, or anyone looking for a big, comfortable and safe boat that combines family-focused amenities with serious fishability, this model bears some scrutiny.

The twin themes of family and fishing drive the layout. This is evident in the deep walkaround area with handrail forward and the 26-inch deep cockpit, both of which provide a sense of security.

The 33 Walk is a completely new boat, not a new cap on an existing hull design. Construction is all glass. The 33 is built using Pro-Line’s Fiberglass Integrated Structural Technology (FIST), which features a fiberglass stringer system, high-density foam coring throughout and bi- and tri-axial hand-laid roving. All hardware is Gemlux stainless, and everything is through-bolted and clinched with aircraft lock nuts. Pop-up cleats are used throughout.

Weighing in at around six tons, this is not a hull that takes any guff from rough conditions, as we discovered on our test day off the Florida Keys. A nasty inshore chop set the stage, and though the conditions were less than ideal for a day on the water, the comfort and ride of the 33 were not an issue. A hull this large and seaworthy is usually described as solid, stable and secure, but in this case, nimble also applies. Despite its size, the hull rises on plane smoothly and easily. The twin Mercury 225 EFIs provided fast response and plenty of push, even in a hard turn. Mercury’s SmartCraft system offers precise control over trolling speed. It also allows you to make minute adjustments in speed during turns or in varying sea conditions.

In the port corner of the cockpit is a sink with both hot and cold water, covered by a flat lid that raises on a gas-ram lift. A padded bench seat between the transom door in the starboard corner and the sink area conceals a 28-gallon live well beneath a hinged lid. With standpipe overflow, the well is sealed around the lid to prevent sloshing while underway. Beneath the sink is a battery-access hatch, which is thoughtfully hinged at the top. When it’s open, you can kneel on the deck to reach the batteries without having to work over the lid.

Fishboxes, one on each side in the deck, drain into macerator pumps and overboard, not into the bilge. Under the gunwales to port is covered, locking rod storage. To starboard is the same locking cover over electrical controls, shore power and battery switches. Under the cockpit sole, in a compartment all its own, is a 3kW generator. Helm and generator circuits are completely isolated for backup and safety.

The forward, starboard corner of the cockpit, aft of the helm station, holds some of the most useful real estate on the boat from an angler’s point of view. Here you’ll find a bait-prep area that features a cutting board with a lipped edge to keep everything on top, even in the roughest conditions. A hand sink in the corner makes for easy cleanup. Facing inside at the bottom of the unit is an icemaker, flanked by a little storage hutch with a holder for a downrigger ball, room for other odd-shaped tackle, and a knife-and-pliers rack on the back of the door. Facing the cockpit is a tackle-storage locker with room for four flat tackle trays.

At the helm, everything is clean and accessible. The wiring and other internal components are easy to get to, and it’s fair to assume that this is a result of Pro-Line’s five-year limited warranty, which pretty much requires the company to handle all repairs and problems. It simply makes sense to design a boat with systems that can be worked on with a minimum of time and trouble.

Belowdecks, the vee-berth that conceals the air conditioner and a mid-cabin bunk is surprisingly comfortable. The table, to starboard, is built with seat brackets for extra strength, and drops down to make another bed. Optionally, a full galley can fit alongside the port bulkhead. The head compartment is all molded and drains overboard, with six feet of shower headroom and an air-conditioning and heat vent inside. Through and through, this a setup for long weekends with family and friends, or long runs offshore for serious fishing – and just about everything in between.

Pro-Line Boats, Crystal River, FL; (800) 866-2771; www.prolineboats.com.
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